WPCNR PRESS BOX. By “Hardwood” Bailey. December 28, 2006: Sean Kilpatrick pumped in 19 points in the first half on layups, one-handers, leading White Plains to a 33-23 halftime lead in the semi-final of the Slam Dunk Tournament at the County Center this afternoon. Woodlands had three chances to cut into that lead, late in the third quarter trailing 44-35 with 2:23 to go. They were stopped three times by bumping and massaging Tigers in the paint. The looming arms, widebodies of Rishawn Johnson, athleticism of Sean Kilpatrick, and catlike hands of Rashad James batted back heave after frustrated Falcon heave and hard bodies punished every penetration. Spencer Smith and Jamell Cromartie then combined to start a 13-2 run to take over the game.
Run-Starter -- Jamell Cromartie (3) Watches his pullup one hander go through the nets to give WP a 13-point lead at the start of the 4th quarter. Jamell's bucket followed up Spencer Smith's opening drive to break open the game. Photos, WPCNR Sports.
The Tiger defensive statement triggered a Woodlands defensive collapse to start the 4th period. From the Tiger opening possession, White Plains ripped off a 13-2 run. Spencer Smith took the ball in bounds and went coast-to-cast down the lane while Falcons watched, 46-35. Jamell Cromartie went hip to hip right around a defender for an uncontester, 48-35. Rashad James unboxed out, tapped in a rebound to make it 50-35 with 6:20 to go. Spencer Smith sunk a pair of free throws, 52-35. Jordan Griffith chucked in a 25-foot 3-pointer uncontested – only the second long outside shot the Tigers took to apply the coup de grace and it was 55-37 with 5:20 to go, allowing extensive garbage time.
DAGGER IN THE HEART! Jordan Griffith, far left watches his "Tre" rip the cords for a 55-37 lead with 5 and change left in the game.
Sean Kilpatrick and Jamell Cromartie combined for 27 of the Tigers 33 points in the first half. The talented Junior was on fire, pouring in 19 points, 8 in the first quarter and 11 in the second quarter. Cromartie has a talent for making the run-starting shot that jacks the Tigers up and demoralizes the opponent. In the second quarter, White Plains ahead 23-17 and Woodlands gaining some confidence, The Crow fired in a 3-pointer for a 26-17 lead at the 5:28 mark
Sean Kilpatrick, Making it Happen with the second of three straight late in the second quarter.
Bullseye! Sean Kilpatrick drills one from the foul line for a 33-21 lead at the half. Kilpatrick had 19 points in the first half and keyed the Tigers in the third quarter.
Sean Kilpatrick took over the game with three straight buckets.. He followed with a layup at 4:36; a one-hander at 1:53 to make it 31-21, and another one-hander to build a 33-21 lead at the half.
As the Second Half started, Cromartie did it again. Taking the inbounds pass he went coast-to-coast right down Broadway and drew the foul and sunk the charity throw for a 36-23 lead, setting the tone. After stepped-up defensive by Woodlands brought them within 38- 31, Kilpatrick followed with three Tiger 2s in a row – a one-hander uncontested right side to make it 40-31 at 5:27; an uncontested layup right down the right lane at 4:52, 42-31, and another baseline drive at 4:11 for a 44-31 Tiger lead. Even though Woodlands held off the tigers they could not close the gap the last 2:23 of the period setting the stage for the Spencer Smith, Jamell Cromartie rip-your-heart out run at the opening of the 4th quarter.
White Plains runs their record to 7-0 and will play the winner of Stepanac and Xaverian Friday night at 8 in the Championship round of the Slam Dunk Tournament.
