Rye Wins Cliff Clinton Classic Basketball Tournament

After beating Pleasantville 63-31 on Friday night and then Blind Brook 56-45 on Saturday afternoon, Rye has once again won their opening tournament.

Sleepy Hollow managed to beat Pleasantville in the consolation game on Saturday by 10 points. Senior F Dan Williams (who’s averaging 25 points per game through Sleepy Hollow’s first five games this year) was named to the all tournament team.

Junior Guards Quinn Kelly and Matthew Tepedino (Rye) were also named to the all tournament team as well as Chris Bucci from Blind Brook. Kelly made three after three in both games, leading Rye in scoring. Tepedino scored around 12 in each game. But even when they were missing, Rye managed to hold it together. At the start of the game vs Blind Brook, Senior Guard Thomas Flaherty scored 11 of the team’s first 12 points to keep the game tied despite Kelly and Tepedino being shut out to start the game.

Led by Senior F Oziah Deloatch, Tappan Zee made the Section Finals last year before getting beat by a Julian McGarvey full court shot (photo via lohud.com)

Next week, Rye plays two of the three best teams in Class A — Tappan Zee and Horace Greeley. Tappan Zee beat Greeley last week 49-46 on three last second free throws from Senior Guard Aidan Cunney. Rye’s been good for a couple of years now, and these two games will be the first tests of the long season. Rye’s playing the hardest schedule in Class A this year, so it’s pretty unlikely that they can get that number one seed for the second year in a row, but once the playoffs come, watch out.

Giants Destroy the Redskins in Washington

The second Alex Smith went down, the Redskins season had little hope. Their NFC East leading record wasn’t nearly a big enough head start to make a playoff spot. The rotation of Colt McCoy, Mark Sanchez, and Josh Johnson is not getting the job done — especially after McCoy’s season ending injury last week. Sanchez did not have another butt fumble, but he was part of the one of the worst blowouts in recent memory. The 40-16 final score doesn’t look too bad, but trust me, it was really bad.

The return of Mark Sanchez couldn’t have gone worse. (photo via Sporting News)

Even without Odell Beckham Jr, the Giants managed to score 33 points in the first half while holding the Redskins to 0. Sterling Shepard caught a touchdown, Benny Fowler caught a touchdown, even Russell Shepard caught a touchdown. Saquon Barkley ran for 170 yards on 14 carries including a 78 yard touchdown. Curtis Riley had a pick six, and in no time the Giants were up 40-0 midway through the third quarter.

Then the Redskins swapped out Sanchez for Josh Johnson, and it was actually pretty promising. Johnson threw for 195 yards and a touchdown to go along with 45 yards and a rushing touchdown in only about one and a half quarters. He did throw an interception, but that was off a tipped pass — not his fault. So maybe Josh Johnson is the answer to the Redskins problems, but now that they’re 6-7, they’re behind both the 6-6 Eagles and the 7-5 Cowboys.

Sure, Josh Johnson looked great, but good luck catching them.

Rye Basketball Kicks Off the Season This Friday

Rye will start the season with the annual Cliff Clinton Tournament this Friday at 7:00 PM. Last year, Rye beat Pleasantville 72-27 in the opening round and then beat Blind Brook 58-44 in the championship game. Rye once again will face Pleasantville in the opening round. Then, if they beat Pleasantville, they will play the winner of Sleepy Hollow vs Blind Brook on Saturday at 3:00 PM.

Sleepy Hollow lost a close game to Blind Brook last year, but they are the favorites this year. Senior Dan Williams on Sleepy Hollow is averaging 27 points per game through two games this season, and with the graduation of Blind Brook’s star guard Jake DiGiansanti, Sleepy Hollow will be the favorite to win.

Assistant Coach Andrew Spinelli (pictured middle) will no longer be on the bench with Rye after a career change (photo via Patch)

Barring injury or sickness, Rye will start the game against Pleasantville with G Troy Egan, G Matthew Tepedino, G Quinn Kelly, F Thomas Flaherty, and F Sam Poole. Sam Poole will be starting until Ryan Lopp comes back from a broken jaw that he suffered in the Section semifinal football game against Clarkstown South. Rye killed Pleasantville last year, but they should have a tougher challenge this Friday.

Come to The Cube to support the basketball team this Friday!

Rye Basketball Season Underway

As tryouts are over and practices are starting, the Rye Basketball season is finally back underway. Ex-Seniors AJ Thompson, Max Samberg, and Will Tepedino are gone, but hopes are still high for last year’s No.1 seed in Class A.

Rye’s first scrimmage is this Wednesday at home against Albertus Magnus — the team that took Rye down in the playoffs three years ago. The first game isn’t until December 7th when Rye takes on Pleasantville in the annual Cliff Clinton Classic.

Senior Jack Neave will have a big role coming off the bench with Junior Rafael Velasquez this season (photo via The Rye Record)

NFL MVP Race Through 8 Weeks

Through 8 weeks, there’s typically only a few legitimate MVP candidates. This year, however, I can think of at least six players that could easily win the award. When I think of who I would vote for MVP, I think of the best teams — this year the Rams, the Chiefs, the Patriots, the Panthers, and the Saints. So my MVP candidates will come from these five teams… plus an exception. Sure, the Packers are 3-3-1, they’re third in their division, but Aaron Rodgers has as good of a chance to win the MVP this year as anyone.

Patrick Mahomes is on pace to throw 52 (!) touchdowns this year. (photo via ESPN.com)

After I find the good teams, I like to think of how a team would be without that player. After all, it’s the MOST VALUABLE player award. Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers are a three-win team at best. Without Drew Brees, the Saints are a four or five win team. Without Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs and their terrible defense are a four or five win team. Without Cam Newton, the Panthers would struggle to win 7. Contrary to popular belief, without Brady, Belichick and the Patriots would collapse. But then there’s Todd Gurley. Gurley’s having a year for the ages. Halfway through the season Gurley has 1151 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s incredible, but he’s not the MVP. The defense, the offensive line, and the steps that Jared Goff has made this year could keep the Rams as a 12 win team even without Gurley.

As it stands, I could see any of the 5 quarterbacks I mentioned winning the MVP. My money would be on Mahomes or Brees. As it stands, the Chiefs are 7-1 with what is probably the worst defense in the NFL. Mahomes’ numbers are unbelievable, and even if he regresses significantly he will still probably be able to win MVP. HOWEVER, I’d put my money on Drew Brees. After losing to Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Saints have won six straight games. Some of these wins have been against the league’s top defenses like the Ravens, Redskins, and Vikings. The Saints defense is better than the Chiefs’, but they’ve taken a big step back from last year. Brees has thrown 14 touchdowns and only one interception. If the Saints beat the Rams tomorrow, which I think they will, and Brees can keep his efficiency where it is, which I think he will, then Brees will win his first MVP award.

With that being said, Rodgers has played just about as well as Mahomes and Brees have this year with a worse supporting cast AND on an injured knee. Rodgers has a big game tomorrow night against the Patriots. If the Packers win can win seven of their next eight (they only have two tough games left all year), then Rodgers will be firmly in the MVP discussion, but probably right behind either Mahomes or Brees.

The Jets After Week Six

Through six weeks, the Jets–at the very least–have proven themselves as the best NFL team in New York.  The Giants, at 1-5, are plagued by the inadequate Eli Manning, who is a shell of the Super Bowl MVP he once was.  Saquon Barkley may be a generational talent, but Manning’s unwillingness to throw deep limits the Giants’ offense and makes them predictable to opposing defenses. The Bills, at 2-4, will have to play Derek Anderson (who was benched for Nathan Peterman–yikes) until Josh Allen returns.  While the Bills have been stronger defensively than many realize, their offensive struggles will hold them back.  The Jets, at 3-3, possess potential unlike any other New York team.

Denver Broncos v New York Jets

Isaiah Crowell totals 219 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Broncos (Via Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

With Sam Darnold, Gang Green has already scored 40 points twice; the last time the Jets had two 40-point games in a season was with Brett Favre in 2008.  Offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates has challenged Darnold by opening up the playbook, and the rookie has exceeded expectations.  Over the past two weeks Gang Green has scored 76 points, led by Sam Darnold with 5 TDs to 2 INTs.  To place Darnold’s performances into perspective, Pro Football Focus attributed Darnold a 89.1 QB grade during these two weeks–a rating only topped by Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.  Darnold’s numbers should fall back down to earth, but fans should be excited at the production from the offense.

The Jets face a tough Vikings team at Metflife this Sunday.  This game will show spectators the true character of this team; if the Jets finish their three-game home stretch with three victories, then playoffs become a closer possibility than many predicted during the offseason.  Adam Thielen leads all wide receivers in receptions at 58 and recieving yards 712; needless to say, he will pose threat to a Jets’ secondary lacking Trumaine Johnson, Marcus Maye, and Buster Skrine.  However, Sam Darnold gives hope that the Jets can get aggressive and compete offensively.  The potential for an upset may be more likely than people think.

2019 NBA Predictions

The NBA is back today. I think we have a pretty good idea of who’s gonna win the Finals, but the awards are up for grabs. These are my predictions.

MVP – LeBron James

(photo via Washington Post)

If the Lakers can manage to win 50 games this year, the award is as good as his. Nobody from the Warriors can win it, and unless Giannis and the Bucks take a huge step this year, or LeBron misses more than 15 games, the MVP is as good as LeBron’s.

Sixth Man of the Year – Terry Rozier

(photo via Hardwood Houdini)

This award could easily go to Lou Williams again, but Rozier makes a very compelling case. Rozier will lead what is probably the best second unit in the NBA. If he can become a more efficient scorer and the Celtics can win 57 games this year — which I think they can — then Rozier should win the award.

Rookie of the Year – Luka Doncic

(photo via The Smoking Cuban)

Doncic wins my vote mainly based on the idea that he’s the most NBA ready due to having played against high-level competition for the years. His adjustment to the NBA won’t be nearly as tough as top pick Deandre Ayton’s.

Most Improved Player – Jamal Murray

(photo via NBA.com) 

Murray may already be too good to win this award, but he hasn’t been recognized for it. If Murray can score 22 points per game and the Nuggets make the playoffs, then he’ll get the recognition he deserves and win the Most Improved Player award.

Defensive Player of the Year – Rudy Gobert

(photo via SLC Dunk)

If the Jazz can get a top 5 seed, it will be because of their defense. Gobert is as dominant on defense as anyone has been in the history of the NBA, and he deserves to win this award every healthy year he plays in the NBA.

Coach of the Year – Brad Stevens

(photo via Liberty Ballers)

The Celtics win 60 games this year on the back of young players like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Terry Rozier. How could Stevens not win this award?

Rye-Harrison Part II

MUCH closer than last time. Rye beat Harrison 34-28 despite holding a 20 point lead earlier in the game. They were up 27-7 at halftime. OL Jack Iuliano simply said, “Harrison played that second half like their lives depended on it… If we play Clarkstown South with that kind of energy, we’ll blow them out.”

Declan ran for FOUR touchdowns. (photo via LoHud.com)

Harrison was an onside kick away from having a chance to upset the heavily favored Garnets. Declan Lavelle managed to have just as good as game as he did last week, and he was voted a nominee for Lohud player of the week. Declan threw for 238 yards and a touchdown, but managed to add 125 more yards and 4 (!) touchdowns on the ground. The last one ended up being vital to Rye’s win. Basketball star Matthew Tepedino had 138 yards and a touchdown receiving.

4 seeded Rye will play 5 seed Nyack at home on Friday, October 19.

Rye Romps Harrison 41-14

Rye – 44, Harrison – 42. Rye beat rival Harrison for the ninth time in the past ten years last weekend and now have an all time series record of 44-42-3.

Rye’s only loss this season came to the top-seeded Clarkstown South Vikings, who Rye could potentially (and probably will) face in the playoffs (photo via Tania Saviyan/ The Journal News)

Before the game, OL Jack Iuliano won the Chris Mello scholarship. He will play football in college, he’s deciding between Princeton and Penn.

Rye, the heavy favorites, started out quick, jumping to a 21-0 lead. On the second play from scrimmage, junior Quinn Kelly caught a thirty yard touchdown. Kelly then intercepted a pass from Harrison quarterback Frank Nannarielo. Rye marched back down the field and junior quarterback Declan Lavelle completed a 33 yard touchdown pass to senior Chad Antico. After that, the game was pretty much over. Antico caught another touchdown pass in the corner of the endzone. Brendan Lavelle ran for two touchdowns and suddenly, Rye was up 41-14.

Declan Lavelle played his best game of the season, he completed 17 of 25 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 92 yards on the ground. Coincidentally, Rye will face Harrison again this weekend at home in the playoffs.