I remember in 1981 when I was playing ball on a Saturday at PS127 scrimmage a few folks was talking about Alexander Hamilton who won the PSAL City Championship that year was playing Franklin HS the Philadelphia City Championship at the Palestra in Philadelphia on CBS.
I got home and eager to watch this event not knowing any of these schools. A-Ham took it to Franklin that day and beat them. This was the beginning of watching HS basketball. I went to the 1981 Newsday Classic at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island to watch the best of NYC vs LI. And remembering a few of these players who went on and had a great college career and NBA career. Here is my top five nominees:
1. Jerry “Ice” Reynolds – Alexander Hamilton: I put Jerry “Ice” Reynolds on top of this list and he dominated the NYC circuit 1981. He was the reason A-Ham had something special and made his teammates better. Led Hamilton to the PSAL City Championship by beating Jackson HS. Reynolds played at LSU and in the NBA with the Bucks and Magic.
2. Chris Mullin – Xaverian: Mullin was All City and led Xaverian High to the New York State championship beating Alexander Hamilton who just beat Franklin High. Mullin and Roger McCreddy led the way in Glens Falls. Note – they didn’t win the CHSAA City Championship but quality for an At Large spot. Mullin had a great career at St Johns and the mainly the Golden State Warriors however we had to give Reynolds his due of what he accomplished that season.
3. Ed Pinckney – Stevenson:Pinckney was All City at Stevenson and was a standout in the Class of 1981. In his Junior year he help the Ambassadors capture the PSAl City Championship along with teammate Fred Brown. Pinckney went on to lead Villanova to the 1985 NCAA championship and was a NBA Journeyman for several seasons.
4. Eugene “Beetle” Washington – Alexander Hamilton: Washington was the floor general for A-Ham City Championship squad. He had some serious handles and knew when to deliver. He was the most exciting player to watch in the city that year. A first team All City selection by all the New York Press. Washington played his college ball at the University of New Orleans.
5. Kenny Patterson – Forest Hills:Kenny P had a mad handle and was quick on the floor. An All-City standout who took his talents to DePaul and became a star on Ray Meyer squad.
Honorable Mention:
Dewayne “DJ” Johnson – Mater Christi: DJ come from a great list of Mater Christi players. An outstanding scorer and defender who dominated the paint. In 1981 he was All City and played at Marquette in which he was a standout for a few seasons.
Lorenzo Charles – Brooklyn Tech:The late Lorenzo Charles was one of Brooklyn’s best. He dominated in scoring and rebounding at Brooklyn Tech which earn him All City honors in 1981. Charles was the hero of the 1983 National Championship Game when he dunk the ball of a Derrick Wittenburg desperate shot which NC State upset Houston.
This is the list of players who graduated from high school in 1981. I have to give Reynolds the top notch with the work they put in and prove to be the best player in his class. Yes Mullin and Pinckney were better at the next level. Ray Haskins squad had Carey Scurry, Ed Davender and his team had 16 Division I scholarship players.
