The sequel was actually better..

Coming into this match-up I felt like either team could win.  Washed and Folded (WAF) barely got the better of Costa Coast (CC) the previous week.  Both teams had no subs and although it was somewhat of a meaningless game, no one wants to go into the playoffs on a losing streak except maybe one team 😀.

First half:

Game was super competitive although WAF pretty much controlled the half throughout, I liked the way CC was playing and still had an opportunity to win the game despite trailing 35-31 at the half.

Halftime stats:

WAF:

Jamil Ball 13 pts, 1 stl, 1 blk, 4 orebs, 2 drebs, 1 ast

Robert Wood 7 pts, 2 orebs, 8 drebs, 2 asts

Patrick Blaikie 2 pts, 1 oreb, 1 dreb

Joshua Gettings 13 pts, 2 orebs, 5 dreb, 2 ast

CC:

Dylan Costa 5 pts, 1 stl, 4 blks, 1 oreb, 6 drebs, 1 ast

Dan Waldman 2 pts, 1 oreb, 2 drebs, 1 ast

Joshua Brown 13 pts, 1 blk, 1 dreb, 3 asts

Kevin Ross 11 pts, 2 orebs, 4 drebs, 2 asts

Player of the half:

Jamil Ball

Second half:

Early on it looked like WAF was going to pull away getting a double digit lead.  CC never panicked or even called a timeout, they kept playing resulting in them being down only 45-43 with about 10 minutes left in the half.  The momentum had shifted and CC even had a lead at one point but similar to how CC never panicked and just played, WAF did the same.  After lots of back and forth, we eventually had ourselves a 1 point ball game with about 10 seconds left.  WAF was up 61-60, CC used their last timeout to set up a play.  I didn’t mention it previously but Josh Brown and Dylan Costa ran a great pick and three play that worked several times during the course of the half, could that be the play?  Nope they couldn’t because WAF actually played some great defense to stop it.  I will say that CC still ended up getting a great shot off it just didn’t go in.  WAF escapes with the win 61-60.

Player Grades:

Jamil Ball A- didn’t make a three in the second half but still managed to score in other ways.  While I have seen him play better, I still like what I saw in a win for his team that he led them in scoring.

Robert Wood B didn’t score double figures however he still stuffed the stat sheet.  It was nice to see him get back to his double digit rebounding numbers too.

Patrick Blaikie B- his shot was off but the shots he did make were all timely in helping his team secure the victory.

Joshua Gettings A was the most efficient consistent player on the court for his team in the win.

Dylan Costa B+ would’ve liked to see him make 1 more free throw but regardless was really good out there.  Completely stuff the stat sheet and was just all over the place and what felt like practically every play.

Dan Waldman B- for the most part this was a solid game unfortunately for him he told me he doesn’t miss free throws and since that statement he’s gone 0-4 (0-2 today). Don’t worry, you’re not the first person to mention your perfect free throws to me, and for it not to work out the way you told me (hi Devin).   Anyways a pretty solid game nonetheless.

Joshua Brown A- I’m not even mad that he missed the game winning shot (shooters shoot) but he probably should’ve tried to create a shot for one of his teammates because he admitted he was gassed before the eventual shot.  In my opinion he was obviously the best player on his team and almost the best player in the game.

Kevin Ross B to me this was the best game I’ve seen him play and it was more so about his effort and energy.  If he hits more threes and his team wins his grade is probably higher. His team will need much more of this version of Kevin, especially next week in the playoffs.

Player of the game:

Joshua Gettings I think he can play better but was really efficient and good on the day.

I hope a lesson was learned…

Coming into this game both Washed and Folded (WAF) and Costa Coast (CC) sat at 3-4.  Both teams were missing a player Ben Butterworth and Matthew Starr (done for the season).  Aside from identical records, I think both teams are in somewhat of the same situation in terms of teams not really figuring out their identity yet (you got 1 more week to do that 😂).  While these teams play each other again next week, this first match up I was looking forward to.

First half:

Game started off extremely slow.  5 minutes into it and it was tied at 2.  As the half continues obviously more scoring was done but the pace itself just seemed slow and not really exciting.  WAF had the lead at the half 28

Halftime stats:

WAF:

Jamil Ball 6 pts, 1 stl, 1 oreb, 4 drebs, 1 ast

Robert Wood 10 pts, 1 stl, 1 blk, 1 oreb, 6 drebs, 1 ast

Patrick Blaikie 3 pts, 1 dreb, 1 ast

Joshua Gettings 4 pts, 1 dreb, 1 ast

Sami Hameid 5 pts

CC:

Charlie Maneval 7 pts, 1 blk, 1 oreb, 3 drebs

Dylan Costa 3 pts, 3 stls, 2 orebs, 3 drebs

Dan Waldman 2 orebs, 2 drebs, 1 ast

Joshua Brown 12 pts, 2 blks, 5 drebs, 1 ast

Kevin Ross 2 pts, 1 blk, 1 oreb, 1 oreb

Player of the half:

Robert Wood

Second half:

So the game was chugging along at a slow pace pretty similar to the first half.  I don’t exactly remember when it happened or why it happened but Kevin Ross and Jamil Ball got into a great conversation about the weather and it was on after that.  Let me say Kevin actually started playing better but Jamil went crazy making three consecutive threes (he also had a steal, block and layup during the sequence).  WAF was up 20 or so at one point but not so fast, my man Charlie Maneval had other plans hitting three threes in a row himself.  WAF smartly called a timeout with about 6 minutes left up 65-52.  While CC did a good job of not letting the game get too away from them, the damage had already been done and WAF went on to win this one 74-68.

Player Grades:

Jamil Ball A- I have to add the minus to his grade for his free throw shooting percentage but other than that he really played well and ensured his team won.  What’s funny is he is actually capable of playing better but he did what was needed to be done today.

Robert Wood A I could lower his grade slightly for his free throw shooting but I won’t because he was really good on the day.  Super efficient while stuffing the stat sheet.

Patrick Blaikie A shot efficiently and added additional stats to his great game.

Joshua Gettings B+ second half was his.  I would’ve like to see him make a three but I’m just being picky because overall he was great

Sami Hameid C- now when he first entered the game he immediately hit his first three.  Unfortunately for him that was the highlight of his day.  I give him credit for sitting most of the game and letting his guys win the game.  One thing I have to say and I honestly don’t even want to but feel it’s necessary.  Sami seems like a nice guy and it’s great his significant other comes out to support him but in what high school game are they allowing the person who fouled out to stay on the floor until the second free throw?  Your response was you’re a certified ref 🤣.  I must’ve missed this in my certification class.  Anyways I’ll leave it alone.

Charlie Maneval A- I’m use to him getting an assist and some free throws.  Regardless he played great and stuffed the stat sheet.  His shooting almost brought them back.

Dylan Costa B defensively was solid as per usual.  I would’ve liked to see his three point and free throw percentages higher but he had a great all-around game nonetheless.

Dan Waldman C+ his three ball was bad, his free throw shooting left more to be desired.  I liked his rebounding and assists contributions but most of all his commentary on the bench was great.

Joshua Brown B- had a great first half and sat too long in the second.  A decent game but I’m sure he preferred the win.

Kevin Ross B- actually came alive in the second but also woke up Jamil and his team lost.  I would like to see Kevin have a more complete game and shoot a better percentage from three.

Player of the game:

I have to go with Robert Wood.  By far his most dominant game of the season all across the board.  His team will need more of this if they’re to win a playoff game.