Allderdice boys basketball coach Devin Crummie wants to put to rest any concerns about the City League basketball championships being played at Brashear High School.
While the high school venue won’t have the gravitas of a Petersen Events Center or UPMC Cooper Field House, it won’t be lacking in electricity.
The Dragons and Obama Academy will be in for a battle at noon Sunday. This will be the fourth consecutive season the two programs meet in the final.
“This should be entertaining for the casual fan,” Crummie said. “If there is anyone who is hesitant to come out on a Sunday afternoon at a high school site, Brashear is bigger than people remember. It’s a great high school basketball environment. The place should be packed.”
Allderdice will be seeking its fifth title in a row. Obama Academy last won the championship in 2020 when it beat Allderdice, 50-39.
The Eagles (14-9) would like to hang their hat on its defense. They limit their opponents to 43.2 points per game.
“It starts with (defense) and communication,” Obama coach Naron Jackson said. “As long as we communicate, we’ll be fine.”
The Eagles were energized this season by the addition of transfer guard Eric James. He averages around 20 points per game.
Naron Jackson II is second on the team in scoring at around 18 points per game.
Coach Jackson said James has been getting more comfortable in the lineup.
“It took a while,” Jackson said. “We’re still working some kinks out. It’s a gift and a curse. We had a bit of a trial period where we were getting to know him better. The guys adjusted well.”
Allderdice swept the regular-season meetings, winning 53-53 on Jan. 9 on the road and 55-52 on Feb. 3 at home. Crummie said the Dragons need to avoid what happened in the second meeting.
Obama got out to a fast start, and Allderdice had to dig in and rally to get the win.
“If they jump out to a lead, it’s problematic,” Crummie said. “They shot the ball well and drove the ball on us. We had four points in the first quarter. It took a huge effort for us to come back.”
Keith Taylor leads Allderdice in scoring, putting up 10 points per game. Lukas Stead averages 8.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while Keith Brooks contributes 9.4 points per game.
Keilyn Walden and Zach Coffey will also contribute for the Dragons.
Crummie said Allderdice will be ready for another rivalry game.
“Our team always tries to challenge ourselves,” Crummie said. “We put the kids in competitive situations. We know if we end up winning enough games, we’ll play a tough opponent.”