Mookie Thomas connects on a free-throw during the first half.

By Trevor Kapp

“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” was the perfect choice for music during halftime of the game between #4 N.I.K.E. 1 and #1 Dyckman. It was an old song for an old team with lyrics that couldn’t have captured the moment any better.

There really was no stopping the 37-year-old Junie Sanders, or 32-year-old Darren Phillip or 31-year-old Tyrone Grant as the veteran-led N.I.K.E. 1 held an unfathomable 35-point lead at recess, eventually defeating the younger Dyckman, 119-107.

Donnie McGrath could barely watch.

N.I.K.E. 1 never trailed, scoring the first eight points of the game and leading 27-16 after the first. Dean Murray’s team extended that to 45-18 after Mookie Thomas connected with Lloyd Clinton for consecutive ally-oops with 6:40 left in the second.

Seven N.I.K.E. 1 players scored in double figures, led by Rob Lewin’s 22 and Grant’s 18.

Donnie McGrath, who had a great summer on 68th and Lexington, led Dyckman with 25 points and former UConn Huskie Craig Austrie added 17.

PDG Queensbridge vs. Gold’s Gym

In the first game, defending-champion #3 PDG Queensbridge benefited from the returns of Bryant Dunston and Alexis “Flex” Foyle to upend #2 Gold’s Gym, 111-108.

Queensbridge controlled the tempo throughout and led by 15 at the half.

But Gold Gym’s Andre Barrett drilled a three with 8:17 left in the fourth to cut the deficit to two.

With Queensbridge leading 109-108 with 43 second left, Barrett caught an outlet at midcourt and threw a bullet that went through teammate Mark McCarroll’s hands out of bounds. On the ensuing possession, Keon Lawrence put home a tough tear-drop to give Q.B. a three-point lead.

Rashad “King” Bell’s three at the buzzer missed and Lou Garnes’ team held on.

Foyle scored 23 points and Jarrid Frye added 19 for Q.B.

Bell led Gold’s Gym with 28 points and 7 boards, and Barrett poured in 18, but the team missed 19 free throws.

The Pro City finals are set for Thursday at 7 p.m. with PDG Queensbridge taking on N.I.K.E. 1 in a match up of the last two Pro City champions.

Dyckman

By Jonathan Lopez

Dyckman gave its fans a triple header of playoff basketball on Tuesday night with Mann Up taking on JTA, 84th Street vs. Keepin’ Youth Dreams Alive (KYDA), and Rodney Park against Bowen’s Basketball.

Jordan T. aka “I Believe” dropped 45 in a double OT effort to help Mann Up outlast JTA. Tony Murphy added 17 and “2 Good 2 Be True” Walker poured in 16 for Mann Up while Hendrick “Air Jamaica” Foster led JTA with 24 buckies. Foster was helped out by Alvin, who contributed 16, and Kurt Cuffy, who added 12. Mann Up squeaked out the W 113-109 and they will see Bingo’s All-Stars in the next round.

Game 2 featured Steve Burtt, Jr. aka “Killer Instinct” for 84th Street against Sundiata “Lotta Yatta” Gaines for KYDA in a match up of two premiere NYC guards. Killer Instinct got the best of Yatta in this one with tough drives to the cup and by earning plenty trips to the charity stripe; Burtt led all scorers with 33. Al Shepp added 16 for 84th Street.

Steve Burtt, Jr. matched up against Sundiata Gaines in the second game.

Yatta ended up with 24 buckies, but KYDA’s next leading scorer was Dredd with only 11. This one got ugly toward the end as 84th Street opened things up. 84th Street won, 79-59, and will face Team Posse in the second round of the playoffs.

The final game of the night looked like it should’ve been a blowout, on paper at least. Bowen’s Basketball was stacked with stars like Anti-Freeze, Body Wide, Africa aka Black & Mild, Fab and Murder aka The Humble One.

Meanwhile, Rodney Park had “Papi,” who stood at about 5-11 and like 230 lbs. Of course, Rodney Park had Jamel White, who led them with 16, and Jerome, who added 13. Not only did Rodney Park make it a close game, but they actually beat Bowen’s Basketball earlier in the season. Body Wide made it clear to everyone in the park that history was not going to repeat itself last night, he only finished with siven but his presence was felt on the glass and defensive end. Plus, you have to consider the intimidation factor as he didn’t stop running his mouth all game long, challenging doubters in the crowd to put their money where their mouth is.

The Humble One led Bowen’s Basketball with 20, but it was Antawn “Anti-Freeze” Dobie, aka “Flap Jacket,” who made the plays down the stretch that kept Bowen’s Basketball’s hopes of reaching the Tournament of Champions alive with the win, 74-69. They advance to face Team 914 next round.

Tonight, Dominican Power faces Queens Bridge and R2K/HITS takes on Da Young Ones.

West 4th

Miguel “Miles High” Millien dropped 26 points as Pick & Roll knocked off No Excuses, earning a spot in the West 4th semifinals.