Zach Braziller

Zach Braziller

Braziller: Living the life of a college coach

July 13, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

Over the last week, I lived the life of a college basketball coach, taking in three events during the live recruiting period, going to Reading, Pa., and King of Prussia Pa., for Hoop Group’s Elite Camp, Team Camp and Summer Classic East.
	 
I judged, I evaluated, I analyzed. The only thing missing was a polo shirt that read NYPost.com. That may have to get taken care by the second live period.
	 
I rose early and went to bed late, games starting as early as 9 a.m. and running until 10 p.m. I battled through mental and physical fatigue, a head cold and severe cough. I slept little, ate worse and fought off writer's block.
	 
I’ve always respected college coaches for their ability to mold boys into young men, as much off the court as on it. But that may be the easy part of the profession, compared to the July live recruiting period anyway.
	 
For 20 days, they are all on the road, watching thousands of prospects at dozens of venues in different cities from away from home. They somehow pick out players from all of these teams and games. I, by contrast, only needed to focus on the New York players. It’s a difficult job I wouldn’t want.
	 
It was an eventful seven days, a week I wouldn’t give back. There were times I felt bi-polar, debating what made me schedule such long days on such a long trip. Then another great story came my way or a kid played a big-time game, forcing another interview out of me, or a college coach sat down next to me, needing an opinion on a local player and it reinvigorated me.
	 
There was a certain energy you got from the gyms, the whiff of competition, but also hint of desperation and need for these talented kids to be at their best.
	 
I’ve always felt the most pressure exists in high school basketball, playing for friends and classmates with a city title on the line. July, though, has more pressure. Certain kids are shooting for their future, in front of coaches for the first time. All it takes is that one look to get a free education, or in some cases, lose out.
	 
I would be remiss not to mention the outstanding job the Hoop Group does, from Elite Camp director Chad Babel to Summer Classic East direction Rob Engemann and their media team of Dan Martin and Dave Krupinski. The latter two are truly adept at these videos they create in such a short period of time. Too bad they’re not on The Post’s payroll. The ones on Melvin Johnson and Kyle Anderson are fantastic, if you haven’t seen them. Even more impressive, the two dealt with my constant sneezing, sniffling and coughing with aplomb, not tossing me out of the press box at Albright College like I’m sure they would have liked.
	 
One of my favorite moments came Tuesday as I fought off fatigue. I sat down on the baseline to catch another game when I noticed coaches switching seats like they were playing a game of magical chairs. Suddenly, two seats opened up next to one guy not representing a school. He was holding a fake microphone to his mouth and doing play-by-play. Hofstra assistant Steve DeMeo basically forced me to switch seats. I found the guy entertaining – he was into it, like he was broadcasting the NBA Finals. Heck, he was better than a lot of the guys you see on television, from Kevin Harlan to Ian Eagle.
	 
I feel Babel is really onto something with his Team Camp, which features elite East Coast programs from several states, such as Brooklyn’s South Shore and tournament champion St. Anthony of Jersey City. For evaluation purposes, to me it’s the best to gauge a player’s ability. He is playing with familiar faces, which offers the best chance for success, not lumped with some random kids he now must work well with to impress college coaches.
	 
By the time I got home late Tuesday night, I was glad it was over. I was tired of tweeting and asking for college lists. Yet, by early Wednesday, I was already missing it, searching through my Twitter feed for the latest information, wishing there was a tournament nearby. I even looked up local bus fare to West Virginia for Hoop Group's Jam Fest. I missed hanging out and bouncing players off my favorites coaches, from Demeo to Rutgers' Mike Rice and Van Macon; Iowa State's Fred Hoiberg and Matt Abdelmassih; St. Peter's Marlon Guild; Dayton's Allen Griffin; LIU's Jim Ferry; David Duke and Tom Pecora of Fordham; Mo Cassara from Hofstra; St. John's Tony Chiles and so many others.
	 
I’m not saying I’m ready for a similar such week right now – I needed a full day of sleep on Wednesday to recover – but I plan on repeating the feat next year.
	 
Wait, the Super Showcase and AAU Nationals are coming up in Orlando?
	 
I'll be back on the recruiting trail in no time.
	 
zbraziller@nypost.com

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Braziller: Trying on my scouting hat at Hoop Group Elite Session I

July 10, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

READING, Pa. – When I cover high school basketball, my job isn’t to evaluate talent, it’s to find the best angles, get the best quotes and mold the best stories. College coaches, however, aren’t overly interested in what a certain player ate for breakfast or how he ties his shoes or where he was last summer.
	 
They want to know if he’s good enough to play for them, is he a mid-major talent or should he go Division II? With that in mind, I made it my mission during Hoop Group Elite Session I to assess the talent on hand to the best of my ability. I’m never going to be Scout.com’s Evan Daniels – one of the nation’s many recruiting gurus and for my money one of the best – but I’m giving it my best shot here.
	 
Keep in mind, these are just my thoughts based on past experience and this week. Hope you enjoy. I don’t plan on quitting my day job, however.
	 
G 6-3 Melvin Johnson, Undecided (St. Anthony or St. Benedict’s Prep) 2012 
	 
Star of the camp by a landslide, the sharp-shooting former Rice standout scored in bunches, but most impressively did so in a variety ways. Named Hoop Group MVP, he lit it up from beyond the arc, off the dribble and created for others off penetration, helping his team to a 7-1 record. Still feel he’s a high mid-major recruit, as his offers from Hofstra, Fordham and VCU among others would suggest. Xavier, which is very interested, would be a nice fit.
	 
F 6-7 Chris Ortiz, South Kent (Conn.) 2012
	 
One of best interior defenders and rebounders in camp, Ortiz was a surprise entrant into the top 20 all-star game. Offensive guy is still rough around the edges, but has a nice baby jumper and relentless motor. Kent State is getting a good one.
	 
G 6-2 Brian Bernardi, Xaverian 2012
	 
City's best shooter in years started slow and finished fast. Still needs work on creating own shot, but when feet are set, Bernardi is almost automatic. Has some high-major looks, but feel he would be best at mid-major such as Hofstra or Fordham, who made him priority.

christina santucciBrian Bernardi had a solid camp at Hoop Group Elite Session 1.

F 6-6 Malik Nichols, Undecided (Notre Dame Prep, NIA Prep or South Kent) 2012
	 
Performed well throughout camp by showing versatility as point forward, scoring, rebounding and handling ball in open court and was rewarded with appearance in top 20 all-star game. Still feel he’s mid-major player as abundance of skills don't often shine through in games. Hofstra remains the perfect fit; can’t understand why he opted to decommit.
	 
G 6-3 Mike Taylor, Undecided (NIA Prep or Christian Life Center) 2012 
	 
Former Rutgers recruit admittedly didn’t play best at camp, though did show ball handling has improved and remains lethal threat from beyond arc. Would do well to get away from city and refocus on game. May not be high-major as many once thought, but still can help many mid-major programs.
	 
G 6-1 Deonte Houston, Undecided (prep school) 2012
	 
Felt he was under-recruited all year, then legal issues (which proved to be much ado about nothing), basically forced him to go to prep school. Remains astute floor general, gets into the lane at will, but needs to show more from perimeter. After year of prep school, would fit in well in a conference like the MAAC.
	 
F 6-9 Jermaine Lawrence, Cardozo 2013 
	 
Before hyper-extending right elbow, was in line to be camp MVP. Put on a show over the first two days with 3-point range, athleticism around the hoop and newfound aggressiveness. Would like to see him be more of a factor in paint, but that will come. He already has eight offers, including St. John’s, Rutgers and Louisville.
	 
G 6-1 Wesley Myers, Boys & Girls 2013 
	 
Showcase camps like Hoop Group aren't the best setting for Myers, whose unselfishness, defensive tenacity and leadership qualities aren’t valued in pickup games. But the rising junior played well, displaying an improved jump shot and team sense in a setting one rarely exists. Mid-major prospect as of now, but his improvements may warrant higher looks soon.
	 
G 6-0 Josh James, Archbishop Stepinac 2013
	 
Didn’t see much of him during the high school season, but James may have become my favorite player this week. Prototypical point guard has ability to score in bunches with accurate jumper and speed to burn, but prefers to create for others. How St. Peter’s is only offer astounds me.
	 
G 6-0 Austin Williams, Bayside 2013
	 
Still needs to get more consistent, but a clear Division I prospect with a quick first step, strength in the lane and improving jump shot. Iona has offered the burgeoning Queens native.
	 
F 6-9 Chris McCullough, Salisbury School (Conn.) 2014 
	 
Last, but certainly not least, the Bronx native who attends high school in Connecticut wowed virtually everyone at Albright College with his spell-binding athleticism, violent finishes and smooth jumper. St. John’s, Syracuse and Temple have already offered the impressive wing. My only criticism? Wish he played his high-school ball in the city. McCullough would tear up the PSAL.
	 
zbraziller@nypost.com

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Braziller: My early start to the live recruiting period

July 07, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

READING, Pa. -- I had July 6 – the first day of the live recruiting period – marked down on my calendar for weeks. I couldn’t wait to get out of the city for once, reconnect with college coaches and see how the area’s many prospects have developed since the end of the high school season.
	 
But when it came, I wasn’t nearly as excited. That’s because to get the entire day at Hoop Group’s Elite Session at Albright College, I had to rise at 5 a.m. and me being, well, me I didn’t get to bed until 3 a.m. since I was busy preparing for the week on the road.
	 
To anybody who knows me, that’s like asking a failing student to ace the SATs. Remarkably, in the upset of the year, I actually dragged myself out of bed by 5 a.m., past my snoring girlfriend, fed my smelly and fat cat Tia and met up with St. Peter’s College assistant Marlon Guild at the PATH station in Journal Square in New Jersey.
	 
By 9 a.m., we were in Reading and the wild month had began. As I skimmed through my packet – a tip of the cap to the Hoop Group for the free copies – my head began spinning.
	 
There were so many city guys here and such little time. Without hestitation, I began the busy month.
	 
I made quick work, watching Cardozo’s Jermaine Lawrence thrive in the paint and the perimeter along Lincoln’s Shaquille Davis at 10 a.m., catching up with Xaverian sharp-shooter Brian Bernardi shortly thereafter and former Hofstra commit Malik Nichols, Boys & Girls teammate Mike Taylor and Lincoln guard Ian Vasquez at noon.
	 
After a quick lunch, it was back to more basketball, following former Rice standout Melvin Johnson, Xaverian’s Dillon Burns and Bernardi and Cardinal Hayes forward Amadou Sidibe. Before checking into my hotel, I caught another glimpse of Lawrence throwing down some more dunks and hitting 3-pointers and spoke with St. Patrick point guard DaShawn Suber of The Bronx.
	 
I will be analyzing the top city guys here in the days to come as there is a large and impressive crop. At first glance, Johnson and Lawrence would seem to have a great chance to make the top 20 all-star game, if not win MVP of the entire camp. But that depends on how they fair on Thursday.
	 
I used the night session to eat, rest and write – not in that order. It was an eventual first day of the live recruiting period. I caught up with some coaches, met some new ones and watched a ton of basketball. If the rest of the month is anything like the first day, I’m in for a tiresome – yet wildly entertaining – couple of weeks.
	 
zbraziller@nypost.com

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Wings Academy's Fall picks Radford

July 05, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

Amdy Fall verbally committed to Radford and new coach Mike Jones Tuesday morning, the senior forward told The Post. An All-City first team selection by The Post, Fall picked the Big South school over... Read on

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July will be busy -- but eventful -- as live recruiting period kicks off

July 05, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

My bags are packed, the flights and hotels are booked and my itinerary is set. No, I’m not taking vacation – that’s for August. It’s the live recruiting period, when college coaches crisscross the country to evaluate the nation’s top prospects.
	 
July is finally here and I, as Bart Scott would say, can’t wait.
	 
I got a taste of the live recruiting period last year with a three day trip to Albright College in Reading, Pa., for Hoop Group’s Elite Session 1 and a four-day visit to Orlando, Fla., for the Super Showcase.
	 
This year, I’m taking it up a notch – I will be on the road for 14 of the 20-day live period, which is broken up between July 6-15 and July 22-31.
	 
During the first block, I will be in Reading for Hoop Group Elite Session 1 and Elite Team Camp, followed by two days for the Hall-of-Fame National Invitational in Springfield, Mass. The second period I will spent six days in Orlando for the Super Showcase and AAU Nationals and I will go back to Reading on July 31 for the New Heights/Hoop Group End of Summer event at Albright College. Colleague Dylan Butler will also be at the Reebok Breakdown Challenge in Philadelphia on July 9-10.
	 
Not only will I be providing wall-to-wall coverage, but The Post will be presenting five diaries apiece from St. Peter’s assistant men’s basketball coach Marlon Guild and South Shore/New Heights rising junior guard Terrence Samuel, one of the city's top prospects.
	 
July is even more important this summer with the NCAA eliminating the live period during the spring. So coaches basically have 20 days to evaluate these players.
	 
The month has it all, from the blue-chip prospects looking to add scholarship offers to sleepers trying to get noticed to the prep-bound talents still in search of a school. So much is at stake. Scholarships can be gained or lost, interest earned or coughed up.
	 
High school basketball has the pressure of winning, but the future is at stake this month – and I will be there every step of the way to chronicle all the goings-on for New York City’s best.
	 
SCHEDULE 
	 
July 6-8 –
	 Hoop Group Elite Session 1 (Reading, Pa.) 
	 
July 9-10–
	 Hoop Group Team Camp (Reading, Pa.) 
	 
	 
Juy 11-12–
	 Hall-of-Fame National Invitational (Springfield, Mass.) 
	 
July 24-29–
	 Super Showcase and AAU Nationals (Orlando, Fla.) 
	 
July 31 –
	 End of Summer Classic (Reading, Pa.) 
	 
zbraziller@nypost.com

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Despite tragic death, Muller's memory will live on

June 30, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

The outpouring of support over the last 24 hours for Isayah Muller from friends, family, teammates and classmates has been touching, but hardly surprising. I’ll always remember the love for Muller... Read on

The outpouring of support over the last 24 hours for Isayah Muller from friends, family, teammates and classmates has been touching, but hardly surprising.
	 
I’ll always remember the love for Muller after he ran Truman to the Bowl division championship back in late November in a 23-20 win over favored Beach Channel. Everyone wanted a part of embracing him, from head coach John-James Shepherd to teammates and fans, all of them chasing him around the field at the final horn, a joyous coronation to his career.
	 
It was almost impossible to interview the star running back. The Mustangs raved about his performance, but also the kind of teammate he was, how he motivated with words as much as actions.
	 
The reaction to his death was similar. Sure, he was a great football player, Shepherd and quarterback Xavier Hamilton said, but he was a better person, teammate and classmate. I had the unenviable task of breaking the news to Shepherd, one of the hardest phone calls I’ve ever had to make.
	 
"The kid had all the intangibles that makes football players great," Shepherd told me, his voice cracking. "He was as loyal a teammate as anyone could ask for and he was as good of a kid that anyone could hope to come across. I'm in a state of disbelief. I was hugging this kid at his graduation [Tuesday] morning."
	 
I didn’t sleep much Tuesday night, the image of Muller’s brilliant performance alive like he should be. I still remember the lengthy interview, his eye black still sharp, how happy he was talking about the performance and the city championship.
	 
“All I wanted was that ‘W’ for my team,” he said then. “I wanted to see my teammates’ faces when we hoisted the trophy.”
	 
It’s never easy when a kid is lost too young, especially one with a bright future. Shepherd, Hamilton and Jose Avalle Jr., another teammate, spoke of how unflinchingly positive he was in the face of adversity, how he was always there for others.
	 
“He was a loyal, heart-warming, charismatic kid,” Hamilton said. “If you met him once, he would remember you. If you were ever in trouble, he had your back. That was the kind of person he was.”
	 
Unfortunately, that latter quality also cost him his life, Muller rushing in to aid his father, Andre, as he fought with parking attendants he felt took his son’s graduation present – a bottle of cologne – from their car. The circumstances of his death don’t matter; he’s gone – that’s what matters.
	 
Muller was going to play football at Nassau Community College, an elite JUCO on Long Island which often sends players to Division I schools. That was where Muller was likely headed. He could’ve played anywhere in the city, for the Tottenvilles, Curtises and Fort Hamiltons of the world. We selected him to our All-Bronx/Manhattan first team and made him an All-City honorable mention selection.
	 
Robert KalfusFrom left, Shandu Rollesion, Brandon Rowe, Jose Taveras and Gary Cox light memorial candles for Isayah Muller during a memorial service at the school Wednesday morning.

Shifty, speedy and powerful, the senior back ran for 908 yards and amassed 15 touchdowns during the regular season and led Truman to the Bowl division championships. He took it up another level in the title game, Muller running for 295 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns. He put Truman on his back that day, making a speedy Beach Channel defense look slow.
	 
When I remember Muller, I’ll remember that day, not how his life was lost. I’ll remember those cutbacks, his breakaway speed, the ear-to-ear smile he wore at the final horn as teammates, coaches, fans and friends all huddled around him.
	 
Isayah Muller lost his life decades too soon, in a stupid and senseless incident. But his friends, his teammates and his family will always have that glorious November day, when he was a hero and a star. There would’ve – should’ve – been more days like that for Muller.
	 
But at least there is that day we can always fondly remember.
	 
zbraziller@nypost.com

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Braziller: Walker and Jenkins did it right way -- hopefully this starts a trend

June 24, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

Based on my Twitter timeline and Facebook home page, the entire New York City basketball community was glued to their TV sets, watching the NBA Draft. Everyone wanted to know when Kemba Walker and Charles Jenkins were going to be selected and by whom.
	 
I hope, for their sake, the kids and their advisors – or as I like to call them, “guys,” – were paying attention to how Jenkins and Walker got to this point and not just the end result. Thursday night was a great night for both of the city stars, The Bronx native Walker going to the Charlotte Bobcats with the ninth pick overall and Queens’ own Jenkins to the Golden State Warriors in the second round at No. 44.
	 
Two success stories, Jenkins and Walker, a couple of kids who didn’t need to leave New York City, who didn’t take the easy way out when there were older players in front of them or when personal tragedy struck. They made the best out of their situation, kept working hard, harder than even harder, and were rewarded for it at the Prudential Center.
	 
Jenkins didn’t need a big-time AAU program or a name high school to earn a Division I scholarship, like so many kids these days claim, or “better completion,” to get ready for college. He stuck with those who were loyal to him, didn’t leave Doc Nicell’s Student Athlete Broncos when the big boys began calling, stuck it out at Springfield Gardens when there were options elsewhere. He went to Hofstra over St. John’s because the Pride was first in recruiting him and now he’s headed to the NBA.
	 
Walker didn’t get a chance to play a lot at Rice until his junior year. He didn’t look for prep school or another high school factory, he paid his dues, waited his time and when the opportunity came, he made the most out of it, a route few top young players refuse to make. He wasn’t always a star in his three years at UConn, either, but he made himself into a better player, a transcendent one to an extent this past year, won a national title and became a Lottery pick.
	 
EPABronx native Kemba Walker was all smiles Thursday night after he was taken by the Charlotte Bobcats with the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Too often these days, kids are looking for excuses to change schools or AAU teams, an easy way out when things don’t go their way. Walker and Jenkins are the toast of the town tonight because they didn’t, because they dealt with what they were given and never sought an excuse, because they went to class and got their work done, didn’t look for a prep school to bail them out. They made their own success, didn’t listen to hangers-on or advisors or “guys.”
	 
I hope all those youngsters out there who watched the draft were paying attention. The right move is often the hardest route. Leaving New York City doesn’t enhance your odds for success, listening to others who may not have your best intentions at heart isn’t wise, either.
	 
Thursday evening was a great night for New York City basketball, which the so-called experts say has been greatly diminished. Two players from the city get drafted, two great basketball players who are even better people I had the privilege of covering. Both Walker and Jenkins can shoot and drive and defend, but their greatest trait is their character.
	 
Here’s hoping some of Kemba Walker and Charles Jenkins can rub off on the current generation.
	 
zbraziller@nypost.com

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PSAL suspends baseball coaches for 'unsportsmanlike behavior'

June 23, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

The PSAL has suspended two PSAL baseball coaches for an on-field confrontation during the Class A semifinals, The Post has learned. Department of Education spokeswoman Margie Feinberg said in an... Read on

The PSAL has suspended two PSAL baseball coaches for an on-field confrontation during the Class A semifinals, The Post has learned.
	 
Department of Education spokeswoman Margie Feinberg said in an emailed statement George Washington interim coach Nick Carbone and Lehman coach Adam Droz will both miss the first two games of next year for their “unsportsmanlike behavior” following Game 1 of the semifinal series, won by the city champion Trojans, 5-4, June 9.
	 
Neither coach was available to be reached for comment Wednesday night.
	 
Carbone and a few GW players refused to shake hands with Lehman players and specifically Droz after the game. It was Droz’s whistle-blowing that got legendary Trojans coach Steve Mandl suspended for one year by the PSAL for alleged recruiting violations.
	 
The perceived lack of sportsmanship – GW players walked the line with hands pinned to their sides – upset Lions players and coaches. Barbs were fired by both sides after the game and Droz had his players remain at home plate for several minutes after what he later said he felt was lack of sportsmanship.
	 
Carbone and Droz did speak the next day and shook hands.
	 
zbraziller@nypost.com

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Braziller: Ultimate city championship a must for Mayor's Cup

June 19, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

Xaverian’s Elvin Soto is at the plate, George Washington’s Yael Regalado is on the mound, runners lead from all three bases, and New York City’s baseball crown is on the line as the capacity crowd is now at a fever pitch.
	 
Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Well, forget it.
	 
The players want the game, the coaches want the game, even NYC & Company, the organization which produces the Mayor’s Cup series in all sports, wants the game.
	 
So, why you ask, do we not have the game? Simple answer: Neither league – and when I say leagues, I mean officials – wants the game. Why?
	 
That’s where it gets complicated.
	 
CHSAA baseball commissioner Wally Stampfel said it would be “anticlimactic,” that this past Friday was the final day his league could play under state rules and the only day in the last week games could be played because of Regents exams.
	 
“We’re not interested in doing it,” said Stampfel, who is also the Mount St. Michael coach. “If you win your championship, you should jump for joy and that should be it. For us to get together with them, I don’t think it would serve any purpose.”
	 
PSAL commissioner Bob Pertsas declined to comment because, well, he works for the PSAL and commissioners aren’t allowed to comment by the Department of Education. In recent weeks, PSAL officials told me an ultimate city championship wouldn’t be considered because they feel it would take away from their own city championship.
	 
Andrew Gould, the Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing for NYC & Company, said the organization focused all of its energy on the all-star game this year and didn’t even approach either league about its champions facing each other. He thought the idea is a good one, but it didn’t sound like it was something that would be happening soon.
	 
And that’s ashame, because already in year two of the Mayor’s Cup, the game has become stale.
	 
Christina SantucciYes, that's Aviation's Davon Harris yawning during the second annual Mayor's Cup CHSAA-PSAL all-star game Friday night at MCU Park in Coney Island.

The CHSAA won for the second straight year Friday night at quiet and desolate MCU Park in Coney Island, 9-3. I’ve seen more intensity in Astoria Park softball games. The crowd was tiny, which can be partially attributed to the rainy weather, and the PSAL was without several of its stars, from Tottenville sluggers Tom Kain and Kevin Krause to George Washington right-hander Yael Regalado to McKee/Staten Island Tech ace Ryan Mannello. Gould said they would like to include private school players, but it is difficult since those schools end so much earlier than the PSAL and CHSAA and their season ends in late May.
	 
When I compared basketball’s New York Federation tournament in last March to this to Stampfel, he said it was different because that is an actual tournament featuring the state’s best, not an orchestrated city championship. A valid point, indeed, though I don’t see the harm in this one game, which so many coaches and players are in favor of. Soto’s eyes lit up at the mere suggestion.
	 
“It would be pretty exciting to be able to play for one city championship,” the Pittsburgh-bound senior said. “It would be better like that. ... It would be a crazy crowd. Our city championship was pretty packed, GW’s crowd was pretty packed.”
	 
Personally, I’d like to see a three-team tournament – the PSAL, CHSAA and NYSAISAA champions meeting this weekend. Baseball is the one sport all three are close to each other. Take this year, for instance, where Poly Prep defeated George Washington and Xaverian and Xaverian bested George Washington.
	 
“This would’ve been the perfect year,” Xaverian coach Lou Piccola said. “All three teams played each other during the course of the pre-season, they were all very competitive games. To say who’s better than who at this time of year, let us play.”
	 
The favorite, to me, would be Xaverian. Who wins? Maybe Poly Prep, maybe George Washington, maybe Xaverian. Unfortunately, we’ll never know – not this year anyway. You’ll have to rely on The Post’s end-of-season baseball rankings instead.
	 
You have a few higher-ups from the leagues to thank for that.
	 
zbraziller@nypost.com

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Live blog recap: NYC Mayor's Cup PSAL-CHSAA baseball all-star game

June 16, 2011 , ι By ZACH BRAZILLER

The spring season officially comes to a close Friday night in Coney Island, but it does so with a bang. The top baseball players from the CHSAA and the PSAL congregate at MCU Field in Coney Island... Read on

The spring season officially comes to a close Friday night in Coney Island, but it does so with a bang.
	 
The top baseball players from the CHSAA and the PSAL congregate at MCU Field in Coney Island for citywide bragging rights in the second annual NYC Mayor’s Cup PSAL-CHSAA all-star game.
	 
The CHSAA will send stars like catcher Elvin Soto of Xaverian, ace James Norwood of All Hallows and first baseman Sal Annunziata of Fordham Prep while the PSAL counters with Grand Street Campus outfielder Williams Jerez, George Washington right-hander Yael Regalado and Tottenville sluggers Kevin Krause and Tom Kain.
	 
The Catholic league prevailed last year, 6-5, so the PSAL will be out for revenge.
	 
The fun starts at 7 p.m., but if you can’t get to MCU Park, no problem. Baseball beat writers Zach Braziller and Dylan Butler will be hosting our renowned live blog starting at 6:30 p.m.
	 
<iframe src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=8e96ca7010/height=550/width=350" scrolling="no" height="550px" width="350px" frameBorder ="0" allowTransparency="true" ><a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=8e96ca7010" >Live blog: Second annual CHSAA-PSAL baseball all-star game</a></iframe>

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About the Author

ZACH BRAZILLER A co-founder of FiveBoroSports.com, Zach Braziller has covered high-school sports in New York City for six years, beginning with an internship at the New York Sun. A graduate of Drew University, he moved on to serve as the sports editor of the Queens Courier newspaper for five years and also worked for SNY.tv in that time, covering the area’s three local hockey clubs and the New York Giants. Braziller’s work has also appeared in The New York Times and the Houston Chronicle.

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