Best In The Bronx AA

<p>For the third year in a row, Eagle Academy has dominated the Bronx. Head Coach Ryan Queen has the formula to compete in this league during the regular season. In the postseason Eagle Academy has a habit of coming up short. Last season during the Bronx Boro playoffs, Eagle Academy lost to Number 7 Seed JFK in the championship game. Both teams protected home-court during the regular season. Legendary Coach Johnny Mathis stole the Bronx crown at Queens College 44-42. In the NYC AA playoffs, Eagle Academy was a 7 seed. They were defeated by Thomas Jefferson in the quarter- finals 48-62. This season Eagle Academy is undefeated at home and looking to get over the hump. With number 13 ranked DeMarco Watson on the squad, it’s a strong possibility.</p> <p>During Senior night (2/4/20) Eagle Academy defeated James Monroe. The James Monroe Eagles came into this game on a 6 game winning streak. Turning their season around, they managed to earn a playoff spot in the Bronx Boro playoffs. This run was led by Senior Standouts [player_tooltip player_id="945063" first="Brandon" last="Ellis"], [player_tooltip player_id="945066" first="Hammad" last="Singleton"], and [player_tooltip player_id="945068" first="Yeuri" last="Mirabal"]. In the first half, the game was very competitive. Monroe’s box and 1 defense slowed Eagle Academy down and kept them in the game. Eagle Academy was applying pressure from half-court, Monroe kept finding ways to get points in the paint. At half the score was Eagle 31-Monroe 27. As soon as the third quarter began Eagle Academy applied full-court pressure. James Monroe had no answer for the diamond and 1 defense.  Monroe’s turnovers allowed number 14th ranked [player_tooltip player_id="945014" first="Vernon" last="Simmons"] to get in a rhythm. [player_tooltip player_id="945014" first="Vernon" last="Simmons"] sealed the game with several high flying dunks. Eagle Academy kept control of the momentum for the entire second half. The final score was 85-62. Demarco Watson finished with 38 points 8 rebounds and 4 Assists. [player_tooltip player_id="945014" first="Vernon" last="Simmons"] finished with 13 points 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Anderson Nesbitt finished with 12 points 10 rebounds 3 assists for Eagle Academy. Bilal Cisse finished with 19 points and 3 rebounds. [player_tooltip player_id="945063" first="Brandon" last="Ellis"] finished with 10 points 5 rebounds and 4  assists. [player_tooltip player_id="945068" first="Yeuri" last="Mirabal"] finished with 10 points 5 rebounds 2 assists for James Monroe Campus. </p> <p>Eagle Academy has a home-court advantage during the entire Bronx Boro playoffs. Being the number 1 seed they are projected to win the tournament. Number 13 ranked DeMarco Watson is averaging 33.1 PPG. 6.5 RPG. and 5.1 APG. Number 14 ranked [player_tooltip player_id="945014" first="Vernon" last="Simmons"] is averaging 14.3 PPG. 9.8 RPG. and 3.5 APG. These two seniors will be key in Eagle’s Academy postseason success. DeMarco Watson is receiving interest from mid-major Division 1 schools. [player_tooltip player_id="945014" first="Vernon" last="Simmons"] is receiving interest from Division 2 schools. Eagle Academy will have a bye in the first round of postseason play. They will play the winner of (8) James Monroe vs (9) Bathgate Complex (2/10/20) at 5 pm. If James Monroe wins, Eagle Academy will have to beat Monroe for a third time. Eagle Academy will have their work cut out for them. Head Coach Ryan Queen is focused headed into this postseason. He intends on earning a high seed in the NYC AA playoffs. The playoffs are where legends are born. Only time will tell who will be the kings of the Bronx.</p>