Christ the King Teams Up On Xaverian

BROOKLYN, NY - NYCHoops.net #4 ranked Christ the King is banged up, without question. Deficient in their front court due to the suspension until January of 6'6" David Cole '16, the Royals realize they have to come together as a team, more than ever, if they are going to succeed. Such was the case on Sunday as CTK ganged up on Xaverian, 70-59.

"After the loss to Iona Prep, we've started to figure out our roles a little better," said Royals Head Coach Joe Arbitello. To compensate for the loss of Cole in their front court, Arbitello says his team rebounded by committee.

"Yashawn Bright '16 (5 points & 6 rebounds) may not be a big but he's tough and physical and rebounds and clogs up that middle pretty good for us," said Coach Arbitello.

Also contributing to the frontcourt by committee approach was Tyrone Cohen '16 (21 points & 10 rebounds), 6'2" Tracey Cleckley '16 (10 points & 7 rebounds) and even point guard Jose Alvarado '17 (16 points) pitched in with five rebounds according to Arbitello.

Knowing that his team is now smaller than or equal in size to many opponents, Arbitello said, "We gotta get in there; gotta rebound and get the ball up the court as fast as possible." That strategy led to a 16 point first quarter lead over the Clippers.

Xaverian fought back, hoping to capitalize on its home court advantage. Nyontay Wisseh '16 (14 points) powered the Brooklyn team in the first half with 12 points but it would not be enough as Cohen, Jared Rivers (11 points) and Alvarado triple teamed the Clippers offensively. The Royals amassed a 39-23 halftime advantage.

Alvarado, who's been dealing with a nagging leg injury, came out gimpy, with his calf wrapped in the third quarter and the Royals machine briefly stalled. Xaverian made a run as 6'3" Zack Bruno '17 (26 points) and 5'9" Khalil Rhodes '17 (9 points) made inroads into Christ the King's defense. A three-ball by Rhodes with 1:26 left in the third quarter capped off a 16-7 Xaverian run and suddenly Coach Jack Alesi's team was within 6 points of the lead and in the hunt.

Alvarado, however, would suck-it-up and spearhead a Royal's power surge. A Cohen put-back at the buzzer would soon double the Royals lead, putting them back up by double-digits to start the final quarter. Xaverian would get no closer than nine points before Christ the King piggybacked on its already growing momentum, upped its lead and closed the show.

"That's the best thing about my game," said Alvarado. "I don't give up." The junior guard also commended his teammate Cohen on his contributions as well. "He's Cohen. Committed to DI [College of the] Holy Cross. That's what we expect him to do."

Alvarado acknowledged that the loss of Cole in the paint means everyone has to step up and pitch in but pointed to a stat that's not on paper as the X-Factor. "Right now, we're not the biggest team but we have the biggest heart."