Carr and Roman put away Archbishop Carroll

How is it that Tony Carr - just a junior for Roman Catholic - can appear to be the most poised person in the gym even in the most pulse-pounding environments?

Perhaps the 6-foot-4 point guard was simply born with the ability to block out the external hubbub and focus on his inner monologue instead.

But it's not Carr's voice that is the soundtrack for his internal calm. It's his late grandfather, former Cahillites point guard Anthony Smith (1971).

"My grandfather played a big role in my life, but unfortunately he passed away a few years back," Carr said Sunday after Roman outlasted Archbishop Carroll, 69-64.

"I always talk to him before and after games, just trying to keep him in my mind. He was a big inspiration in my life. He always told me to take care of the ball, make sure my teammates are happy, and I just try to do that to the best of my ability."

Despite the boisterous atmosphere at an overflowing Cabrini College gym, Cool Hand Carr did just that, finishing with 15 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

"Ever since I was younger, I've always had ultimate confidence in myself, so when things get a little crazy out there I always try to calm my teammates," Carr said. "And I know I'll make the plays we need to win."

While Carr provided the calm, junior wing Nazeer Bostick added the passion.

Bostick, a transfer from Math, Civics and Sciences Charter, led all scorers with 22 points, including back-to-back, two-handed dunks that capped a decisive 14-2 Roman surge in the fourth quarter.

Also for Roman (12-0, 4-0), Gemil Holbrook added 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals while D'Andre Vilmar chipped in 11 points and five boards.

For Carroll (8-4, 3-1), Derrick Jones had 17 points and 17 rebounds and swatted three shots. Josh Sharkey finished with 19 points and six rebounds. Ryan Daly added 17 points and six rebounds.

Carr, who now wears the same No. 10 as his grandfather, helped Roman convert 10 of 12 field-goal attempts in the final frame for victory.

"My grandfather was like my mentor," Carr said. "He was like a father figure to me. He was everything to me. He used to pick me up from school and we'd have great talks, and when he passed, it really hurt me. I was kind of young so I didn't really know the toll it would take on my life, but as I've gotten older I've started to miss him more and more. I just wish that he could come back, man. I just play for him and try to do my best every day."

Roman Catholic 14 13 17 25 - 69

Archbishop Carroll 10 16 18 20 - 64

R: Gemil Holbrook 16, Tony Carr 15, Nazeer Bostick 22, D'Andre Vilmar 11, Paul Newman 5.

C: Derrick Jones 17, Josh Sharkey 19, Dave Beatty 5, Ryan Daly 17, Samir Taylor 6.