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A class move for a class act prior to the Marauder victory

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St. Joe's battle with Bishop Timon/St. Jude was a great game filled with memorable moments.  But the highlight of the game took place before the players even took the court for the opening tip.

 

 Peter Schneider, AD at St. Joe's, took the microphone and read a biography on the career and accomplishments of fellow AD Jim Palano, who also coaches basketball and baseball at Timon.  Palano announced earlier this month, that he would retire at the end of the year, following 39 years of service.

 

Following Schneider's words, Palano was presented with a new golf bag, a card, and a warm embrace from the Marauders' basketball and baseball coaches, Mark Simon and Paul Nasca.  Palano seemed moved by the unexpected presentation and appeared to quite humbled by the whole experience.  The brief ceremony drew several rounds of applause from the full gymnasium, including an extended standing ovation when the crowd realized Palano was being honored.

 

***

 

On the evening before it was revealed that the Marauders were the first unanimous number one large school of the season, St. Joe's defeated Timon in overtime, 57-54.  Reggie Agbeko scored with 1:07 remaining in regulation to force the extra session.  The Marauders had trailed by six points midway through the fourth, but closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to pull even with the Tigers.

 

The game began with an exciting first quarter that saw the lead change 12 times.  Kyle Kobis drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer to put his Tigers in front and they would maintain that lead for the rest of the half and into the third quarter. 

 

In overtime, Timon had its chances to extend the game further.  Kobis missed an open look from downtown with 30 seconds remaining in OT that would have given the Tigers the lead, and again missed a 3-pointer with just three ticks left, that would have tied the game.

 

Agbeko led the way for the Marauders, scoring 22 points, hauling in 19 rebounds, and blocking four shots.  Louis Oliveri added 17 points in the win.

 

Jordan Williams led Timon with 17 points, while DeMilo Gibbs added 15 points in the loss.

 

-centercourt

9 responses to “A class move for a class act prior to the Marauder victory”

  1. Lance McDonnell Avatar
    Lance McDonnell

    AD Schneider with the classy move, guy would do anything to make him look good. My little brother goes to Joes and tells me how he is the least liked person at the school. I guess he constantly favors the “better” athletes and doesn’t allow the fans to have fun. Yesterday I saw him kick 6 little kids off the court at half time, the kids were just shooting around. I know he wants it to be super professional, but let the kids have fun. He’s an AD, but acts like a principle according to my brother(I wouldn’t know Mr. Wolf was AD when I attended Joes), but from what I’ve seen of him he looks like a real stickler.

    Reply
  2. Mark Simon Avatar
    Mark Simon

    The idea to honor Jim Palano was that of myself, coach Nasca, pete schneider and the whole st joes family. It had nothing to do with making anyone look good. It was a well deserved recognition for a great man and coach who has given his life to the catholic league. As far as clearing the court at half time, there is no place for young kids to be on the court during halftime. It is highly unusual to see anyone on the court at halftime at any high school throughout WNY.

    Reply
  3. Mark A Avatar
    Mark A

    Coach Simon, do you think you will get honored in a similar way when you decide to retire?

    Reply
  4. Mark Simon Avatar
    Mark Simon

    No. I have done nothing to compare to coach Palano. His accomplishments are amazing. We should all appreciate what he has done. He is a great man and great friend and will be missed in the WNY sports scene

    Reply
  5. Lucky13 Avatar
    Lucky13

    It is highly unusual and should remain so, except at Timon, where it is commonplace and should remain so.

    Reply
  6. Eric E Avatar
    Eric E

    Jim Palano may be a nice guy but Mark let’s be honest you are a much better coach. Your head to head record against him is so much in your favor I won’t even put it down. Manhattan Cup’s you destroy him. As far as coaching it’s not even close if anyone should be honored it should be you with a statue outside Kenmore Ave. I am not joking in anyway. Maybe a statue of Jack as well as I he has a pretty big ego so I don’t want to leave him out but again, Mark Simon vs Jim Palano it is clear Mark is the much better coach. Jim is right there with Ed at St Francis I would say. You have the best team in WNY Mark enjoy it and bring the Fed A title home to Buffalo.

    Reply
  7. Lance McDonnell Avatar
    Lance McDonnell

    Maybe the kids shouldn’t be on the court, I think it’s a Timon thing. Whenever I’m at a Timon game kids always go on the court at halftime

    Reply
  8. Patrick Moran Avatar
    Patrick Moran

    I couldn’t stop laughing at the statue for Jack too comment by “Eric E”.
    YOu guys are nuts

    Reply
  9. Dark TML Avatar
    Dark TML

    Any truth to the rumor that after Reggie leaves the $t. Joe’$ program, that Mark and Jack have the first plane out of Buffalo booked to China to scout the next Yao Ming? They should have made some pretty good contacts in the People’s Republic after Joe’$ played that Chinese team.

    Reply

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