On behalf of the Benjamin N.Cardozo Judges, we would like to thank Converse.

Cardozo Judges played their final game of a wonderful season at Madison Square Garden in the PSAL Class AA Boys Varsity City Championship. All season Converse has supported the team and playing in the City Championship game wasn’t any different. Converse blessed the #1 PSAL ranked and Queens Borough Champions Cardozo Judges with a prototype basketball sneaker “The Fadeaway”. The simple looking sneaker with black leather/suede and white stitching/sole, had some nice features that made this a unique and excellent basketball sneaker. Official release date hasn’t been determined.

2010 Rucker Invitational @ Wadleigh High School (The Judges wearing Converse)

Cardozo played a close game down the stretch but fell short to Boys and Girls High School losing 50-55. Next season The Judges are ranked top three in the PSAL. They’re losing some key guys in Dwayne Brunson, Malcolm Brooks, Ryan Rhoomes and Reynaldo Walters Jr. to college but the talented Judges could make a return with Marquis Barnett, Chris Gayot, Shelton Mickell and incoming Junior Varsity freshmen 6′8 Jermaine Lawrence.

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN PHOTOS

Cardozo’s Malcolm Brooks scored 22 points in the Judges’ 62-39 rout of Curtis. PSAL Class AA Quarterfinals
Photo by Damion Reid

By Zach Braziller

Malcolm Brooks listed his return to Cardozo this year at 50/50. Ron Naclerio, the zany longtime coach, didn’t expect him back.

Pace for Daily News: Cardozo #31 Dwayne Brunson – SNY Invitational Varsity Basketball game between Benjamin Cardozo and Rice High School held at the Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University on 1/30/10.

BY Mark Lelinwalla AND Ebenezer Samuel
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERS

Cardozo has the size, talent, bench and regular-season experience needed to pass the final Judgment.

That’s why the Daily News is picking the top-seeded Cardozo Judges to defeat No. 2 Boys & Girls and win their first-ever PSAL boys basketball ‘AA’ title at Madison Square Garden on March 6.

Photo by Harbus
Marquis Barnett,16,(center) from Cardozo High school lost his younger brother to a fire this past week in their apartment.
By Mark Lelinwalla
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Photo by: Denis Gostev

Photo by Nisha Sondhe

Cardozo Judges last two scrimmages were against tough opponents Christ The King and Lincoln High School both schools played aggressive as expected but The Judges played up to the talent and came out with some wins from both match-ups. Coach Naclerio wasn’t so much worried about the wins just like previous scrimmages he’s more concerned with the season. The Judges had a two week gap before their season began, they worked hard academically and physically in preparation for their season. The first game of the season was away at Beach Channel, Ryan Rhoomes had 17pts and 12 rebounds to help The Judges to a 64-42 win. Cardozo’s home opener on Tuesday against Martin Van Buren wasn’t a walk in the park at the half Cardozo was up by 4. Despite Van Buren competitiveness Cardozo’s own mistakes gave Van Buren false hope of winning. Van Buren’s coach pulled his starting five a little too soon allowing The Judges their second win 65-45. “That was a good game we had to come out hard because that was our first home game, that’s a tough team they came out and played their best” says Chris Gayot.

Ryan Rhoomes for the lay-up vs. Martin Van Buren

Shelton, Reynaldo and Coach Naclerio in a quick huddle vs. Van Buren

Last night’s game away at Campus Magnet a 0-3 team to start the season came out pressing. Coach Granby’s squad ran hard and trapped Cardozo’s guards creating turnovers very early. The Judges caused their own unnecessary turnovers the first half of the game but at half time they were up a little over ten. Coaches Mike Blissett and Bruno Comatuccio made some key points at half time. Size was on Cardozo’s side Maquris Barnett, Dwayne Brunson and Ryan Rhoomes were no match for the much smaller Campus Magent Bull Dogs. The second half Dozo’s guards made adjustments and got all three big men into the game. Campus Magnet’s only super talent Sasha Clarida was denied the ball and without help from his teammates Cardozo was able to go up by thirty before the 4th quarter. Coach Naclerio said “Slowly but surly we just wore them down, our talent is too good for them, a couple of things we did coaching wise like jumping the guards and denying Clarida the ball helped”. Campus Magnet played so hard the first half they were winded by the start of the third quarter. “Our starters came out played hard, I came off the bench supported my team did what I needed to do. Our defense is getting better next game is Thomas Edison at Edison were going to review the scouting report and have a tough practice tomorrow” says Dwayne Brunson. The Judges never heisted to play their game despite bad calls by the refs The Judges went on to beat Campus Magnet 75-51.

Cardozo’s bench vs. Campus Magnet

Dwayne Brunson’s 3 pointer vs. Campus Magnet

Up next for The Judges an intense practice the next three days in preparation against some tough competitors. Cardozo is away at Thomas Edison, home vs. Flushing and away at rival Bayside. Cardozo Judges are currently 3-0 to start the season. . The New York City papers have Cardozo ranked #4 in PSAL Boys Basketball and #8 in the City. Standouts Shelton Mickell, Chris Gayot, Ryan Rhoomes, Dwayne Brunson, Marquis Barnett and Norfolk bound Reynaldo Walters are expected to bring their A game. No one on Naclerio’s team is a superstar the entire team is talented and when playing team basketball The Judges may have a good chance reaching their goal, the City Championship.

Marquis Barnett escapes turmoil, blossoms on hardwood
By Mark Lelinwalla
NY Daily New Sports Writer

Far Rockaway is easily one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city. But after all that Marquis Barnett has been through, he is proud to call it home. Right now, the former St. Raymond HS forward is thankful just to have a home.
“I’m happier,” Barnett said. “Things are looking better than they were.”