The First Two Games of the Season

The PS4 Wolves played PS48, winning their first game of the season.

The Duke Ellington Wolves are 1-1 after playing their first two games of the season. In the first week, The Wolves led by their new coach (Coach Mcardle) beat their uptown rivals PS48 at home by a score of 24-20. The team was led by returning starters Dave C., Tyrese T. and Ayinde V.  Each player scored at least 4 points to help PS4 win their first game. The second game, against PS4's downtown rivals at PS28, ended with a loss by a score 34-20.

Boys coach, Coach McArdle, said that PS28 was a tough team and PS4 will have a better chance at a home game.  The PS28 Boys Basketball team is the 2014 Turn2 Us Champions.  "We should have a better chance next time, said Coach McArdle.  "We learned some things in this loss that should help us next time earn a victory." At one win and one loss, The PS4 Wolves are looking forward to their next game and next opportunity to become a better team.

New Coach - Same Goal

This year The PS4 Wolves have a new coach!  But, the goal is still to win a championship in the Turn2Us League. Coach McArdle, PS4's new Physical Education teacher, is now leading the basketball program at PS4.  Try-outs for both the girls and boys basketball teams were recently held in the gym.  Nearly 250 boys and girls tried out from the 4th and 5th grade. "I'm looking for boys with the desire to compete and who study hard in class", said Coach McArdle who goes by the name "Coach M" to her players.  During both try-outs, students were required to run drills, dribble and run.   It was a hard process because out of all the students that participated in try-outs, only 15 boys and 15 girls could be chosen. "We want to have a season full of wins on the court and off. That process starts here", said Coach M.  Dr. Montanez, the director of the Turn2Us program, found it difficult to make the cuts and choose girls for the PS4 Lady Wolves.  "It's always so difficult to choose...there are so many girls who are really talented".

Derek Jeter's Turn2 Us Foundation sponsors the sports programs at PS4.  Turn 2 Us is a comprehensive wellness program.  The mission of program is to enable youth to internalize different methods which encourage healthy lifestyles through a variety of physical and psycho-educational awareness activities.  PS4 is thankful to Derek Jeter and his foundation for sponsoring our sports programs and helping students lead healthy lifestyles.  Click here for more information.

Congratulations to PS4's 2014-2015 basketball teams! Take a look at the photo collage below for some highlights from the try-out sessions!  You'll find the names of students who made each team on our sports bulletin board located in front of the main office.

Create your own free picture collage

The Duke Boys Win Again!

Coach Keys motivates his team during a game against PS192.

  

Last Friday's game was a big game for The Wolves! They were competing against their downtown rivals from PS192.  The last time these teams played against each other, PS4 lost by one point. With this game at home court, Coach Keys thought the game was a "statement" game. "We have to beat them to get a higher seat than them in the playoffs", he said.  With a victory against PS192, PS4 would jump ahead of them in the playoff standings. "This is a big game", said Coach Keys.

PS4 won the game by a score of 35-22. They improved their record to 4 wins and 2 losses. The Wolves were led by their power forward, Derek G.  He led The Wolves with 14 points!  Despite a great effort from the opposing team, PS4 won the game by 13 points. "Things are looking good for the new year", said Coach Keys. "We are peaking at the right time."

The Boys Take a Loss

Photo of recent boys basketball game against PS28.

After starting the game with turnovers, The Wolves fell behind during the most recent game against their rivals down the street; PS28. When the game was over, The Wolves would be on the losing end of a 29 -19 game. "The turnovers killed us", said Coach Keys.  "We gave the ball away in too may key situations and we can't win games like that."

The loss came two days after a victory against PS173.   This year, looks like a strong contender on the road to the Turn2 Us championships, with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses. Coach Keys is looking forward to winning some games before the Holiday Break.

The Wolves Start the Season With a Victory

PS4 Boys Basketball team play PS48.

 
Last Friday, The Wolves beat their opponents from PS48, with a score of 31-12. Led By Coach Keys, the Wolves used the talents of returning starters Carlos E. and Derek G. to lead their team to victory. "It was a great win.  It was a great way to start the year",  said Coach Keys after the game. Derek G. led the team in scoring with 12 points. After last year's difficult season, this win had to feel good for the boys basketball team.  They are hoping this victory is a sign of great things to come. Go Wolves!

New Year, New Seaon, New Coach!

This year, the PS4 Wolves will be led by Coach Keys! After a two year absence, Coach Keys will be preparing the boys team for domination in this year's Turn 2 Us League, funded by New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation. After winning two championships with the girls' team, Coach Keys is once again ready to take the boys team to new heights.

Just like last year, the competition will be steep as the boys will be competing against teams from all over District 6.  PS128 will also be coming back into the league after a two year absence. Expectations will be high, as Coach Keys will be coaching some of his returning players from last year including Carlos H., Derick H. and Carlos E., who are now 5th graders.  Let's hope that this year will be a championship year for The Wolves. Practices have already started and the season officially starts on October 25th.  Go Wolves!

For more information about Turn 2 Us, please contact Dr. Montanez, Program Manager or click here!

PS4 Wolves Go To Columbia University

Making their second trip to Columbia University, the boys of PS4's basketball team joined teams from PS192 and PS325 to watch the Columbia University Men's Basketball team practice! All three teams got to see how a division one basketball practice is run. Organized by Turn2Us Athletic Director Dr. Evelyn Montanez, the boys were impressed to be on a college campus that was once a home and school to the current President of The United States, Barack Obama. "I loved the practice because I got to see the guys dunk the basketball.  Something that we can't do...yet", said one player from PS192.  Dr. Montanez explained the reason for taking the basketball teams on this trip; "The reason why we take this trip each year is because we want the boys too see a practice from the only Division 1 basketball school in Manhattan and we want them to see that they can be a scholar and an athlete. It's important that they see that this can be done."

Turn-2 Us Basketball Teams with members of the Columbia Men's Basketball Team.

Special thanks to the Columbia University Men's Division 1 Basketball Team for taking the time out to talk to our boys and allow us to watch them practice.  For more information about the Columbia Lions, click here!

Boys Play A Great Second Half Despite Loss

Despite the final score of 27 - 9, the PS4 Wolves left the game with their heads help up high. "You guys played better in the second half. If you would have played the first half with the same intensity as you played the second half, you would have had a better chance at wining the game.", said Referee Mr. Larry, after the game.

The winning team, PS173, started the game strong and dominated the first half. But, the Wolves played much better in the second half and did their best. Led by Jeremy V. and Derek H., the Wolves made a strong run. They showed hustle, heart and fight. They are looking forward to their next game against downtown rival PS28 on their home court. They will be ready!

A Bad Game for the Wolves

Even though they have lost all of their games this year, The Duke Ellington Wolves are still looking forward to playing in the next game. "They have a good team, they just need to execute and limit their mistakes", says former PS4 parent and current game referee Ms. Brooks. The words were very encouraging to Coach Harris after a loss at PS28. The game was close with a score of 4-2 at half time. But once the second half started, the home team went on to prove why they are considered the best team in the league. There were some good moments by players like Carlos E. and Saul H. (point-guard).  But, by the time the game ended, The Wolves took the loss by a score of 23-7. "Don't worry though", says Coach Harris.  "The boys will be back stronger than ever!"

The Wolves Play Their First Game

PS4 Wolves play against PS132 in their first home game.

Despite a big effort from The Wolves, the PS4 Boys Basketball Team lost their first official game of the season on their home court (20 - 16) to their uptown rivals, PS132. The game started off well enough with the boys grabbing early rebounds and playing tough defense.  But, as the game played on, the boys from PS132 made the baskets when they most needed to. Some members of the team had had some good moments! Starting power-forward,  Janel P. (from class 501) made a basket and a free - throw. Saul H. (from class 502) scored two points and starting-center, Carlos E. (from class 421), led the team with 10 points! "The team played well, they just need to work better on offense and play better defense", said Ms. Brooks, the official referee for the game.  PS4's next game will be on November 9th, against downtown school PS192. It will be a challenge but the boys from PS4 will be ready!

For more information about the PS4 Boys Basketball Team, contact Coach Harris!

(Photos taken by student photographer Joel H., from class 520)

The 2012-2013 Boys Basketball Team

Here are the members of the 2012-2013 Boy's Basketball Team!

Coach Harris with his new team!

Carlos H. (401)
Elijah C. (401)
Francis D. (401)
Derek G. (401)
Dave C. (402)
Wilmar W. (420)
Carlos E. (421)
Janel P. (501)
Julio R. (501)
Kedwin R. (501)
Saul H. (502)
Franly R. (502)
Isaia G. (502)
Jeremy R. (520)
Jose S. (521)


Coach Harris and PS4 Wolves took their annual trip to the Turn 2 Us Basketball clinic to meet their opponents and learn the rules and regulations of this year's basketball season. Hosted and organized by Dr. Montanez, Turn 2 Us Program Director, the clinic took place at PS 192/ 325 with all of the school's in the district present (except for PS173). There was a scrimmage, reciting of the rules and a meet and greet for the coaches and players. The emphasis was on being good sportsmen and good students. Both the boys and girls basketball teams from  PS4 that attended and were very happy to take the trip.  They are even more excited to start the season.

PS4 Boys Basketball Team (in burgundy) during a practice game.

The 2012-2013 Basketball Team Is Here!

After a hard day of tryouts, the PS4 Boy's Basketball Team has been named!  Fifteen boys were chosen.  Nearly sixty-five boys from 4th and 5th grade spent an hour and a half running, dribbling and scrimmaging. "The goal is the same as it was last year", said Coach Harris, "to win the last game of the season and use discipline, practice and precision involved in basketball, to help motivate the young men with their work in the classroom".

Special Thanks to Dr. Montanez, the director of the Turn 2 Us program, and Coach Keys for helping Coach Harris pick the players for the 2012-2013 season. The Basketball League Student/Parent Orientation will take place at PS192 (500 W138th St.) on October 12th from 12-2pm.  Practices will take place in the gym weekday mornings from 7-8am.  Tournaments begin on January 18th and will take place every Friday from 1-2:15pm.  For more information about the Boy's Basketball Team, contact Dr. Montanez or Coach Harris.

Baseball Season Begins At Highbridge Park

2012 Co-Ed Baseball Team (green uniforms)

Baseball season has officially started!  That's right, The Wolves of PS4 began their season with a game against PS192. Returning this season, are two of the players from last year!  With fourteen boys and one girl on this team, PS4 hopes to finally bring a baseball championship to the school from The Turn-2-Us League. "This will be an exciting year", says Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Montanez. "Everyone seems to have a shot at winning games."

The first game of the season began successfully, as the co-ed baseball team won their first game at Highbridge Field in the Bronx, with a score of 3-2.

Congratulations To The Boys Of PS4

PS4 Boys Basketball Team

On Friday, the Boys Basketball team's season came to an end. The PS4 Wolves lost the playoff game by a score of 14 - 0 against PS328. The loss ended their season and all hopes of winning The Turn 2 Us League championship. Congratulations to PS28!

Even though the season ended with a loss, the season was a success because the boys learned how to play basketball as a team and learned how to work hard in practice and during the games. Coach Harris would like to thank Coach Adam and the boys; Alejandro, Jeremy, Jermaine, Richard, Jose, Armani, Angel, Kenneth, Camille, Julio, Aisen, Jeffrey, Dermont, Isaihs, and Saul. Your coach and the Duke Ellington Family are all very proud of each of you.

Two Bad Games for The Boys Basketball Team

The last two games for The Wolves have not gone well. Their record has fallen to five wins and four losses after losing their last two games. Two weeks ago, the boys fell to their uptown rivals, PS48 with a score of 22 - 5. The loss was devastating for the team that had previously won 5 games in a row.

Last Friday, The PS4 Wolves lost to their downtown rivals PS28, with a score of 18 -10. The loss took PS4 out of first place and put them in a 3-way tie for second place. There is only one game left to get the team back on track before the playoff run which begins in two weeks. "We have to get better", says Coach Adam, Assistant Coach of The PS4 Wolves. "That means playing with heart, focus and paying more attention during the game. We have to get back to the basics in practice so that the lessons we learn can carry into the game." PS4's next game is on the road at PS325.

The Coach Harris Report!

Coach Harris and Assistant Coach Adam with the team.

The Wolves win again! Playing at home, at PS4's gymnasium, the team came from behind by 3 points with clutch plays made by Dermont D. and ferocious defense played by the team's best defender Camille D. The win makes it the fifth in a row by the Wolfpack.  "It was a team effort by every player." Says Coach Adam, assistant coach of the PS4 Boys Basketball team, "they showed tremendous heart and courage." Even though team captain Armani R. did not score any points in this game, he led the team courageously against the ferocious play of PS132, led by Coach Luis. Even coach Luis, after the game, admitted that the game was tough. "The game was close! I wish we had pulled this one out but PS4 is a tough team." With PS4 behind by three points, with under two minutes left in the game leading scorer Forward-Center Dermont D. scored a free throw basket and a game - tying field goal to even the score at 10 points. That took the game to overtime. Once the game went into overtime, PS4 took over and outscored PS132.  We won the game with a score of  14 - 12! Mr. Ovalle was there and saw a great game played by both teams, "that was a great game and PS4 played tough." As for PS132, even though they lost the game, they are a good team and probably will see PS4 once again in the playoffs.

The Coach Harris Report!

Coach Harris & Coach Adam with the team.

Good day students, parents and staff! This is Coach Harris with the Coach Harris report. After winning our last game against P.S. 325 , 21-20, the Boys Team has succeeded in evening their record to 2-2 (two wins and two losses). Next for the team is a home game against P.S. 132. The team will have to be on-point in practice and in the the game because P.S.132's basketball team is always well - coached, energetic and prepared. This is going to be a true test of how good The Wolves really are. Even though P.S. 4 is taught to expect victory, they know they must work hard in practice and execute in the actual game to win each game. I am looking forward to big games from our team captain Armani R., leading scorer Dermont D., and someone that has stepped up incredibly the past few weeks to become a key contributor for the team; Angel C. The game should be a good one! I just hope the outcome is as well.

1st Game of the Season

Congratulations to the members of our boys basketball team! Even though they lost by a score of 28 - 15, the boys of PS4 did show some signs of having a good season this year. Senior point-guard and newly named team captain, Armani R., showed great leadership on the court. 4th Grade forward, Dermont D., "filled the bucket" with 14 points, scoring all but one of the team's 15 points. "I really liked some of the things that I saw today on the court" said Coach Harris, "once we get our feet underneath us, we should be fine."

Throughout the game, The Wolves, PS4's new team mascot, showed great hustle and determination. But, the players from PS128 also knew what to do on the court and they got the victory in the end. "If we can stay disciplined on defense, execute on offense and play with maturity, then we will have no problems", said Coach Harris.  He thinks that once the team starts believing in one another, they will see great success. "Once they begin to trust each other and make the right plays, we will definitely see a turnaround." Although they did not win their first game of the season, they did their best.

The New PS4 Basketball Team

Coach Harris recently announced the new line-up of the 2011-2012 Boys Basketball Team!  Here is the list of team members:

Demont D. - Class 423
Isaias G. - Class 423
Saul H. - Class 423
Julio R. - Class 401
Jeffrey F. - Class 401
Aisen M. - Class 401
Camil D. - Class 420
Kenneth V. - Class 420
Alejandro M. - Class 501
Jeremy N. - Class 501
Jose A. - Class 501
Jermaine S. - Class 523
Richard C. - Class 523
Angel C. - Class 523
Armani R. - Class 520

Practices will take place on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, before school.  Congratulations, boys!!

An Open Letter From Coach Harris

Dear PS4 Basketball Players,

I am very happy that you have been chosen to represent PS 4 as members of the basketball team. You should be proud of yourselves. I do want you to know that with this privilege comes great responsibility. Not only will you be responsible for completing your school work and homework, but you will also be asked to conduct yourselves as gentleman and student-athletes. As student-athletes, there should be no reports of you talking back to your teachers or disrespecting adults in any manner. Please keep in mind that as a Duke Ellington School student-athlete, you represent yourself and your school. Please also keep in mind that your position is not guaranteed. Should you not fulfill your obligation as a student-athlete you may lose your position and it could be given to someone else. With all that being said, let's have fun, win some games and bring a championship home to PS 4!

Your Basketball Coach,
Coach Harris