BASKETBALL: LaSalle-'High School' rivalry to be reprised

Sports

June 20, 2009

By Jonah Bronstein The Niagara Gazette Sat Jun 20, 2009, 01:50 AM EDT

When the new Niagara Falls High School opened nine years ago, one of Western New York’s greatest basketball dynasties was formed.

And one of its greatest rivalries was destroyed.

Nine years later, a local effort is under way to rekindle the passionate hardwood battles between “High School” and LaSalle.

An alumni game pitting Powercats against Explorers on Sept. 5 at Niagara University’s Gallagher Center will highlight the Labor Day All-Star Classic Reunion Weekend, presented by the P.E.A.C.E and Luv4self community organizations.

“Everybody misses the competitiveness between the two schools,” said Keith Muhammad, co-founder of Luv4self.

William Barksdale, founder of P.E.A.C.E, said the proposed event has gotten an overwhelming response from alumni, especially those who have left town.

The event will also feature a breakdancing competition, a step show, and choir performance, Barksdale said, and Muhammad plans to organize all-star games featuring youth and high school players.

“We’re also looking to maybe have a banquet on Friday night, and a cookout on Sunday,” Muhammad said.

Muhammad said former LaSalle star Carlos Bradberry is also helping to organize the game, and hopes to convince his former coach, Pat Monti, to attend. Monti was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame last fall.

At least one LaSalle great, Tim Winn, won’t be able to play because he’s relocating to North Carolina this summer. But Winn said he’s excited about the event, especially if it serves to educate younger players about the legendary rivalry.

“There’s no comparison,” Winn said Friday from Syracuse, where he is coaching his VFI Ballers team at an AAU tournament. “The schools combining was great for our city, but I think there was more passion when we had that rivalry.”

Those interested in participating or attending the event are encouraged to contact William Muhammad at 940-7296 or brobilly13@yahoo.com. Keith Muhammad can be reached at 201-9670, or kmuhammad@luv4self.org.

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