ER, duo dismantles DuVal

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Impressive victory marked by dominating play of two seniors and overall team effort.

January 29, 2012 - Going into last night’s PG 4A showdown at DuVal (MD) last night, Eleanor Roosevelt (MD), the visitors had a one game advantage in the standings, a slim advantage in that notoriously competitive league. Add the two school’s proximity – DuVal stands in Lanham, while Roosevelt calls neighboring Greenbelt home – and the palpable excitement in the air was understood.

Unfortunately for DuVal, bragging rights, standings and energy brought about by a sold out gym weren’t enough, as Roosevelt trounced them 88-64. Though it was a team win, two seniors stood out for them.

Call him Captain Dime: Emmanuel Matey.

One, 6’0” point guard Emmanuel Matey, scored nine points while also notching a game and program high 15 dimes – Matey broke the school’s assist record. The other, 6’7” forward/center Malachai Alexander – a Holy Cross signee - paced the game with 19 points.

The two formed a formidable tandem: Repeatedly Matey and others found Alexander for post ups, while the latter also shot from mid-range and even deep. Additionally Matey pushed the rock after stops he was central in creating, as for much of the game Roosevelt isolated him on Duval’s 6’0” dynamic, junior combo guard Mike Cunningham. Those stops/pushes helped negate an early 2-3 DuVal zone in which at least three, many times four players had their feet in the paint, an alignment designed to eliminate Roosevelt’s inside play, led of course by Alexander.

Many times Matey's defensive isolation took the form of denial, of which he shared afterward “Our game plan was to keep him (Cunningham) from leading their offense” not necessarily to stop any scoring. Cunningham dropped 15 points, but outside of some second quarter action, wasn’t really a factor.

Alexander on the other hand played with poise, establishing position, remaining active and presenting himself at the right moment. He and Matey had a synergy almost, one born of “working with each other all year” said the latter.

Whereas DuVal took many one-one-one, quick shots, Roosevelt shared the rock, an unselfishness that increased as the game went on; after tying the score with 2:50 remaining in the second quarter, Roosevelt closed strong, leading 37-28 at halftime. Their cohesive work continued, as they had a commanding 53-33 lead a little less than five minutes into the third stanza.

Ed Polite attempts to block Malachi Alexander's shot.

Senior guard Trevor Evans finished with 17 points for Roosevelt (15-1, 11-1 in league), many scored on drives and kicks where he sank jumpers. Evans was joined in double figures by junior guard Andre Fox (12 points) and senior forward Lerenzo Foote (10 points).

DuVal (13-3, 9-3) was paced by senior guard Mallin Sellers’ 17 points. Senior guard Charles Ekeanyanwu joined he and Cunningham in double figures with 13 points.

Up next for DuVal is a trip to Bladensburg, while Roosevelt hosts Suitland. Both games are 7:15p tip offs today – last night’s game should have occurred last Friday, but was postponed due to snow.

Recruiting Roundup:

Emmanuel Matey – Eleanor Roosevelt - A push man type of point guard, Matey is being recruited by several D-2 schools, including Frostburg. He’s a lefty that’s heady, strong, and plays with heart. Loves to find people for open scores.

Matey will have to prove his ability to consistently hit the open jumper in college. Is 6’0” and weighs around 175 pounds.

Ed Polite – DuVal - With long arms and a penchant for punching it in, Polite, who is 6’4” and weighs 175 pounds has a high upside – you can tell with work, he could be a very solid player. Will block shots too.

Footwork and perimeter play must be improved upon by this sophomore, as if he doesn’t grow will be a small forward type. That includes ball handling and face up shooting. Polite’s back to the basket game needs better footwork as well, and he must get stronger. Also, he needs to play harder when the ball is not in his hands.

But he’s young, and obviously talented. Polite has a good future.

Mike Cunningham – DuVal - At this point Cunningham likes to score more than pass – which will have to change if he wants to play D-1 ball in college – nevertheless this guy is talented, as he can drive and shoot. Has crafty penetration moves, and will pull up off the bounce.

Indicated he’s getting interest from D-2 level schools. This could be a break out summer for Cunningham, with good performances on the summer circuit, increased gym work and a paradigm shift – he must be more of a point guard.