5v5 Draft Week 3 Write-Ups
by Jason on
Week 3
Subject: Team Robel (63) makes light work of shorthanded Shooters Over Bigs (45)
By JAMIL BALL
The score is a clear and accurate indication of how this lopsided match played out. Aside from some impressive shooting from Chris Jenco (25 points, 2 steals, and 4 rebounds) early on, offense was at a premium for Ryan Glynn-led Shooters Over Bigs.
However, their opponent Team Robel had no issue scoring the ball. Led by the consistent Tyrone Mullings (21 points, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 7 rebounds), they were getting to the basket and scoring at will.
In addition to Tyrone, there were some surprise contributions from two of my favorites Steve Rakusin (14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kevin Gillooly (11 points on 3 of 4 shooting from 3).
Steve’s (14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) got Team Robel off to a hot start, with their starting center Robel Ghebremichael coming off the bench in this matchup. Let’s say there wasn’t much of a drop-off offensively. I have watched Steve play off the last three seasons and this was by far his most impressive outing.
Kevin Gillooly (11 points on 3 of 4 shooting from 3) my friend and teammate in #SDL 4v4 can shoot the hell out of the ball, but for whatever reason, it hadn’t translated when the game matter the most, well today it did. I’d argue he probably should’ve shot more.
Needless to say, Team Robel would run away with a lopsided victory that moves them to 2 - 1 on the season, as they go into week # 4 excited about the highly anticipated debut of Nahom Brhane.
Players of the game:
- Tyrone Mullings (21 points, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 7 rebounds)
- Steve’s Rakusin (14 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists)
Subject: PRIMETIME 4.0 (57) stays undefeated as they hold off Hooptopia (48) to move to 3 - 0
By JAMIL BALL
Admittedly, this game was never in doubt for PRIMETIME 4.0 as they start 3 - 0 for the second consecutive season. Led by Moooch (17 points and 6 Rebounds) Adam Liu (12 points and 3 steals), and Jacob Miller (15 points and 2 steals) they controlled this game from start to finish.
With two of the more physical teams in the league, this matchup obviously got a little chippy. It started with the physical defense of Adam Liu and David Thompson and that lit a fire under my guy Dan Schwartz (9 points and 12 rebounds).
PRIMETIME 4.0 combined for a mind-blowing 19 fouls, I’d argue it should’ve been more. I think Dan would agree with me, but you have to adjust and that’s what Hooptopia did in the second half.
Ben Levin (17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals) played an exceptional all-around game for Hooptopia. Not only embracing the contact but creating some of his own while dominating the block. As he in Dan Schwartz put the team on their backs as they mounted an impressive comeback. Ryan Nett played really well too with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. He did an amazing job facilitating the ball on a team with no shortage of weapons.
Hooptopia efforts, Adam Liu played his best ball in the closing minutes shutting down any comeback attempts, as PRIMETIME continues to dominate against strong competition.
Players of the game:
- Moooch (17 points and 6 Rebounds)
- Adam Liu (12 points and 3 steals)
Subject: Danzig With the Stars (40) win an ugly matchup against Gear PF
BY JAMIL BALL
In what was by the ugliest game of the season came down to the final seconds and a huge three made by my boy Mike Garofalo (11 points, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 5 rebounds). Aside from the game-winning shot, there weren’t many highlights.
At the half, Danzig With the Stars led Gear PF 16 - 12. No that’s not a typo. Both teams combined for a mind-blowing 28 points. While the frustration was channeled toward the officiating crew, I’d argue the poor play was more attributable to sloppy basketball, missed layups, and lots of turnovers.
Despite being injured, Hamza (15 points and 6 rebounds) gave it a go and was one of the lone bright spots for Gear PF who are now 0 -3 on the season. He continues to be their primary scorer.
Surprisingly, Miguel Monclova (9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists) has struggled to find any offensive consistency this season after being nearly unstoppable last season. I’d argue he’s best with the ball in his hands facilitating the team offense.
Unlike Gear PF, Danzig With the Stars featured a more balanced offensive approach. They got offensive contributions from a variety of players Carlos (7 points), Held (11 points and 17 rebounds), Matt ( 8 points), and (Duff (4). Despite their struggles offensively, they found a way to convert with the game on the line.
In the final moments down 2 points, Mike G put his clutch gene on full display as he connected on a huge 3 from the top of the key that would go on to be the game-winner. This team is going to be ridiculous when Ben finally returns from injury.
This was a heck of a finish after such an ugly start. Great game fellas!
Player of the game:
- Mike Garofalo (11 points, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 5 rebounds)
Team COTE is handed their first loss of the season.
by ANDRE JONES
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Player of the game: Rich Disola
The Boston Three Party
From the start it looked like Mazz was going to lead his team to victory once again, but things took a slight turn right before the half as The Boston Three Party began to defensively harass COTE. The overly aggressive play seemed to have them flustered and it continued the rest of the night. Johnathan Abreu made his impact in this game. His numbers don’t show it but he seemed to make every play when it was necessary for his team. Scoring 8 points 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
Rich Disola made the biggest impact on the scoreboard with 24 points. He was clutch from three point range shooting 50%, along with Matt Johnson shooting 42%. Rich also made a commitment to crash the boards against a much larger opponent with 11 boards.
Matt walked away with 11 points.
Eric Li scored 9 points and shot 71% from the free throw line.
Tim Donnelly 8 points 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
Richard Beato only scored 3 points but I swear he’s a much better ball player than what he displayed in the game. He can actually ball, don't let the numbers fool you.
Nika needs more play time. It seemed like he could have more of an impact but every time he got in it seemed like he was pulled out 3 minutes later. 3 points 6 rebounds.
COTE
Mazz started off hot but then cooled off as the game went on. The collective defense of The Boston Three Party swarmed all over him. Rich got a nice block on him with some complementary trash talk at the end of it. Mazz and his teammates were getting fouled a lot especially in the beginning parts of the game. Boston Three Party had 8 team fouls in the first half. I really do think that physical play just wore them down. Mazzeo scored 22 points, while shooting 50% 5/10 from downtown.
Evan and Jackson surely were needed in this game. I think their lack of impact on the rebounding was a contributing factor in this game. This was low for Evan who normally gets about 10 rebounds a game. Both players combined for 8 points and 17 rebounds (Jackson 11 rebounds total).
Liam played like his usual self out there scoring 14 points and shooting 42% from long distance.
Jamil the floor general came back to life scoring 9 points 4 rebounds and shooting perfect from the free throw line. Not his normal self but he’s playing with some injuries.
Aidan Enright scored 4 points. His lack of scoring was definitely an impact in this game. He’ll be ready for the next game.
Over-30 Legends Week 3 Write-Ups
by Jason on
Week 3!!!!!!!!!!!
Game 2:Hanks Vs Brothers
by CHAS BELLS
Bonvie trey to get us kicked off 3-0. Hanks nails middy, then Kap deep 3 18 min. Bonvie connects on another 3, J.Mul 1-2, but Kap hot early connects from deep again 8-7. Paul nice take to the hoop, then gets another 2 off cut12-7 12min. S.Mul and 1, Bonvie trey cut the lead 14-12. Big Lu post work, then Frano powers in, followed by Hanks J, Kap adds a 3 23-13. Clarke gets 2 off dime from Kielley, Kielley and 1, J.mul 3, Bonvie 3 suddenly it was 24-24. Frano J gave Hank’s squad the 26-24 edge at half.
S.Mul post work to start , but Paul responds with trey 29-26. Kielley stopped into a 3, and then S.Mul and 1. Paul 3 ball, but Bonvie splashed another 35-32 16 min. Kap/Frano p n roll magic to keep pace. Kap 3 , Bonvie $ 39-39. Clarke brakes tie with floater , and then got 2 in the post, followed by an S.Mul drive45-39 7 min to go. Clarke getting buckets , and Frano swoops in to keep pae 47-43.Bonvie hits yet another 3, then J.Mul 1-2. Frano makes big shot 51-48 Brothers up all they have to do is hit ft’s. They could not S.Mul misses, Paul drives in, J.Mul misses 1 n 1 and then kap found Frano for the game winning bucket 56-51, very good game here.
Hanks Team
Kap-A-) The calming presence this team needed. Just knows how to get his guys in the right spot. That P N roll with Frano could be deadly.
Frano-B-Really quiet rebounding numbers, but hit the big shot to lift his team to a W.
Paul-B-Very solid in his role, had clutch drive, and as usual made nice passes
HanksB-) Struggled shooting but thought played well in most areas.
Tomar-C+-Refused to be posted in the 2nd half, i loved it!
Lu-C-) he will lay better, love his hustle and energy
Brothers
S.Mul-A-) His effort is 2nd to none, just does so much out there. Work on those ft;s buddy
j.Mul-D-Just hasnt gotten going yet, and they need him too
Kielley-C- Usually more impactful, he will have better nights
Bonvie-A-)fuckign 7 3’s, this dude is a sniper
Clarke-B-) gave thm a nice lift in the 2nd half, little more rebounds would be nice.
Game 3 Los Sex Vs Randal
By CHAS BELLS
Murphy 1-2 to get us kicked off. Harry cashes middy, he liked that so much he did it again 4-1. Butter was butter from 3 4-4. Matty O bank 3 ball, followed by Cawley hook 9-4. Murphy keeping them in it with obrd work, but Jump Shot Harry was here 11-6. Murphy respnds with J 11-8 14 min. Cawley cut, Murphy gets 2 froma cut o his own 13-12. Arria got in on the act with a lay in, but Cawley fouled hits both. Ian obrd put in, but a Randal 3 kept his boys in it 17-15 10 min. Murphy ties things with middy 17 all. Zeng showd some magic as he slashed in, then Arria gets 2 running well. Cawley got 2 off the window to calm things, but Randal finished obrd
23-19, Arria nice cut for 2, and thot another 2 off a steal 27-21. Matty gets friendly role, but Arria hot 29-24. Cawley cutting basket, but Zeng obrd put in. Cawley and 1, but Murphy J finished his strong half 34-29.
Harry/Murphy trade J’s, and then Matty O 3 ball, then Harry 1-2 tied up at 36. Cawley drive, then Ian trey 45-36 after some ft’s. Murphy got 2 off broken play, then Randal 1-2, but Cawley drive trying to sneak away 48-42. WE HAVE A BUTTER ALERT, he cashes 2 straights 3’s , but then we had a CAREYYY ALERT 3 ball 51-45. That would spark off a big run for Los sex as they cruised to victory, 67-62.
Los Sex
Harry-B+-Started red hot, cooled but played a very solid game.
cawley-A-)Rebounding wast there but 28, and 7 is right where he needs to be
Matty-B- he was good, but I feel like he can be even better with this team.
Ian-B+-Very nice vet game, Smart plays all day
Carey-B- Hit a big momentum 3
Randal
Randal-B-) didnt shoot it well , but did everythign else. Dude is a ball magnet
Arria-B-) Had some nice spurts but the 3 pt shoointg was off , and kept him from going off
Murphy-A-Very complete game, thought he was very good
Butterworth-B-Nailed 3 3’s gave his team life
Zeng-C+- Thought he did some good things, hustles well, and is fast as shit.
Game 4 Skelley Vs EJ
by CHAS BELLS
Fill in Lu cashed J to get us started, then Gold 2-2 4-0 17:20. Civale hook, Danner scoop up and under, Civale floater, then a 3 he was hot 9-4! Casey drive, Big Lu hits J, then he added a post 11-8. B.Rob gets 2 off nice cut. Lu 1-2, but Casey with smooth J15-9. Lu was balling as he got another 2, followed by Gold deep 3, he liked that so he did it again for the lead 17-15. Casey ties things with slip though drive, but Lu hit j again 19-17, Gold added a middy, but EJ nailed a captain 3 to keep pace 21-20. Lu gets 2 in the post, and Gold added a drive 25-20. Casey got a 3 to go, and he was feelin it so he canned another 26-25. Skelley makes nice fade, but 2 civale 3’s closed the half EJ up 32-27 but Skelley hanging around.
Gold deep 3, then Lindsey splash job for the lead 33-32. B.Rob converts scoop, Civale drive, Gold calms things going 2-2, then he adds a midrange for the lead, Lindsey would add a j, and then another 3 42-36 Skelley trying to pull off the upset!. EJ gets cutting 2, then Casey hang shot, Skelley/Casey trade hoops, but gold finsihes filthy drive 46-42. Casey reponds with tough drive of his own, then Civale got easy2 off cut, Casey drive and then eJ;s squad really ran away with this thing , the score would get below 10 as Casey started scorign evryimte, and nailing 3’s. They win 71-59.
Skelleys Team
Gold-A-Dude is so fun to watch. Love how he impacts bothe ends, and sets up his teammates even with all the scoring.
Skelley-C-Good D, but just coulnt get going on O
Lindsey-B-Played his role well, hit some big shots
Lu-A-Balled the F out 13 pts/11 rbs/ 4 steals/ 2 blacks
EJ’s team
Casey-A+-MVP level stuff, just unstoppable hen he decides its time
Civale-B-When he started cutting he got whatever he wanted. Good finish to this game
Danner-C+- He was ok, he needs to get some 3’s up
EJ-B-)Not much action but when his team needed a play he made it
B.Rob-B-5 dimes ,4 blocks doing i fucking love this guy.
A 5v5 Week 2 Write-Ups
by Jason on
WEEK 2 Write-Ups
By DEVIN QUINLIN
Game 1: West Coast Elite: 97 - Bormes’ Disciples: 78
West Coast Elite Cruise On Elite Shooting
West Coast Elite continue their stellar start to the season, this time with some unbelievable shooting splits against a much stronger opponent. As a team, WCE shot twenty-five for forty-three (58.14%) from deep and totalled twenty-six assists in an offensive masterclass against Bormes’ Disciples. After jumping out to a huge early lead, WCE led only 45-37 at the half, but exploded late to pull away with a comfortable 97-78 win.
Eric D’Aguanno started off hot, hitting his first three threes early in the game to finish six of nine with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. His off-ball movement allows him to benefit from WCE’s excellent movement and passing. Derek Retos is another beneficiary of his team’s offense, showing off his elite catch-and-shoot game in the second half, finishing an absurd ten of sixteen (62.5%) from downtown, including an and-1 three (which he converted). His final statline was 31 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal. The rest of the group all played well, largely in supporting roles to get D’Aguanno and Retos their shots. Collin Sawyer made his season debut with 14 points, 4 boards, and 4 steals, getting to the rim well and knocking down two of his four three-point attempts. Andrew Mayleben and Devin Jense had 12 points each, with Mayleben adding 6 rebounds and 3 assists and Jensen putting up 10 boards and 7 assists on four of eight from three. Jack Fay scored only 5, but added 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a game-high 8 assists to get everyone involved. Tucker Landy chipped in 2 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Not a single player on WCE shot under 50% from three, truly an absurd shooting display from them against a solid opponent. They will be tested even more next week against a strong Shooters Shoot team.
Bormes’ Disciples played a decent game, but simply couldn’t contain WCE’s shooting well enough to stay in the game. Sam Holtze led the scoring with 18 points, shooting three of four from the line and three of five from three. He also added 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals for a solid all-around performance. Jack Beck finished with 17 points, 3 boards, 5 assists, and 1 steal, converting all of his free-throws and hitting three threes. He did well to facilitate once he hit a few shots and garnered more defensive attention. Charlie Mather was missing his jumpers early on, but got going as the game went on to finish three of eight from three with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, hitting some tough shots and generally playing solid. Garrett Ganley came up with 11 points, 16 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block, adding some much needed size inside on defense and showing off some nice moves on the offensive end as well. Mac Bohuny chipped in 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals, and I think he should look for his shot more often. Mike Cerulli showed up late, but played pretty well with minimal warmup, adding 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Bormes’ Disciples will really be tested next week against a Zards team that’s been dominant in their first two games.
Game 2: Skelton’s Boys: 79 - Spida Men: 83
Spida Men Outlast Skelton’s Boys
The Spida Men haven’t exactly looked like the defending champs so far this session, but they escape a close game against Skelton’s Boys despite having no subs. Down 35-36 at the half, Jamal Brown and Billy Battaglia stepped up down the stretch to pull away at the end to secure an 83-79 win.
Cedric White led the scoring for Spida Men this week, stepping up down low in the absence of Gallivan and Martin Jr. He finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block, operating well in the low post and showing off his ambidextrous hook shot. Billy Battaglia was off in the first half, but hit three threes in the second to finish with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. He’s proven that he’s much more than a shooter, getting into the lane consistently with a nice pull-up jumper and the ability to hit shooters and bigs on some nice passes. Jamal Brown added 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, and while he’s looked a bit sluggish to start the season, I fully expect him to pick up. Soon enough he’ll be a triple-double threat, and no one wants to see his bully ball in the playoffs. Alan Williamson added 13 points on some nice mid-range shots while adding some nice physicality with 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. He’s a good pick-up for them. Hallvard Lundevall still hasn’t quite found his three since dropping 41 on his own team last session, but he impacts the game in every other way. He finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists (game-high), and 2 steals, and his athleticism on both ends makes him a constant threat and a defensive menace. A bit of a sloppy game from the Spida Men, but they pull out the win and look to keep it going against Not A Dime Back Next week.
Skelton’s Boys looked a bit lost last week against Zards, generally a step or two behind, but they quickly adjusted to the A League pace and looked much better this week. Erik Pettit continues to impress, finishing with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. He shot three of eight from deep, but got to the rim well, too. His rebounding and defense are underrated parts of his game as well. Doug Horan took the biggest jump on his team this week, returning to form as his team’s lead guard. He put up 17 points, 4 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, showcasing his signature floater/runner in the lane on the break and converting three of his seven attempts from downtown. Jon Bassett has also been playing pretty well, hitting four threes to finish with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. His quick trigger keeps opposing defenses honest and opens up lanes for others. Brendan McNamara has also been playing really well as his team’s only real big, putting up 16 points of his own, plus 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. He converted four of his five FT attempts, and his relentless effort on both sides drives his team’s energy all the way up. Elijah Anderson chipped in 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block, but needs to get up more shot attempts to make his team competitive. Fill-in Nate Howard added some serious interior size, finishing with 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks while altering plenty of attempts at the rim as well. Skelton’s Boys will continue to improve, but will have to bring their best against a strong Cobras team next week.
Game 3: Not A Dime Back: 80 - So You’re Telling Me There’s A Chance?: 58
NADB Easily Handle SYTMTAC
No stats for this game unfortunately, as we had three people rotating on the table and I ended up doing most of it, so we didn’t even keep track. Apologies to NADB, as they will be missing stats from a game that would probably have boosted all their averages across the board. Still, a dominant performance from them that was never really in doubt. SYTMTAC hung around for a good bit during the first half, but NADB exploded to take a 41-21 lead into the half. From there, the game was essentially over, as NADB ran away with this one to win 80-58.
Everyone on NADB played well, as they have a balanced roster and no trouble sharing the ball. Jon Luster led the way at the PG spot, hitting several threes, a few layups, and generally controlling the pace of the game. Chris Connor was hitting his shots as well. He’s a versatile wing/stretch big who can hit threes and operate in the mid/high-post. Dre Kontopidis was in attack mode early on, hitting several mid-range shots (four in a row at one point) and bodying his way inside for some strong finishes. Marcus Giese uses his length well on both ends, grabbing offensive and defensive boards and patrolling the paint on defense (forced me into two turnovers on the baseline) while finishing well inside. Jeff Coulter is a fantastic off-ball cutter and he finishes well through contact, and he hit a three or two this game as well. Mike Synott is always reliable, finishing a few buckets inside, but he should look to shoot more threes, as the defensive attention on the others will get him open shots. They will be tested next week against the Spida Men, who are the defending champs but have been struggling early on.
SYTMTAC has some talent, but we have minimal chemistry. Terrel Newton is as good as anyone, but our lack of offensive planning often hangs him out to dry. Garrett Stanowicz has been a bright spot for us this season, constantly going hard on both ends and finishing well inside despite being smaller than a lot of opposing bigs. His motor and competitive spirit are one of the few things we have going for us. Matt Connelly has been formidable on defense, blocking shots and interrupting passing lanes, and his court vision on offense will be a huge plus once guys get on the same page. Moses Lynn has been a bit sluggish to start, but as one of our most talented players he will only improve as the season progresses. Keith and I need to shoot more threes to keep pace with the other teams in the league, and the return of Jordan Carter next week will add some much needed hustle and shooting. Still, things are not looking great for us, as we match up with the other bottom tier team in Take The Under next week.
Game 4: Cobras: 67 - Shooters Shoot: 57
Cobras Upset Shooters Shoot With Tough Defensive Effort
Last week I put Cobras 7th in the power rankings, questioning their seven point win against a weak opponent and the effort of some of their better players. They clearly took that personally, upsetting Shooters Shoot in a close but convincing win. They led 30-21 at the half, and kept up the defensive pressure to win 67-57.
Never afraid to take over offensively, Warfa Abdillahi led the way for the Cobras with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. He hit three threes and had some smooth finishes inside, while controlling the offense late in the second half and finding his guys for open shots to lead the team in assists. His defensive discipline is questionable, but he always manages to get at least a few steals to garner easy buckets and momentum for his team. Chris Cardoso added 14 points of his own, plus 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. He shot two of nine from three, but his nice form and confident shot make me think that he will find his rhythm and start to explode as a scorer for Cobras. Yusuf Liban made his season debut with a bang off the bench, hitting three threes at a 50% clip to put up 11 points, 2 boards, and 1 assist. Every good team in this league has one guy who is a solid role player but ends up being essential to their team’s success because of their shooting ability. Look for Liban to get hot and routinely put up 7+ threes a game, converting at a solid rate, too. Jamal Fiin continues to use his strength on both ends, finishing with 9 points this game in addition to his 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. He’s physical on defense and doesn’t back down from any challenge underneath, and he hit some tough shots in this game as well. Gabe Granberry is really the Cobras’ only big man, and he did a nice job underneath with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. He finished some big shots inside down the stretch and was suffocating on defense as well. Carter Burress chipped in 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, but his strength and athleticism on both ends always make him a threat. I expect him to start hitting threes, too, and add in Mike Gillespie and this is a strong roster who can compete with the top teams. Worth noting that Cobras finished with 26 team assists, doing a nice job sharing the ball and converting open looks.
To be fair to Shooters Shoot, they did not shoot the ball very well, missing a lot of open looks even with the Cobras playing good defense. Andrew Jaworski returned this week with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, shooting three of eight from three. Not his best performance, but he’s still one of the best players in the league and will produce as the season goes on. Stephen Tam added 14 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, hitting two of his four threes. He scored the ball well, but his assist numbers weren’t quite there, as guys were missing shots and the ball wasn’t moving as cleanly as usual. David Reynolds added 14 of his own, but he shot four of thirteen from deep. He was the main guy missing open looks, and after his 35 point explosive in week 1, I fully expect him to bounce back. Even on an off shooting night, Reynolds still added 6 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks for a solid all-around contribution. Hugh O’Neil chipped in 7 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block, and they will need more from him going forward, especially against smaller teams like Cobras. Pat Racy added 4 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block, while Matt Pattyson added 3 points, 3 boards, 1 assist, and 2 steals. The absence of Adam Lindhorst was noted, as he’s a great defender, hits open shots, and moves the ball really well from the wings. Shooters Shoot will be tested again by West Coast Elite next week.
Game 5: Zards: 82 - Take The Under: 54
Zards Dominate Take The Under in Final Game
Zards haven’t had much competition yet this season, but they have taken care of business in both games. This game was never really close either, as they led 42-29 at half and exploded to start the second (as they always do) to pull away with a clean 82-54 win.
Sam Longwell continues to assert himself as the best player in the A League, putting up 36 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, shooting four of seven from deep. Longwell’s game isn’t forced at all, getting all of his looks within the offense or by simply running well in transition. Both he or Dan Wohl can go off at any time, and it’s because the whole team plays intelligent ball and simply look for the best attacking option. Still, Longwell has no weaknesses in his game and continues to light it up. Dan Wohl added 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, and his game is as smooth as anyone’s. Look for him to compete with Longwell for the league scoring title. Craig Melillo continues to impress as well, putting up 13 points on three threes and some nice pull-up jumpers in the lane, plus 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Everyone knows about his shooting, but his defensive pressure is underrated. Dan Aronowitz returned with his usual double-double, 12 points and 11 rebounds, plus 1 assist and a made three. These guys almost never have a big man, but DA’s rebounding ability and strength on defense more than make up for it. Dana Flood added 7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks, including two back to back blocks in one possession. He fits perfectly with this Zards group and will knock down shots, move the ball, and play defense at a high level all season. Mike Kearney finished with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, but his excellent defense, unselfish passing, and high IQ play make him an indispensable piece for Zards. Zards face a similarly undersized but smart, skilled team in Bormes’ Disciples next week.
Take The Under were simply outclassed this game, and along with my team, they look to be towards the bottom of the league. Still, they have solid players and could easily turn it around. Stephen Valacer finished with 12 points,10 rebounds, 6 assists, and a game-high 5 steals. As their best player, Steve definitely needs to look for his shot more, especially early on when the game is within reach. Still, his passing and defensive IQ are impressive, and he played a solid game in spite of the blow-out. Matt Turkington made his session debut this week with 10 points, 3 boards, 1 assist, and 1 block, hitting one of his two three-point attempts and bringing some much needed size and physicality to his team. Matt Krol shot two of five from three to finish with 10 points and 1 rebound, and he will need to increase his volume to keep his team in games. Nick Pellegrini isn’t the tallest, but his strength and touch around the basket make him a very good interior offensive threat. He added 9 points and 1 rebound, but will need to do more for his team to be competitive. Sam Wamakima added 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals for a decent performance, while Corey Huerfano’s 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal were solid as well. Kordell Harris added a rebound and shot zero for six from deep, but he’s got a quick trigger and isn’t afraid to let it fly. I expect him to get hot in the coming weeks and provide a much needed three-point threat to his team’s offense, as they shot four of twenty-five this game (16%). Take The Under will face off against So You’re Telling Me There’s A Chance in a must-win game for both teams, who look to avoid the dreaded last spot in the rankings.