Statement Win for Dozo @ Queens Jam Christmas Classic

FLUSHING, NY- It's been a dream start to the season for Cardozo so far as the Judges came into the Queens Jam Christmas Classic on Saturday at John Bowne H.S. unbeaten and looking to make another statement against one of the best in the PSAL Bronx AA in James Monroe.

The Judges would show why they are thought of so highly as they got great perimeter shooting from Marcus Hammond '18 and Donte Howell '19, along with a great defensive effort from the entire team to prove they are a team to reckon with in the PSAL this season, taking home a 79-55 win.

With a great record in their pocket, the Judges were looking to show that even though they haven't played top flight competition yet so far, this year, they are still one of the best in New York City.

Beating James Monroe would take a large step in proving that as the Eagles have already downed both Wings Academy and Eagle Academy this season, looking good in the process with a strong and balanced team that can score both outside and inside, meaning they Judges would be challenged for the first time.

If the Eagles were a challenge, then Cardozo passed with flying colors as from the start it was constant harassing ball pressure being applied by the Judges guards that allowed them to get off to a 10-0 lead. They were still struggling to find their long range shot though which meant that too many forced opportunities allowed Monroe to hang close at 18-7 after 1.

With the long ball starting to come from Hammond and Howell, Cardozo was able to build the lead to as big as 33-15 late in the half, but a finish around the rim by Stephen Takyi '18 and a pull up jumper from deep by Daniel Rivera '20 allowed the Eagles to rally back and get within 33-20 at the break.

It was a commanding lead for the Judges, but it wasn't a clean first 16 minutes as Cardozo head coach Ron Naclerio said he wanted more from his group coming out of the locker room for the second half.

"We weren't fighting with them, but I said let's not accept in winning what we won't accept in a close game or a loss," Naclerio said. "What we needed to realize was you have to play the game the way you playing that day so if your outside shot is off then find ways to score in different ways."

What Naclerio wants he gets as was proved by the Judges coming out and doing a better job of closing out on the Monroe shooters, and with Dejavaughn Utley '18 finding his rhythm after coming off the bench, Cardozo slowly started to pull away.

Utley would score 16 points in the 3rd quarter by himself, knocking down 3 threes’ while also showing his athleticism in the open floor as the fuse was lit under him, wanting to show what he was capable of after what was for him a slow start.

"I was just playing my game that's it. I always want to prove something," Utley stated.

The lead for Cardozo was pushed to 20+ in the 3rd, with the Judges going up by as many as 30 in with 2:52 to go in the stanza. They were on cruise control with a statement made heading to the 4th.

All that was left was by how much would the Judges win by, showing that they are a complete team that can score both inside and outside, while defending with fire and aggression all over the floor.

Getting minutes from the bench late, Cardozo was able to ride the wave of momentum they built, closing the game strong to move to 8-0 on the season with a 79-55 victory.

It was a game high 20 points from Utley for the Judges, with Hammond and Howell scoring 16 and 11 points respectively as well for Cardozo in the impressive win over the Bronx AA favorites.

For James Monroe, Takyi had 17 points but was held under his season average by a strong Cardozo defensive effort, while young guard Brandon Ellis '20 finished with 11 points as well for the Eagles.

After what was considered a down year for Cardozo in 2016-2017, this is step one in proving they are back among the elite in the PSAL this season, and as a senior Utley says he won't be happy with anything less than a title for what he knows is a deep, talented, and ready Judges group.

"It's more than Queens we want the city, and then if we get there the state's too. We want it all."

McKee/Staten Island Tech 74- John Bowne 58

Keysean Faulkner (McKee/Staten Island Tech ‘18)- 16 points

Richard Selembo (John Bowne ‘18)- 10 points

Springfield Gardens 76- Samuel Gompers 39

Hendrick Durant (Springfield Gardens '18)- 24 points

Bryce Arroyo (Samuel Gompers '19)- 20 points

Roosevelt Educational Campus 79- Canarsie 64

Carlos Vargas (Roosevelt Educational Campus '18)- 30 points

Wilkerson Clerville (Canarsie '20)- 18 points

Richmond Hill 58- Newtown 54

Keven Franco (Richmond Hill '18)- 19 points

Donovan Cola (Newtown '19)- 14 points