Archbishop Molloy Microwave Friars
BRAIRWOOD, NY – The NYCHoops.net preseason #1 ranked Archbishop Molloy Stanners opened its season on Thursday hosting the St. Anthony Friars from Long Island. While the Friars put forth a valiant effort, they were no match for the interior dominance of 7’2” Moses Brown ‘18 along with the fire power of PG Cole Anthony ‘19 and Khalid Moore ‘18. Consequently, the Friars inevitably got raked over the coals by Molloy in what ended up being an 84 – 53 win for the Stanners.
While Molloy’s big three wreaked havoc, it would be the new addition of Danny Braster ‘19 that forced St. Anthony to pick its poison. Either get blasted from the perimeter by Braster and Anthony or in the paint by Brown and Moore. “Dan is a unique kid,” said Anthony. One thing I cannot take from him is that he can shoot the ball. [His shooting opens up the paint and makes it easier to get the ball to Moses.”
Stanners Coach Mike McCleary concurred adding, “By [Braster] making three-point shots, [opponents] have to guard him.” The junior drained three 3-pointers in the first half which along with Browns dunks inside were critical in Molloy jumping out front to a 37 – 25 halftime lead.
Anthony and Moore also chimed in as well as Molloy’s lead grew exponentially. St. Anthony showed glimmers of hope with Tyrone Lyon ‘18 showing fight by challenging Brown offensively at the rim but by the end of third quarter, the Stanners had amassed a 28-point advantage with no signs of letting up.
To their credit, the Friars continued to fight albeit aboard a sinking ship until with 6:14 left to play, Anthony unleashed a massive windmill dunk in transition that shut it all down. Ahead by 33 points, Coach McCleary subbed out his starters and St. Anthony head coach Sal Lagana followed suit. The Stanners were so far ahead with so much time remaining that McCleary was able to give his entire team playing time.
Asked how he felt about Molloy's performance, McCleary said he was pleased. “frankly, going into the game I haven’t been pleased at the way we’ve been practicing but quite frankly, we needed a game. We needed to play against other people.” McCleary said he wanted consistent effort from his team. “Thirty-two minutes, eight minutes at a time and I though they did a great job of that tonight.”
Anthony led the way for Molloy with 26 points and 6 assists with Brown scoring 25 points along with 9 rebounds & 3 blocks. Moore and Braster added 12 points and 11 points respectively. Lyon was high man for St. Anthony with 14 points.
