Those were the words at Peekskill High School tonight before tip-off of its game with Spring Valley. The ‘show’ didn’t quite live up the billing. But this is definitely a ticket I recommend everyone buying at some point.Peekskill defeated Spring Valley, 85-73, in a very mediocre performance by the three-time defending Class A state champs. The Red Devils didn’t shoot particularly well, played shoddy defense at times and didn’t take advantage of a Tigers team that didn’t make a shot outside of 10 feet. Yet Peekskill, the two-time Federation champs, still led by 22 in the third quarter and had all five starter score in double figures.Dequann Brickhouse, sophomore point guard, was incredible for Peekskill, recording a career-high 24 points with six rebounds and six assists. We always refer to Peekskill’s Big Three—Mookie, Watson and Watts. But don’t forget about Brickhouse, who just might be the quickest and craftiest point guard in Section 1. His previous career-high was 10. But tonight, he took was relentless in attacking the Tigers defense, finishing strong and creating open looks for teammates.Syracuse-bound Mookie Jones had a decent game. His shooting numbers weren’t great, but he had 14 points with nine rebounds, five blocks, four assists and four steals. Elliot Watson added 11 points, and Watts, a junior transfer from Lakeland, had 14 points and eight boards. Darien Thomas, who earned the fifth starting spot for Peekskill, was very good, as well. The 6-foot-3 junior—nicknamed “Pooh Bear”—scored 14 points and played very solid defense.As much as I love watching games at Peekskill, there were just some things about this game that left a bad taste in my mouth.Among them was the fact that Peekskill seemed to be in disarray on offense. I know it was the first game, but when you return three starters, including two all-state forwards and a point guard, you shouldn’t have issues over shot selection or sharing the ball. At one point, it looked like everyone was trying to knock down a 15-footer with no regard for who was under the basket in case, god forbid, they missed. They shot quickly on some possessions and didn’t work the ball enough on others. Most of their early points came off turnovers and I barely remember anybody setting a screen or making an extra pass.Perhaps that had to do with Peekskill getting a little too amped up before the game. They dunked throughout warm-ups, letting the crowd get too involved. I realize it’s the season-opener and guys are nervous. But don’t let a Dec. 4 game be more than what it is.I also had a bad feeling in my stomach over the way the officials, actually one in particular, treated Ralph Watts. I fought with myself over whether or not to write anything about it, but I can’t resist. It was too blatant.Watts got absolutely mugged on his way to the basket on three possessions in the second quarter and didn’t get a call. He was later called for a phantom traveling call and a questionable (at best) foul on what looked like a clean block. Listen, I understand how difficult it is to be an official, and I have absolutely no reason to favor Ralph. But when it’s the same ref, the same player and the same theme, it’s hard to ignore. Is somebody upset that Watts transfered to Peekskill? Some are. But sorry, that’s not the officials job. After the game I told Watts I was proud of him for not picking up the ball and punting it across the gym, or showing his frustrations in any other way. He shook his head and walked away on every call/non-call. When I asked him about it, he took the high road, smiling and saying “What can I do?” And he’s right. But it’s definitely something I’m going to monitor this season.Otherwise, it was a solid start for the Red Devils. The gym was jammed and, for the most part, I think people left satisfied. Mookie had a nice alley-oop dunk from Brickhouse, Watson had a great block and the game was high-tempo. Personally, I was expecting to see the greatest team ever (outside of Mount Vernon), which was probably unrealistic. The Red Devils left much to be desired defensively. Spring Valley had a little trouble with the 2-3 zone, full-court man and 1-3-1. But once the master, Willie Worsley, aligned his personnel, the Tigers got through it. Most other teams are going to get swallowed up by that 1-3-1 once Peekskill perfects it. It’s just a little early.Spring Valley is going to be a major factor in Class A. In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked if Peekskill and Spring Valley ended up meeting at the County Center in February. Jamal Little, Spring Valley’s best returner, had a quiet night, as did Michael Brathwaite. But Joshua McKinley (24 points, 11 rebounds) and Kevin Sylvain (21 points) both showed good promise, and I loved how this team handled the ball and rebounded. Those things alone will put the Tigers ahead of the pack.