March 18, 2009 > Newark boys basketball run ends Newark boys basketball run ends By Idorenyin Uto-Uko Newark Memorial boys basketball netted a dramatic come form behind 52-51 victory over Bellarmine Prep in San Jose Tuesday, March 10, only to fall at the hands of the #1-seeded McClymonds, 58-33, two days later, in the CIF NorCal Division I tournament. Down, but not out, for most of the second half, the courageous #6-seeded Cougars found their way to comeback from a 10 point deficit when Bobby Mc Call scored on a lay-up with 5.5 seconds left. Mc Call was held scoreless for three quarters, while fourth-seeded Bellarmine was extending its lead, taking a 40-27 lead into the fourth quarter. It was in four quarter when Mc Call turned into an absolute machine, being aggressive on defense and ring the Bells for 14 points in the quarter. "Coach told us don't change anything. Play like you're ahead," said Khion Shakely, who was able to wrestle the ball away from Bellarmine's Niyi Harrison (19 points) in the final play of the game, securing the victory for the Cougars. That type of coaching advice allowed Newark Coach Craig Ashmore's team to advance to the CIF NorCal semifinals on Thursday, March 12, against McClymonds at Cal State East Bay. In the semifinals, Newark found itself in a similar situation to where it was against Bellarmine two days prior. However, the hole they dug themselves to climb out in this contest was too big to get out of. McClymonds raced out to a major lead and held on for the 25-point win, 58-33. Newark will look to bounce back with another strong season starting in November. They return six players to their roster, while losing Devon Davis, Evan Kobori, Bobby McCall, Ifeanyi Ezeofor and Jason Failla.