St. Anthony’s defends Hamilton Park Title

JERSEY CITY, N.J. - St.Anthony’s  coaches and players knew the defense of its title would not be easy. The Friars had sights set on repeating as Hamilton Park Summer League champions but realized there were several worthy challengers. When the smoke cleared last Thursday and the Friars defended the championship there was a slight surprise. The team they defeated 51-48 in a tough contest was not Hudson Catholic. Rather it was another in-city power, St. Peter’s Prep.

In the semifinals Prep eliminated Hudson 55-49 in overtime. Hudson had been knocked out of the Parochial B State Tournament by the Friars last March. With virtually everyone returning, the Hawks were projected as a possibility to keep St. Anthony’s from defending their Parochial and New Jersey State Tournament of Champions crown this Winter. An early season matchup in the Hamilton Park League between the two schools served further notice as Hudson emerged victorious.

… Continue Reading

Hamilton Park All-Stars follow the lead of their coach

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Billy Armstrong played for Bob McKillop in the Nineties. A former Davidson guard, Armstrong swears by his former coach’s methods and style. So when the Bergen Catholic (NJ) High School coach was asked to direct the Hamilton Park All-Star team, a few considerations and challenges had to be addressed. There would be no practices and minimal preparation, in stark contrast to the McKillop philosophy of meticulous preparation and attention to detail. Armstrong did follow his college mentor’s example in one aspect, he sized up the situation at hand and adjusted.

… Continue Reading

Summer in Jersey City: Hamilton Park is the place to be

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – In recent years when fellow basketball officials inquired about the summer league(s) worked by yours truly, the Hamilton Park circuit was always prominently mentioned. When asked what teams were in it, the presence of national power St. Anthony’s seemed to give the league instant validation. Today in year ten, the league is known in the New York-New Jersey area for its competitiveness, organization and excellent competition. St. Anthony’s is still there, but there are a host of strong programs in the twenty-team high school division.

… Continue Reading