Lehman’s 69-67 victory over Wings Academy may be classified as an upset considering the Wings entered play undefeated in Bronx AA and were considered a possible PSAL Class AA city championship contender.
But longtime Lehman coach Chuck Hicks doesn’t see it that way. The Lions, he said, had been close to playing their way into elite status, losing in overtime to Manhattan AA dynamo Wadleigh and Wings and testing John F. Kennedy (11-1), which moved atop the division after Thursday’s action.
“We knew we were a good team,” Hicks said. “Other people weren’t giving us enough respect. Tonight will change that.”
Senior forward Armand (Big Baby) Thomas had 18 points and 10 rebounds, Edwin Pasqual added 15 points and guard Aaron Barnes chipped in 15 points and 12 assists. The difference, Hicks said, was the Lions’ defense. It’s how they knocked off high-powered Wings. That, and by keeping their composure down the stretch.
“Near the end of a lot of games we weren’t demonstrating poise,” the coach said. “We did today.”
Lehman improved to 8-4 in Bronx AA, inching closer to third-place Truman. The win has Hicks thinking anything is possible. He has a good feeling about Tuesday’s showdown with Kennedy.
