B2 5v5 MON Week 1 Write-Ups
by Jason on
By DEVIN QUINLIN
Game 1 | First Team CAC Benchwarmers: 30 - Gino Time: 83
Gino Time Rolls Benchwarmers in Season Opener
This game was never really in doubt, as Gino Time took a 49-20 lead into the half and just dominated the entire game from start to finish. To be fair to the Benchwarmers, they had no subs while Gino Time came with eight guys, but I’m not sure it would’ve made too much of a difference, as Gino Time was simply too dominant in this one, winning by a final of 83-30.
Erik Maynard and Max McKee led the scoring for Gino Time, hitting a flurry of threes early on and continuing their scoring throughout the game. Maynard finished with a league-high 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 steal, shooting four of nine from deep and dominating all facets of the game. McKee added 20 points on four of seven from deep, plus 5 boards, 3 assists, and 1 steal. He had some nice takes to the rim and was relentless in transition as well. Greg Eusden also added a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals, doing some damage inside, while Johnathan Ross played a very strong game on both ends, putting up 13 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Darren Hartwell scored only 4 points, but was perhaps his team’s most impressive player, hounding the opposing guard on defense and finishing with a league high 10 assists to go along with 6 rebounds and 3 steals, while Liam Abbott added 3 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in a stat-stuffing effort. Altogether, this team looks dangerous with their combination of size and athleticism, cementing themselves as the early favorites to win this division after a dominant win.
The Benchwarmers struggled in this one, but Zack Gray was a bright spot for his team. He finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and a league-high 8 steals. He shot three of seven from deep, showing off a nice looking shot and some impressive moves in transition, including his signature behind the back wrap off the dribble, which he did about seven times. Joseph Walsh hit two threes to finish with 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal, while Chris Alphen added 4 points, 4 boards, and 2 blocks in the loss. Matt Mackay chipped in 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Bugra Akaktan added 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Tough loss for the Benchwarmers, but it’s hard to play a full team with no subs. They will have better games in the coming weeks.
Game 2 | Thank You University: 34 - Handler’s Handlers: 31
Thank You University Pull Out Gritty Win in Low Scoring Affair
This game was either a defensive battle or two teams generating no offense, but it was competitive from start to finish. Thank you Uni held a narrow 17-11 halftime lead, with both teams shaking off some rust in their first game of the season. This game ended up coming down to the wire, but an Andrew Pratt corner three ball sealed the game for Thank You Uni by a final score of 34-31.
Pratt led the offense for Thank You Uni, going three of five from deep to finish with 11 points and 4 rebounds. After missing a few shots early on, he got going in the second half and ultimately won his team the game with the clutch three. Ben Hayes isn’t even on the roster, but he hit three threes to finish with 9 points and 2 assists, breaking out Jamal Murray the bow and arrow celebration on all three of his buckets. Electric stuff from the sharpshooter. Greg Palazzo added 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, making things happen on both ends, while Kevin Toomey finished with 4 points and 6 rebounds, playing well inside on both ends. Even with a lackluster offensive performance from both teams, Thank You Uni deserves their credit for coming up with some key stops down the stretch, with credit going to Eli Vogel (2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) on the perimeter and Kelsey Cornwell (3 rebounds, 1 steal) inside. That effort, plus some clutch shotmaking from Pratt, and they pull out the hard fought victory in Week 1.
Handler’s Handlers honestly looked much better than their 31 point output might suggest, but they ultimately just couldn’t hit their shots, going five of twenty-eight from three as a group and zero for four from the charity stripe. Brian Horan shot three of seven from three to finish with 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Danny H was active on both ends, putting up 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jack Gallagher finished with 5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists (game-high), and 1 steal, and Ryan Kuchar added 5 points, 7 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, though he had beautiful jump shot form and I expect him to shoot better than one for six in the coming weeks. Even with their dominance on the boards and defensively (2 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals for big man Sean Lovett), the Handlers just couldn’t convert enough shots to win this one, but I think they have a solid roster and can settle in nicely as the season progresses and they find their rhythm.
Game 3 | SAUS: 68 - Mark It Zero: 33
SAUS Dominate in First B2 Game
SAUS have long dominated Corporate League, rolling through opponents handily. They finally made the jump to B2, and things are no different, as they handled business against Mark It Zero. The scoring was nearly identical in both halves, as SAUS led 32-16 early on, and finishing this one with a final score of 68-33 in dominant fashion.
SAUS benefited from an incredibly well-rounded offensive attack, with four guys in double figures and two more barely missing out. Michel Nofal was dominant early on, finishing with 13 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. He quickly hit two threes to start the game, which set the tone for this one. Cam McCann also hit three threes to finish with 13 points of his own, plus 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, while Mike Baker did some serious damage inside with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block down low. Kevin “Half Speed” Toth is far and away the best player in this division, and he did not disappoint with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Even against some solid defenders, he’s just two steps ahead of everyone else, even with some questionable effort. Chin Kuo chipped in 9 points on three threes, plus 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, and Griffin Haas added 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal while rocking the Jason Williams Kings jersey. Captain Gareth Goh added 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 2 steals in the win, and I expect big things from a very capable SAUS team this session, even after moving up a division.
Mark It Zero struggled in this one, but they have no shortage of talent. I am on this team, and will hopefully be back by Week 6 or 7 to add some much needed shooting, as our squad went three of thirty-one from deep. Still, knowing these guys and having seen them all play before, I am confident that those shooting numbers will not stand. Cam Daniels was a bright spot for us, as he finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals, coming alive in the second half and applying serious pressure on defense. David Ter-Ovanesyan added 7 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 steal, but these two each shot one of seven from deep. David Pendergast added 6 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists (team-high), and 1 block, but he will need to be more assertive on the attack if Mark It Zero wants to win games. Rob Lunder played solid, adding 5 points and 4 rebounds, while James Mulvehill struggled with his shot (zero for eight) but did everything else to chip in 2 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. Tough game for Mark It Zero, but I see better days ahead later in the season.
Game 4 | Bricksquad: 33 - The Unreliables: 49
Unreliables Cruise to Week 1 Victory
The Unreliables put together a strong Week 1 performance, taking a 21-12 lead into the half and moving the ball well the entire game. This is a group with excellent chemistry, and the addition of Matt McDonough adds another go-to-scorer to take some of the offensive pressure off of Eric Flemming. The combination of shooting, passing, and defense put the Unreliables over the top in this one, as they pulled away with a 49-33 win.
Matt McDonough led the scoring effort, shooting five of nine from three to finish with a commanding 20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, fitting in seamlessly and knocking down jumpers at an impressive clip. Eric Flemming also played a strong game, adding 15 points, 8 rebounds (5 offensive), and 4 assists, knocking down his signature midrange jumper and distributing the ball well in the half court. Nate Koslof showed off his dynamic game with 5 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists (game-high), and 4 steals, making plays on both sides per usual and finding shooters and cutters at will. TJ Green chipped in 7 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in the win, rock solid as always, while Samir Shah came up with 2 points and 6 boards.. The Unreliables looked very solid in their first outing, and we’ll see if they can continue their momentum against the top tier teams in this league.
Like most other teams in Week 1, Bricksquad struggled offensively, but they showed some flashes. Tenzin Nanglo finished with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, and while his shot wasn’t falling, he displayed a nice offensive arsenal and hitting a few shots in the second half. Tenzin Pharachesur also showed some flashes, adding 10 points of his own, plus 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 2 steals, while Nana Adu chipped in 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Julius Zuckerman also added 5 points, 4 boards, 1 assist, and 1 steal. This team definitely lacked some offensive firepower, but I think they have solid pieces who will find their rhythm as the season progresses.