Mamadou Diakite Sparks Win Over Doyle, St. Doms

MANHASSET, NEW YORK -- It was billed as the big battle between junior standout Mamadou Diakite and St. John's bound, all purpose player Tim Doyle (right) in last night's CHSAA game at St. Mary's High School.

A packed gym arrived early to grab the few seats inside the tiny home of the St. Mary's Gaels. They weren't disappointed. Diakite scored 25 points to lead St. Mary's to a 69-49 victory. "The score was not indicative of how close this game was," said St. Mary's head coach Tim Cluess. "This was a really tough game."

It was. For three quarters, St. Doms had pushed and shoved equally with St. Mary's. When Tim Doyle dropped in a three-pointer from beyond the top of the key, St. Doms had cut the St. Mary's lead to 48-44. "We picked it up defensively in the fourth quarter," Cluess said. "I think that was the key in pulling away at the end."

It was. A great defensive job by Diakite bottled up Doyle, who loves to handle the ball near the top of the key to start his effective drives to the basket. Doyle is one of the best forwards in the 2002 class at driving and dishing to open teammates.

St. Mary's outscored St. Dominic, 21-5 in the final eight minutes to pull away. But it looked like the Gaels would blow their rivals out of the gym in the first half.

St. Mary's led 29-13 midway through the second quarter. Then Doyle took over. His drives and passing skills set up his teammates for an incredible rally. Doyle hit a couple of baskets himself during a 14-0 run to end the second half. St. Mary's only led by two points after the big St. Dom's run.

"I told the kids to pick up the intensity," Cluess said. "For some reason when we have had a big lead this year, we tend to relax. But they have a great team. And Tim Doyle is a great player. So it was not surprising to me they would make a run."

St. Doms did make its run. But Tim Wall, who had a solid game for St. Mary's, stopped the 14-0 skid by opening up the third quarter with a three-pointer. Wall finished with 15 points and displayed a smart floor game throughout the contest.

After Doyle's three closed out the third quarter, St. Mary's used its balanced offensive attack to pull away late. A Keith Tilley banker in the lane gave St. Mary's a 57-44 advantage with 4:15 left. St. Doms would not threaten after this run by St. Mary's.

"It was a great game," Cluess said. "We are both different teams from last year but these games are always competitive and fun to watch."

It was.

Doyle led St. Doms with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Brian Houlihan had nine points also for the Doms.