Binghamton White goes 5-0, wins home tourney

(Click on photo to enlarge.) The Binghamton 5-6 White team won the YMCA Winter Blast Tournament over the weekend of February 19-20-21. Pictured here, front row, left to right: Devin Young, Devin Weldon, Roberto Jensen, Milton Jimenez and Andy Garcia. Back row, left to right: Kyeem Holmes, Latrel McFarlane, Nate Gaster, Yosef Baker and Andre Hawkins.

The Binghamton 5-6 White team wrapped up its regular season Sunday with a 58-34 win over Waverly in the championship of the YMCA Winter Blast Tournament. Binghamton went 5-0 in the tournament.

Binghamton White finished its season with a record of 31-6. The team did not lose a game after Christmas, 2009.

Kyeem Holmes was named tournament Most Valuable Player. Named to the 12-player all-tournament team from Binghamton were Nate Gaster and Andre Hawkins.

Leaders for the weekend tournament were:

Points
51 - Nate Gaster
42 - Kyeem Holmes
37 - Milton Jimenez

Rebounds
44 - Kyeem Holmes
42 - Yosef Baker
40 - Andre Hawkins

Assists
26 - Roberto Jensen
12 - Andre Hawkins

Steals
17 - Kyeem Holmes
11 - Nate Gaster
11 - Latrel McFarlane
9 - Devin Weldon

Blocked Shots
18 - Andre Hawkins
7 - Kyeem Holmes
7 - Nate Gaster

Free-throw Percentage
75% - Andy Garcia (3-for-4)
70% - Roberto Jensen (7-for-10)
46.2% Kyeem Holmes (6-for-13)

Free Throws Made
7 - Roberto Jensen
6 - Kyeem Holmes

Statistics for Binghamton White's five tournament games:

Friday, February 19
Binghamton 45, Seton Catholic 23
Statistics
* Nate Gaster – 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks (1-for-6 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes – 10 points, 10 rebounds, 6 steals, 2 blocks
* Milton Jimenez – 7 points, 1 assist, 2 steals (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Jonah Chambers – 6 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals (2-for-3 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen – 5 points, 5 assists (3-for-4 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane – 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
* Andre Hawkins – 2 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 7 blocks (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker – 4 rebounds (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young – 2 rebounds, 1 assist
* Devin Weldon – 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals
* Andy Garcia – 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Team rebounds – 7-for-17
* SCC free throws – 3-for-18

Saturday, February 20
Binghamton 52, Owego 25
Statistics:
* Nate Gaster – 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Andre Hawkins – 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 6 blocks (2-for-4 on free throws) * Kyeem Holmes – 9 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker – 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Jonah Chambers – 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
* Andy Garcia – 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist (3-for-4 on free throws)
* Devin Young – 3 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane – 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Roberto Jensen – 2 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
* Milton Jimenez – 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal
* Devin Weldon – 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks
* Jordan Bideaux – 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Team free throws – 7-for-17
* Owego free throws – 5-for-9

Binghamton 56, JCC 27
Statistics:
* Kyeem Holmes – 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals (2-for-3 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster – 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez – 10 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal
* Latrel McFarlane – 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Devin Young – 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker – 4 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Roberto Jensen – 3 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Jonah Chambers – 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon – 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
* Andy Garcia – 2 rebounds, 3 steals
* Jordan Bideaux – 1 rebound
* Team free throws – 4-for-13
* JCC free throws – 2-for-4

Sunday, February 21
Semifinal
Binghamton 54, Seton Catholic 26

Statistics:
* Andre Hawkins – 11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez – 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
* Nate Gaster – 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker – 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal (1-for-3 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes – 6 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks (2-for-4 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen – 5 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists, 1 steal (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane – 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals
* Devin Young – 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals (0-for-3 on free throws)
* Andy Garcia – 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals
* Devin Weldon – 2 rebounds, 1 assist
* Team free throws – 6-for-18
* SCC free throws – 4-for-12

Championship
Binghamton 58, Waverly 34
Statistics:
* Milton Jimenez – 12 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster – 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young – 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist (2-for-3 on free throws)
* Andre Hawkins – 7 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes – 5 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane – 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Roberto Jensen – 4 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker – 3 points, 17 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block (3-for-6 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon – 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
* Andy Garcia – 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Team free throws – 10-for-23
* Waverly free throws – 6-for-15

Recognizing our program's academic all-stars

While the athletes in the Binghamton Travel Basketball program receive more attention here for their on-court accomplishments, they are students first. With that, here are our student-athletes who have received high grades in their most recent report card (out about a week ago), as reported back to us by parents:

High Honor Roll
92 overall grade-point average or above (6th-graders)
* Garrett Alapeck
* Jordan Bideaux
* Roberto Jensen
* Matthew Whiteman

Honor Roll
88 overall grade-point average (6th-graders)
* Yosef Baker (missed high honor roll by 1 point)
* Zion Burwell
* Nate Gaster (missed high honor roll by a fraction of a point)
* Will Gladney (missed high honor roll by a fraction of a point)
* Suehaidee Masso (missed high honor roll by a fraction of a point)
* Devin Weldon

High Achievement
All 3s and 4s (5th-, 4th- and 3rd-graders)
* Austin Becker-Harris
* Ismar Turkovic

***If anyone else needs to be added,
please e-mail me at jensens@oacsd.org***

2 Binghamton teams win Tioga Tourney titles

Both the Binghamton Blue (Division "B") and Binghamton White (Division "A") Travel Basketball Teams won first-place trophies at the Tioga County Tournament that concluded February 14.


The Binghamton White Travel Basketball Team that won the "A" Division championship is pictured here. Front row, left to right: Roberto "Birdie" Jensen, Jonah Chambers, Will Gladney, Milton Jimenez, Kyeem Holmes and Devin Weldon. Back row, left to right: Andre Hawkins, Nate Gaster and Latrel McFarlane.

Two Binghamton Travel basketball teams brought home championship trophies Sunday night after the three-day Tioga County Boys & Girls Club tournament. Both the Binghamton Blue team, playing in the tourney's "B" division, and the Binghamton White team, playing in the "A" division, went unbeaten (8-0 overall) in winning the tournament. Sixteen teams competed in the tournament.

The following is a game-by-game breakdown of the Binghamton teams' games. The championship games are at the end of this entry.

Friday, February 12
Binghamton White 87
Binghamton Boys & Girls Club 24

On Friday night, Binghamton White built a 22-5 lead after one quarter and led at halftime, 47-11. White's lead was 63-15 after three.

Statistics:
* Nate Gaster - 21 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez - 19 points, 1 assist, 4 steals (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Will Gladney - 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block (3-for-6 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 13 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals, 1 block (1-for-6 on free throws)
* Andre Hawkins - 9 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks (1-for-5 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 6 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon - 2 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen - 1 rebound, 12 assists, 1 block
* Jonah Chambers - 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals
* Team free throws - 7-for-26
* Binghamton B&G Club free throws - 3-for-13

Saturday, February 13
Binghamton White 55, Waverly 31

In the "A" division, Binghamton White led 12-11 after the first and 26-13 at halftime, then added 18 in the third quarter to help secure the win. Will Gladney turned in a monster game, leading the team with 25 points, 22 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. Kyeem Holmes added 10 points, 15 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 blocks, while Latrel McFarlane was assigned to shut down Waverly biggest scoring threat, guard Peyton Miller, which he did well.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Kyeem Holmes and Latrel McFarlane

Statistics:
* Will Gladney - 25 points, 22 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 5 blocks (1-for-5 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 10 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals, 4 blocks (2-for-4 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster - 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks
* Roberto Jensen - 4 points, 6 assists, 1 block
* Milton Jimenez - 4 points, 2 assists, 2 steals
* Devin Weldon - 1 rebound, 1 assist
* Jonah Chambers - 1 rebound
* Team free throws - 3-for-11
* Waverly free throws - 2-for-10

Binghamton Blue 42, Johnson City 26

In this "B" division game, Suehaidee Masso scored Blue's first 8 points en route to her game-high 15-point, 8-rebound performance. Binghamton led 10-8 after the first, 23-17 at the half and with the help of a 12-4 third quarter, held a 35-21 edge heading into the fourth quarter. Eight players scored for Blue in this game.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Devin Young and Yosef Baker

Statistics:
* Suehaidee Masso - 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block (3-for-4 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks
* Casey Walsh - 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
* Devin Young - 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 2 blocks (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Garrett Alapeck - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
* Isaiah Smith - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 2 steals
* Kameron Crimmins - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Austin Becker-Harris - 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Zion Burwell - 2 rebounds, 1 block
* Matthew Whiteman - 1 rebound, 1 block
* Team free throws - 4-for-10
* JC free throws - 4-for-17

Binghamton Blue 37, Owego 19

Binghamton Blue's second division "B" game Saturday was a win over owego. Blue led 12-5 after the first, but a scrappy Owego effort got them within 17-14 at halftime. Binghamton opened things up in the second half, though, with strong defense, limiting Owego to just 5 points after intermission.

Blue led 25-16 after the third quarter, then outscored Owego 12-3 in the fourth. Garrett Alapeck led Blue's balanced scoring with 8 points, while Suehaidee Masso and Yosef Baker collected 16 rebounds apiece. Nine players scored for Binghamton in this game.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Garrett Alapeck, Casey Walsh and Devin Young

Statistics:
* Garrett Alapeck - 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals
* Suehaidee Masso - 6 points, 16 rebounds, 1 block (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Austin Becker-Harris - 5 points, 1 rebound (1-for-5 on free throws)
* Casey Walsh - 4 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals
* Kameron Crimmins - 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
* Matthew Whiteman - 4 points (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 2 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
* Devin Young - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, 2 blocks
* Isaiah Smith - 1 rebound, 2 steals, 1 block
* Zion Burwell - 2 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)

Sunday, February 14

"A" Division Semifinal
Binghamton White 52, Johnson City 34

Johnson City held a 13-9 lead after the first quarter, but Binghamton rallied in the second with tenacious defense and several fast-break points, taking a 24-19 lead into halftime. White outscored JC 10-5 in the third and 18-10 in the fourth.

Kyeem Holmes led a balanced scoring attack in this game, netting 14, while Will Gladney scored 10. On the defensive side of things, Nate Gaster played a rugged game underneath, helping to limit JC's very tall and talented inside combo of Jake Thompson and Gavin Dyman.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Nate Gaster and Andre Hawkins

Statistics:
* Kyeem Holmes - 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals (4-for-7 on free throws)
* Will Gladney - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block (2-for-5 on free throws)
* Andre Hawkins - 7 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks (1-for-5 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster - 7 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 5 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen - 5 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez - 2 points
* Jonah Chambers - 2 points
* Devin Weldon - 1 steal
* Team free throws - 10-for-23
* JC free throws - 10-for-28

"A" Division Championship
Binghamton 44, Johnson City 42

With its earlier loss, Johnson City needed to play another game (defeating Cortland) to get back to the championship game against Binghamton White. For the first half, this game resembled the semifinal. JC held a slim margin after the first quarter (10-8), but Binghamton stormed back in the second, outscoring JC 14-5 to take a 22-15 lead into the half. But JC turned things around in the second half, outscoring White 14-10 in the third to get things to within 32-29 with 7 minutes left to play.

As the fourth quarter began, Will Gladney scored for White to make it 35-29. JC then countered with two easy inside scores on Binghamton defensive breakdowns. Kyeem Holmes scored and was fouled (he converted the traditional 3-point play) for White and it was 38-33. JC score a basket and a later free throw (38-36) before Andre Hawkins drove the lane for two (40-36).

JC scored another unabated inside basket, and two more JC free throws knotted the score at 40-apiece. Gladney missed a couple free throws at the 1:52 and JC followed by taking the lead on yet another inside score, this one with just under a minute left to play.

Milton Jimenez, who had entered the game to drain a 3-pointer as the third quarter ended, got an inside bucket to tie the game 42-42 with 8.3 seconds remaining. Johnson City committed a turnover on the other end, and Binghamton inbounded the ball to Hawkins who, with about 6 seconds showing, zipped a two-thirds-court pass up and over to Gladney, waiting on the right side of the lane.

Gladney picked the pass from the air, turned and lofted a 12-foot floater that hit nothing but net, giving Binghamton White the 44-42 lead with under 3 seconds left. JC attempted a nearly full-court shot, but it was short.

Gladney led Binghamton with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Kyeem Holmes and Will Gladney

Statistics:
* Will Gladney - 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks (1-for-9 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 9 points, 6 rebounds, 6 steals (1-for-1 on free throws)
* Andre Hawkins - 6 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks
* Milton Jimenez - 6 points, 1 steal, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws) (one 3-pointer)
* Roberto Jensen - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal
* Nate Gaster - 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block (0-for-4 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 3 rebounds, 2 blocks (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Team free throws - 3-for-18
* JC free throws - 8-for-26

"B" Division Semifinal
Binghamton Blue 38, Cortland 31

In the "B" division semifinal, Binghamton Blue point guard Kameron Crimmins scored 9 of his team-high 13 points before halftime, as Binghamton got the win over a tough Cortland squad. Cortland led 12-8 after the first quarter, but a Blue 11-4 second-quarter surge gave Binghamton a 19-16 halftime lead. A close second half went to Blue, which held 10-8 and 9-7 advantages in the third and fourth quarters. Again, Binghamton got contributions across the board, with eight players scoring.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Suehaidee Masso and Garrett Alapeck

Statistics:
* Kameron Crimmins - 13 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws) (one 3-pointer)
* Yosef Baker - 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Suehaidee Masso - 5 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Matthew Whiteman - 4 points
* Isaiah Smith - 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Casey Walsh - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 2 steals
* Garrett Alapeck - 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Austin Becker-Harris - 1 rebound
* Zion Burwell - 1 rebound
* Team rebounds - 1-for-6
* Cortland free throws - 3-for-11

"B" Division Championship
Binghamton Blue 35, Ithaca 21

A defensive first quarter saw Binghamton hold a 6-3 lead after one, and Blue broke this game open a bit in the second with a 12-4 second quaretr, leading at the half, 18-7. Ithaca hung in there through the third and trailed 26-16 after three, but Binghamton outscored the opponent 9-5 in the final quarter to secure the "B" division title.

After a tight first quarter, Binghamton's defense helf strong while the team went on a 10-0 run to propel the team to victory. Suehaidee Masso score 6 of her team-high 9 points during that pivotal run, and she opened the second half with her fourth field goal of the evening. Binghamton Blue, yet again, saw eight players contribute in the scoring column.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Andy Garcia and Suehaidee Masso

Statistics:
* Suehaidee Masso - 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block (1-for-6 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 8 points, 5 rebounds (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
* Garrett Alapeck - 2 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
* Kameron Crimmins - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
* Matthew Whiteman - 2 points, 2 rebounds (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 4 steals
* Casey Walsh - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block
* Isaiah Smith - 4 rebounds, 3 steals
* Zion Burwell - 1 assist, 1 steal
* Team free throws - 1-for-10
* Ithaca free throws - 3-for-11

White stays hot, tops JCC at home

The Binghamton 5-6 White team put together another four solid quarters of basketball, as all 11 players available scored during Binghamton's 83-28 win over the Jewish Community Center Thursday evening at Calvin Coolidge Elementary.

Binghamton White built a 25-8 lead after the first quarter and led at intermission, 49-19. Binghamton outscored JCC 34-9 in the second half.

Defensive Player of the Game:
Will Gladney

Binghamton White 83, JCC 28

Statistics:
* Milton Jimenez - 20 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals
* Nate Gaster - 18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Kyeem Holmes - 12 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks
* Will Gladney - 12 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals, 1 block (4-for-8 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 4 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
* Jonah Chambers - 4 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Andy Garcia - 4 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen - 3 points, 8 assists (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 2 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
* Devin Young - 2 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, 1 block (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Team free throws - 5-for-16
* JCC free throws - 4-for-12

Blue gets close win over Vestal; White scores 98

Binghamton 5-6 Blue played Vestal Green for the second time this season, and the result was the same. An evenly matched game, to the end, with Binghamton coming out on top, this time 32-30, in a game played Tuesday at Calvin Coolidge Elementary. Blue beat this Vestal team 34-28 in their last meeting.

In this contest, neither team led by more than 4 points. After the first quarter, Blue held an 8-6 edge. The lead remained the same at the half (16-14). Blue also led by 2 points after the third (24-22).

Defensive Players of the Game:
Suehaidee Masso and Matthew Whiteman

Binghamton Blue 32, Vestal Green 30

Statistics:
* Suehaidee Masso - 6 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block (0-for-4 on free throws)
* Matthew Whiteman - 6 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks (2-for-6 on free throws)
* Garrett Alapeck - 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
* Isaiah Smith - 4 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals
* Kameron Crimmins - 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 2 assists
* Austin Becker-Harris - 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Casey Walsh - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
* Ismar Turkovic - 2 rebounds
* Emily Keenan - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Zion Burwell - (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Team free throws - 2-for-14
* Vestal free throws - 0-for-6

Binghamton White 98, Windsor 14

In a somewhat bizarre game, Binghamton 5-6 White built a 24-3 first-quarter lead, then extended it to a 51-9 halftime advantage Tuesday at C.R. Weeks Elementary School, Kirkwood.

At halftime, Binghamton's primary goal became to work the clock, slow the game from the fast-break pace of the first half, and get away with a win.

However, the Windsor team attempted to turn the second half into a farce, clowning throughout. Windsor guards tossed up half-court shots, went deep into the right corning and chucked more errant 3-point attemps, and appeared to purposefully erode what was once a basketball game into more of a circus sideshow.

Meanwhile, the Binghamton coaches coaxed the 5-6 Blue players to continue to play solid fundamental basketball and remain focused on the task at hand, despite its opponent's lack of regard for the game. The result was Binghamton outscoring Windsor 23-5 in the third quarter, then 24-0 in the fourth.

Going in, Binghamton knew Windsor had at least one solid outside shooting threat. That assignment went to fifth-grader Devin Young - to shut down the Windsor outside shooter. He did that, and more. Young blanketed the Windsor shooting guard, who was held to zero 3-pointers, no points from the perimeter and only three overall field goals in the contest. When Young was not in the game, Milton Jimenez, then Devin Weldon took over and did well to shut off scoring opportunities for the Windsor guard as well.

All 11 of Binghamton's players attending this game played ample minutes.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Devin Young and Latrel McFarlane

Statistics:
* Nate Gaster - 22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block (2-for-6 on free throws)
* Will Gladney - 17 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 1 block (2-for-4 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 16 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks (2-for-4 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 7 steals, 2 blocks
* Milton Jimenez - 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals
* Roberto Jensen - 7 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 6 points, 1 rebound, 7 steals, 2 blocks
* Yosef Baker - 4 points, 22 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
* Matthew Collins-Pringle - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal
* Devin Weldon - 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
* Team free throws - 7-for-16
* Windsor free throws - 4-for-12

Milton Jimenez, Roberto Jensen advance, becoming "District" free throw champs

Milton Jimenez (left) and Roberto Jensen (right).

Milton Jimenez and Roberto Jensen advanced to the "Chapter" level of free throw competition by winning their age group categories Saturday morning (February 6) at St. James in Johnson City. The statewide tournament is held by the Knights of Columbus.

By becoming "District Free Throw Champions," Jimenez and Jensen advance to compete in the March 14 regional event at Bishop Ludden High School in Syracuse. If either of the boys win March 14 at the "Chapter" level, they would compete two weeks later, again in Syracuse, at the "Regional" level. Winning then would allow them to advance to the state finals in April at West Point.

Jimenez won the 12-year-old title by making 16-of-25 foul shots (64 percent) Saturday. He made 11-of-15 (73 percent) the weekend before, in winning the Council championship.

Jensen won the 11-year-old title by making 15-of-25 foul shots (60 percent) Saturday. He also made 11-of-15 (73 percent) the weekend before, in winning the Council title.

Of last year's 18 shooters at the "International" level, 16 of them shot 25-for-25 from the foul line.

Jimenez (shooting guard) and Jensen (point guard) are teammates on the Binghamton Travel Basketball team, Binghamton 5-6 White. Jimenez is the team's third-leading scorer and its best outside shooting threat. Jensen leads the team in assists, as well as free throw shooting percentage. Jimenez is a close second in that category.

The boys are also teammates on the undefeated St. Thomas Gold CYO team. Jimenez is the leading scorer for St. Thomas, while Jensen leads that team in assists, as well.

Jimenez is a 6th-grade honor roll student at East Middle School. Jensen is a 6th-grade high-honor roll student at West Middle School.

Binghamton Blue gets two solid wins

The Binghamton 5-6 Blue team got two very solid victories this past week. On Tuesday evening, Blue topped a scrappy Susquehanna Valley team, 51-32, at Calvin Coolidge. On Saturday afternoon, Blue beat a team from Chenango Valley, 53-17.

In Tuesday's 51-32 win, Blue took a 16-10 lead in the first quarter and was up 24-14 at the half. Binghamton built its lead to 37-20 heading into the third quarter.

On Saturday's 53-17 win, Blue led 11-4 after the first quarter, saw CV cut that lead to 11-10, then went on a run to end the half, leading 20-12 at intermission. Binghamton's lead was 32-15 after the third quarter, and Blue outscored CV 21-2 in the fourth.

Suehaidee Masso led a balanced Binghamton attack on Saturday, as she recorded a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds). Also in Saturday's game, Yosef Baker and Devin Young joined the squad, in anticipation of them playing with Binghamton Blue in next weekend's Tioga County tournament.

Tuesday, February 2
Binghamton 51, SV 32

Statistics:
* Garrett Alapeck - 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists
* Suehaidee Masso - 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist, 2 blocks
* Matt Whiteman - 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks
* Ismar Turkovic - 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block
* Kameron Crimmins - 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 assists
* Austin Becker-Harris - 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Casey Walsh - 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 assist, 1 block
* Isaiah Smith - 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 assist, 1 block
* Emily Keenan - 2 rebounds
* Gabe Whiteman - 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 assist, 1 block
* Zion Burwell - 1 rebound
* Binghamton free throws - 1-for-7
* SV free throws - 0-for-8

Saturday, February 6
Binghamton Blue 53, CV 17

Statistics:
* Suehaidee Masso - 12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 block (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Casey Walsh - 8 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 6 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals
* Kameron Crimmins - 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 assists
* Garrett Alapeck - 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Matt Whiteman - 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 4 point, 2 rebounds, 3 steals
* Ismar Turkovic - 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Austin Becker-Harris - 1 point, 2 rebounds, 1 assist (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Gabe Whiteman - 1 point, 1 rebound, 4 steals, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Emily Keenan - 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist
* Zion Burwell - 1 steal
* Binghamton free throws - 3-for-13
* CV free throws - 3-for-9

Binghamton White tops U-E

The Binghamton 5-6 White team played an overall lackluster game Wednesday night, but managed to work out a win over Union-Endicott, 48-36, at Calvin Coolidge.

Binghamton led 16-6 after the first quarter, 26-20 at halftime and 34-28 after three. White outscored U-E down the stretch 8-2 (two baskets apiece from Nate Gaster and Kyeem Holmes) for the final margin.

Binghamton dominated underneath, but on numerous offensive rebounds and putback attempts, simply missed easy shots, allowing U-E to stay within relatively close range throughout the contest.

On defense, the White team routinely left U-E players wide open for looks at the basket in the first half, as several players freelanced, going for steals, rather than playing solid man-to-man defense.

Twelve Binghamton players got similar playing time Wednesday, with 10 of the players scoring.

Defensive Players of the Game:
Yosef Baker and Devin Weldon

Binghamton White 48, Union-Endicott 36

Statistics:
* Nate Gaster - 11 points, 15 rebounds, 1 steal, 4 blocks (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 9 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 8 points, 18 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 blocks (0-for-4 on free throws)
* Will Gladney - 8 points, 17 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block (2-for-6 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 2 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 1 block
* Jonah Chambers - 2 points, 6 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals
* Devin Weldon - 2 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 7 steals
* Milton Jimenez - 2 points, 2 steals
* Devin Young - 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Jordan Bideaux - 1 rebound, 2 steals
* Team free throws - 4-for-14