By Dan Murphy
The 2018-19 basketball season has begun in the Yonkers Public Schools, and one team to look out for is the Palisades Prep Phoenix, led by Coach Sean Stahn, in his ninth season.
Last year, the Phoenix went 11-10, and lost in the Class B first round to Westlake. Top players include senior Emmanuel Owusu, 6’3, F; senior Shyheid Kershaw 6’2, F; senior Marvey Molina 6’2, F; senior Joshua Burgos 5’8, PG; junior Justin Constable 5’11, G; junior Isaiah DaSilva 6’2, F; and sophomore Isaiah Harisson-Bray 6’0 G.
Newcomers to this year’s team include sophomore Curtis Terry 6’1, F; sophomore Jacob Correa 5’10, PG; sophomore Jayson Vargas 5’7, PG; sophomore Jalen Higgins 6’2, C; and freshman Deneli McIntosh 5’10, G.
“We have three returning starters from last season, including all-conference senior big man Emmanuel Owusu who averaged 13ppg and 10rpg last season,” said Coach Stahn. “Senior Shyheid Kershaw, junior Justin Constable and sophomore Isaiah Harisson-Bray lead a deep group of very athletic perimeter players. With a lot of depth, we will look to pressure defensively and get out and run, while also being disciplined in our half-court offense.”
Early results have Palisade Prep going 2-1 last week. At the home opener they lost 53-49 to the Solomon Schechter Lions, a game in which they held an 11-point half-time lead. Junior captain Justin Constable led all scorers with 22 points for Palisade Prep. He had five three-pointers.
Senior Emmanuel Owusu had 11 points and eight rebounds, fellow senior Shyehid Kershaw had eight points and 13 rebounds, and sophomore Jalen Higgins added seven. Sophomore guard Isaiah Bray was hampered by foul trouble and only had three points.
Next up was City and League Rival Yonkers Montessori Academy at the first round of the Keio Academy Basketball tournament. The boys jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 70-16 victory.
The staunch defense was led by sophomore guard Isaiah Bray, who had 15 points and five steals. Senior Emmanuel Owusu had 16 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double this season. Junior Isaiah DaSilva had eight points and junior Justin Constable added six points. Senior Shyheid Kershaw added six points and four assists. Jacob Correa, Jayson Vargas, Deneli McIntosh and Sincere Summers all scored this first varsity points, as 12 players scored for the Phoenix.
Palisade Prep returned Saturday to Keio Academy to face Pawling H.S. for the tournament championship. After a slow first half in which the Phoenix led 24-12, the team scored 29 points in the third quarter. The offensive fire power was led by Justin Constable’s 17 points that quarter. Justin finished with 26 points on eight three-pointers, one away from the school record; he was also named tournament MVP.
Isaiah Bray had 15 points and six steals, and was named to the all-tournament team, as was Emmanuel Owusu who had 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Upcoming Tournaments include the fourth annual MLK Jr. Day Yonkers Showcase at Palisade Prep on Monday, Jan. 21. Game times are 11 a.m. YMA vs. Yonkers H.S.; 1 p.m. Saunders H.S. vs. Riverside H.S.; 3 p.m. Roosevelt H.S. vs. Lincoln H.S.; 5 p.m. Gorton H.S. vs. Palisade Prep.
The fifth annual Friends Vs. Cancer Tournament is Friday, Jan. 25. Game times are 4 p.m. Clarkstown North H.S. vs. Briarcliff H.S.; and 6 p.m. Morris H.S. vs. Palisade Prep.
On Saturday Jan. 26 a consolation game is scheduled at 1 p.m., with a championship game at 3 p.m.
