2018-19 season: 19-9 record, reached PSAL City Semifinals
Players to Watch: Majesty Johnson, Amahrie Simpkins, Tahron Allen, Jaylin Anderson
Key additions: Tahron Allen, Jahmere Tripp, Kelechi Okworogwo, Jalen Lyn
Tons of Buzz surrounding the Brooklyn Collegiate Lions going into the 2019-20 basketball season. Just months after reaching the PSAL AA final four for the first time in the school’s history, the Lions have added new players to make them one of the deepest teams in the city. The Lions are recognized by Ball is Life as one of the top 20 teams in the Northeast.
One of the biggest additions to this team is Tahron Allen a 6-4 junior wing who transferred to BC from CHSAA powerhouse St. Raymond’s. Allen gives the Lions another key player on offense that slash and shoot from the perimeter. Allen would make an immediate impact on the Lions on offense as he has transitioned from the CHSAA to the PSAL Brooklyn AA.
Majesty Johnson is one of the top PG’S in the city and he is looking to prove that to those who disagree. At 5-9, the Harlem native is a true floor general who is quick, a pest on defense and can shoot from the perimeter. With the number of offensive weapons added to this Brooklyn Collegiate team, there’s no question that Johnson can become the assist leader in NYC just like alum Glen Anderson who is now in his first season at Maryland-Eastern Shore.
Amahrie Simpkins a 6-4 guard can be tough to defend for opponents this season with his athleticism and ability to play inside and outside. Simpkins proved how much of an impact he can make when he exploded for 33 points against Cardinal Hayes at the Tru Ballaz Invitational championship. In that game, Simpkins exploded for 21 points in the third quarter. Unfortunately, BC lost the game, but from there you know for sure that Simpkins is a player that makes the lions a much more dangerous team.
Newcomers Jahmere Tripp, Jalen Lyn, Kelechi Okworogwo are a few players who can look to make an impact on this Brooklyn Collegiate squad.
Schedule Breakdown
Along with a tough and challenging Brooklyn AA schedule, the Lions have a non-conference schedule that includes a trip to Massachusetts along with a huge matchup with Cardinal Hayes on February 1st. Here are our Key games to watch this season.
November 26th vs Thomas Jefferson
The Lions will be facing a very tough Thomas Jefferson team at home to start the season. Jefferson is the same team that dominated the Lions in last year’s final four. The matchup between Majesty Johnson and Jefferson’s Jaquan Carlos will be must-see TV.
December 12th vs South Shore
The Lions aren’t the only Brooklyn AA team that has reloaded. The defending PSAL City champions South Shore Vikings have added a lot of new pieces as well. This game will be a huge test for the Lions as they go up against a team that features Nate Tabor, Kipplyn Richvine, Zaire Wells, and Jefferson transfer Marcus Burnett. BC hasn’t been able to beat South Shore the past few seasons but this year they may be more prepared to face them.
December 22nd vs Wings Academy at the City Legendz Classic.
A Bronx AA vs Brooklyn AA game is always entertaining and December 22nd the Lions will go up against Wings Academy. Last year the Lions dominated Wings 72-48 at the South Shore MLK Classic. This years game could be different as Wings added a few players themselves.
January 5th vs WHEELS Academy @ the Real Scout /Big Apple New Years Jamboree.
The Lions start off 2020 with a big matchup against Manhattan powerhouse Wheels Academy.
January 25th vs Gill St. Bernard
In order to prepare for the postseason, a trip across the bridge to Jersey is needed. The Lions will be facing a tough Gill St. Bernard Team at the Hearts 2 Hands tournament at Kean University.
Outlook
The Lions may have one of the deepest teams in the city where they have about five players who can average up to 15 points per game, out of those five about three of them can score 25 plus in a game if needed. When one player is out many will step up and fill the void.
One question about the Lions is their defense. From what we have seen in the preseason they have squandered leads against tough competition. It’s possible that the Lions have found ways to improve that since the season started with their practices. We definitely see a BC team that will finish at the top three of the Brooklyn AA division and could possibly make a run at Jefferson and South Shore for the Brooklyn Borough championship. No question with the weapons and depth that they have this is very possible. Don’t be surprised if BC is in the conversation for a run to the Garden.
Hoop Dreams NYC 