The Wolves Make It Two In A Row!

PS4 Boys Baseball Team

After their first victory of the year, The Duke Ellington Wolves Baseball Team made it two in a row after they defeated PS115 with a score of 8 - 4. With big hits by Zenny R. and Danny W., the Wolves played the type of baseball they have been taught to play during their practices that first began in early April. "Your team played very well", said the coach of PS115.   Janser M. also played a great game as catcher, blocking balls at the plate.  Pitcher Carlos E. also threw his best game, striking out seven players and giving up two earned runs. "I think your team is getting better with every pitch", said the umpire of the game, Mr. Rodriguez. "It's like they have found who they are as a team and capitalized on their strengths."

After their next game on Friday, May 17, The PS4 Wolves will start the playoffs and try and win their very first Turn-2-Us Baseball championship!

Wolves Lose First Game of Season 14 -13

The first game of the year did not end well for the PS4 Wolves.  Despite scoring 13 runs, the Wolves lost their first game of the season; 14 -13 to PS192. "It basically came down to who was going to bat last", said the coach of PS192, Coach Jason.  Since we were the home team, we got to bat last and that made the difference. The Wolves played well, considering this was the first time they played on an actual field.

Big hits were made by most of the boys in the starting lineup. Carlos E. and Elvis H. both hit the ball into the outfield and hit two home runs. Defensive errors hurt the Wolves as they were unable to make key plays on the field when it counted.  Once the players are able to make better plays on the field and better decisions on the bases, the Wolves will be a hard team to beat.

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 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.

Boys Basketball Try-Outs

On Tuesday, September 25th, PS4 and the Turn-2 Us Foundation will be holding basketball tryouts for this upcoming basketball season! Boys who with to try out for the team should bring a change of clothing, sneakers and a permission slip. "Everyone will not make the team", said Coach Harris, "but everyone will be given a fair chance to make the team".  Good luck to everyone trying out for the team this Tuesday!

To see highlights of last year's boy's basketball team, click here.   For more information on our sports programs, contact Dr. Evelyn Montanez.

Wolves Go Down to PS325

The baseball season is over. Sadly, the PS4 Wolves' baseball team lost their playoff game to PS325 with a score of 6 - 0. Despite the loss, the boys never gave up. Special consideration must be given to the starting pitcher, Vinny, for taking the ball and striking out a few of the players from PS325. Elvis also contributed with a base knock and Eric made a spectacular catch in right field. While our record wasn't the best, (2 wins 4 losses) The Wolves left everything on the field last Friday and have left a great foundation for the team next year.

PS4 Baseball Team (in green)

 On behalf of Coach Harris and the team, we would like to wish PS325, and all of the baseball teams that are still playing, the best of luck in the playoffs. Special thanks to the "Baseball Moms" that have come out to the games!  Your support is greatly appreciated!  When the season starts next year, The Wolves will be ready!

PS4 Baseball Team Suffers First Loss

Members of the baseball team.

After winning their first game three weeks ago, the PS4 Wolves lost their first official game of the season with a score of 5-3. "You had them, but you let the game go", said Umpire Mr. G.  "You were the better team."

The Wolves were winning until the last inning when too many wild pitches and bad defense caused the defeat. "But", says Coach Harris, "PS4 will be back and ready to play their next game". A special salute goes out to Christopher R. who helped his team by pitching well and striking out seven batters!

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.

PS4 Teams Travel to Columbia University

Last month, both the Boys and Girls' basketball teams traveled to Columbia University to see how a Division 1 basketball team practices on a university court. Dr. Evelyn Montanez, the Executive Director of The Turn To Us Program, thought that exposing the boys and girls to student athletes on a higher level would be a good model for them. "I think it is important for our kids to see how student-athletes behave on a higher level. This is Columbia University...an Ivy League school. While basketball is important, students still pay attention to their studies and maintain a high grade point average." The students were very happy to go on this trip and learned a lot by watching the practice. Who knows, said Coach Harris, "maybe one of our boys or girls will be playing basketball at Columbia University in the not so distant future."

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.

The Coach Harris Report - Getting Ready For The Next Game

The PS4 Boys Basketball team at a recent game.

Since there was no game last Friday, due to the Veteran's Day holiday, The Wolves of  PS4 are even hungrier to win their next game Friday, versus PS192. The next game is "on the road" so that means the boys have to be very focused on their task as they play in another court. Just like in the classroom, The PS4 Wolves must study their offensive and defensive plays.

Although our record is 1-2 (one win and two losses) their is no feeling that we are a losing team. A win will make our win-loss record even and strengthen the confidence that we are building. Hopefully, the team will be at full strength for the first time since game 1. Now that the team knows their responsibilities and has a better idea of their own capabilities, a win should be the next step.

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.

Bears, Panthers, Knights and Wolves...OH MY!

This week, students of the Duke Ellington School will vote on a new mascot!  Voting has already begun on our blog!  Members of the Student Government will be visiting classrooms to distribute ballots for students in grades 3, 4, and 5 to vote.  If you haven't voted, please see the poll question on the left side of your screen and choose the symbol that will represent our school.

Here's what each symbol represents:

• Bear - strength and courage
• Panther - strength and grace
• Knight - honor and intelligence
• Wolf - power and strength

Panther

Knight

Bear

Wolf

Choose wisely!  Our new mascot will be announced by Coach Harris at our first basketball game on Friday, October 21st.

NOTE:  On October 21st, Coach Harris announced that nearly 75% of students voted for the wolf to be our new mascot!

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

PS4 Boys Baseball Season Ends

Congratulations to Coach Harris and the boys of the PS4 Baseball team as they received medals for their participation in the Turn-2 Us program!

Boys Baseball Wins At Highbridge

PS4 defeated PS 192, 7-6 in their last at bat by a score of 7-6. Thanks to the work of the whole team. Raymond G. and Bryan R. made very important contributions to this winning game. PS 4's baseball team now has a 2-0 record. That means they have two victories and no losses. Starting pitcher Juan had five strikeouts as he battled the very good team of PS 192. Catcher Jean D. played a very tough game behind the plate and left fielder Alexander knocked a base hit to center field for The Mighty Dukes. Perhaps the key moment in the game was when relief pitcher and second baseman volunteered to pitch in relief and shut down the game for The Mighty Dukes. Even though he was not able to continue pitching the entire game, he was able to strike out the last batter in the inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning, hitter Bryan R. was able to get on base with a walk. Then Alexander knocked a base hit into center field and Bryan was on third base. A hit could and would end the game. That's just what Raymond G. did and he scored the winning run.

The team celebrated at home plate and congratulated Raymond when he came off the field. The PS 4 team was happy and after they shook hands with the tough team from PS 192, they walked off baseball field 1# at Highbridge-West Bronx Recreation Center victorious and headed back to the school. Congratulations to Coach Harris and the boys baseball team!