Basketball - Boys Varsity
2009 National Prep School Champions
2004, 2008, and 2009 NEPSAC Class B Champions
Boys' Varsity Basketball at Tilton School is highly competitive and requires a major commitment from the students who participate. Regularly playing teams ranked among the best in the country, the Tilton team stresses the principles of effort, enthusiasm, discipline and unity as ingredients for success. Every year we strive to compete for a championship.
Drawing players from all over the country and throughout the world, participation in the Tilton Rams program offers an opportunity to have a challenging athletic experience. Each year our program sends players to a myriad of Division I, II and III schools. A list of recent Tilton School graduates and links to the Colleges for which they are playing is available on this page.
Every year, Tilton School tries to attract quality student athletes for the basketball program. As part of Class B, Tilton can have as many as four post-graduates on the team. Replenishing the program with younger players is critical to the team’s continuity. Whether you are an aspiring young player or a potential post-graduate, this is a terrific program for players who want to work hard and improve every day.
Tilton Earns Revenge In National Quarterfinal
3/11/2009
On February 7th, the Tilton Boys Basketball team travelled to Rhode Island to face one of Class A's best teams at the National Prep School Invitational. The Rams suffered a humilating 82-53 defeat that was hard to shake. Just over a month later, the Rams faced off against the same powerhouse in the National Prep School Championship. From the outset, it was clear that a much different Tilton team was on the floor.
The energy of the Rams on defense set the tone for the first half of the game, hampering the potent South Kent offense and creating transition baskets for Tilton. Unfortunately with 12 minutes remaining in the first half, Alex Oriakhi picked up his third foul. Undeterred, Tilton reserves Georges Niang and Matt Gaither filled the middle to help weather the storm. However, the story of the first stanza was Jamal Coombs-McDaniel who scored every way imaginable, tallying 23 in the half. His presence was also felt on the glass, grabbing 10 defensive boards in packs of the enorous front line of South Kent. Guards, Chris Barsanti and Gerard Coleman pitched in on the scoreboard with 7 a piece to establish the 47-37 lead at the break.
Tilton held onto the lead the entire second half as Coombs-McDaniel continued to put on an offensive show and Oriakhi, Scott Tavares-Taylor, Alex Kershaw and Gerard Coleman played frustrating defense. Coombs-McDaniel finished the game with 41 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. Gerard Coleman had 17pts, 5rebs and 4assists for the game. Oriakhi was the only other Ram in double figures with 11pts but gathered 7rebs and blocked 4 shots to help secure the win. Kershaw's stat line included 9pts, 8rebs and 2steals. Tavares-Taylor had 7pts, 7rebs and 5assists.
The win advanced Tilton to the final four of the National Prep Championship and was sweet revenge for the one embarassing loss of the season.
National Champions!
3/11/2009
At 8pm on Tuesday March 10th, the Tilton Rams were one of the two teams taking the floor at Endicott for the Prep School National Championship. Coming into the tournament, Tilton was seeded 5th and would be facing Hargrave, the number 2 seed, having just one loss all year. That loss came at the hands of Patterson, the nation's #1 ranked team most of the year.
Unphased by the powerful Hargrave squad, Tilton jumped on the heavy favorites in front of a pro Tilton crowd. Leading by as much as 17 points in the first half, Tilton went to the locker room with a 46-35 lead despite some early foul trouble with starters Alex Oriakhi, Alex Kershaw and Scott Tavares-Taylor. As usual, the Tilton bench made a huge contribution on both ends of the floor as Chris Barsanti, Georges Niang and Matt Gaither filled the void.
Hargrave had their own attack to launch and most of the missles were shot well beyond the 3 point arc. Meanwhile, a stiffling full court press, confused and tired the Tilton team, who saw their lead fizzle to just two points. With less than five minutes in the game, the Tilton starters staggered to the bench for one of their final timeouts to rest and regroup. In ensuing possessions, Coombs-McDaniel took control of the lead, draining consecutive 3 pointers, pushing the advantage back to 7 points. In retaliation, Hargrave hoisted 3's and put Rams on the line, a strategy that chisled the lead. With 3:21 remaining in the game, garbage man extraordinaire Alex Kershaw went to the bench with his fifth foul. In to replace him was fellow football star Matt Gaither. Poised for the moment, Matt was active on the perimeter and the boards and saved his finest play of the year for the final 30 seconds of the season by following a Tilton miss. Trailing the play with reckless abandon him tipped in the misfire, keeping the advantage at 4 points and a two possession game. After another Hargrave make, Tilton held a 95-93 margin when, Coombs-McDaniel went to the line with 9 seconds on the clock. After knocking down the pair, Tilton secured the final score of 97-93.
Coombs-McDaniel was named MVP of the tournament with 30points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Gerard Coleman was spectacular in the open floor with 25 points, while Oriakhi ended his final game in a Tilton uniform with 19pts and 17rebs. Kershaw was an animal, scoring 10pts, grabbing 8 boards and handing out 5 assists, not to mention taking on tough defensive assignments all night. Scott Tavares-Taylor was solid as the teams floor general with 9pts, 3rebs and 2assists. Gaither had 2 huge points and 5 tough rebounds, while Chris Barsanti and Georges Niang provided good minutes in the first half. It was a gratifying total team victory.
The first NEPSAC Class B team to ever receive an invitation to the National Prep Championship, Tilton capped off their spectacular season as 2009 Champions. The 29-2 record is the best in school history, while these Rams are the first to earn NEPSAC Class B championships back to back in Tilton's long history.
Rams down Class A Champion
3/10/2009
Back to Back Crowns for Rams
3/8/2009
Tilton Advances to Class B Championship
3/7/2009
The Tilton Rams are headed to Endicott College on Sunday for their second straight appearance in the Class B NEPSAC Championship game. For the second straight game they will be facing Marianapolis after defeating Hotchkiss in a semifinal game at Worcester Academy.
In the semifinal matchup, Tilton jumped all over the Connecticut opponent building a 55-28 halftime lead. By the break, Jamal Coombs McDaniel, Scott Tavares-Taylor and Alex Oriakhi had all reached double figures in scoring with 19, 11 and 11. The Tilton advantage was never in jeopardy despite the ability of Hotchkiss to get some offense going in the second frame. Coombs McDaniel finished with 29pts, 8rebs and 4assists; while Oriakhi tallied 16pts and 12rebs. Tavares-Taylor scored 22pts and handed out 4assists. Gerard Coleman finished with 9pts and 4assists. Alex Kershaw 7pts, Georges Niang 6pts and Chris Barsanti 3pts rounded out the scoring.
Tipoff for the championship game is 2pm.
Tilton Advances To Semifinal
3/4/2009
The Tilton Rams advanced to the semifinal round of the NEPSAC Class B tournament behind a decisive 97-71 win. Determined to surround Tilton big man Alex Oriakhi, other Rams found themselves open for shots early as Chris Barsanti poured in 17 first half points helping Tilton to the 49-37 halftime lead that balloned in the second half. Barsanti was Tilton's leading scorer with 24 points while Jamal Coombs McDaniel was not far behind with 21points, 9rebounds and 4assists. Scott Tavares-Taylor did a tremendous job as the floor general with 13 points, 13 assists and 5 steals. A host of other Tilton players performed well: Gerard Coleman (10pts, 4assists), Georges Niang (10pts, 6rebs), Alex Kershaw (9pts, 6rebs) and Oriakhi (4pts, 9rebs, 3blocks). Tilton's semifinal matchup is against a very strong Hotchkiss team from Connecticut. The Game if Friday at 5pm at Worcester Academy.
Tilton Finishes A Terrific Regular Season
2/26/2009
The Tilton Rams grabbed their final game of the regular season against Class B opponent Hebron Academy 78-63 in a game that every Ram played in each half and every Ram entered the scoring column. Three year varsity players Eric Hollingsworth and Chris Bolte earned a start in the final regular season and performed admirably. Hollingsworth who is headed to Bates College where he will play football finished the game with 9 points; while Bolte who is headed to Stonehill's Gridiron was a monster in the paint, ripping down 10 rebounds. Two year varsity player, John Bejakian also took advantage of extended minutes, knocking down a pair of threes. Bejakian has not yet chosen a college but will picking from several schools who are recruiting him for soccer. The win closes the door on the 23-2 2008-09 campaign. Tilton will begin Class B tournament play next Wednesday, most likely at home as the Rams were undefeated in Class B and should capture the top seed.
Tilton Bests Proctor
2/25/2009
The Tilton Rams hosted red hot Lakes Region rival Proctor Academy for a Wednesday afternoon contest. Coming off seven straight wins, it was clear from the outset that Proctor was going to go toe to toe with the top ranked team in Class B. Despite their fierce play, Tilton managed a ten point halftime lead 38-28. In the second frame, Proctor continued to counter Tilton's attack, cutting the advantage to as little as five points. In the end, the Rams balanced attack prevailed as the Rams improved their record to 22-2. Double figure scorers for Tilton included Gerard Coleman 20, Alex Oriakhi 15, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel 11 and Scott Tavares Taylor 11. The rebounding leaders were Oriakhi 12, Coombs-McDaniel 7, Alex Kershaw 6 and Matt Gaither 5. Pacing Tilton with assists were Kershaw 5, Coleman 4 and Oriakhi 3. Oriakhi managed 4 blocks; while Tavares-Taylor had 2 steals, leading the defensive attack. The Rams are back on their home floor for the third time in four games against Hebron Academy. The game begins at 4:30pm and is the final game of the regular season.
Rams On A Roll
2/23/2009
Tilton welcomed fellow Lakes Region Prep School and Class A powerhouse, Brewster Academy for a Monday afternoon matchup. Everything seemed to go right for the Rams in the first half of the game as they scored from inside and out and played stiffling defense building an early double figure advantage. When backup guard Chris Barsanti entered the game and put 11 quick points on the board halfway through the first frame, Tilton was on their way to a 50-24 halftime lead.
Despite some inspired play by Brewster in the second half, the Rams never relinquished the double figure cushion that grew to as many as thirty points in the second 20 minutes. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel was the high man in the score book with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Alex Oriakhi was a tremendous presence around the hoop dumping in 19 points and grabbing 12 of his own rebounds, while rejecting 3 shots. Gerard Coleman continues his fine play with 19 points and 6 assists. Scott Tavares-Taylor orchestrated the offense with 9 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. Chris Barsanti's 11 first half points were his total for the game. Alex Kershaw (4pts and 5rebs), Georges Niang (5pts and 3rebs) and Matt Gaither all made important contributions to the 94-80 win which improves the Rams record to 21-2. Tilton takes to the home floor again on Wednesday at 3pm vs. Proctor Academy. Proctor has won their last seven games and will look to avenge and early season defeat to Tilton.
Tilton Comeback Secures 20 Win Season
2/20/2009
The Tilton Rams hit the road for a Friday night match at Lawrence Academy. Some outstanding Boston grown products past and present were on hand for the face off including Boston blacktop and UNH legend Al McClain. From the outset, everyone on hand could see it was going to be contentious. The first six minutes belonged to the home team as Tilton missed some easy shots while Lawrence knocked down some of theirs but the Rams battled back with some solid play by from Georges Niang, Alex Kershaw, Matt Gaither and Jamal Coombs-McDaniel. By the end of the first half grind, Tilton held the advantage 37-30.
Lawrence did not disappear and behind some hot shooting from Shabazz Napier seized a 59-50 lead with less than 7 minutes to go. As quickly as the Rams fell behind, they bounced back and had a 69-60 edge in the game. As Alex Oriakhi asserted his will in the paint, Lawrence found themself in foul trouble that they could not overcome. Tilton executed sufficiently and nailed enough foul shots to secure a 81-73 win, the 20th of the season. Scorers for Tilton were Coombs-McDaniel 20, Coleman 16, Niang 14, Oriakhi 13, Tavares-Taylor 9 and Kershaw 6. Cleaning the glass for Tilton was Oriakhi 13 and Coombs-McDaniel 11. The Rams take to the hardwood on their home court again on Monday at 3:45 against Lakes Region power, Brewster Academy.
Tilton Nips New Hampton
2/18/2009
The Tilton Rams hosted Lakes Region opponent New Hampton School for a Wednesday afternoon battle. Crowded with students, fans and teachers from both schools, folks on hand at Tilton School were not disappointed by the 40 minute nail biter. Despite some fine play by New Hampton, the Rams grabbed a halftime lead 38-31 as Tilton fed Alex Oriakhi early, scoring himself and opening up opportunities for his teammates.
In the second half, neither team relented as New Hampton was physical and effective in the paint, while Gerard Coleman sliced to the basket, initiating the offensive charge for Tilton. With minutes remaining in the game, New Hampton took a 1 point lead, only to have Tilton respond. In a game that could go either way, Scott Tavares-Taylor finished a driving layup over the strong interior players from New Hampton, giving Tilton a 4 point lead. New Hampton cut it to two with less that 30 seconds to go but clutch foul shooting by Tavares-Taylor and a drive by Coleman with second left on the shot clock sealed the deal 78-74. Top scorers for Tilton included Coleman 25, Tavares-Taylor 15, Oriakhi 15, Coombs-McDaniel 13 and Niang 8. Oriakhi was immense on the glass with 16 boards, while Alex Kershaw grabbed 7 of his own.
The win improves Tilton's record to 19-2 on the season heading into a Friday night game at Lawrence Academy.
Tilton Survives Brimmer
2/13/2009
Class B power, Brimmer and May of Chestnut Hill, Ma hosted the Tilton Rams in front of a small, packed gym. Brimmer entered the game 18-1, coming off a decisive victory over another Class B contender, Marianapolis Prep. Just minutes into the game Brimmer demonstrated that they were every bit as good as their record indicated. Behind long range shooting and spirited defense, Brimmer gained a 43-38 halftime advantage. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel kept the Rams in the game with 22 first half points.
The second half was a different story as Tilton tightened up their defense holding Brimmer to just 24 points in the second half. Tilton was also somewhat effective taking advantage of their superior size around the basket, getting Brimmer into foul trouble, while they hit 19 of 23 foul shots. Coombs-McDaniel was immense for all 32 minutes, scoring 35 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. The other top scorers for Tilton included Gerard Coleman 19, Scott Tavares-Taylor 14 and Alex Oriakhi 10. Oriakhi was also tough on the glass, tallying 16 rebounds for the game. The defensive play of Alex Kershaw and Matt Gaither were also key factors to the victory, most notably were three charges taken by Kershaw at critical points in the game. A close and hard fought 80-67 victory was Tilton's 18th of the season. Tilton has Lakes Region rival New Hampton School in front of them next Wednesday at home.
Rams on the Rebound
2/11/2009
The Tilton Rams got back on track in a road, Lakes Region matchup against Kimball Union Academy. The Rams opened the game with a 13-0 run which built into a 43-26 advantage at the half. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and Scott Tavares Taylor facilitated much of the offense that put Tilton on top with 7 and 5 assists respectively. Alex Oriakhi was tough around the hoop with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Tilton's younger forward, Georges Niang dropped 18 points on 7-11 shooting. Alex Kershaw (12) and Chris Barsanti (11) were also in double figures. Matt Gaither grabbed 8 boards, continuing his strong all around play. The win improves the Ram record to 17-2 as they prepare for a Thursday evening game at Brimmer and May. Brimmer and May enter the match with an impressive 17-1 record of their own and are at the top of Class B standings with Tilton. The tipoff in Chestnut Hill is 7pm.
Turnovers and Poor Shooting Plague Tilton Again
2/10/2009
After suffering a demoralizing loss to South Kent the evening before, Tilton took the hardwood for a morning match against St. Thomas More. The Rams battled to pull themselves off the mat but were never able to seize the momentum. St. Thomas More built an early 12-3 lead which evolved into a 36-30 halftime advantage. The second half crawled along as the Rams found themselves slugfest, unable to do better than getting the game to a 55-53 deficit with just more than 5 minutes to go. Down the stretch, St. Thomas More made the plays the Tilton did not make ending a tough weekend for Tilton. Turnovers were a problem for Tilton as they had 22 on the game as was the poor shooting, most notably 2-15 from behind the arc. The Rams left Rhode Island with a 75-64 loss. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel was Tilton's top scorer with 28 points, Alex Oriakhi contributed 18 and Chris Barsanti added 12.
Tilton Streak Ends
2/10/2009
The Tilton Rams travelled to the University of Rhode Island to participate in the National Prep School Tournament, where they faced off against Class A powerhouse South Kent of Connecticut. South Kent jumped on top of the Rams as they built a 41-30 advantage. Sout Kent defenders were all over the Rams for the duration of the contaest, as they complimented the defense with 6-11 sharp shooting behind the arc. Tilton committed 22 turnovers, tallied just 5 assists and went 1-12 from three point land as they we handed their first loss of the season and the first loss for Tilton Varsity Basketball since February 18th 2008. Gerard Coleman (18) and Jamal Coombs-McDaniel (14) were the only Rams in double figures for the game.
Rams Improve to 16-0
2/4/2009
Guests from the New Hampshire Veterans Home were on hand for a Wednesday afternoon match at Tilton School as they hosted Andover Academy. The game marked a milestone for senior Jamal Coombs-McDaniel who scored the 1,000th point of his career at Tilton School.
Tilton jumped out to a 41-26 halftime lead and never looked back as they earned their 16th win of the season 89-56. Coombs-McDaniel was the high scorer with 27, Scott Tavares-Taylor tallied 12 and Alex Oriakhi had 10. Oriakhi continued to assert himself on the glass with 13 rebounds; while Tavares-Taylor handed out the most assists with 5. In the end, ten Tilton Rams scored. They shot 54% and had a 22/11 assist to turnovers.
Tilton takes the floor again on Saturday at 7:15pm at URI as part of the National Prep Tournament. They face nationally ranked Class A powerhouse, South Kent.
Tilton Win Streak Continues
1/30/2009
Tilton used pressure defense, uptempo offense and an attack the rim attitude from the opening tap in a road game against Holderness. By halftime the Rams had established their superior size and strength against a young but talented and tough opponent, building a 46-28 advantage.
Alex Oriakhi was active, agile and impressive all night with 26points, 23rebounds, 4assists and 3blocks. Fellow UConn commit, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel had another consistent performance with 24points and 8rebounds; while Gerard Coleman poured in 23points, 4rebounds and 3 assists. Other contributors to the Tilton offensive attack included Scott Tavares-Taylor 10points, 5assists and 4steals, Alex Kershaw 9points and 5rebounds, and Georges Niang 8points.
The win was the 15th in 15 tries for the Rams this season, heading into a Wednesday matchup against Andover Academy who visits Tilton School. Tipoff is slated for 3:45pm.
Rams Record Remains Unblemished
1/22/2009
The Tilton Rams jumped out to an early lead which built to a 53-32 halftime advantage behind 63% shooting. The Rams poured it on in the second half as they picked up their 14th win of the season 92-62. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel was superb with 25pts, 7assists and 4rebs. Alex Oriakhi finished with 20pts, 14rebs and 2blocks. Gerard Coleman pitched in with 19pts, 5rebs and 3steals. Scott Tavares-Taylor continued his consistent play with 6assists, 4steals and 4pts; while Matt Gaither played tough with 9rebs, 7pts and 3assists. Tilton is off until next Wednesday January 28th when they travel to Class C powerhouse, Lawrence Academy for a 4pm tipoff.
Tilton Continues Winning Ways
1/18/2009
As part of the Hoophall Classic, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Tilton Rams played a young and talented opponent from Hotchkiss in the first game of Sunday's action. Despite falling behind 8-0, the Rams completed the first quarter with a 27-24 advantage, behind 17 points from Jamal Coombs-McDaniel in the first eight minutes. By halftime, the Rams had built a 51-42 lead.
In the second half, Coombs-McDaniel continued his strong play and Alex Oriakhi began to assert his will on the offensive end of the floor, while Scott Tavares-Taylor, Georges Niang, Alex Kershaw, Gerard Coleman and Chris Barsanti stepped up at different times throughout the second half. Coombs-McDaniel earned player of the game honors for Tilton with 33pts, 9rebs and 4assists. Oriakhi was a huge presence around the hoop with 23pts, 17rebs and 2blocks. Tavares-Taylor synchronized the offense with 8 assists, 7pts and 3rebs, meanwhile he finished the game without a turnover. Gerard Coleman made his presence felt with 12pts and 5steals in the second half after being hampered with foul trouble in the first 15 minutes. Kershaw tallied 7pts, 5assists and 3rebs; while Niang went for 6pts and 4rebs. When the horn sounded, Tilton seized their 13th win of the season without a loss 98-79. The Rams take the floor again on Wednesday at 5pm at home against Vermont Academy.
Hot Shooting Second Half Lifts the Rams
1/18/2009
Tilton participated in the BABC Classic at Chelsea High School for a Saturday afternoon match with St. Andrew's. A young and talented opponent kept the game close with Tilton holding a 42-32 halftime lead. Behind a total team effort, Tilton scored 60 points in the second 16 minutes for the 102-72 win. Six Rams scored in double figures paced by Gerard Coleman with 20, including 4 three pointers. Georges Niang finished with a career high 18 points. The other double digit scorers were Coombs-McDaniel 17, Tavares-Taylor 15, Oriakhi 13 and Kershaw 11. Tavares Taylor was the top distributor with 9 assists and the strongest rebounders were Oriakhi 8 and Niang 7. Tilton is now 12-0 on the season as they near the halfway mark of the season.
Rams Rolling
1/14/2009
The Tilton Rams welcomed Class A powerhouse Winchendon to a full gym for a Wednesday evening matchup. Tilton continued their strong play in the first half, jumping out to a 48-23 halftime advantage. The Rams played stifling defense as Alex Oriakhi anchored the attack with six first half blocks. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel ignited the offense scoring 17 points before the break.
Despite some runs by the visitors Tilton was able to maintain a comfortable lead and secure victory 85-71. Jamal Coombs McDaniel finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Gerard Coleman had a productive game with 22 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. Alex Oriakhi played inspired most of the evening with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks. Scott Tavares-Taylor was a fantastic table setter all game with 9 assists, 7 points and 5 rebounds. Georges Niang was solid with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Alex Kershaw, Matt Gaither Chris Barsanti and Sam Malone gave great minutes on both ends of the floor off the bench.
The win improves Tilton's record to 11-0 going into weekend games against St. Andrew's and Hotchkiss. The Saturday game is at Chelsea High School at 3:30pm as part of BABC's 2009 Prep Classic; while the Hotchkiss game begins at 10:30am on Sunday at Springfield College as part of the Hoophall Classic.
Clicking On All Cylinders
1/11/2009
The Rams visited a familiar foe on Saturday, facing off against Cushing Academy. It did not take long to figure out that it was going to be a physical match up as members of both teams battle and bruised each other for 32 minutes despite Tilton building an early lead. At the break, the Rams had a 82-45 advantage which they built on as they marched to a 82-45 win.
Eleven players entered the scoring column for Tilton. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel continued to be a man on a mission with 22 points, Gerard Coleman had 13 and Georges Niang tallied 12. Scott Tavares-Taylor ran the team beautifully with 8 points and 9 assists, without committing a turnover. For the second straight game the Rams shot 64% from the field. The win puts Tilton at 10-0 going into Wednesday's game against Class A powerhouse Winchendon. Tipoff is at 4pm in Tilton, NH.
Rams Run Hard to Start 09
1/10/2009
The Tilton Rams hit the ground running in 2009 as they visited Lakes Region rival Proctor Academy. Behind an energetic defensive attack and sharp perimeter shooting, Tilton built a 49-25 halftime advantage. Able to sustain the momentum in the second 16 minutes, the Rams sprinted to a 98-74 win. Tilton shot 64% from the field for the game including 12-21 from behind the arc, collected 17 steals and compiled 22 assists. It was a total team effort as 11 players scored in the 98-74 victory.
Jamal Coombs-McDaniel was a major force early, scoring 17 points, all in the first half on 7-11 shooting. Scott Tavares-Taylor continues to be impressive at the point, tallying 21 points, 6 assists and 3 steals. Gerard Coleman poured in 18 points; while Alex Oriakhi finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals. Alex Kershaw continued his strong play (8 points, 3 assists and 2 steals); Chris Barsanti did the same (8points, 2 assists and 3 steals. Sam Malone was quick to be productive in his time on the floor, distributing 4 assists and grabbing 2 steals.
The win puts the Rams at 9-0 on the season heading into an away game against Class B rival Cushing Academy on Saturday 1/10 at 4:30pm.
Tilton Rolls Along
12/21/2008
Tilton played an early morning match in the first of three for the day against the Governor's Academy. Despite the 8:30am start, the Rams were energized in building a 20-4 lead. Nearly every player scored for Tilton as it was a total team effort. Gerard Coleman took the lead with 30 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Coombs-McDaniel added 11points and 8 rebounds. Other scorers were Niang 9, Barsanti 7 and Kershaw 6. At the final horn Tilton had a 78-66 win, improving to 6-0 on the season.
Tilton Improves To 8-0 In The Early Season
12/21/2008
Tilton kept things rolling in their final game of the 2008 calendar year. Despite the tired legs of 4 games in less than 24 hours. Gerard Coleman was the lead scorer with 18 points. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel added 13. Scott Tavares-Taylor nearly earned a triple double with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists. The game improved Tilton's record to 8-0, heading into the holiday break.
Rams Win a Thriller
12/21/2008
Determined to face off for the first time this season, Marianapolis did not allow the powerful snowstorm prevent them from arriving to Tilton for their anticipated Friday night matchup. The game was the opener for both teams in the Tilton/Proctor classic and a rematch of last year's 2008 championship. The game did not disappoint, as the game was a back and forth battle to the final buzzer. Marianapolis struck first Corey Wright hit for 16 of his 29 points in the first half, as the visitors went to the locker room ahead 32-30. For Tilton, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel carried much of the scoring load, tallying 15 of his 21 in that first half.
Marianapolis dictated the game early in the second half, but the Rams clawed back doing just enough to keep the game close, when several of Tilton player's stepped up to fuel the final push. Energized by a Chris Barsanti 3 pointer and a Sam Malone steal, Alex Kershaw grabbed the torch and poured in 12 second half points in what seemed like a matter of seconds. Down by a point, sophomore, Georges Niang found himself open at the foul line with just over a minute to play. Without hesitation, he buried the 15 footer but Marianapolis quickly answered. On the next possession, Scott Tavares-Taylor knocked down a trifecta, putting Tilton up by 2 points. After a Tilton steal, Niang converted a transition layup as the Rams earned their fifth victory 72-67. Leading scorers for the Rams were Coombs-McDaniel 21, Tavares-Taylor 18, Kershaw 12, Coleman 7 and Niang 6. Tilton did a nice job rebounding as a group against a very aggressive opponent. Leaders there were Coombs-McDaniel 9, Coleman 6, Niang 6, Kershaw 5, Gaither 5 and Tavares-Taylor 4. Coombs McDaniel paced the Rams with 4 assists, while Kershaw and Coleman each had 3.
Rams Continue to Look Sharp in Victory
12/21/2008
After a 45 minute break, the Tilton Rams stepped on the court against a physical Deerfield Academy opponent. Tilton went inside early as Georges Niang poured in 11 of his 15 points in the first half. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel continued his strong performance of the early season, scoring 18points, grabbing 13 boards, dishing out 4 assists and collecting 4 steals. Nearly every player on Tilton contributed to the scoring for the second straight game.
Tilton Improves to 4-0
12/17/2008
The Tilton Rams jumped on KUA early with pressure defense, unselfish play and accurate shooting to build a 41-23 halftime advantage. Much of the first half scoring came from Jamal-Coombs McDaniel, Gerard Coleman and Scott Tavares-Taylor who pitched in 15, 17, and 7 in the first 16 minutes. Alex Kershaw, Matt Gaither and Sam Malone contributed some strong defense to help build the advantage. The Rams avoided a second half letdown, cruising to a perfect 4-0 record with the 81-51 victory. For the game, Tilton shot 57% percent from the field and knocked down 7 three pointers. Coombs-McDaniel continued his fine play finishing with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Coleman added 19 points and Tavares-Taylor was good for 17 points on 7-9 shooting, while he also had 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Malone and Gaither were good on the glass with 5 and 4 rebounds; while Kershaw stole the ball 4 times. Next on the calendar is a powerful Marianapolis team that visits Tilton as part of the Tilton-Proctor Holiday Tourney on Friday. Tipoff is set for 4:30pm.
Tilton Survive Exeter
12/10/2008
Tilton welcomed Philips Exeter Academy for a Wednesday afternoon at home. The game was an exciting back forth battle of contrasting styles for all 40 minutes as Exeter ran their offense to perfection and executing a cunning defensive game plan. Meanwhile, Tilton used an uptempo offensive charge and attempted to get baskets around the rim with post ups and dribble drives. At halftime Tilton held a slight 41-40 advantage as Scott Tavares Taylor hit four first half threes, while Chris Barsanti knocked down three of his own.
The brawl continued in the second half, as each team mounted runs but either could build any type of sizable lead until late. Behind, ferocious work on the glass by Alex Oriakhi and Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, 3 big steals and 3 big assists by Sam Malone as well as Alex Kershaw's 2 charges taken, 6 rebounds and 4 steals; Tilton pulled ahead in the final minute securing an 81-74 victory. Scott Tavares-Taylor was the top scorer for Tilton with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel grinded out 18points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists. Alex Oriakhi 13 points and 16 rebounds. Gerard Coleman added 10 points and Chris Barsanti pitched in 9 points. The win puts Tilton's record at 3-0 heading into Friday night when they host Laurinburg of North Carolina for a 7pm tipoff.
Rams Big in Home Opener
12/6/2008
Tilton welcomed former players and coaches for their home opener against the powerhouse St. Mark's squad from Southborough, Ma. The first half was a back and forth affair, as Florida bound Eric Murphy consistently found himself open on the arc, connecting for three 3's and 18 first half points. Up to the task was Tilton captain Jamal Coombs-McDaniel who closed the first half with his second three pointer and 17 first half point, giving the home team a 40-38 lead at the break.
A flurry out of the locker room provided Tilton with a double figure advantage as they did a nice job executing their fast break and spreading the ball around. Scott Tavares-Taylor and Gerard Coleman as they put points on the board and distributed to teammates. Tavares-Taylor finished with 15 points, 4 assists and 2 steals; while Coleman pitched in with 13 points, 7 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Alex Oriakhi was a force around the basket with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Sophomore, Georges Niang was poised in his first start hitting for 13 points, including two big three pointers in the second half. It was Jamal Coombs-McDaniel who seemed to shine brightest however with 28 points, 8 rebounds and big plays at every turn. Other contributors off the bench included Alex Kershaw, Matt Gaither, Chris Barsanti and Sam Malone. It was a total team victory. The Rams are back in action on Wednesday at 4:30 when Philips Exeter visits Tilton.
Rams Open NEPSAC Play with a Win
12/3/2008
The Tilton Rams opened their NEPSAC schedule with a victory over Class A, Maine Central Institute, one of the most storied prep school basketball programs in the region. The game took place at Bryant University in front of hundreds of basketball fans and college coaches as part of the National Prep School Showcase. Tilton jumped out to an early lead behind pressure defense, creating turnovers and easy baskets on the other end. By halftime, Tilton was up 41-20. In the second half, the Rams weathered a run by MCI and never surrendered a double digit advantage as they cruised to a 75-62 win.
Senior captains, Jamal Coombs-McDaniel and Alex Oriakhi each scored early and often. Oriakhi was forceful around the basket attempting to dunk on the big bodies rotating off the MCI bench. Coombs-McDaniel demonstrated a wide range of skills, scoring on 3 pointers, drives and offensive rebounds, including a crowd pleasing rebound dunk. Oriakhi finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds while Coombs-McDaniel added 22 points and 9 rebounds of his own. The captains were not the only Tilton players to eclipse the 20 point mark as junior Gerard Coleman pitched in 21 points while grabbing 4 steals and 4 rebounds. Scott Tavares-Taylor did a nice job at the point position, controlling the tempo and setting the offense and hitting a timely 3 pointer to slow the MCI run. Tilton takes to the hardwood again on Saturday December 6th at 4pm against an impressive St. Mark's squad from Southborough, Ma.
