March 5, 2012

Chaniyah Swan hit five 3-pointers in Lincoln's North 2, Group II semifinals win. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

When asked about what the biggest strength of Shabazz, Lincoln head coach Tom Best couldn't merely pick just one that stood out. Best's answer gave an insight in just how big of a challenge him and his Lions face entering tonight's NJSIAA North 2, Group II title game at 6 p.m. in Newark.

"They have several," the long-time Lincoln coach said. "They got great depth, they got size, they got quickness, a great defense. They have no weaknesses."

Shabazz represents without question the toughest team Lincoln has faced this season. The Bulldogs are currently ranked No. 1 in the state and according to USA Today are the No. 18-ranked team in the country.

On the surface, Shabazz would have all the characteristics of an elite team. A dynamic point guard? With 5-foot-9 senior Aliyyah Handford (14.8 points, 4.1 assists, 4.1 steals per game) is one of the state's premier play-makers. A presence down low? The Bulldogs have two with sophomores Zaire O'Neil (14.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 blocks per game) and DeAshia Jones (9.7 points, 6.1 rebounds per game). An outside scoring threat? Senior wing Ricshar Benjamin (8.9 points per game) has hit 34 3-pointers on the year.

No matter question, Shabazz seemingly has the answer as it has gone 27-1 (the lone loss to Twinsburg Ohio on Dec. 28) and has out-scored its opponent by an average of 27.6 points per game this season.

"In order to judge yourself, you have to play the best," Best said." You can't get a good judgment on yourself unless you play the best teams.

"That's how we're going at it, we have nothing to lose, just play our best and what happens, happens. We know we got a tough opponent so we'll just play as hard as we can."

Lincoln (26-3) may be huge underdogs, but enter with a confidence higher than it's ever been. The Lions have been on an incredible run over the past 12 days, starting with a come-from-behind win against in the Hudson County semifinals vs Secaucus, followed by a measure of revenge when they defeated Bayonne for the county championship.

After a blowout in the first round of the states against Snyder, Lincoln's magic continued with a double-overtime win over Newark Tech and a late win over Ridgefield Park in Saturday's semifinals behind a career-high five 3-pointers from Chaniyah Swan.

The play of Swan (8.1 points per game, 49 3-pointers), Shekinah Suber (8.2 points per game) and point guard Timiah Calamito (8.1 points per game, 39 3-pointers) have keyed the Lions' late surge. Their emergence has helped ease some of the pressure off of Lincoln's front court duo of Breana Bey (23.0 points per game) and Kiante Johnson (11.8 points per game).

"I think what's most impressed is how hard and how much they're playing together as a team," said Best about the recent run. "At the beginning it was dominant inside. But lately we've been getting some good outside play, our defense has picked up and we've been able to come back from deficits that most teams would probably give up.

"The girls have been on a great ride and we'll see if we can continue that ride."

Lincoln hopes to hoist a second championship trophy on Monday night. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)