Speedy follow up to gym story

IN A STORY published in last Friday's Daily News, coach William "Speedy" Morris, of St. Joseph's Prep, suggested that Roman Catholic High should be banned from playing any more games in its gym because it's "illegal" . . . three-pointers cannot be attempted from the corners and near-wings because the court is so narrow.

Here's a follow-up statement from Morris, who coached at Roman for 14 seasons ending in 1981, as provided by Bill Avington, the Prep's director of communications:

"I regret saying that Roman's historic gym should be outlawed. Roman has played in that gym since 1900 and I have many fond memories and victories there. That is their home and they have no other place to play. You should be able to play where you practice and I have no problem playing our game there.

"Having said that, I do not regret my statement about the Catholic League rating system. After 15 games in which the Prep and Roman both finished 13-2, and having defeated Roman in the semifinals, 57-50, we have 215 points to Roman's 213. To have to go to an average power rating when Roman does not have to play another game is unfair and unrealistic. No other league in America has such a rating system."

If the Prep falls to Ss. Neumann-Goretti in Monday night's Catholic League final, Roman will represent the CL in the Class AAAA City Title vs. Pub rep Martin Luther King.

-Ted Silary