Long Island Lutheran is loaded with talent
Long Island Lutheran is like Vatican City.
Just because it's a sovereign state, doesn't mean it's detached from Long Island basketball.
The Crusaders, who won a Federation Class A title two seasons ago, are arguably the top boys basketball team on the Island, and one of the top teams in the state. They are led by seniors Achraf Yacoubou, Jordan Allen, Terry Brutus, Mike Florin and Shaun Lawton. Second-year coach John Buck is doing his best to get his team tough opponents - they've already beaten St. Raymond's of the Bronx, 73-68, in overtime.
Buck's boys are shying away from the public and Catholic schools. Still remaining on Lutheran's schedule are Elmont, Harborfields, Chaminade, St. Mary's, St. Anthony's and Baldwin - all championship-caliber teams.
Buck realizes opportunities with teams this talented don't come around every day. "I'm unbelievably blessed to coach such a mature team with five talented seniors," Buck said. "We've never once had a chemistry issue."
Nor has Our Savior New American (Centereach), as it's had at least four players in double figures and scored at least 84 points in the first three games. Jonathan Alexander, Chris Obekpa, Daouda Soumaoro and Will Martinez led the way for the showtime offense.
Lawrence Woodmere Academy (Woodmere), the only LI school to participate in the PSAA, boasts impressive guard Jamal Benn, who is averaging 35 points per game through the first three contests. The senior scored a career-high 41 and shot 16-for-24 in a win over Bay Ridge on Thursday.
In IPPSAL, junior Landon Twine and Waldorf (Garden City) appear to be the team to beat. Twine poured in 25 in a 59-30 win over Portledge (Locust Valley) on Dec. 2 in a rematch of last year's IPPSAL championship game.
The Panthers, however, will remain in contention behind scorers Niyah Highsmith and Nick Lobley and facilitator Zach Pilson.
Solomon Schechter (Glen Cove) is off to a hot start led by the formidable trio of Sam Hoffman, Danny Eiber and Dan Stecker, while Kew Forest (Forest Hills) is paced by Eric Dabakarov. Jesus Colon scored 21 points in Knox's first game, and Lake Grove rounds out the conference.
