Guest Contributor: Ray Floriani The Hamilton Park Summer League Finals

by Ray Floriani
JERSEY CITY, NJ - Back with analysis….The championship game of the Hamilton Park High School Summer League saw a familiar group emerge victorious. St. Anthony’s, the prep power based a few blocks from Hamilton Park, defeated Newark Tech 50-41 on Wednesday evening to secure the championship.

League honors most faithful fan.
Mr. Daly in front with the Duke hat (he is forgiven)
attends virtually every game and brings bags of candy
for the score crew and officials (thank you).

There was no running score or box score as provided at college games. All the breakdowns were long hand by yours truly at the scorer’s table. Possessions by quarter with turnovers were noted.

The format: The Hamilton Park League runs four eight minutes quarters as a regulation high school game. The difference, there is a running clock until the last two minutes of the game. The clock does stop throughout the game on free throw attempts. Still, you do not see teams holding the ball too much in this circuit.

The score by quarters:

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Game
Friars	10	14	14	12	50
Newark Tech	8	12	13	8	41

The possession breakdown by quarters:

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Game
Friars	13	15	12	10	50
Newark Tech	12	14	12	11	49

The pace was quick to begin but eased a bit the final half. Teams were less apt to push transition and extended possessions by making that extra pass in the heat of a close contest.

Efficiency and turnovers:

	Off.	Turnover
	Eff.	Num.	Rate
Friars	100	8	16
Newark Tech	84	12	25

.

Tom Lalicato address the Friars during a time out.

St. Anthony’s prides their entire program on defense. A look at the defensive efficiency and the fact they forced a good Newark Tech club into a turnover every four possessions is analytical proof. Offensively, their efficiency bears out the fact they did a nice job on that end. The Friars were challenged but seemed to come up with the big play, a defensive stop or converted offensive board, especially down the stretch.

Last Season
The Friars were eliminated in the quarterfinals by East Orange. Actually, St.Anthony’s forfeited as they were unable to get back from a basketball camp in New York state. East Orange went on to post upset wins in the semis and finals to capture the title. They opted not to enter the league this season.

St.Anthony’s was coached by Tom Lalicato. A long time coach at St.Mary’s in Jersey City, Lalicato was out when St.Mary’s closed in June. Realizing his experience, knowledge and ability, Bob Hurley added Lalicato as an assistant on his staff. A great move that already paid dividends. Ironically, St.Mary’s lost to St.Anthony’s this past Winter when Hurley secured his 1000th career victory.

The Leaders
Jared Hall of Newark Tech led all scorers with 24 points. Jerome Frink of St.Antony’s had a big night with 13 points, 5 rebounds and two blocks. Frink was named MVP of the tournament. He is being significantly recruited , especially by nearby St.Peter’s. Josh Brown added 11 points, 4 assists from th guard spot for St.Anthony’s.

League commissioner Pat Devaney (L)
presents the MVP trophy to
Jerome Frink of St.Anthony's (R)

St.Anthony’s was minus the services of marquee talent Kyle Anderson who is playing in a tournament in Los Angeles. Lalicato thought the victory was significant in that regard. "We went through the league with different lineups," he said. "The kids have confidence in each other and made the adjustments, got out there and played." St.Anthony’s went through the league schedule undefeated.

St.Anthony’s won the grade school title as the Junior Friars (entering 9th grade this Fall) defeated the Future Ironmen in the final. The Future Ironmen are headed to another strong program, Don Bosco Prep of Ramsey, NJ.

The victorious St.Anthony's Friars