The Legendary History of Archbishop Molloy High School Basketball

The Legendary History of Archbishop Molloy High School Basketball

Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York is well-known for its storied men's basketball program. With 27 CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens titles, Molloy has established itself as one of the premier basketball schools not just in New York City, but across the entire country.

Molloy basketball has a long and rich history dating back to the school's founding in 1957. Under legendary head coach Jack Curran, the Stanners burst onto the scene in the 1960s and quickly became a dominant force in CHSAA. Curran led Molloy to 10 Brooklyn/Queens titles between 1963 to 1976, grooming future NBA players like Brian Winters and Kenny Anderson.

The Dominant Teams of the Late 1980s

After some down years in the late 1970s, Molloy basketball rose back to prominence in the mid-1980s under new head coach Mike McCleary. His 1987-1988 squad, led by Chris Mullin's younger brother Roddy, went undefeated en route to a NYCHSAA city championship.

The 1988-1989 Molloy team may have been even more talented. Led by NYC legends Boo Harvey and Stephan Marbury, the Stanners won a second consecutive NYCHSAA crown. Marbury averaged over 35 points per game and Harvey poured in 44 points in the 1989 city championship game.

The Late 1990s Revival

After Coach McCleary's departure in 1990, the Molloy basketball program hit another rough stretch through most of the decade. Long-time assistant Jack Alesi took over head coaching duties in 1997 and immediately orchestrated a Stanner resurgence.

Alesi's first Molloy squad in 1997-1998, led by future Louisville guard Marques Maybin, won a division title. The 1998-1999 team went one step further, winning the prestigious Nike TOC national tournament on the strength of first team All-City forward Charles Jones.

The Carmody Era

In 1999, Jack Alesi stepped down and handed the Molloy program over to his protege Bob Carmody. Carmody would go on to have a Hall of Fame career, leading the Stanners back to city dominance.

Carmody's first star player was Brooklyn legend Taliek Brown, who led Molloy to back-to-back CHSAA titles in 2000 and 2001. Brown went on to star at UConn and play several years in the NBA.

More city titles followed in 2003 and 2004 behind NYC greats Brandon Walters and Curtis Kelly. Carmody's crowning achievement came in 2008, when Molloy went undefeated and won the prestigious Beach Ball Classic national tournament.

Recent Successes

After Carmody retired in 2010, current coach Mike McCleary (son of 1980s coach Mike McCleary) took over and continued the Stanners' winning ways. McCleary led Molloy to consecutive CHSAA titles in 2011 and 2012.

In 2013, Molloy won a national title at the High School Invitational tournament behind the dynamic duo of Isaiah Whitehead and Christ The King transfer Brian Bernardi. Whitehead went on to star at Seton Hall and was drafted in the NBA.

The Stanners won their last CHSAA crown in 2015 behind Brooklyn legend and current NBA player Isaiah Washington. Expect Archbishop Molloy basketball to continue its storied legacy for years to come!

Notable Molloy Basketball Alumni

Here are some of the legendary players who have suited up for the Stanners over the decades:

Brian Winters

- Played at Molloy in late 1960s under Jack Curran

- 1st team All-American; ABA Rookie of the Year

- 9-year NBA veteran; 1976 All-Star selection

Kenny Anderson

- Played at Molloy 1988-1990

- New York State Mr. Basketball; 2-time Parade All-American

- NCAA All-American at Georgia Tech; #2 overall NBA draft pick

Rodrick Rhodes

- Stanner player 1987-1991

- Parade All-American; McDonald's All-American

- NCAA champion at Kentucky; 11-year NBA veteran

Lamont Middleton

- Molloy player in early 1990s

- McDonald's All-American; Parade All-American

- NCAA All-American at St. John's

Kevin Cluess

- Stanner guard graduated in 1995

- Scored over 2,000 career points at Molloy

- 3x First Team All-City; Hofstra University standout

Taliek Brown

- Led Molloy to back-to-back CHSAA titles in 2000-2001

- NYC legend; donned #50 jersey later retired by Stanners

- UConn star; played 7 NBA seasons

The Molloy Home Court Advantage

The Stanners have enjoyed tremendous home court success over the decades at their gymnasium on Manton Street in Briarwood, Queens. Some key facts about the famed Molloy gym:

The Mitch Gym

- Official name is the Brother McKenna Gymnasium, after longtime Molloy principal Br. McKenna

- Unofficially called "The Mitch" by players and fans

- Small capacity listed at 1,000 but has housed packed crowds of 2,000+

Old School Atmosphere

- First opened when Molloy was founded in 1957

- Retains an old school vibe; bench seating on rickety wooden bleachers

- Walls adorned with banners honoring past Stanner stars and titles

Deafening Crowds

- The Mitch rocks with energy on game nights; opposing teams struggle with the noise

- Molloy crowds are right on top of the court to intimidate visiting players

- Rumored to be loudest gym in CHSAA and one of the toughest places to play in NYC

Postgame Celebrations

- After big Molloy wins, fans storm the court for raucous celebrations with players

- Winning a title like the Brooklyn/Queens CHSAA is extra special

- Court storming is a Mitch tradition; scenes are chaotic but city basketball at its finest

The Brother McKenna Gym has been the site of countless legendary moments in NYC hoops history. Generations of great Stanner players have battled to big wins on the Mitch's home floor.

FAQs

How many CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens titles has Molloy won?

Molloy has won a record 27 CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens championships, including 10 titles under legendary coach Jack Curran in the 1960s and 70s.

What year did Molloy win the Beach Ball Classic national tournament?

The Stanners went undefeated and won the prestigious Beach Ball Classic national championship in 2008 under coach Bob Carmody.

Who are some of Molloy's most notable NBA alumni players?

Molloy has produced several NBA players including Brian Winters, Kenny Anderson, Rod Strickland, and current NBA player Isaiah Whitehead.

How many consecutive CHSAA titles did Molloy win from 2000-2001?

Behind legendary NYC point guard Taliek Brown, Molloy won back-to-back CHSAA crowns in 2000 and 2001.

What is the nickname of Molloy's home gymnasium?

"The Mitch" is the nickname for Molloy's home gym on Manton Street in Briarwood, Queens which is formally named the Brother McKenna Gymnasium.