Week 4 writeup
Through 4 weeks things seem to be shaking out. There are three 3-1 teams (Daly, Stevens & McGonagle) that seem to be separating from the rest of the field. Looks can be deceiving though when you go through a grueling 10 game schedule. We had a marquee matchup this week between two 2-2 teams Sadler & Lennon that lived up to the hype. The game was flexed to 7:45 to maximize the audience. In my opinion these teams have what it takes to win it all. What’s the deal with Chris Sadler? Did he find an abandoned pool in his neighbor’s house that he has been swimming in? Something is going on there. Is it a coincidence that Steve Ellis returned to the lineup, poured in 20 points but Tim’s lost their first game? Can Tim coach superstars?? Stevens may have too much firepower for all teams in this league. My advice if you play them is to not make Ty angry. Just keep complimenting his game so he will take it easy on you.
Savages win three straight.
The Savages won their third straight game beating the Bulldogs 78 - 63. The Bulldogs started off hot early hitting 5 three pointers in the first quarter to build a 21 to 17 lead. The league's leading scorer Scott True led the way with 9 first quarter points. But he didn't do it alone with Jerry Hawkins, Paul Fallisi and Dennis Delvanti all hitting threes from beyond the arc. It was clear to coach Johnson the man to man defense was not working, so he reluctantly went to Marco's favorite scheme, the 3 - 2 zone. The defense for the Savages improved in the 2nd quarter holding the Bulldogs to 13 points as the teams went to the half in a 34 - 34 tie. Gary, Bob and Peter patrolled the perimeter denying most of the 3 point attempts and forcing the ball inside. On offense the Savages were led by Tyronne with 14 points in the first half while dominating the paint, running the court and even diving on the floor for loose balls. The sharp shooting Marco was a late scratch, but Quan answered the call and hit a pair of 3 pointers in the first half. Coach Johnson battled through cramps to hit a pair of 3's as well and had 8 first half points.
The Savages offense really got going in the 3rd quarter scoring 25 points to take a 59 - 49. Tyronne kept it going with 10 more points while Johnson had 8, Jason Conway 6 and Quan hit one more big 3. The 4th quarter was more of the same as the Savages pulled away for a 78 - 63 victory. Scott True led the Bulldogs with 27 points and Paul Fallisi had 23. Tyronne Scott finished with 26, coach Johnson danced his way to 21, Jason Conway 16 and Quan with 13.
If the Savages are to win 4 straight next week they will need to clean up the perimeter D that gave up 12 three pointers when they face the high flying Shockers and their balanced offensive attack.
Shockers Take Down Lightning 87-73
In a high scoring affair the Shockers outlasted the Lightning 87-73 on Monday night as the pre-game agreement of no blood, no foul was generally adhered to. The Shockers got back to .500 and the Lightning dropped their second straight and are part of a crowded field at 2-2. It was a fast paced, spirited game and a match-up of size versus speed but the Shockers balanced scoring attack again led the way. The Shockers were led by Grant Sidney (22), Chris Sadler (28) and a breakout game from John Garofoli with 13. Gus Bybee (13) and Bob "i love this sh*t" Horgan (11) complemented the scoring attack. The Lightning played extremely well and the Righty/Lefty combination of Cary Cusick (22) and Chris Schott (14) were dynamite from beyond the 3pt arc, keeping the game close everytime the Shockers tried to pull away. Tom Fryer's consistent scrappy play around the hoop netted 14 points. On an administrative note, Jay Grasso of the Lightning and Chris Gonsalves of the Shockers were both issued fines equal to a game check as they were each 5 minutes late due to supposed long lines at the sports book as each were trying to place wagers on the opposing team. The Lightning will look to get back to their winning ways as they face the Mongrels next week and the Shocker squad will host the Savages. The Shocker/Lightning rematch is set for April 6.
Kingpins 63 Magic Mullins 60
This game was only braodcast on ESPN Deportes and the only fans at the game were the parents of the players. Team Mullins has had the worst player participation this season. They were very depleted going into this game missing Rose & Bredzinski who were self-quarantining due to corona. The leading scorers for Mullins were Geoff Ketchum who had 38 (18 for his real team and 20 for Mullins) and Paul Maye who had 14 out of nowhere. Maybe this guy needs the ball more. Steve Burns and Scott manning both played well in the loss.
The above tells you quite a bit about the Kingpins since they only squeaked out a three point win. The kingpins suffered a big loss when Nick K hurt his ankle early in the first quarter. At the time of the injury Nick had a nice finish around the rim, a beautiful interior assist to Dave Snyder, a rebound & a steal. When he went down the ref insisted he get off the court so he rolled himself under the tarp to the other court to recover. Dave Snyder (22) & Rob Ashe (18) did most of the damage for the kingpins although I believe Dave thought we were down the whole 4th quarter and we were up by eight. Kevin Greaney (4) & Steve Shields (7) both had their season highs.
Daley 72 Mcgonagle 66
Daily Double defeated Mongrels giving them their first loss of the season. The game was a solid exhibition of fundamental basketball by both squads. Paul Stevenson for the Daily Double had a game high 24 points. Matt McCaffery had another good night being the finisher on the break and scoring in the paint. The move of the night came from the playgrounds of East Boston. Todd Santora made a couple of spin moves to escape his man and then stopped on a dime to hit a 14 foot jumper off the backboard. Players from both team we’re congratulating him after witnessing the slick move. 95% of our league players would have fallen down after the first spin. Steve Ellis played his first game of the season for the Mongrels and was his usual self playing hard and scoring from all over the court. Ketchum (18), Daley(11) & Ganem provided their consistent production. If coach Tim had chipped in his usual 6 points instead of a goose egg his would have gone to overtime. Tom Labrie once again does not make the writeup.