Duo not star players at Roman, but are star role models

Octavius Blount pointed to the south end of Roman Catholic High's fabled gym and then to the north end, where he was seated for a spell before Thursday's practice.

"I got a block down there against O'Hara," he said, "and then I fell over here, also against O'Hara. I went up to try to dunk and a guy swiped out my legs."

A short time later Thursday, fellow senior Vince Malizia occupied a spot in those same stands.

"I missed a jump shot against O'Hara," he said. "It hit the back of the rim."

When you're the last two men on a basketball team, chances to experience memorable playing moments are not exactly plentiful. But to call Blount and Malizia the co-prides of Roman hoops would not be a stretch - each maintains a 4.0 classroom average - and their contributions are very much appreciated by coach Chris McNesby, especially since the guys have made successful efforts to improve their sports personas.

"When I decided to keep them on the team this season, I asked them to act like they belonged and to step outside themselves," McNesby said. "They were both a little timid at times. I asked them to bring energy.

"As good as they are in the classroom, I reminded them that they'd need enthusiasm to succeed in the real world. Almost sell themselves, really. They've been great. They're developing into well-rounded young men. They bring a positive attitude every day. When the other guys are down, they say things to bring them back up. That leads to respect."

The 6-foot, 190-pound Blount, a guard, leads the 6-3, 200-pound Malizia, a forward, in minutes played, 23-22; in points, 5-0; and in class rank, 32-35. Blount has managed nine rebounds, while Malizia has settled for one.

Blount was the seventh man on the 2007-08 freshman team, decided not to play as a sophomore, then was a JV sub last season. Malizia started for that frosh squad, then was a 2-year JV sub.

We'll ask the obvious question for you. Why are they here?

"I just like being part of the team," Blount said. "I like being vocal at practice, knowing I'm helping the guys. And I like helping them away from the court, too, with things like homework or getting them ready for tests. I do some tutoring after school or even during lunch. Whenever it's needed. I feel I have the respect of the coaches and players."

He paused and looked around the gym.

"It's cool to see all these [championship] banners," he said. "You want to help put one up there, too. Being part of a program with so many accolades, you want to strive for more."

Said Malizia: "It's cool to say you're on Roman Catholic's basketball team and to go through the whole experience, like traveling to places for tournaments. I'd be at most of the games anyway, so I might as well be here on the bench."

Since coming oh-so-close (47-46) to a classic upset of Ss. Neumann-Goretti in a Catholic League semifinal, the Cahillites have been focused on their Class AAAA duties. They're District 12's third seed, and, at 4:30 Saturday, they'll tackle a first-round game, vs. Bethlehem Liberty, at Parkland High in Allentown.

Blount will do his best to support his teammates . . . eventually.

"I'm hoping maybe I'll get there in the middle of the first quarter," he said.

Reason: "Ock" and his mother, Octavia, will be rushing from Arcadia University. The former will take an entrance test and both will subject themselves to interviews with administrators. (Neumann U. is also in the picture).

"My mom went to college," Blount said. "She has always taught me to strive. I want to do the same things she has."

Blount, who lives near 18th and Mifflin in South Philly, expects to major in physical therapy. Malizia, who lives near Ainslie and Conrad in East Falls, is bound for Penn State's main campus. He's envisioning a career in sports medicine.

As you can imagine, Blount's five points touched off wild celebrations. If Malizia happens to get on the court during the state playoffs, and then ring up a point . . . School might be off for a week.

"I think everyone would be pretty happy," Malizia said, turning red.

By the way, these kids' involvement does not begin and end with them.

McNesby said Malizia's dad, Joe, is highly supportive of Roman's program. He even sold pretzels at home games and has made it to all away games. Octavia Blount, meanwhile, is an over-the-topper.

"She's unbelievable," McNesby said. "She's at every Roman event, whether her son is participating or not. When we have practices at bigger courts, she knows we're going to need help. So, she makes sure she's right here with her car, ready to be part of our transportation team." *