The PSAL is excited to announce the pairings for the first Tip Off Classic. This will give our fans an opportunity to see some quality non league games before the regular season begins. We have some of our best athletes showcasing their skills in this inaugural event. The teams are ready to roll with slam dunks, great defense, and an up tempo city game. As they say in Hollywood, lights, camera, action. Let the games begin.

Date: Saturday November 20, 2004
Place: Lehman College
Game Times: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm

The first boys’ match up will feature Paul Robeson vs Fredrick Douglass Academy at 3 pm. Paul Robeson, a perennial power in the PSAL, had a rough year two years ago but have put together a nice team and made the playoffs. They are back in the hunt with some new players, and their star, Malcolm Grant, leading the way. Their opponent, Fredrick Douglass Academy, has everyone returning from last year’s impressive showing in the playoffs. Top players are Corbin and Rodriguez. According to basketball guru Tom Konchalski, they are a final four club this year. This should be an interesting match up for our loyal fans.

The feature match up will pit Wings Academy vs. Benjamin Cardozo H.S. at 5 PM. Wings has a tremendous team with a number of new players. The backbone of the team, that made it to the second round of the playoffs last year before being upset by Tilden, is Andre Tarver, a junior who has already committed to Manhattan College. Their opponent, Benjamin Cardozo, runner up to Lincoln at the PSAL finals at Madison Square Garden, has a wealth of talent including some new players. Vic Morris already committed to play at Hofstra next year. Theo Davis, one of the best big men in the country, has recently made the decision to keep his college options open. What better way to start the season than with the excitement that this Classic offers. Hope to see you on Saturday, November 20, 2004.

Let the season begin!