Spirit of Giving Continues

Spirit of Giving Continues

Pols Hand out Gifts at 3 Kings Celebration

#3KingsDay

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 12- State Senator Jeff Klein, together with Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda and District Leader Julia Rodriguez hosted the 2nd annual Three Kings Day celebration on January 11th. 

More than 200 community members, families and children came together to celebrate the

Feast of the Epiphany -- featuring a special appearance by a talented magician, music by the Church of the Holy Family choir and school choir, an animated narration of the nativity scene and a fun-filled toy giveaway for children.

“At our second annual Three Kings Day celebration, I couldn’t be happier or more proud to see all of you out here celebrating together. This is a special holiday for so many of our friends, neighbors and community members,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “In a short period of time, this event has grown to be a tremendous success and I would like to thank my colleagues Assemblyman Sepúlveda and District Leader Julia Rodriguez for helping to make that happen. I wish all of you a happy holiday and health, joy and prosperity in the New Year.”

"What makes the holiday season so beautiful is the feeling of community that is indelibly woven into our daily lives," said Assemblyman Sepúlveda. "This Three Kings Day event is a time when our community comes together again at the close of the Christmas season in the hopes that we may maintain those feeling of charity and kindness for the months ahead. Our celebration aims to continue this trend into the new year as a reminder that such good will should be a part of our daily lives."

The celebration began in the early afternoon, where members of the community followed in a spirited procession from Roselyn Johnson Democratic Headquarters to Mechler Hall

at the Church of the Holy Family. The program kicked off with a performance by the school choir, followed by a selection of songs in spanish and a narration of the nativity scene by the church choir. Guests enjoyed light snacks and refreshments including hot dogs, juice, coffee and more. Children in attendance were given a special toy at the end of the event, including stuffed animals, toy cars, and board games like Monopoly or Clue.

“I want to thank Senator Klein and Assemblyman Sepulveda for putting together this wonderful event and bringing the community together. Three Kings Day is one of my favorite holidays and this is such a wonderful way to celebrate. Because of their efforts, I’m already looking forward to next year,” added District Leader Julia Rodriguez.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Let it Snow

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Let it Snow: Let it Snow #Bronx Zoo BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 9 - Snow Leopards enjoy a wrestle in the snow at the Bronx Zoo.WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation...

Let it Snow

Let it Snow

#Bronx Zoo

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 9- Snow Leopards enjoy a wrestle in the snow at the Bronx Zoo.WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx Zoo received .7 inches of snow today, and earlier this week on Tuesday it received 1 inch. These five photos highlight a few animals enjoying the season’s first snowfall.

Photos by Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hall of Famers Johnson, Martinez relay Yankee Memo...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hall of Famers Johnson, Martinez relay Yankee Memo...: Hall of Famers Johnson, Martinez relay Yankee Memories #RandyJohnson  #PedroMartínez  #John Smoltz  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YOR...

Hall of Famers Johnson, Martinez relay Yankee Memories

Hall of Famers Johnson, Martinez relay Yankee Memories

#RandyJohnson  #PedroMartínez  #John Smoltz 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 8- The four baseball legends, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martínez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio, who are the newest elected members of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, were at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City on Wednesday morning for the Hall’s annual press conference for its newest members. 

Four is the largest number newly elected members since 1955 when Joe DiMaggio, Gabby Hartnett, Ted Lyons and Dazzy Vance were chosen. The three pitchers chosen in their first year on the ballot is a new record. It is obvious after evaluating each of the players’ careers in its entirety, that each member of the Class of 2015 deserved the honor he has been given. 

The press conference on January 7 was very upbeat as each of the elected was in high spirits and drew many laughs from those assembled in the Jade Room. Two of the four men played for New York clubs.

Randy Johnson’s accomplishments earned him a vote of 97.3 percent, the eighth highest total in HOF voting history. The lefty had a career mark of 303-166 and an ERA of 3.29 with 4,875 strikeouts, second only to Nolan Ryan. During his lengthy big league career, 1988-2009, there were numerous impressive achievements in individual games and single seasons as well. 

The 6 foot 10 hurler was a 10-time All-Star, 9-time strikeout leader and 4-time ERA leader. He was a 5-time Cy Young winner, 4 years in succession (1999-2002). He is the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game. 

In January 2005, the Diamondbacks traded him to the Yankees. He played two seasons in the Bronx before being traded back to the Diamondbacks in January 2007. Johnson spoke with delight of playing in Yankee Stadium, “As a visiting player for 9 ½ years, there was no greater place to come to than old Yankee Stadium. I wanted to come to New York and be thrown in the fire. I loved every minute. I loved New York.” He spoke of Old Timers’ Days, when he was able to speak to Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra and Reggie Jackson and added, “Who wouldn’t love that.”

Johnson also talked of the controversy of those two years, “I maybe didn’t pitch as well as people wanted…Playing for the Yankees was at the end of my career [He began with NY at the age of 41.] I gave it everything I had [He pitched with a herniated disc in his back in 2006].” Johnson had a mark of 17-8 and 17-11 in his two seasons in the Bronx.

The irrepressible Martínez, who pitched at Yankee Stadium with its biggest rivals, the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, quickly and humorously responded to Johnson, “You’re lucky Randy. Having to face the Yankees as a visiting player with the Red Sox, the Yankees fans wanted to intimidate you, but they recognized greatness.” 

The four-year veteran of the Mets, 2005-2008, contrasted the fans of the two New York clubs, “In Queens, they are wild and happy. They settle for what they have, but Yankee fans cannot-[it’s] win or nothing.”

Martínez then spoke more seriously of his feelings of playing in New York, “I really enjoyed the time in New York. I learned a lot. I have no complaints about being in New York. I loved it here.”

The quartet will be inducted in Cooperstown, New York on July 26.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Home Sweet Home for Jaspers

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Home Sweet Home for Jaspers: Home Sweet Home for Jaspers #ManhattanCollege By Gary Quintal  BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 8- After playing 11 of their first 13 games away f...

Home Sweet Home for Jaspers

Home Sweet Home for Jaspers

#ManhattanCollege

By Gary Quintal 

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 8- After playing 11 of their first 13 games away from home, the Manhattan College Jaspers hosted the Saint Peters Peacocks Wednesday evening winning 68-63. 

Prior to the game, Junior Shane Richards was honored for holding the Manhattan record for three pointers converted (167).  Richards achieved the record during  the December 20th 73-69 victory over Morgan State.  

During the game, Senior Emmy Andjuar led Manhattan with 21 points becoming the 36th player to score 1000 career points as a Jasper. Manhattan plays 4 of its next 6 games at home including A Saturday evening match-up against Niagara. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 2015 Comes in with a Bang

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 2015 Comes in with a Bang: 2015 Comes in with a Bang #NYPD #Shootings (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 8- As the murder rate in New...

2015 Comes in with a Bang

2015 Comes in with a Bang

#NYPD #Shootings

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 8- As the murder rate in New York City fell to its lowest level in 50 years-- 2014 ended with a man shot in Morris Park in the closing minutes of the year and the new count began with the killing of a 26-year-old man in Melrose.

The NYPD reported 328 murders for the year, seven fewer than the year before and the lowest since 1963, the year when records of such grim statistics became necessary. A far cry from the bad old days like 1990, when the city logged 2,245 murders.

The figures offer little consolation to the family of Herb Huntley, 26, who was shot and killed in the lobby of 671 Westchester Avenue at just before 3 a.m. on January 1.

Police closed off the lobby as they conducted their investigation, as revelers returned home from their celebrations and had to enter the St. Mary's Park Houses complex through the stairs to get to the elevator on the first floor.

One woman used the slogan of a roach motel describing the building, claiming, "Strangers walk in this building, but they don't walk out.”

The woman said she heard four shots before police arrived.

Another woman claimed it was the third murder around the complex in as many years. The resident of the complex also claimed that cops no longer patrol the complex and surveillance cameras no longer work— giving free reign to drug dealers who often use the lobby and staircase as their office.

Police say Huntley was shot in the head and chest and died at Lincoln Hospital. Police have no suspects or motive at this time. The year ended with gunfire in Morris Park as a man was reported shot at 11:45 p.m. at the corner of Rhinelander and Hone Avenue. Few details on the incident were available.

One resident asked, "So why wasn't it in the news? Because you didn’t hear about it doesn't mean it didn't happen. Is that suppose to make us feel safer?"

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hate Speech?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hate Speech?: Hate Speech? Accused Gunman Made Feelings Known about Cops #NYPD #CopShooting By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 7- Before the bu...

Hate Speech?

Hate Speech?

Accused Gunman Made Feelings Known about Cops

#NYPD #CopShooting

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 7- Before the bullet left his gun aimed for two police officers, Jason Polanco’s hatred of cops was on display. The Fordham man was arrested for wounding two cops after robbing a bodega.

Polanco’s Facebook page has photos such as two kids painting “F—- the Police” on a fence. Another had stick figures of an officer beating another figure on the ground stating: “Stop police brutality.”

News of Polanco’s views came to light after the arrest of the Fordham man for allegedly shooting two police officers. Monday night’s shooting, coupled with the such posts on social media, has police believing there is a war on cops. 

The shooting, coupled with the anti-cop rhetoric, is eerily similar to the assassination of Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu. Ismaaiyl Brinsley shot the officers to death as they sat in their squad car in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Later it was revealed that Brinsley had posted messages of hatred toward the police on his social media accounts.

At this time it appears that Polanco allegedly opened fire to escape arrest and not simply target police officers.

Polanco was charged with attempted murder of a police officer, attempted murder, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and assault. 

His partner, Joshua Kemp of Metropolitan Oval in Parkchester, was charged with robbery, grand larceny, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of stolen property.

Cops say Polanco wounded Kemp when he opened fire on Officers Andrew Dossi and Aliro Pellerano. Investigators were on to Kemp when he went to a Manhattan hospital for treatment after being shot. 

Kemp was on parole for robbery and has a record of 10 arrests was busted for his part in the robbery which led to the double cop shooting.

Investigators said the shooting sprang from a robbery earlier. Members of the Anti-Crime unit responded to the armed robbery of PN Deli in Fordham. Surveillance video of the robbery show one gunman holding the employees on the ground, while his accomplice emptied the cash register.

When police approached Polanco at a Chinese takeout restaurant a short time later, the man is seen on surveillance video opening fire.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hunt for Cop Shooter

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Hunt for Cop Shooter: Two Police Officers Wounded in Fordham Heights Gun Battle By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 6- A day after NYPD po...

Hunt for Cop Shooter

Two Police Officers Wounded in Fordham Heights Gun Battle

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 6- A day after NYPD police officer Wenjian Liu was laid to rest, two anti-crime cops were wounded after they responded to a call of a robbery in progress at a deli in Fordham Heights.

Details were still sketchy, but officials say officers from the 46th Precinct anti-crime unit were in the area when an alert of a robbery in progress was reported at a deli located at East 184 Street and Tiebout Avenue at 10:23 p.m. on January 5.

Officials say a 30-year-old male officer was hit in the lower back and left arm and was reported to be in surgery in the wee hours of January 6. The unidentified officer was listed in critical, but stable condition.

The second wounded officer is a 38-year-old male who was shot in the chest and left arm and remains in stable condition at the same hospital.

Officials say that after the gun battle, one suspect fled in a stolen white Chevy Camaro-- that crashed on Park Avenue. Dozens of uniformed officers were brought in to canvas the area for the suspect.

Police would later recover the .45 caliber handgun tossed in a construction site at Fordham Plaza.

Dozens of officers were brought to the area in vans as they shutdown bus service across Fordham Road and briefly halted train service out of the Fordham Road Metro North Station.

Detectives would discover a second vehicle involved, a Nissan Altima outside of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan and are currently questioning a man being treated for a gun shot wound to the back.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton paid a late-night visit to the officers at the hospital.

Bratton briefed reporters on one officer's condition, saying, "He is currently in the operating room and is listed in critical condition."

By daybreak, police would release a video of the gunman, believed to be still at large. The suspect already in custody had not yet been charged as of Tuesday morning.

One Bronx detective warned, "They'd better turn themselves in because there's not a rock in the world they can hide where we won't find them."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): VCU Defeats Fordham in A-10 Conference Opener

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): VCU Defeats Fordham in A-10 Conference Opener: VCU Defeats Fordham in A-10 Conference Opener #Fordham By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 5- The first steps toward March Madness ...

VCU Defeats Fordham in A-10 Conference Opener

VCU Defeats Fordham in A-10 Conference Opener

#Fordham

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 5- The first steps toward March Madness of 2015 took place on the first weekend of 2015 as the NCAA conferences began their schedules. On Sunday afternoon, the VCU Rams (11-3, 1-0), the pre-season selection of Atlantic-10 coaches and SIDs to finish first in the conference visited the Rose Hill Gym in the Bronx to face the team selected to finish last, the Fordham Rams (5-7, 0-1).

The visitors, under the able direction of Shaka Smart, one of the most respected young coaches in college basketball, exhibited why their havoc defense is so feared. VCU forced 14 Fordham turnovers in each half of the game. Fordham’s 28 turnovers exceeded its 20 field goals. Sunday’s contest was the fifth for VCU in which its’ opponents turnovers were equal to or exceeded its field goals. VCU scored 36 points off Fordham’s turnovers, nearly 50 percent of its 75 points, contrasted with Fordham’s 11 scored off VCU’s uncharacteristic 17 turnovers. 

The coaches of both teams spoke of the importance of turnovers in the result. Fordham coach Tom Pecora explained, “28 turnovers, that’s the key. It’s all about ball security.” Smart told reporters, “With some teams, if we apply a lot of pressure, we can get a lot of turnovers.” 

For the fifth straight game, VCU led from start to finish. They scored the first seven points of the contest. Freshman Terry Larrier netted a three at 10:54. In the next minute, 6-3 junior Melvin Johnson followed with two lay-ups. The production of the two Bronx natives gave VCU its first double digit advantage. 

Fordham cut the deficit to single figures in the last five minutes of the half.

Fordham began the second half with a 7-1 scoring run that cut the lead to a single point, 38-37, at 18:35. The short spurt was followed by VCU scoring 14 unanswered points to bring the score to 52-37 six minutes later. The double figure led remained for the final 12 minutes of the game that ended with a VCU victory by a score of 75-58.

Interesting to the nearly full house in the Bronx gym was the fact that two starters on the Virginia university five were natives of the Bronx while not one of the players for Fordham were born in the borough. Melvin Johnson, a junior, has improved his stats each season. Last year, he started 7 of 33 games but averaged double figures in points, 10.4, and was named the Atlantic-10 Sixth Man of the Year. He has started all 14 of the Rams’ games this year and is second in scoring and in minutes played on the team. Johnson scored nine, and had two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 22 minutes against Fordham.

Terry Larrier, a 6-8 freshman, made his first start of the season in his native borough. The most highly rated recruit for VCU since Kendrick in 1991, in 24 minutes on the court on Sunday, scored eight and had one rebound, assist and steal.

Fordham senior Mandell Thomas had a double-double, 14 points and 10 rebounds in the losing cause. Freshman Eric Paschal led Fordham scoring with 15. Sophomore Jon Severe, after an absence of seven games, scored nine in 20 minutes of action.  The VCU coach spoke of Fordham’s youngsters, “I like Fordham’s young players. They just have to get better.”

The Fordham women, on a three point basket by Danielle Padovano with 1.7 seconds on the clock in overtime, edged the Richmond Spiders, 65-64, in the second game of the home doubleheader for Fordham.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Ends 2014 with a Win

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Ends 2014 with a Win: Fordham Ends 2014 with a Win #Fordham #Basketball By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 2- The Fordham Rams men’s basketball team (5-6) ...

Fordham Ends 2014 with a Win

Fordham Ends 2014 with a Win

#Fordham #Basketball

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 2- The Fordham Rams men’s basketball team (5-6) ended 2014 by achieving their most one-sided victory of the season. The 74-54 win over the South Carolina State Bulldogs (4-11) was their second straight win over a team from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) within four days.

The visitors scored the first five points. A jumper by Fordham freshman Chris Sengfelder at 16:45 gave the Rams their first lead of the game. The advantage remained in effect for little more than one minute. The next Fordham lead did not come until more than 10 minutes later, also on a basket by Sengfelder. The half ended with Fordham leading 37-32 after concluding the half with an 18-8 scoring run. Sengfelder’s 12 points on 5 of 7 from the floor were the only double figure performance in the half.

After the half-time break, the Rams continued their onslaught by scoring the first 12 points of the second half to increase their advantage to 17 points, 49-32, with 15:33 left in the contest. The lead never again fell below 14. An end of the game scoring run of 8-2 gave the Rams a decisive win, 74-54.

The disparity in shooting percentage between the two teams deepened in the second half. Fordham’s rose from 48.4 to 56.5 while the Rams’ defense affected a decline in the shootings of the Bulldogs from 40.6 to 29.6.

Sengfelder led all scorers with his career high of 22 points. The native of Germany shot 9 of 13 from the floor and 4 of 5 from the free throw line. As 6 of his 9 baskets were layups, the 6-8 forward gave credit for his high point total to the Fordham guards, “The point guards do a great job of finding me.” 

Fordham’s superiority under the boards was reflected in their 42 points in the paint contrasted with 22 by the Bulldogs. Fordham’s coach Tom Pecora discussed the improvement of the guards on his team, “The guards are doing a better job finding the bigger guys where they can more easily score. It was the second game in a row with 20 assists”

The Atlantic 10 Conference schedule begins on the following weekend. One of the better teams in the conference, VCU, begins 2015 against the Rams at the Rose Hill Gym on January 4. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Grandma Killed on New Years

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Grandma Killed on New Years: Grandma Killed on New Years Grandson has Standoff with Cops #NYPD #Standoff (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JANU...

Grandma Killed on New Years

Grandma Killed on New Years

Grandson has Standoff with Cops

#NYPD #Standoff

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 2- A deranged man shattered a peaceful Throggs Neck street when he created a standoff with police after allegedly killing his 87-year-old grandmother.

Celebratory balloons were still hanging on a staircase of a Hollywood Avenue home as a small army of police confronted a deranged man who held police at bay for nearly 90 minutes on New Year's morning.

Officers from the 45th Precinct were called to 633 Hollywood Avenue at just before 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, and were met by the suspect who pelted them with household items including several chairs, dishes, even a blow-dryer.

Several squads of the elite Emergency Service Unit and an armored vehicle, as well as members of the NYPD's Hostage Negotiation Team, were called to the scene as police climbed through fences and backyards surrounding the two-story home.

Residents were ordered back into their homes as police confronted the combative man, only dressed in a pair of shorts-- across the street from I.S. 192, which was closed for the holiday.

One 52-year resident of the block was in shock as she walked out of her home and witnessed the chaotic scene. "No I've never seen anything like this. This is sick, what is this world coming to."

As police attempted to negotiate with the man, three people who escaped from inside the home were transported to Jacobi Hospital in stable condition.

Police say a 67-year-old female was treated for an arm injury, a 55 year-old male suffered head trauma and a 56 year-old female sustained a laceration to her face.

Unconfirmed reports stated that the man was quoting scripture and ranting about the coming apocalypse-- as he tossed items off the balcony at police.

Upon entry to the bedroom where the suspect remained barricaded, police apparently used a stun-gun to subdue the suspect and he was placed into a waiting ambulance where paramedics treated him for a leg injury.

Once inside police discovered the body of the suspect’s grandmother, identified as 87 year-old Alice Durso. Police had reported that a shotgun may have been in the home, but one police source stated that Durso had suffered severe head trauma and may have been killed with the broken leg of a wooden table.

The still-unidentified 48-year-old suspect remains in police custody at Jacobi Hospital where he will undergo psychiatric evaluation.

Inside the ambulance the suspect told paramedics he is bipolar.

Durso's husband Vincent, 75, made headlines after he disappeared on April 20, 2010, after a day of tennis in Crotona Park. Police recovered his 1997 Honda Accord, but his body was never found.

Durso's murder in Throggs Neck was not the first murder in New York City in 2015, that distinction went to Melrose where Herb Huntley, 26, was shot to death inside the lobby of a building at St. Mary's Houses.   

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic: Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic #Fordham #Princeton By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Fordham hosted the eighth ann...

Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic

Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic

#Fordham #Princeton

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Fordham hosted the eighth annual edition of the Fordham Holiday Classic on December 29 and 30. The invited teams for the end of the year women’s basketball tournament in the Bronx were the Hartford Hawks (6-8), the Princeton Tigers (15-0) and the Savannah State Lady Tigers ((4-7).

In the opening game of the tourney the hosts, Fordham Rams (8-5), were not overly hospitable to the visitors from Georgia. Neither team scored during the first 33 seconds of the contest, but Fordham’s first basket, a three by Hannah Missry, was a harbinger of what was to come. The Rams held the lead and built upon it throughout the game. Missry continued her pinpoint shooting from beyond the arc as she netted 5 of 9 to tie her career high of 15 points. The Rams took its first double digit lead, 12-2, at 15:21.

Despite the passage of 15 days since their last game, the Fordham defense held the visitors to a shooting percentage of only 24.1 while controlling the boards (24-14) in the first half. Fordham coach Stephanie Gaitley commented on the reasons for her team’s victory, “Our defense was a strong one. Outrebounding our opponent is a big part for us.”

The Lady Tiger’s one point advantage in the second half did not cut the deficit to single figures as Fordham moved to the tournament final with a 63-53 win. Fordham could not stop one player, Ezinne Kalu, who scored 26. Gaitley admitted her pre-game plan for the pre-season MEAC Player of the Year “was to not let her touch it [the ball].”

The other first round game on Monday was similar to the first game. The superiority of the undefeated Princeton Tigers in the first half could not be overcome by the resurgence by Hartford in the second half. Neither team scored for the first 32 seconds. Blake Dietrick’s basket gave the Tigers a lead that was never relinquished. Dietrick was the game’s high scorer with 27 points in 27 minutes on court during the contest. 

Two one-sided scoring runs gave the Tigers a 25 point advantage at the end of the first half. They scored 12 unanswered points to take a 23-7 lead at 11:51. Later in the half they scored 15 straight points to go up by 25 points, 41-16, at 2:29. The Tigers shot 59.4% while holding the Hawks to 27.6 percent in the first half.

The shooting percentages of the two teams were reversed in the second half as Hartford made a comeback attempt. Hartford shot 57.1 percent and held Princeton to 26.1 percent, but the seven-point advantage on the second period only cut the final score lead to 18 points for Princeton.

The consolation game that began Tuesday’s action was an exciting comeback win for Hartford. Savannah State’s defense kept the Hawks to only seven field goals on 33.35 shooting.

Three Hawks, Amber Bepko, Cherelle Moore and Morgan Lumb, showed energy, ability and leadership as they accounted for 38 of the 40 second half points scored by their team. The 52  percent shooting allowed the Hawks to make a late game run to win by four, 59-55. The absence of Kalu from the Savannah State lineup was also a factor in the result.

The Princeton Tigers showed their undefeated record this season deserves respect as they did not allow a second half surge by the Rams to nullify their victory. The final of the three lead changes took place mid-way through the first half during a run of 10 unanswered points scored by the Tigers. As the half neared its end, sight straight points by Princeton gave them a double figure advantage that remained through the first half.

The Rams, held to 25 percent shooting in the first half moved to a sterling 56 percent in the second. Gaitley remarked, “In the second half, we settled down and shot the ball well.” Despite cutting the deficit to single figures, 10 unanswered points by the Tigers raised the lead to a game-high 19 points at 4:11. The visitors won the two-day tourney with a 67-53 win. 

The knowledgeable and gracious Fordham coach spoke highly of her opponent, “They’re [Princeton] a top 25 team. They’re a very sound defensive team. They move the ball up the court very quickly.” The Tigers were 11-0 over the Rams in fast break points. 

Blake Dietrick of Princeton led the Tigers with 14 points and 7 assists. She was named the Tournament MVP. Gaitley spoke words of praise, “She’s a very good decision make. You don’t know how good she is until you play her.”

Fordham graduate student Tiffany Ruffin was the only Ram with double figures in each game and on the tournament team. Of her, Gaitley said, “Tiff’s the key to how far we will go.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause: Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- On December 29th and 30th, Lehman College played host...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause: Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- On December 29th and 30th, Lehman College played host...

Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause

Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- On December 29th and 30th, Lehman College played host to the 8th annual CUNY Athletic Conference Coaches vs Cancer Basketball Classic.  

Proceeds from the event benefited the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Last year's event at Lehman raised over $1,300.  Participants in this year's Classic included Lehman College, Adrian College (Mich.), Kean University (NJ), Shenandoah (Va.) University, and Maine Maritime Academy.   

The Lehman men played two individual match-ups, while the women played a tournament style event that culminted with a game winning three pointer by Amely Del Rosario with 0.3 seconds remaining in a 68-66 victory over Adrian College.  Del Rosario was named to the all tournament team as she tallied 36 points in her two games, including a game high 25 in the Championship match-up. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Holiday Filled with Tears

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Holiday Filled with Tears: Holiday Filled with Tears Vigil Held as Locals Mourn with Pakistani, NYPD Communities By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 30- A ...

Holiday Filled with Tears

Holiday Filled with Tears

Vigil Held as Locals Mourn with Pakistani, NYPD Communities

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 30- A crowd of nearly 100 gathered outside of Christopher Columbus High School on Astor Avenue for a tearful candlelight vigil held for the 132 school children killed by members of the Taliban in Peshawar, Pakistan.

The event, hosted by members of the Bronx Park East Community Association on Sunday, December 21, also became somewhat of a vigil after police officer's Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were murdered in Brooklyn a day earlier.

Imam Mudassar Husdain of the Masjid Noor ul- Huda Mosque told mourners that the killings, "had nothing to do with Islam, nothing to do with Muslims and nothing to do with honoring our beloved prophet Mohammad."

Husdain added, "We all have different backgrounds, different beliefs, but we do not take each others lives in vain."

Speaking on both horrific acts, local official Joseph McManus said, "It's just a crime, in my opinion the people that performed these acts are cowards."

The crowd as diverse in age as it was in race and nationality then lit candles and held a moment of silence. The crowd would later be asked to sign a poster that would be sent to schoolchildren in Pakistan.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Win for Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl Ends the ...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Win for Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl Ends the ...: Win for Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl Ends the Fracture #PennState By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 30- The second largest c...

Win for Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl Ends the Fracture

Win for Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl Ends the Fracture

#PennState

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 30- The second largest crowd to watch a football game at the new Yankee Stadium speaks volumes for the future of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl and possibly for more major college games in the Bronx. Penn State could be a part of that plan and more importantly their bowl game win over Boston College repaired the fractures of a wounded football program.

It has been a difficult period for the Nittany Lions and their fans. The NCAA leveled severe sanctions after a much profiled sex abuse scandal dominated the headlines over football, and this was their first bowl game appearance in two years. Many said the football program should have been banned, but that would not have been fair play for the many and outstanding student athletes that come and go.

That is all in the past. A championship atmosphere and playing on a field where champions have had more than one memorable moment can immediately be the best remedy for damage control. But the significance and triumphant moment of this win was still overshadowed by the scandal.

The question was asked Saturday night to the victorious and first year coach James Franklin: “You were going to being back Penn State football to its former glory?”

“I think we’ve been fractured,” Franklin commented. “We’ve been fractured in the last probably three years. But I think experiences and games like this has restored the hope. I believe when Penn State is together we’re all pulling the rope in the same direction. Doing what’s best for the students, doing what’s best for the players, doing what’s best for the community as a whole, then the sky is very high at Penn State.”

That overtime touchdown pass to Kyle Carter from Christian Hackenberg, and the game winning extra point that Sam Ficken kicked was best for all because Penn State and their community came together in the Bronx Saturday evening with their 31-30 win.

Ficken, a senior, sent the game into overtime with 20 seconds left to play with a 45-yard field goal that went into Monument Park, a home of memories for the illustrious ballplayers and dignitaries who signify the old and new Yankee Stadium as an iconic ballpark.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for my career,” he said. “It’s a storybook ending, really. I couldn’t have written a better way to go. This team has worked so hard and fought so hard. And to say we went to a bowl, first of all, and then won that bowl. It’s just really incredible.”

Incredible as it sounds, it is the reality that a damaged and tarnished Penn State program got the win they needed to be respectable again. The Pinstripe Bowl may not be a major bowl game though the Nittany Lions certainly made it look like one.

Ficken used the locker of retired captain Derek Jeter in the Yankees clubhouse. He said that was emotional and also an inspiration to get this win. The inspiration to get a win that meant so much for this Penn State football program.

“It was a football stadium tonight and an awesome one,” Franklin said when asked about playing in a baseball stadium and the game ending with an extra point that went his way.

For the victorious Nittany Lions, that jog to greet their loyal supporters in the outfield and reaching to touch them over the Yankees dugout, well that was eliminating pain of the past few years.

Hackenberg threw four touchdown passes. Seven seniors and 31 freshmen he played with were reminded of the great culture their football program had over the years. A scandal that will also be recounted time and time again may never be healed.

But one kick on a December night in the Bronx possibly ended the fracture for the Penn State football program. 

Comment: Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com   Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@ring786   www,newyorksportsexaminer.com 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Manhattan Wins Battle of the Bronx over Fordham

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Manhattan Wins Battle of the Bronx over Fordham: Manhattan Wins Battle of the Bronx over Fordham  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 30- The men’s basketball version of the “Bat...

Manhattan Wins Battle of the Bronx over Fordham

Manhattan Wins Battle of the Bronx over Fordham 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 30- The men’s basketball version of the “Battle of the Bronx” between the Fordham Rams (3-6) and the Manhattan Jaspers (4-7) was held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn last Monday night. It was only the second game of the 107 played between the two inter-borough rivals that were contested outside of the Bronx. In 2001, the rivals competed in Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. 

Fordham dominated the early minutes of the contest, leading 10-0 at 15:39. A three-pointer by Antwoine Anderson at 13:44 gave Fordham its largest lead of the game, 16-4. That high point for the Rams ended quickly as the Jaspers, on an 18-4 scoring run, took their first lead of the game, 22-20, at 6:40. Manhattan increased its advantage to 30-25 as the first half ended.

The five-point advantage grew quickly to a game-high of 22 for the Jaspers after they outscored the Rams 22-5 after 7:45 of play in the second half. Manhattan’s domination of the game between Fordham’s lead of 12 and Manhattan’s lead of 22, a 48-14 scoring run, determined the outcome of the game. This one-sided play was followed by a 23-10 run by the Rams to lower the Manhattan lead to single digits, 62-53, but the run was too little and too late to prevent Manhattan from capturing the contest, 71-57.

Steve Masiello, the coach of the Jaspers commented about his team’s comeback, “I thought Fordham was very well-prepared. We kept our poise. That’s a credit to our seniors. We got back to our defensive mindset. The press for us is really critical. They just chipped away. We knew we could get a run.”

Fordham’s coach Tim Pecora assessed what he believed were the reasons for his team’s loss, “The tougher team will win this game and they did. We didn’t make the effort plays in the second half and they did. Their three veterans stepped up and did the job. To come out and shoot 48 percent of free throws is challenging.” 

Three Manhattan upperclassmen who are averaging in double figures in scoring did so again on Monday. It was the second straight contest that Richards netted four for six from beyond the arc. The four three-pointers on six attempts raised Shane Richards’ school record to 170. Bronx native Ashton Pankey scored 12.

Emmy Andujar was voted as the recipient of the Mike Cohen MVP Award as the best player of the game by sportswriters covering the game. Andujar led the victorious team in scoring with 14 and rebounds with eight. Masiello praised him highly, “I thought he made some really good plays from a leadership standpoint. This kid is what college basketball is all about. This kid is a coach’s dream.” 

The award is given to honor a man who only lived 45 years and passed away 26 years ago but deserves to be remembered for the work he did to encourage and aid others including his decade of service as Manhattan’s Sports Information Director.

The Jaspers now lead the series that began during the 19911-12 season, 56-51.

Fordham returns to the Rose Hill Gym for its next three games, December 28, December 31 and January 4. Manhattan travels to Buffalo for two road games before returning to the Draddy Gym on January 7.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Words Kill

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Words Kill: Words Kill City Mourns 2 Cops Executed #WenuanLiu #RafaelRamos #NYPD By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 22- The month-long protest...

Words Kill

Words Kill

City Mourns 2 Cops Executed

#WenuanLiu #RafaelRamos #NYPD

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 22- The month-long protests against the use of excessive force by members of the NYPD has apparently been put on hold-- as two of New York's Finest were shot dead execution-style on the street's of Brooklyn.

Patrolman Wenuan Liu and Rafael Ramos were shot dead as they sat in their patrol car on Saturday, December 20. Gunman Ismaaiyl Brinsley, 28, would use the same gun to take his own life.

The following day the family of Eric Garner joined Reverend Al Sharpton in denouncing the use of violence against police officers.

Meanwhile, the NYPD has ended lone foot patrols of officers and the NYPD's Auxiliary force who patrol without weapons, has been discontinued until further notice. Officers across the nation have been put on a heightened alert. 

In reaction to the latest turn of events, Congressman Peter King told Fox News, "This is an absolute tragedy what occurred in New York, and it's really time for our national leaders, the president, it's time for the mayor of New York and really for many in the media to stop the cop bashing."

Rockland County Executive and former commander of the 47th Precinct detective squad Ed Day, stated, "To know that these brave men were murdered in cold blood should sicken us all... the cowardly act of senseless violence underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement every day."

Despite a pair of officers being assaulted on the Brooklyn Bridge on December 13, police gave Bronx protesters two extra minutes for a seven minute die-in outside the office of Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson's office on December 18.

Police Benevolent President Pat Lynch has publicly blamed Mayor Bill de Blasio for the deaths of the two officers and an online campaign reportedly has 50,000 signatures calling for the mayor's resignation.

Rumblings within the police union are even calling for ending all but the most urgent arrests made by officers. 

Meanwhile, police have announced a fourth arrest of individuals involved in the Brooklyn Bridge disturbance.   

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Garden Train Show

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Garden Train Show: Children of all Ages Enjoy Train Show Photos by Dan Gesslein Nothing says the holidays like a train circling a Christmas tree. But what...

Garden Train Show

Children of all Ages Enjoy Train Show

Photos by Dan Gesslein

Nothing says the holidays like a train circling a Christmas tree. But what about trains made up of trees? The NY Botanical Gardens continues its annual train display showcasing NY landmarks made out of plant material. In addition to the favorites like the Brooklyn Bridge and Yankee Stadium, this year’s exhibit features the 1964 World’s Fair complete with Unisphere.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): A Tale of Two Cities

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): A Tale of Two Cities: A Tale of Two Cities Another Deadly Week as Cops Battle Protestors By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- The homicide death toll ...