B2 5v5 UNIFIED Preseason Rankings
by Jason on
B2 5v5 WINTER 2024 PREVIEW
Alright, we’ve got 4 B2 5v5 divisions and 36 total teams. I’m ranking where I think teams should fall within their division AND their overall ranking. If this futile? Probably! Do I want to give you all plenty of fodder to feel disrespected?? ABSOLUTELY!
Division Rank (B2 Rank) Team Name - Blurb
MONDAY
This league is top heavy. It’s got two bonafide juggernauts with a handful of teams trying to make a name for themselves are some up and down play the last couple seasons. Oh and 3 completely brand new squads to really shake things up!
12 (36) Himmy Turner - Look, there’s nothing wrong with being a new team in the CAC Universe. We all have to start somewhere. Most of us start with more than 5 guys on a roster and one google-able name that works for Draft Kings. I mean, help me out here!
11 (35) Last Chance U - Another almost all rookie team, Nana Adu played last season, but it was with 1-8 Bricksquad, so I’m not sure how much stock I should put into that. Probably none? Wada Salah Eldin’s pfp of zion doesn’t fool me!
10 (33) Lexington Steals - Ever since Gordon Santry left the franchise, the Steals have been in shambles. You know, that time he played 1 game and scored 25 points! They happened to win 4 games that season? Coincidence? PROBABLY! They’ve got just 3 total wins to their name the last two seasons and I don’t see many more on the horizon unless some big time moves were made this offseason.
9 (29) The Lab - They haven’t played since W23 when they went 4-5 and their leading scorer had less than 15ppg. I see that team captain Eric Franfort has added 3 true CAC Rookies into the mix, but they better bring some fire power with them. This division is top heavy, so making the playoffs might not take more than a coupe wins. Which is probably good since it’s hard to see a lot of wins. But honestly, I feel like I’m being a little mean here…
8 (28) Corner Three - Look, you come in as a new team, you name drop Shea Whalen and you’re getting a bit more respect than your typical batch of rookies. There is legit no reason for me to rank them this high, other than Nick Fothergill said “Shea Whalen sent us” and honestly, that’s good enough for me.
7 (26) WE HAVE FUN - They’re trending up! 1 win in the S23 season followed by 3 in the F23 season projected to…hmmm, maybe 2 this season? No check that, looking at their regular season schedule they avoid Gino Time, they warm up with a rookie team and they have two winnable games in their first three weeks. WHY NOT THEM?!?!
6 (21) Thank You University - 4-5 & 4-5, and 1 playoff win the last two seasons. The epitome of the average team and they’re running back the same roster, as far as I know. Greg won’t answer any of my emails. Is this how it feels from the other side? Wow that sucks, I’ll be better…
5 (18) - Big Baller Brand - I had this team ranked 9th after a 3-7 effort in the WED division last season. Then I actually looked at the roster a little bit. They’ve got 4 CAC Rookies, and one of them has a picture of a BC football player. Using the google machine, that same player also happens to have an instagram of himself in a texans uniform. Now, I’m no expert, but you bring a legit athlete into this league that, even if basketball is his 5th best sport, his biceps still look like they’d pop me like an adalescent white head, i can’t possibly rank them in the lower half of the league. Sorry, those are the rules.
4 (15) - Los Market Baskets - First I had them ranked 8th. Then I had them ranked 6th. Then I took a look around the league and said, fuck it, top 4 team! I can’t discount their championship experience. Yes, you can say that they’re Corporate titles and you can discount them. but during both title runs they took out undefeated juggernauts along the way. that’s grit, that’s championship meddle! One season they barely average 40 ppg, another, almost 60. I think they’re going to be ok in this league! SAUS transitioned well, why can’t they too! Oh have I mentioned that their first game of the season is against juggernaut Gino Time? What a rude welcoming to the league. What kind of jerk would do that?!?
3 (14) The Unreliables - Honestly it’s one of the most apt names in CAC Basketball. This team went 4-5 in the regular season and then knocked off BOTH 1 loss teams on their way to the MON title last season. The season prior? just 2 regular season wins and a missed playoff spot. It’s going to take at least 3 regular season wins to get into the playoffs in a 12 team league. If you see them as your opponent in the regular season, maybe you feel good about your chances, but playoffs ?
2 (8) SAUS - This team scraps, this team fights, it’s never pretty but they just get it done. Michel Nofal is a PROBLEM. Last season he was 1st in scoring and 3s made in this division. He gets to the line, he passes the rock, he gets boards, you HAVE to contain him if you want to beat SAUS. It’s much easier said than done.
1 (2) Gino Time - Some might scoff at this #2 overall ranking, Last season they were 10-1 before falling in the B2 5v5 MON Finals. The season before, they were 11-1 and WON the B2 5v5 MON. If they’re in you’re division, they’re the overwhelming favorite, I’m sorry, they just are. I think THIS is the season that they finally break through. I want this for big Greg Eusden, I NEED it for him. The man is a walking double double its time for his CHIP!
TUESDAY
This league is legit. Precovid, Tuesday at the Cambridge Y was always the most loaded division top to bottom. Now on the new CCC court it’s nearly as loaded. New teams coming into this league have their hands full. If you’re unlucky enough to draw the top teams as the teams you face twice? Good luck.
8 (32) Shrek & His Lads - Look, i’ve got nothing on this team. No one uploaded an intimidating pfp of them playing college football, no one had an obviously googleable name. They’re all generic white guys as far as I can tell. Did Gordon Santry play lacrosse at Colgate against Gerard Lacerte from Bently?!? Does Matt Laffin sell insurance? Probably, those are all white ass names! I got nothing basketball related here
7 (26) Hoop Dreams - Andre Jones is back! He took a season off and has been stealing draft league players left and right to try and form a juggernaut. I just don’t know if it’s going to work here. You need top end draft league guys to compete in B2 5v5 and, well, Andre is no Harry at the recruiting game.
6 (22) Bears - I always have a hard time telling teams where to start. I want them to always try B2 first, but sometimes, I team comes along like the Bears that insist B1 is the way to go. So they struggle through a 2-8 season before realizing “Hey, that Tibbs guy knows what he’s talking about, maybe we SHOULD have played B2!” THEN they jump out to a 4-2 start in B2 and think, we’ve got this shit on lock, before dropping 3 games to end the regular season below .500. So here they are again, have they learned from the last 2 seasons? Well, there’s only 1 team of all of CAC Basketball’s 111 this Winter season not to have uploaded a roster yet, and that’s Ted Blake’s. I have no idea what to expect! Has he added scoring around Danny Shapiro to lighten his load? Is Danny even playing??? For the love of god will SOMEONE hell Will Estes out on the boards? No? WE DON”T KNOW BECAUSE WE DON’T HAVE THE ROSTER TED!!!
5 (19) Splash City - This team doesn’t have a lot of offense. Doesn’t make a lot of 3s but feasts at the line. They’re a .500 club, I don’t see them as more than that, but really, what do I know!? Maybe because they finally have their requests of mostly late games made they’ll play better? Let’s see!
4 (16) Make A Swish Foundation - Now there’s a name I’ve not heard in many years. SWISH IS BACK! It’s been what, since 2018? Don’t let this team sneak up on you, they’re going to be a contender if they’ve got a lot of the same pieces they used to have.
3 (9) Julius Swerving - His is pure hate and motivation for Will Otto’s club. They’re always at the top of their leagues and honestly if you have any of the top 3 in a different order, I can’t really blame you. This team wins a minimum of 8 games every single season
2 (7) Eastie Hoops - Eastie Hoops is yet another classic B tweener team. They dominate B2 in Spring 23, going 8-1 before losing in the divisional final. They want a step up in competition so they play B1 in the Fall 23 season and promptly go 2-8, so here they are the next season back in B2. It’s more fun to win than to lose right? However with this absolutely LOADED division, I wouldn’t crown them champs automatically.
1 (3) Plenty of Lotion - Miyagi-Fang took their talents to B1, and rightfully so. These old guys just keep winning. Honestly I don’t know how they do it. Do you know Drew Debari plays AND scores at another gym on Tuesday nights and still finds time to lead this team to victory week after week?! That shouldn’t be possible, he’s almost 40! Why are you people letting him do that you?? Jeff Yeakley, also in the over-40 club, leads this team in scoring with around 15 per game. Usually that wouldn’t be enough to get it done in a loaded league, but Lotion always just finds ways to win.
WEDNESDAY
This league has the #1 overall team in B2 5v5, and yet I have them ranked 3rd out of the 4 divisions. If TAP All-Stars weren’t the defending B2 5v5 Uni Champs the question would be “Is TAP so good because they play in a weak division” instead of “Can TAP repeat as champs without being put through the weekly test that other teams go through?” It’s kind of like being the Pats from 03-18.
8 (34) The Pirates (Reloaded) - I feel like the Pirates have promised to be reloaded for like 3 straight seasons now but what do i know. Kinda feels like the Pats from 19-22. “Oh we’ll be better on that side of the ball, we won’t hire a defensive coordinator as our offensive coordinator again, trust us!” And yet, what do I know? I’m not genius, I’m not round ball guru. That seems to be a theme running across these previews. What, exactly, do I know?!
7 (31) Cheese Boys - They don’t have more than 2 wins in any of the last three seasons. Do I really need to type any more?
6 (24) Team Ahern - This might have no interest to any of you, but there was HUGE drama on the B Draft W24 Draft Board on Thursday night. Now I know why Cam Letalien didn’t draft his buddy Eric Bauman. According to Team Ahern’s roster, Bauman has CUT his buddy Cam between the F23 and W24 season. I wouldn’t take my captain in another league if he did that to me either. Friendships have definitely ended over similar insults. Now, I’m sure expectations were high for Team Ahern last season and a 5-6 record might not have been how they wanted to represent themselves, but for Cam to be the guy to take the fall? That seems harsh. No wonder Cam returned the favor in B Draft.
5 (22) Tim and the Bombers - how many ithaca bombers are on this team ?! I don’t care if they were all bench warmers, if only 1/3 of the league is made up of players that have any college experience and half of your team has those players, you’re going to be in a good position heading into the season. You’re certainly going to get more respect than any other rookie team has the right to get.
4 (20) Handler’s Handlers - Is this the weakest B2 division? Survey says?!? No! but just barely
3 (13) Bob Ross in the Paint - a lot of names i recognize, but no stats, so that means everyone played pre 2023. Could i fire up the way back machine and do more research? Yes! It is 11 pm on a friday night and i’m nursing the very last of my eggnog for the 2023-24 Holiday season? also yes! HOWEVER. I bought my first carton of eggnog the 2nd week of September, and I’m still drinking it the 2nd week of January. That’s FOUR MONTHS of eggnog availability. I HAVE WON!
2 (11) The Somerville Basketball Team - I’m not thrilled that this is my #2 ranked squad. 15-14 combined the last 3 seasons but I just don’t see another squad belonging in this spot. Wildly inconsistent and based on historical precedence actually in line for a down season. Yikes.
1 (1) TAP All-Stars - I’m not going to over think this though. It’s not like every other aspect of my life. I don’t care that this isn’t one of the stronger B2 division. This is the best team in all of B2 hands down. I also don’t care that the Marino’s and Valacer can’t make free throws. It doesn’t matter. this team is too god damn good and I’m am sick of it. Someone (preferably from within this division) knock them off this season!
THURSDAY
This is my top ranked division in all of B2 5v5! Half the teams are in the top 10, two more in the teams, and even the last place team in this division could raise hell on any other night.
8 (30) Tomahawks - Just a brutal division for Ian McGuiness and his boys to return to. They really wanted Monday nights but it was full. Bummer for them.
7 (24) Terminator - All the talent in the world but haven’t put it together in the B2 leagues. It is unacceptable that this collection of talent has just 8 wins total the last three seasons. Is it time for a change at the top? Why’s Ralph Maalouf still in control of the franchise?? Zach Taylor, Carl Bunge, and Fozan Sadiq have all shared the court at different times the last 2 seasons, all are capable of popping off for 30 at a minutes notice, and yet they’re sitting on 5 total wins! UNACCEPTABLE! When do fans of the Terminator Franchise take to twitter to demand Ralph step down?? It’s time for a new voice
6 (17) A Team Has No Name - I am finding it comical that perennial .500 team, that can beat anyone any given week, is ranked 6th in this division. Team captain Michael Chroney leads the way in scoring, but if they want to break into the top half of the league, a guy like Eric Bradanese is going to have to pour in a few more points each game. I really, really love that Ben Seyoum is always looking to get his teammates shots in the perfect spot to score, but he’s going to need to be more of a scoring lead guard in this league. The top offenses are just too good in this league. Feed yourself first Ben, then make sure everyone else eats.
5 (12) Markit Basketball - A B1 team dropping down usually has absurdly high expectations. If you can pick up a couple wins, have a few double digit scorers in B1, with all that size and solid guard play, you should roll over most B2 teams. Well this division is NOT most B2 divisions. Peter Chang might have told his boys that there are more wins and blowouts on the horizon, but I think they’ll have tougher than expected sledding in this league. And that’s not a bad thing!
4 (10) NNHS - just a stunning turnaround for NNHS in the Fall 23 season, from an afterthought in the Spring to absolutely STUNNING the league and winning the division in the Fall. And for that, even in this loaded division, I’ve got to put some respect on their name. Can they bring the heat week in and week out or was that magical month of December just a mirage.
3 (6) Furious Rim Ticklers - There’s a lot of overlap between Drew Debari’s Thursday team and the Tuesday team (Plenty of Lotion) but looking back, you can tell this is the tough division. FRT went just 6-6 last season. Still I think this is one of the top overall teams in B2, the new guys just know how to win.
2 (5) Hartbreakers - You’d think that there’s no way a team that dropped down from A 5v5 wouldn’t be ranked #1 in a B2 division, but honestly when I first was putting this together I had them #3 in the THU league. When you’re missing Phil (the true engine of the Heartbreakers franchise, always has been) and Jarvis, what’s left? Well a former B2 champ i suppose. Tucker Landy is still here on a part-time basis, and he’s going to drop 20+ any time he is. Anyone who averages 15+ in A 5v5 is going to get his in B2, they just are. I don’t care how old, lazy, uninterested, sick of his teammates the guy is. He’s going to get his. Oh Devin Jensen is back too? jesus this is a B1 team what am I doing?
1 (4) The Clever Trevors - Fall 23 was their breakout season, it was the time that Tony Calletti was going to vault himself into the stratosphere of CAC stars and NNHS ruined it, rampaging a path through the playoffs to win the division and crush Clever Trevor’s season. Tony was at 15/4/4 and leading them to the title! He was even hitting 37% from 3. Unreal that they couldn't get it done last season. Now they're back, reloaded with a couple rookies and pissed off, ready to climb the mountain top once again.
B2 5v5 THU Week 3 Write-Ups
by Jason on
WEEK 3 Write-ups by ALEXA S.
Game 1 - Clever Trevors (57) vs Rock Lobsters (29)
Clever Trevors showed up with a whole team effort with everyone getting involved in the win. CT never trailed in this game and put away the Rock Lobsters from the jump. Early in the 1st half, CT hit 3 consecutive three pointers to pad a comfortable lead into halftime 27-7. Trevor B. had 3 triples in the game finishing with 12 points along with 4 rebounds and 3 dimes. Tony C. contributed 14, 4, 4 assists and 2 steals. Besides dominating as a team from outside the arc, CT also had a clear size advantage in the post. Luke R. and Danny H. made their presence known in the paint and cleaned up the boards. Luke R. had 11 rebounds, including 5 offensive and Danny H. grabbed 9 boards and 9 points to match. Rock Lobsters got it going offensively in the second but it wasn’t enough to overcome their slow start. Camen P. had a double-double going for 13 and 11 with 3 steals.
Game 2- Seal Team 69 (72) vs Furious Rim Ticklers (42)
The second game of the night proved to be another blow out with the Seal Team sealing the win early on. They would take a commanding 20-1 lead which was fueled by scoring 15 unanswered points. Two players on the Seal Team were especially dominant all game long, with Jack S. having a team leading 25 points with 11 rebounds and Caleb G. adding 19, 17 and 6 assists. As a team, they shot well from deep making 10 3’s and converting sloppy plays by the other team into easy transition points. The Furious Rim Ticklers really struggled to make shots with their first field goal only being made after 14 minutes of play. Jeff Y. was jacking up lots of three’s early on but they started dropping in the second making 5/15 (33%). He finished with 19 points and was the only double digit scorer for the Furious Rim Ticklers as they ended losing by 30.
Game 3 – World Ball (71) vs Terminator (72)
This was by far the most entertaining and heated match up of the night that came down to the wire. Remy B. got off to a great start for World Ball by knocking down shots early and helping this team maintain the lead for the entire first half. Remy would go on to score a game leading 25 points. Dylan C. was also active throughout the game converting his free throws and ended up only missing one, shooting 90% (10/11) on FT and tallying 20 points total. The game remained close through the end of the 1st with Fozan S. on Terminators keeping defenders on their toes with his speed and shiftiness as well as knocking down jumpers. Carl B. also helped keep the game close for the Terminators with 18 points and 4 steals. The Terminators were able to keep themselves close, only being down 44-37 at the half.
Coming right out of halftime, Fozan S. hit a 3 point shot to get them only down 4, but World Ball would continue to apply the pressure and hit shots going up by as much as 12. Terminators would slowly chip away and showed lots of grit and tenacity to stay in the game. With less than 2 minutes to go, they were only down one point after clutch plays by Carl B. with a steal for a wide open layup and a clutch 3 following that. After a pair of made three throws by Dylan C. on World Ball, the Terminators were down by 2 with 30 seconds left. In search of a bucket, they went to Fozan S. who drove hard to the hoop and was hacked. He only managed to convert one FT, but somehow the Terminators secured the offensive rebound and Fozan was the hero of the night for this team hitting the game winner with a last second pull up jumper to go up 72-71! His big night ended with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals.
Game 4 – A Team Has No Name (70) vs. Lexington Steals (56)
This game was neck in neck until the 2nd half where the Lexington Steals could simply not keep up with the other teams shooting and great ball movement. Thomas F. on Lexington Steals scored the team’s first 7 points and James L. took advantage of his matchups in the post getting great looks. They both had 16 points in the contest. Their efforts kept the Steals in the game going into halftime as they were down by a mere 5 points. A Team Has No Name didn’t take long to put away their opponent, with Navid S. catching fire from deep with 5 treys to end up 17 points, 7 boards and 2 assists. Micah E. also had a solid game with finishing well around the rim with 14, 4 and 5 assists. Mike C. chipped in 12, 6 boards and 3 dimes. A Team Has No Name would go on to win the game handedly by a 14 point marg
B2 5v5 MON Week 3 Write-Ups
by Jason on
BY ALEXA S
Game 1 - It Doesn’t Matter (66) vs Gino Time (96)
Gino Time could not be denied on this night getting huge contributions from several players in what may have been some of their best games so far this season. Erik M. could not be stopped going 8/11 (72%) from three point range and had 30 points. Gino Time had the lead for the most of the first half until It Doesn’t Matter came back to tie it up 24 apiece. After regrouping with a timeout, Gino Time pushed back to regain the lead once again into halftime 39-31. Gino Time dominated on the boards all game, especially Greg E. who had a monster game with 18 points and 14 rebounds, 4 of them offensive. The second half was when Gino Time took over, hitting 3 after 3. Max M. went off for 21 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists and Darren H. did a little bit of everything with 17, 13 and 6 assists, 3 steals and a block. Tauren on IDM was swiping people pocket’s with 7 steals as well as adding in 11 points. Those turnovers couldn’t be converted as well as his team giving up too many offensive rebounds and ultimately IDM ended up losing by 30.
Game 2 - Wyld Stallyns (30) vs Thank You University (39)
This was a low scoring one and the pace was pretty slow for most of the game. However, the teams were evenly matched with multiple lead changes throughout the first half. Late in the first, Patrick G. had back-to-back And-1’s that cut the Wyld Stallyns deficit to one. The game remained close and Thank You University was up 20-18 at the half. For most of the second, neither team could get the ball to go through the hoop. Shaun H. did his best to keep Wyld Stallyns in the game, putting up 12 points, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Despite the effort it wasn’t enough as Thank You Uni never gave up the lead and won by 9. Eli V. led his team with 12 and 6. Kevin T. and Ben both had 6 points. Greg P. added 5, 7 and 4 assists.
Game 3 – Eastie Hoops (67) vs We Have Fun (40)
Eastie Hoops came out attacking the basket relentlessly and using good ball movement to get wide open shots. They went up 15-5 to start and the game was in their control until the final buzzer. Lots of turnovers by We Have Fun led to easy transition points and stat padding for Eastie. Although We Have Fun showed moments of life, it looked like Eastie Hoops had better conditioning and more team chemistry. With an 18 point lead after one half, Ryan W. hit consecutive 3s out the gate and crushed any momentum for the We Have Fun squad. Ryan ended up with 26 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals and 3 seats while shooting just over 40% on 3PT. Lucas F. chipped in 14, 8 and 4 assists in the win. On the other side of the box score, Marc N. had a solid 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Chris A. and Rob Moran each had 8.
Game 4 – Tomahawks (44) vs Brick Squad (34)
Brick Squad got off to an early 8-0 start with all points coming from Malik R. The Tomahawks started to get going and after tying a few times the score was knotted up at 17 apiece. Players started talking some trash to each other and complaining of missed calls. The Tomahawks stayed poised and took the lead with around 7:00 minutes left in the 1st half, never trailing after that. They scored 11 straight points to lead 31-22 at halftime. Four of the starters managed to hit double figures with Sam B. leading the way with 13 and 8 rebounds. Brick Squad did indeed put up a lot of bricks and had trouble putting numbers on the scoreboard. Malik B. on the Brick Squad was able to get some production with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
B2 5v5 THU Week 2 Write-Ups
by Jason on
BY ALEXA S.
Game 1 - A Team Has No Name (61) vs Clever Trevors (68)
This was a tightly contested game throughout with both teams trading baskets for most of the first half. Clever Trevors were able to find some separation but A Team Has No Name would not let up with Ben S. knocking down key shots. He shot very efficiently going 5/6 (83%) from three point range and finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Mike C. also contributed 17 of his own along with 8 boards and 4 assists. A Team With No Name went up 49-48 mid-way through the second but that didn’t last long as the Clever Trevors got production from the entire team and took back the lead. Andrew C. on CT’s hit a dagger from outside the arc that would seal the game. #1 lead the way with 15 points and 5 boards, while Trevor L. and Pat. H had 13 and 12 points respectively.
Game 2 - Seal Team 69 (84) vs Terminator (75)
Jack S. on Seal Team got going from the jump with 3 threes and gave Seal Team 69 the lead early on. The Terminators were able to offset this hot start, with Fozan being aggressive and setting the tone for his squad in the early going. Seal Team held on to the lead for most of the first half. However, the Terminators were able to stay within the same with big shots from Sam J. who ended up with 31 points, on 7/10 3PT%. Fozan also chipped in 30 points with 5 treys of his own. Terminators were up going into halftime but the second half was all about the Seal Team
who took back the lead and never looked back, ending their night with a 9 point victory. Caleb G. had a solid game going for Seal Team going for 18 points, 7 boards, 7 dimes and Jack S. stayed hot all game finishing with 30, hitting 6 threes overall and a team leading 8 assists.
Game 3 - Rock Lobsters (33) vs Lexington Steals (41)
The pace of the game was slow at the start with only one shot made after 4 minutes of play. The bench encouraged their teams to pick up the energy and the intensity from the players started to improve from there. Lexington Steals kept the lead by forcing lots of turnovers and good post play by James L. who lead the team with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal and a block. Rock Lobsters struggled to get going offensively but managed to stay in it, down only 3 at the half. Orry S. on the Rock Lobsters held it down with 10 points and was the only player scoring in double digits for his team. Balanced scoring from the Lexington Steals proved to be too much in the end and they took home the W.
Game 4 - World Ball (52) vs Furious Rim Ticklers (60)
The final score makes it seem that the game was closer than it actually was for the majority of the game. The Furious Rim Ticklers managed to keep a double digit lead for much of the game, going up by as much as 19 at the start of the second half. Remy B. helped to keep World Ball in the game with timely 3’s and finished with 14 points. Kevin P. gave a good effort putting up 16 points and adding 7 rebounds for World Ball as well. Their production helped their squad chip away at the large deficit, getting as close as 52-48 with 4:00 minutes to go. Tensions rose towards the end of the game, with one player being subbed off by the ref to cool off. The Rim Ticklers pulled away after that and secured the win. Brad M. was a major factor for the Rim Ticklers with 18 points and the duo of Brian P. and Jeff Y. came in clutch each dropping 15.
B2 5v5 SUN Week 2 Write-Ups
by Jason on
WEEK 2 Write-ups
By AJ MURRAY
Them Can’t Be Stopped
Them really came to play today after a tough loss last week. They would be led my Dan Kimmit who had 23 pts to go along with 4 rebs and a steal. He was efficient all game long with a good mix of drives and spot up threes. Tyler Billings also had a nice game finishing with 19 pts 4 ast and 2 reb. He came out the gates firing hitting his first three threes to open the game up and slicing through the defense at will. Ryan Donovan was also a factor in this one, running the offense for stretches and playing great defense finishing with 9 pts 5 reb 3 ast. Every time it looked like the Cheese Boys were threatening a run Donovan would come up with a clutch bucket or defensive stop. Really impressive win from these guys hopefully they can take this momentum into next week.
For the Cheese Boys a tough loss after a nail biter win last week. This week they were led by Sinatro who would go on to finish with a nice game of 16 pts 2 reb 2 ast and was effective in stretches from the 3 point arc. He really put a lot of pressure on Them to guard him from way downtown. Also Ben Hayes had an efficient shooting night finishing with 9 pts on 3-6 shooting from downtown. His jump shot has looked great in the early going after hitting two big threes in last weeks game. Brendan Connors also was active in this one finishing with a game high 11 rebs. The Cheese Boys have the pieces but definitely were overmatched this week by Them’s offensive attack.
Commando Takes Down Thank You University
Commando had a balanced offensive attack in this one led by Jake Haggerstead with a game high 22 pts to go with 6 reb and a steal. He was aggressive getting to the rack whenever he wanted to. Close behind him was A.Nair who also had a nice showing with 19 pts 4 reb and was efficient throughout this one. Every time they needed a big bucket he could be counted on. Also a nice game from Max Henrich who would finish with 7 pts 4 reb 4 ast and ran the offense effectively through much of the game. This team seems like they can have a successful season with the ball movement looking crisp.
On the other side for Thank You University K. Toomey really kept them in the game with a nice performance of 15 pts 8 reb and 3 ast. His post work was good as nobody could really contain him down there. G. Palazz also chipped in with a solid 8 pts to go with 6 reb and 2 ast and hit some nice threes from the top of the key. B. Grossman also was able to hit a couple of threes and finish with 7 pts and 5 reb. For Thank You University the big thing was running with Commando and boxing out on the boards. They had their moments but overall Commandos size and speed caused a lot of problems for them.
Splash Bros Start Splashing
The Splash Bros came out firing this week as they got a big win against the Wyld Stalyns. They were led by S. Kulman who would go on to finish with 31 pts 10 reb and 4 stl. There was really no answer for him whether from the three or down low. J. Perry also played an efficient game in this one finishing with 18 pts a game high 7 stl and 5 ast. He was super quick to the rack all game long and was a pest on defense getting in passing lanes. M. Petros also had a nice game getting some cuts and fast break buckets and finishing with 14 pts and 3 reb. Overall a nice showing from these guys after a tough loss last week.
For Wyld Stalyns a nice effort here even though they couldn’t come away with the victory. Kevin would finish with 20 pts and 5 reb on 4-10 shooting from deep. He stayed efficient throughout the game hitting shots and being aggressive. Nick also played a solid game finishing with 11 pts 4 reb and 2 stl. He maintained his hustle throughout the game getting some fast break buckets and some mid range. Anthony S. Also had some really good moments being the lead ball handler finishing with 6 pts 5 reb 5 ast and 4 stl. This team definitely has some potential but definitely has to define the roles on the squad.
Terminator 2 Terminates
Similar to last week Terminator 2 dominated from the jump. With a couple new additions they really turned the pressure on early led by Sam Jensen who would finish with 28 pts 6 reb and 4 ast on 6-11 shooting from deep. He pretty much scored at will through long stretches of this game. Zach Taylor also was a scoring machine from everywhere finishing with an efficient 15 pts and 8 reb. He did a great job of controlling the paint throughout most of this game. Julian Manika also had a nice game running the offense flirting with a triple double at 9 pts 9 ast and 7 reb. This team has dominated so far hopefully someone can test them next week.
The unreliables took a tough loss this week after dominating last week. They were missing a couple guys but were really outmatched by Terminator 2s scoring flexibility. Mike still managed to have a nice game as a force on the glass all night long finishing with 14 pts 14 Rebs and 4 stl. He hustled throughout and definitely could have used some help in the scoring department. Eric would also finish with 14 pts and 5 reb staying aggressive till the end and getting some tough buckets. A couple three pointers would’ve been nice for this squad as they only hit one all game. Credit to Nate as well for some nice hustle finishing with 6 reb and 3 ast. This team played great last week so definitely hope they can bounce back.
B2 5v5 SUN Write-Ups Week 1
by Jason on
By BRENDAN MURRAY
WEEK 1
Game 1: Unreliables 60 Wyld Stallyns 40
Unreliables looking Reliable
This game was close out the gates but quickly the Unreliables took a commanding lead with some great ball movement and some nice individual performances. Eric Fleming would lead the way with a game high 18 pts to go with 5 reb and 2 ast. He had a good mix of mid range buckets and attacking the rim all game. Felix Trede also had a great game running the offense effectively and flirting with a triple double finishing with 13 pts 13 reb and 6 ast. There really wasn't much the Wyld Stallyns could do with these two especially on the fast break. Darryl Auguste would also pitch in with 11 pts and 5 reb and Michael Lamb finished with a game high 6 steals. A real team win for these guys hopefully this is the start of a successful season.
For the Wyld Stallyns though it was a loss they had some guys who came to play and kept them close for the early portion of this game. Anthony Scanzo- Masiero would lead the team with 17 pts on some really nice shooting from deep finishing 5-9 from the 3 pt line to go with 6 reb and 4 ast. This was definitely a good game for him and I hope to see more of the same next week. Kevin O’brien also would finish with 16 pts and was a menace on the fast break for stretches of this game. Ethan Collins also was a force on defense finishing with 9 reb 3 stl 2 blk 3 ast. Hopefully these guys can flip the script next week.
Game 2: Cheese Boys 45 Thank You University 41
Thank you University can’t thank the Cheeseboys
Thank you University came away with a tough loss in week one with a narrow defeat from the Cheeseboys of just 4 points. Kevin Toomey was strong on the boards finishing with 10 pts, 9 rebs and 4 asts. He was a force in the paint all night long. Greg Palazzo showed great hustle on loose balls finishing with 3 stls on top of his 6 pts and 6 rebs. The team was really led by the shooting from Andrew Pratt as he knocked down 4 3’s and ended with 17 pts, 9 rebs and 2 blks but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for The Cheeseboys. Hopefully Thank You University can come away with a win after a tough loss in week 1.
The Cheeseboys came away with a thrilling win in their first game. Early in the game it looked sloppy for The Cheeseboys as Ben Hayes and the rest of the team were launching from 3 and couldn’t get one to fall. Ryan Mumford was also a threat to the team by taking 4 personal fouls in the first half with only 5 players but was able to hold it together in the 2nd half. He would finish with 8 pts 7 reb 3 ast and was a force on the interior all night long. Late in the game Jack Woods rallied the team as he led the way for The Cheeseboys with 17 points 7 reb and 4 ast as they started to connect in the 2nd half and therefore snuck out with a 4 point win. Shoutout to Ben Hayes who started out cold but knocked down two of the biggest threes in the game down the stretch.
Game 3: Terminator 2 73 Splash Brows 34
Terminator 2 terminates the splash bros
Unfortunately The Splash Bros could not come away with a win in week 1. Mark Petros and Dave Bibb started in foul trouble early in the game as Terminator 2 took advantage and rolled to an easy victory. The Splash Bros were led by Waseem Givens with 10 pts and 10 rebounds. Although the game wasn't very close Givens kept his team locked in and showed some great hustle. Yvon Hartt also had a nice game finishing with 9 pts and 6 rebs getting some nice layups on the fast break. He definitely showed some potential for a good season. Petros, though in early foul trouble also would finish with 8 pts a blk and an ast. Unfortunately they weren’t in the game very long but definitely showed some signs of potential. Hopefully they can look to get some rest and come back very strong next sunday.
Terminator 2 could not be stopped as 3 players led the way with double figures. Carl Bunge had 17 along with 10 rebs and 2 asts. He was dominant on the fast break and Splash Bros really did not have an answer for him. Zach Taylor had 22 pts 10 rebs 4 ast and was a force from three finishing 3-6 from long range. Tom Bissell would finish with a game high 29 pts to go with 11 rebs and 2 ast. He managed to have a nice mix of points in the paint and from the three point line. They also could not be stopped at the glass as each of those 3 players also recorded 10 plus rebounds along with their points. The Hustle from this team was out matched from the tip. Terminator 2 rolls into week 2 looking like one of the strongest teams we’ve seen so far, hopefully they can keep this up throughout the season.
Game 4: Commando 53 THEM 35
Commando Takes Down THEM
This game was definitely closer than the final score might indicate as Commando would come away with a definitive win but THEM kept this game in respectable range for the most part. For Commando Max Heinrich would lead the way with 21 pts 17 reb and 4 ast and looked like the best player on the court for long stretches of this game. He would have plenty of help as Jake also had a very efficient game finishing with 17 pts 5 reb 2 ast. These two were a problem for THEM all game long constantly hitting tough shots in big moments. Troy was also a huge factor in this game crashing the boards all game and finishing with 8 pts 14 reb and 4 ast. For Commando they come in looking like an early favorite and will be interesting to see how they fair this season.
For THEM they definitely showed a ton of potential and some great hustle. Once they figure out how to mesh their pieces together they could have a very successful season. They were led by Adam Sweet who would finish this game with 13 pts 3 reb and a stl. He was great at cutting to the basket throughout this game. Dan Kimmett also added some nice plays finishing with 9 pts and 9 rebs and hustled throughout the game. Also Zach Doyle would go on to finish with a game high 5 steals which gave THEM some great opportunities in transition. Hopefully for THEM they can get rebound from a tough loss this week and get their first win.