Yes, Obama graduated the bulk of its 2013-14 top ranked boys basketball team. No, the program didn’t fall to pieces. The firepower in 2015 came from senior guard James Taylor-Lane, (18 points per game) and high-flying super sophomore Kenny Robinson. The Eagles had a great season despite the need to nearly replace the entire starting lineup after graduation losses, but was no match for the Dragons.
Every year however, the Dragons find athletes who excel, and this year is no different.
Junior Jordan Rawls was inserted into the Dragons starting lineup this season to shake things up. His energy provided an immediate pulse for the team as it embarked on its quest for a state title. He phased the victory as the “Two-peat at The Pete.”
Allderdice is lead by the Jackson twins, James and Tim, while similar in their competitive nature, have pretty opposite personalities. Tim lead all scorers with 24 points, James had 18 and Rawls 15 points. The twins are part of a team headed by coach Buddy Valinsky that took over three seasons ago determined to win a state championship.
The Allderdice boys basketball team wear T-shirts with “We Want More” written on the back, a reference to the Dragons wanting to go further in the PIAA playoffs after losing in the first round last year.
The Dragons got to see great competition all season, whether from their early season WPIAL or City schedule. The Dragons have six victories against tough WPIAL playoff teams.
“I am very impressed with the twins,” said Greg Blair, a starter on Schenley 2007 state championship team with his brother DeJuan. “I would give our team the edge over everybody because of the competition we played. We traveled and played some nationally ranked teams. But, again I am impressed with this Allderdice team.”
The 2015 Allderdice Dragons just might be the best basketball team in City League history. What remains between them and their destiny is a state championship.
Dragon nation If not you…Then Who? If not Now…Then when?
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