Backcourt Leads Madison Park to Victory

NewEnglandBasketballServices.com
By Jerome Mack | Friday, March 2nd, 2007

Roxbury, MA - Number #1 seeded Madison Park advanced by holding off a spirited Weymouth squad on Saturday. MP’s dynamic backcourt of Malik Smith and Raheem Singleton combined for 37 points in the win. Smith, a sophomore, led the way with 20 while Singleton, a senior, chipped in with 17. Power Forward, Peterson Bernard added 9points and 9 boards including a couple of rim rattling dunks that got the home crowd at the Madidome off their feet.

Weymouth hung tough behind the sharp shooting of Val Oberman with 19 (5 trifecta’s) and Tommy Deegan, who scored 19 and went 10 of 10 at the charity stripe. With one minute remaining in the first half the contest was still a one point game, due in large part to some careless ball-handling from Madison Park’s guards allowing Weymouth to remain within striking distance.

Although Singleton finished with 17 points, he struggled from the field, but to his credit he was able to contribute to the game in other areas. Despite his small size he was able to come up with 2 blocks on the defensive end along with grabbing 7 rebounds.

Singleton commented after the game, “I didn’t play well, but most important in the tournament you want to survive and advance”.

Mid-way through the second half MP was able to open the game up with an 8-0 run to extend their lead to as many as 16. But Weymouth continued to ball hard but was ultimately unable to make up the difference.