Public League schools
looking competitive on the courts

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

The local Philadelphia Public League basketball teams have always upheld a solid reputation throughout the Northeast.
This year should be no different.
The four local squads — Abraham Lincoln, Frankford, George Washington and Northeast — are confident in their capabilities this season on the court.
Here is a glance at the local teams competing in the Public League B Division.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Abraham Lincoln High School may have one of the most senior-heavy squads this season, but the Railsplitters are lacking in experience.
In fact, they have a new starting lineup.
Ismail Greenlee — a 6-foot-3 forward — will lead the Railsplitters this season, alongside fellow seniors David Goldsmith at center and Dorrell Harrington, a guard.
Junior Maurice Robinson will join Harrington in the back court, with Jamar Winn rounding out the starting lineup at forward.
"We’re very fast and athletic," said coach Steve Gittleman. "We don’t necessarily have a lot of size, but we make up for it with speed."
Senior guard Markief Azuakoemu, center Daniel Randall and forward Jerome Brown will also see some playing time this season.
"We’re playing hard and working hard to get to the playoffs and then we’ll take it from there," said Gittleman. "The team is playing well together, which is key."

FRANKFORD
After losing several solid players to graduation, most basketball teams would be scrambling to fill the void. But for the Frankford High School squad, some juniors are ready for the challenge.
"We lost a lot of key players," said coach Ben Dubin. "But we have a few really talented guys stepping up, and I think they should have a great year."
With five senior starters this season, the Pioneers are optimistic about their chances. Team captain and guard Malik Ballard will be heading the squad this year. He’ll be joined in the back court be fellow senior guard John Booker and sophomores Terrell Clark, Jerline Harris, and Harold Hicks, as well as senior Steven Haynes — who had 137 points last year and is expected to enjoy even more success this season.
Senior forwards Malik Tinsley and Khayree Brown — who collectively sank 273 points last season — will play forward for the Pioneers, alongside sophomore Darryl Poole.
Although Frankford does not have a true center this season, stellar play from the supporting cast should compensate, Dubin hopes.
"We have a lot of speed on the team," said Dubin, now in his third year heading the Pioneers. "I think if the guys work hard enough and we play the right way, we’ll definitely be in the mix this season."

GEORGE WASHINGTON
After qualifying for postseason play in five of their last six seasons, the Eagles’ basketball team is hoping to achieve another successful year on the court.
Leading the way will be senior guard Andrew Goodman, who scored 136 points last season. He will be joined in the back court by senior guard Darnell Jenkins.
Six-foot-five junior Dominique Conner will play forward, with senior Robert Smith at center.
Donte Williams — a 6-foot-3 sophomore swing guard — will have his varsity debut this year.
"I think he is one of the better players to ever walk through this school," said coach Calvin Jones. "We’re hoping to see some really good things from him.
"We’re expecting to have a good year," the coach added. "The kids are working really hard. We have a very athletic team, and a very quick team."

NORTHEAST
Northeast High School superstar Sean Evans left some pretty big shoes to fill after his graduation in June. The forward averaged 22 points per game during his final season with the Vikings and now plays for the Red Storm of St. John’s University.
"We’re having trouble replacing him," said coach Elsa Cohen. "But we have some good athletes with a lot of speed."
The Vikings’ starting lineup will consist of senior guards Corey Wilkins, Tyron Lytes and Jordan Green. Forward Marcus Booker and center Brandon Hurst will round out the key players on this year’s squad.
Also seeing some time on the court will be guards Devin Colston, Demetrius Davis and Austin Sampson. Junior forwards Lionel Berdecia and Steven Pinckney will be joined in the front court by freshman Kyree Morton.
Sophomore Daniel Patriarca will handle point-guard responsibilities.
"They have a lot of quickness," said Cohen. "I expect them to work really hard and work as a team, and that should take us places." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com