The Spring 2024 season is right around the corner and sign-ups are now open! Sign-up information can be found here:

https://cacbasketball.playbookapi.com/programs/register/

All players looking to return must sign up and pay for the league by Friday, April 19th. Email Tibbs @ jason@cacbasketball.com with any questions

Subject: District 10 survives 9th Wonder in instant CAC #SDL Classic

The first half was all about District 10 and Chris Lynch as they got off to a scorching start. The older Lynch continued his stellar play, which allowed D10 to jump out to an early 14-point (24 - 10) advantage after 12 minutes of play. As previously mentioned, Chris was the early catalyst finishing with an impressive first-half stat line that read 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.

A majority of his points came in the paint, as Nick and Chris were targeting the smaller Cam in the post, and it was paying dividends, as Cam would find himself in foul trouble (3) midway through the first half, facing a large deficit. 

On the other hand, 9th Wonder couldn’t buy a basket, especially from three shooting a horrific 3 for 19 in the first half. Despite their lack of offensive success, they still managed to stay within striking distance, as they’d go into the half trailing 32 - 18. 

9th Wonder

• Ben Mitchell: 2 points 
• Cameron Daniels:9 points 
• John Reilly: 0 points
• Joseph Breda: 3 points
• Jake Darby: 0 points
• Isak Ivanic: 4 points

District 10

• Colin Gray: 2 points
• Patrick Blaikie: 0 points
• Nick Lynch: 9 points
• Daniel Lyman: 0 points
• Chris Lynch: 21 points

The second half started a lot like the first, after 8 minutes of play District 10 maintained a comfortable lead of 17 points (50 - 33). Just as I started writing 9th Wonder’s chances of coming back off, Ty cautioned me “There’s still a lot of game left”, and per usual I was wrong! A 12 - 0 led by Cam, Isak, and Breda closed a gap that once looked insurmountable. With 1 minute left in the game, 9th Wonder would find themselves down 5 (61 - 56) with momentum on their side. 

Fast-forward to the final play in regulation, with 13.8 seconds left down 3 (68 - 65) 9th Wonder would own the final possession with a chance to send the game into OT after trailing by as much as 20. Cam deservingly so would pull up for the game-tying show, it rattled out, John Reilly was able to secure the offensive rebound and kick it out to Breda who was able to convert from three as time expired sending the game to OT and cemented 9th Wonder’s comeback with their season on the line. 

Despite a stellar effort from 9th Wonder, the Lynch brothers would prove to be too much, as they 

Combined for 61 points, 9 blocks, 38 rebounds, and 13 assists. This by far was one of the most entertaining games I’ve witnessed as a CAC scribe, but unfortunately, only one team gets to advance, congrats to District 10 as they move onto the second round.

9th Wonder

• Ben Mitchell: With Darby and Reilly arriving late, Michell held the fort down and played extremely well. His biggest impact was on the board. Ben created a lot of second-change opportunities and shots for his team.
• Cameron Daniels: Struggled early, but was literally unstoppable in the second half, scoring 24 of his team-high 33 points. 
• John Reilly: the underrated, but never under-appreciated Reilly had an outstanding game. He was as consistent and effective as they come.
• Joseph Breda: this dude has ice water in his veins. His 12 second-half points and game-tying three-ball helped fuel their second-half comeback. 
• Jake Darby: played fantastic defense and continued to distribute the ball well.
• Isak Ivanic: struggled mightily offensively, but we all have nights or mornings like this. His shots were good looks and all within the rhythm of the offense. Shooters shoot! He was effective defensively and did a great job slowing down Nick. 

District 10

• Colin Gray: his 5 points and 11 rebounds were huge for District 10. Most notable his 6 offensive rebounds. The points on second chance opportunities were the difference in OT and Colin played a huge part in this.
• Patrick Blaikie: didn’t provide his usual production, but hit some huge shots down the stretch as the game grew closer. Pat would score all 7 of his points in the second half of this game. 
• Nick Lynch: barely missed a quadruple-double in a game he dominated without scoring. The older Lynch was the benefactor of many of his assists, but the younger Lynch did it all.
• Daniel Lyman: Dan had another quiet game. I would love to see him get more involved offensively, but I’m sure they have a gameplan and the results are in the victory.
• Chris Lynch: fell 2 points shy of a rare 50 ball. It’s not often we see this type of scoring outburst, especially in a game that featured so many talented players. Chris’ play can only be described as unstoppable. 

The Spring 2024 season is right around the corner and sign-ups are now open! Sign-up information can be found here:

https://cacbasketball.playbookapi.com/programs/register/

All teams looking to return must sign up and pay for the league by Friday, April 19th. Email Tibbs @ jason@cacbasketball.com with any questions

Subject: District 10 rolls in the second half to secure the number 3 seed

District 10 continued their stellar play as they got off to another hot start. Led by the trio of Nick (15 points), Chris (11 points), and Pat (10 points) they enjoyed an early 7-point advantage. Despite Nick’s struggles from deep (4 - 17), he impact defensively with 4 blocks and 20 defensive rebounds really set the tone.

For Hoops and Dreams, Sheff was dealing early! He would finish with 9 assists, but his pinpoint passing led to easy baskets for both Lucas (14 points) and Keith who went on to score 20 of his game-high 29 points in the first half.

Despite enjoying the early advantage, Hopes and Dreams would cut the deficit to a single point (37 - 36) going into the half with momentum very much on their side. 

District 10

• Colin Gray: 0 points 
• Patrick Blaikie: 11 points 
• Nick Lynch: 15 points 
• Daniel Lyman: 0 points 
• Chris Lynch: 10 points
   

Hoops and Dreams! 

• Andre Jones: 0 points 
• Erik Johnson: 3 points
• Keith Baranowski: 20 points
• Gordon Sheffield: 2 points 
• Lucas Guliano: 12 points 
• Musse Kassa: Didn’t show up until halftime, so Musse gets an asterisk. 

With Musse arriving shortly before the start of the second half, I gave Hopes and Dreams the slight edge going into the half, but boy was I wrong! Chris Lynch who finished with 24 points, 14 in the second half would have another stud performance. Not only was her perficient from three (44% on 9 attemps), but he was getting the basket with ease as Hoops for Dreams had no answer for him with Keith occupied by Nick

The game would remain tied until the 7-minute mark, but a District 10 would go on a 14 - 6 run and win this game easily. 

District 10

• Colin Gray: 6 huge second-half points and incredible defense, per usual. 
• Patrick Blaikie: Pat was fantastic in the first half and a fantastic all-around grab with 6 rebounds and a season-high 5 assists. 
• Nick Lynch: was better defensively, than offensively, but shooters shoot. All-in-all, another dominant game for the most dominant player in our league.
• Daniel Lyman: 7 rebounds isn’t too shabby for the backup big man. He played his role and continues to get better week-to-week. 
• Chris Lynch: Chris was the player of the game. Nick had a fantastic game, but the older brother gets the hardware this week little big brother. 

Hoops and Dreams! 

• Andre Jones: didn’t play much. Dre appears to be still recovering from his offseason injury. Get better soon bro! 
• Erik Johnson: After a monster week 8, this performance totally missed the mark. The game was meaningless for Hoops and Dreams, but I do look for Slick to be more assertive next week. 
• Keith Baranowski: another stellar performance from Keith on both ends of the court. It didn’t result in a win, but he left it all out there.
• Gordon Sheffield: 11 rebounds and 9 assists, Sheff did, Sheff things. Fantastic all-around game.
• Lucas Guliano: Overall it was a good performance for Lucas, but his team needs more than 2 points in the second half if they’re going to upset Spice Channel. 
• Musse Kassa: Show up on time! Your team needs you.

Impressive win….

A quick reminder before I get to it, league sign ups are open for the Spring 2024 Season.  If you haven’t yet signed up click on this link: https://cacbasketball.playbookapi.com/programs/register/.
 

Coming into this game I had A Dwyer Situation (ADS) as 5 point favorites.  I wasn’t really sure how healthy Nick Lynch was and I just couldn’t see ADS losing 2 games in a row.
 

First half:

It looked as if D10 came prepared to play.  5 minutes into the game they were up 12-7.  It was pretty much a back and forth game for the duration of the half.  While some good defensive plays were being made, both teams were able to score baskets with ease.  ADS was up 43-39 at the half.

Halftime stats:

ADS:

Jamil Ball 8 pts, 1 stl, 5 orebs, 3 drebs, 10 asts

Joe Dwyer 13 pts, 1 stl, 1 oreb, 9 drebs, 2 asts

Sami Hameid 8 pts, 1 ast

Jason Escoto 14 pts, 1 oreb, 1 dreb

D10:

Neil Aggarwal 2 pts, 1 stl, 1 dreb, 1 ast

Colin Gray 4 pts, 1 stl, 1 oreb

Patrick Blaikie 10 pts, 1 stl, 2 asts

Nick Lynch 13 pts, 3 blks, 3 orebs, 6 drebs, 4 asts

Daniel Lyman 2 pts, 1 dreb

Chris Lynch 8 pts, 2 stls, 1 blk, 4 asts

Player of the half:

Jamil Ball
 

Second half:

With 9:24 left in the half the game was tied at 53. More back and forth and ADS took the lead back 60-59 with 5 minutes left in the half.  For the next 2 minutes and 30 seconds D10 went on a 9-0 run forcing ADS to take a timeout now down 68-60.  The game was over, right?  Nope ADS went on a 5-0 run of their own forcing D10 to take a timeout now only up 68-65 with 53.7 seconds remaining.  A Chris Lynch assist to to Pat for the layup sealed the game for D10.  The would go on to win 70-68.
 

Player Grades:

Jamil Ball A- another game where he basically did everything.  Lowered his grade because of his three point shooting percentage but a really good game again.

Joe Dwyer A- had a great all around game.  I added the negative to his grade because of his three point shooting percentage.

Sami Hameid B didn’t take any threes and still managed to come close to double figure scoring.  He’s playing better and better each week.

Jason Escoto A- cannot ignore his three point shooting percentage but outside of that was still good.

Neil Aggarwal B+ I’ve seen him play better but did a good job of playing his role and helping his team win.

Colin Gray B- the 0fer from three hurt his grade. Outside of that, he got some good stats.

Patrick Blaikie A I could knock his grade for going 0fer from the free throw line but he made the game winning layup so I could care less about the free throws.  He shot the three ball effectively in this game too.

Nick Lynch A- his three point shooting percentage can’t be ignored but he was still dominant and played well in every other aspect of the game.

Daniel Lyman B played his role well and helped his team secure the victory.

Chris Lynch A- his three bal wasn’t great but the rest of his game was.  Overall played a great game while filling the stat sheet too.  

Player of the game:

Nick Lynch while he definitely hit help and key plays from his teammates to help secure the victory.  He was the best all-around player in this game.

Subject: TDR takes sole possession of 4th place in the standings with an emphatic victory over District 10

After 5 minutes of play, TDR jumped out to the early 10-point advantage (17-7). Angelo Cerbone who finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block would be the primary catalyst for this hot start, but the entire team would eventually get in on the fun.

Nick Lynch did his best to keep District 10 within reaching scoring the team's first 7 points, but an accidental collision with Noah Landy forced him out for the remainder of the game. I hope he’s ok. 

TDR would go into the half leading 49 - 25 with no signs of looking back: 

The Defense Rests

• Angelo - 19 Points
• Ty - 14 Points
• Civale - 13 Points
• Ruff - 1 Point
• Noah - 2 Points 

District 10

• Nick - 12 Points
• Chris - 7 Points
• Dan - 4 Points 
• Neil - No Points 
• Pat - 2 Points 

Once he went down, to say TDR feasted would be an understatement. How else would you describe a 49 to 14 run? They would finish with 5 players in double-digits (Angelo 31, Ty 26, Civale 25, and Noah 10). The birthday boy Ruff was the exception, but what he didn’t accumulate in points, he racked up in other categories such as assists (10), rebounds (8), and blocks (2).

Civale had another productive outting scoring 25 points, to go along with 2 blocks and 8 rebounds. Lastly, Ty stole the show with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals, and 2 ridiculous blocks. He had fans in attendance, so he had to try for once. 

Needless to say, it was another dominant victory for TDR as they continue to build momentum heading into the playoffs. The leagues have officially been put on notice.

The Defense Rests

• Angelo - Played a fantastic overall game. Not only has he gotten better and better as the season has gone on, but when in attendance, he makes this team extremely difficult to beat.
• Ty - I wish Ty would play like this every week. He is by far one of the most talented players in the league and this performance is evidence of what he can do when he’s locked in. 
• Civale - Struggled a bit from deep, but that didn’t slow him down, and still finished with 25. 
• Ruff - Only cares about winning, so getting the W was the cherry on top of his birthday celebrations. He continues to be a fantastic facilitator and creates easy looks for his teammates.
• Noah - Did it all on both ends of the court. Started slow in the first half, but really saw his production increase over the last 20 minutes. 

District 10

• Nick - Missed a majority of the game due to an unfortunate accident, but was on pace for 50+ points before getting injured. I hope you’re ok! 
• Chris - With Nick out, big bro stepped up and led his team in scoring with 21 points. He did what he could, but D10 was clearly overmatched. 
• Dan - was more assertive than I’ve seen finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Most notable is his 2 - 5 output from beyond the arc. 
• Neil - didn’t score a lot but grabbed a few rebounds and worked his ass off defensively. He played his role well. 
• Pat - Shot the ball well from deep going 40% and finishing with 14 points. Did his best to keep the score respectable, but this team isn’t built to function without Chris. 

"The Spring 2024 season is right around the corner and sign-ups are now open! Sign-up information can be found here 
https://cacbasketball.playbookapi.com/programs/register/
All teams looking to return need to sign-up and pay for the league by Friday April 19th. Email Tibbs @ jason@cacbasketball.com with any questions"