Ah, b-ball in July, and a coach dares dream of future glory
On the basketball courts behind Boston Police Headquarters, Cory McCarthy watches the Showdown squad of the Boston Neighborhood Basketball League warm up, and starts to laugh.
McCarthy, coach of the New Mission girls' basketball team that won the Division 4 state title last winter, is asked his team's chances of repeating. "More than 70 percent," he says with a chuckle.
Chreese Hall, 14, a member of the Showdown, is a major reason for his confidence. Physically unimposing but able to hit three-pointers consistently, Hall headlines a group of incoming freshmen who will help cement a winning tradition at the school, at least as McCarthy sees it.
As a seventh-grader, Hall, a Dorchester native, led the New Boston pilot school to a hoop championship, along with Kimyana Dardy, another New Mission freshman. In a recent game against the Ladies on Point, Hall's talents were showcased. She hit a three-pointer, dove for a loose ball, and finished a few fast-break layups.
"She's going to be incredible," said Brittany White, coach of the Showdown. Hall will need to replace the scoring of White, who earned All-Scholastic honors for New Mission during its championship run last season and will play for the University of Bridgeport next season.
Hall will join returning starters Niesha Kelley and Bianca Flores, who have been playing for travel teams in tournaments all over New England. "Bianca is in the greatest shape of her life," McCarthy said. "Her jump shot is the best I've ever seen. Niesha is using her left hand more effectively and learning to play down low."
Against Ladies on Point, Hall's team prevailed, 36-25. Walking off the court, Hall wasn't pleased with her performance, including her team-high 12 points, calling it "the worst game I've played." McCarthy, though, says Hall's worst is better than most players' best, which he expects other teams will find out in short order.
JASON CLAFFEY 