RUNNING with the BIG DOGS St

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RUNNING WITH THE BIG DOGS St. George’s senior running back ‘Throughout the process, he the team, know some of the players. And it’s Division I football, which has always Isaac McCray has verbally was being supportive. ... He was been the goal.” just helping me get into a place Other schools interested in Isaac’s ser- committed to Bryant University, vices included the University of New where he’ll play football for the where I would be the happiest.’ Hampshire, Colgate, Lehigh and Fordham, and he even had contact with coaches from Bulldogs as his older brother did. ISAAC MCCRAY FBS schools Syracuse and Boston College. St. George’s senior, talking about his older brother, Isaac said his older brother offered advice, By Scott Barrett Rico McCray, who was a running back at Bryant but never attempted to sway him one way Staff writer or another. yards (5,051), rushing yards (3,361), total “Throughout the process, he was being MIDDLETOWN — Having grown up touchdowns (58), return yards (1,351) and supportive,” Isaac said. “He wasn’t forcing in the shadow of his older brother, Isaac scoring (358 points). Pretty impressive me. He was just helping me get into a place McCray wanted to carve out his own path numbers, considering St. George’s has been where I would be the happiest. It helped on the football field. After attending Mid- playing football for more than a century. that he went to Bryant, but he wasn’t try- dletown High School as a freshman, the “With his combination of speed and ing to push that home.” younger sibling of former Islanders star strength and quickness, he’s probably the While Rico said he’s pleased to see his running back Rico McCray decided to most talented athlete I’ve seen in 30 years,” younger brother continue his football attend St. George’s School. It was a chance St. George’s coach John Mackay said of career at his alma mater, he simply wanted to face better competition and set himself Isaac. to guide him through the recruiting pro- apart. With his legacy at the high school level cess. “I wanted to be my own person, set my cemented, Isaac decided to follow in his “Is there a bias with me coming from own bar,” Isaac said. “I was always Rico’s brother’s footsteps when it came time to Bryant? Yes, but I also understand that the little brother. There’s nothing wrong with choose a college, giving a verbal commit- fits are going to be different,” said Rico, Daily News file photo that. I always developed my game around ment to Bryant University in Smithfield. who currently works in sales in Massachu- St. George’s senior running back Isaac McCray runs for his game, but St. George’s gave me a chal- Rico enjoyed a fine career for the Bulldogs setts. “I was taking my experiences from a touchdown during the Dragons’ win over Portsmouth lenge, both athletically and in the class- as he amassed 2,878 rushing yards and 25 college and passing them along. I wanted Abbey this season. McCray, a Middletown resident, will room. I think I was able to find a good bal- touchdowns. to help him iron out the things that could follow in his older brother’s footsteps and play football ance.” “Bryant had a lot of what I was looking be important to him.” It’s safe to say the younger McCray made for in a college,” said Isaac, adding that he While Isaac was attending a camp at for Bryant University. Rico McCray ran for 1,270 yards a name for himself while wearing the black wants to major in business. “It’s close to Bryant over the summer, the coaches said and nine touchdowns for the Bulldogs last season, his and red of the Dragons. He leaves the pro- home, and I’m very familiar with the area. senior year with the team. gram as the all-time leader in all-purpose I’ve been to the school multiple times, seen RUNNING B3

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: RHODE ISLAND 82, BELMONT 73 PRO FOOTBALL: NEW ENGLAND AT N.Y. JETS Pats-Jets Going on the offensive lacks the URI forward scores career-high 31 points as Rams beat Belmont intrigue it By William Geoghegan with opponents in the same Staff writer mold as the Bruins, who have once had made seven NCAA tourna- SOUTH KINGSTOWN — His ment appearances in the past EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) job was supposed to be single- 10 years. A trip to Horizon — When the NFL schedule was handedly shutting down one of League favorite Valparaiso is released in April, two late-season the best players the University next, with Old Dominion and showdowns between the New Eng- of Rhode Island men’s basket- William and Mary set to visit land Patriots and New York Jets ball team will face this season. Kingston in December. Well made for some possible intrigue in aware of the risk and reward Hassan Martin ended up hav- the race for AFC East supremacy. of that approach, the Rams ing some time for offense. That potential story line didn’t came out on the positive side With Belmont All-American come close to playing out. of the ledger in their first taste candidate Evan Bradds side- Tom Brady’s bunch is rolling of it. lined by a concussion, Mar- toward its eighth straight division “They’re top two in their tin dominated the paint with title and 13th in 14 years. Meanwhile, conference. They very well a career-high 31 points and the Ryan Fitzpatrick and the sputtering No. 23 Rams held off a push by may be dancing in March — Jets (3-7) are looking at a sixth con- the Ohio Valley Conference they do it damn near every secutive season without a playoff favorite Bruins for an 82-73 vic- year,” Rams coach Dan Hur- appearance. tory Friday night at the Ryan ley said. “We knew what this The game even got moved out of Center. was. Our schedule is under- a prime-time slot on Sunday night. “My main thing was just to rated, rough — it’s all games That doesn’t mean that Bill Belich- take advantage of their size like Belmont and tougher. ick and the Patriots (8-2) are taking because they really lack size,” If you’re not in a power-five their latest matchup at MetLife Sta- Martin said. “I was looking conference, this is the type of dium lightly. forward to the matchup and nonconference slate you’ve “It’s always a tough game,” Patri- (Bradds) is a great player, but got to play. You’ve got to take ots safety Devin McCourty said. “I once I got myself going, I didn’t risks.” think Bill said that seven of the stop. That’s why I had that type The absence of Bradds made last eight games are like one score of game.” the test a little different. The or overtime that we played them. URI (5-1) faced stiff competi- nation’s leader in field goal It’s going to be a tough challenge, tion against Duke and Cincin- percentage each of the past because I think both teams know nati at the Hall of Fame Tipoff two seasons, Bradds was voted each other well.” Tournament last weekend. In the OVC preseason Player of New England has won eight of the the rest of its nonconference the Year this season. The Bru- past 10 meetings, but New York came slate, teams like Belmont — ins (1-3) managed to find offense away with a 26-20 overtime victory a veteran squad with NCAA without him, but had no answer last December. The Jets are looking tournament hopes from a mid- for Martin. The 6-foot-7 senior to beat the Patriots in two straight major conference — will be a scored URI’s first points of fixture. URI made a conscious PATS-JETS B6 effort to beef up its schedule URI B3

Rhode Island senior forward Hassan Martin shoots SUNDAY over Belmont junior Amanze Egekeze during the ﬁrst New England (8-2) half of Friday night’s game in South Kingstown. Martin at N.Y. Jets (3-7), 4:25 p.m. scored a career-high 31 points in the Rams’ 82-73 win. TV, Radio: CBS, WEAN-99.7. Point spread: Patriots -7½. Associated Press

PRO BASKETBALL: SAN ANTONIO 109, BOSTON 103 Backup power: Spurs bench excels in win over Celtics

BOSTON (AP) — The trade that Leonard had 25 points and 10 one-possession game. David Lee had brought Kawhi Leonard to San Anto- rebounds for San Antonio, but that’s 15 points and 12 rebounds as the Spurs nio was already a success for the Spurs, not surprising from an All-Star who reserves outscored their starters 56-53. even before throw-in Davis Bertans was second in NBA MVP voting last The Spurs fell behind by 14 points in began contributing. season. Less expected was the contri- the first quarter but scored 12 in a row The Latvian rookie set a career high bution from Bertans, who was selected — seven from Leonard — in the second in scoring for the second straight game, 27 picks later in the 2011 draft and then to get back in the game and improve to pitching in 15 of the Spurs’ 56 bench dealt to San Antonio with Leonard in 9-0 on the road this season. points on Friday to help San Antonio the trade that sent George Hill to Indi- “You know what you’re getting from beat the Boston Celtics 109-106 for their ana. Kawhi, and he played great,” Celtics eighth straight victory. “Bertans was amazing,” Popovich coach Brad Stevens said. “But I thought “Our first group was still in bed,” said. “Kawhi is Kawhi, but we start to those guys really changed the complex- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said after take him for granted. I think overall, ion of the game.” Associated Press watching his team fall behind 14 points the bench was the key.” Isaiah Thomas finished with 24 in the first quarter in the matinee start. Patty Mills scored 19 off the bench, points with eight assists and Avery Spurs forward Davis Bertans steals the ball from Celtics forward “That’s why I took them off the court. sinking a 3-pointer with 45 sec- Jonas Jerebko in the first half of Friday’s game in Boston. Bertans It was hard to watch.” onds left after the Celtics made it a CELTICS B3 scored 15 points off the bench in San Antonio’s 109-103 victory. The Newport (R.I.) Daily News November 26-27, 2016 B3 SPORTS

‘With his combination of speed and strength and Notre Dame faces NCAA’s wrath, quickness, he’s probably the yet UNC seems to be forgotten

most talented athlete I’ve In case you missed it during this week devoted to indi- seen in 30 years.’ gestion and brawling during St. George’s football coach John Mackay, on Isaac McCray Black PAUL NEWBERRY Friday Associated Press over that toy your child just has to have, the NCAA dropped the hammer on Notre Dame for academic shenanigans that occurred in its once-storied football program. It was an all-too-familiar lapse in the charade of profes- sional sports franchises oper- ating within our institutions of higher learning: a student trainer handled the schoolwork for several football players who couldn’t be bothered with doing it themselves, which led to the Fighting Irish being stripped of two seasons’ worth of wins. The NCAA delivered a rela- tively swift punishment that, frankly, appeared a bit too harsh. Notre Dame acknowl- edged that rules were broken and cooperated in the investi- gation. There was no indica- Associated Press file photo tion that the higher-ups were Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly leads his team onto the field in South Bend, Ind., Daily News file photo aware of what was going on. earlier this season. The NCAA is ordering Notre Dame to vacate wins from its 2012 St. George’s standout running back Isaac McCray is But we’re not here to cry and 2013 football seasons because a student athletic trainer committed academic headed to Bryant University to play football. for the Fighting Irish. misconduct by doing substantial course work for two players and giving six others We’re more concerned impermissible academic extra benefits. and agility,” he said. about another case. Running This season, the Bulldogs Remember North Caro- up an easy A’ without being allegations still in there. it,” said offensive tackle Mike lina? The Tar Heels have been Continued from B1 rushed for just 850 yards as burdened with going to class The school responded again, McGlinchey, a team captain. a team. Sophomore Brendan mired in a massive academic or doing much in the way of this time with a bunch of “We know we won the games. something that made him feel Femiano led the way with 366 fraud scandal going back actual schoolwork. procedural arguments that They’re not going to take that at ease. yards on 80 carries. Isaac said more than two decades that An independent investiga- most notably challenged the away from us. They can take has led to five NCAA charges, “They said, ‘We’re not he isn’t sure where he’ll fit in tion by former U.S. Justice NCAA’s jurisdiction in the it away in the record books a corruption scandal far more recruiting you because you’re as a freshman, but also has Department official Kenneth case. That led to another hear- all they want, but we won the troubling and far-reaching Rico’s brother. We’re recruit- no illusions he’ll be the star Wainstein found that some ing, lots of sniping back and games.” than the substitute school- ing you because we have a feel- player he was at St. George’s. 3,100 students — roughly half forth by the attorneys, and ... The Rev. John Jenkins, work that went on at Notre ing you can be successful and “Nothing is given, espe- of them athletes from numer- well, you get the idea. Notre Dame’s president, Dame. Heck, what the Irish have a large role here,’” he cially at the next level,” he ous sports — took bogus Clearly, there’s no end in called it unprecedented to did sounds downright quaint said. “That made me feel good. said. “Colleges are trying to courses between 1993 and sight for this convoluted mess. strip a school of wins “with- by comparison. It just reassured me and gave recruit the best players, and 2011. At least one prominent Meanwhile, Notre Dame is out serious underlying insti- I know I’m going to have to Yet, the NCAA has still former basketball player has already preparing to appeal me a sense of pride.” tutional misconduct.” He said Rico knows what it takes to work for everything. I’m going not levied any punishment come forward to say he was the sanctions the NCAA the NCAA’s ruling wouldn’t compete at the next level, and in with the mindset that I’m on Tobacco Road, allowing caught up in the scam: Rashad handed down on Tuesday, “punish those responsible for he feels his brother has the the last player on the depth the case to devolve into legal McCants, who helped lead the which included stripping the misconduct, but rather ability — but will need to fine chart.” mumbo-jumbo that seems to Tar Heels to the 2005 national the school of all 21 wins it will punish coaches, student- tune his skills. When he left Having seen them both play, be sending a clear message to championship. had during the 2012 and ‘13 athletes and indeed the entire the program, Rico was listed Mackay said Isaac could very future rule-breakers: it’s best Despite a massive body of football seasons. That wiped institution who did nothing at 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds. He well end up having a better to delay, delay and delay some evidence, North Carolina has out the Fighting Irish’s best could make defenders miss, career than his older brother. more. yet to face any sort of justice. showing since the 1980s — a wrong and, with regard to this but was a much more pow- Rico, in a very supportive It’s now been more than Instead, this has become 12-0 regular season and No. 1 case, did everything right.” erful runner than Isaac, who manner, said the same. six years since the NCAA the worst episode of “Law & ranking before a humiliating If the folks at Notre Dame said he is currently 5-11 and “I’m hoping he does,” Rico first arrived in Chapel Hill Order” ever. 42-14 loss to Alabama in the sound a bit frustrated, they 200 pounds. said. “There will always be to investigate allegations of The NCAA leveled its ini- national championship game. have every right to be. Isaac’s greatest attribute is that sibling rivalry, that com- improper benefits and aca- tial set of charges, including It was another tough blow for They’ve felt the wrath of his elusiveness, and he wants petition. He’ll get an earful demic misconduct within the the dreaded “lack of institu- the current team, which has the NCAA, while the Tar to expand on that in college. from me, but it’s all in good football program. tional control.” The school endured a 4-7 season head- Heels remain on the lam. He said he’ll need to get stron- fun. I’ve left some work for That led to the uncover- had 90 days to respond, and ing into today’s finale against What a travesty. ger, but doesn’t want to put on him, some benchmarks, but ing of something even worse: went right up to the dead- Southern Cal and faces ques- too much weight. I’m confident he can do it. sham courses within a depart- line before sending along tions about the future of Paul Newberry is a sports “The hardest hits I ever It’s his time for the next four ment devoted to African- additional information for coach Brian Kelly. columnist for The Associated took in high school will be years.” American studies, which were the NCAA to review. That “It’s just a couple of guys Press. Write to him at every hit in college, but I really nothing more than a led to an amended set of made a mistake, and the [email protected] or at twit- don’t want to lose my speed [email protected] conduit for athletes to pick charges, with the most serious whole team goes down with ter.com/pnewberry1963.

PRO HOCKEY: CALGARY 2, BOSTON 1 URI Flames goalie stymies Bruins Continued from B1 the night and was a frequent recipient of post-up opportu- BOSTON (AP) — Chad John- Khudobin, recalled Friday left in the first period Thursday nities and dishes from driv- son made 35 saves and Alex Chi- from Providence of the AHL night in a 3-1 loss at Ottawa. ing guards. He made 9 of his asson broke a tie at 7:05 of the after a brief conditioning The Bruins had an apparent first 12 shots and finished 14 of third period in Calgary Flames’ assignment, stopped 27 shots goal disallowed 3:01 into the 20. He surpassed his previous 2-1 victory over the Boston Bru- in his first start since Oct. 22. second after Patrice Bergeron career best of 27 points set last ins on Friday night. Khudobin needed to be sharp intercepted a clearing attempt year against Iona, while add- Coming off a 2-0 victory early as Calgary outshot Boston by Johnson and shot it in from ing five rebounds and three Wednesday night at Columbus, 13-5 in the first period and took the right corner. Johnson was blocks. Johnson allowed only David a 1-0 lead on Bennett’s goal at scrambling to get up off the “He’s gotten so comfortable Pastrnak’s goal off a rebound 8:36.Bennett skated through a ice after being knocked down (in the low post),” Hurley said at 5:55 of the third period. pair of Boston players outside by Mark Giordano and the of Martin. “He’s starting to do Sam Bennett had a goal the blue line and got in alone on Flames challenged, getting things over both shoulders now and an assist to help Calgary Khudobin, beating him with a the goal overturned after a and his passing has improved win for the third time in four wrist shot. video review showed Boston’s so much. ... It’s a tough cover games. Bennett set up winner It was the only goal of the Brad Marchand interfered by for other teams — who are you with a backhand pass from game until Pastrnak knocked knocking Giordano into his going to help off of ? He’s get- behind the net right to Chi- in a rebound during a scrum in own goaltender. ting space to play in and when asson, who easily beat goalie front of Johnson 5:55 into the Notes: Boston played its sec- he doesn’t have space, he’s still Anton Khudobin as he scram- third. John-Michael Liles and ond straight game without D comfortable.” bled to get back across. Tim Schaller assisted on the Zdeno Chara, who left Tuesday Jarvis Garrett came up Boston has lost three goal, Boston’s first since Pas- night’s loss to St. Louis with an with his best game of the sea- straight and four of five. trnak scored with 11 seconds undisclosed lower-body injury. son, as well, scoring 23 points and handing out four assists. The junior point guard’s season high was 11 points coming “We gave up the whole first quarter, and after into the game, and he credited Celtics that we knuckled down and played pretty good,” a focus on being more aggres- Continued from B1 Popovich said. “And the starters came back in sive with the breakout. Kuran and played better after that too.” Iverson added 13 for the Rams. Bradley had 19 points and eight rebounds for The Celtics led 74-69 with 25 seconds left in The Rams saw Belmont’s the Celtics. Al Horford had 12 points and 10 the third quarter before Bertans hit a 3-pointer pedigree in the second 20 min- rebounds in his second home game since sign- and Mills made a 34-foot 3-pointer just before utes. After closing the first ing a four-year, $113-million contract with Bos- the buzzer to give the Spurs the lead. Bertans half on a 9-0 run, URI upped a ton this summer. also hit a 3 to start the fourth. 15-point lead to 20 in the first Jae Crowder scored 10 of his 18 points in the four minutes of the second half, first quarter. The Celtics had won three in a TIP-INS: Spurs: Improved to 5-0 vs. East- but the Bruins capitalized on Associated Press row, but they lost to San Antonio for the 10th ern Conference teams. ... Bertans, who set the four-minute URI field goal straight time. his career-high with 11 against Charlotte on drought that followed. They out- Rhode Island junior guard Stanford Robinson drives “Home, road, 20 years, whatever it’s been: Wednesday, broke it in the first three quarters scored the Rams 17-3 to make between Belmont defenders Dylan Windler, left, and they finish,” Stevens said. against Boston. ... Tyler Zeller and Danny Green it a six-point game with 12:03 Nick Smith during Friday’s game at the Ryan Center. were teammates on the North Carolina team remaining. The 23rd-ranked Rams improved to 5-1 this season with LOOKING BACK: A 6-foot-10 forward, Ber- that won the 2009 NCAA title. Out of a timeout, Martin an 82-73 victory. tans spent much of the last five years playing Celtics: Horford, the Celtics’ biggest free- scored on a putback. The lead in Europe and recovering from ACL injuries. agent acquisition of the summer, played just went to six again on Belmont’s staved off. on 19 percent shooting. He signed with San Antonio this summer and his second home game this season — his first next trip, but the Rams gained Belmont out-rebounded the “We were willing to give up has played in 13 of 16 games so far this season. since the opener. He missed nine games with some breathing room with six Rams 37-31 and grabbed 15 some things around the basket Leonard, who was the No. 15 overall pick by a concussion and returned for the last three straight points on a Martin offensive boards that turned because they’re such a lethal the Pacers in the 2011 draft, said he had no mem- games — all on the road. ... Crowder scored his hook shot, a Jared Terrell free into 19 second-chance points. 3-point shooting team,” Hur- ory of Bertans’ name from that night. 2,500th career point. throw and a Garrett 3-pointer. The brighter side of the ley said. “I was just thinking of myself,” he said. The lead dipped to eight with stat sheet for the Rams was URI heads to Valparaiso UP NEXT: Celtics: Visit the Heat on Mon- 7:12 left, but Belmont went the in Belmont’s shooting num- Tuesday for its first true road RUNS: Boston used an 18-2 run to turn a two- day night. Boston swept the 2015-16 series 3-0 next 4:53 without a point and bers. In their first three game of the season. The Cru- point deficit into a 24-10 lead. But the Spurs against Miami. The Heat are 4-10 and could URI used an 8-0 run to bump games, the Bruins got 44 saders beat the Rams at the were just as impressive in the second, when be headed for a second year without a play- the lead to 14. One last push percent of their points from Ryan Center last season. they scored 12 straight points to make it a one- off appearance in three seasons since LeBron that got the Bruins within 3-pointers. The Rams held point game. James returned to Cleveland. seven in the final minute was them to a season-low five 3s [email protected]