8:15 – The Hospital Bombers vs. Dunk-a Schoen
Following a close loss to The Cray’s Nest, The Hospital Bombers may be particularly vulnerable against their long-time rivals. Dunk-a Schoen, though only 2-4, seem to be peaking at the right time. Last week’s rout over Team Fouls marked the emergence of a more cohesive unit, and the addition of Kevin Felder may be the spark they needed to contend with the league’s elite. But the journey is only beginning, and every win is important if they hope to make up for lost time.
Felder, Whitney Warren, Ben Weitmarschen, and Zach Heinzerling provide the main offensive threats for Dunk-a Schoen, and all play a similar slashing style. Ball-handling and height should not be a problem. Defensively, they’ll have much to contend with. The Hospital Bombers boast one of the league’s more efficient offenses, spearheaded by Steve Friedman and Geoff Nelson. Last week’s poor performance figurs to be an anomaly, and Dunk-a Schoen will need to find a defensive answer for their scoring prowess. Experts speculate that they may utilize a 3-2 zone, with tall defenders spread across the perimeter to discourage three-point shooting. The Bombers, meanwhile, are known for a tough man-to-man defense that will be challenged by the athleticism and size of their opponents tonight.
In the latest power rankings, the Bombers slipped to second while Dunk-a Schoen leaped to third place. But the Vegas odds may be more indicative of what the public is thinking; in a move nobody could have foreseen even a week ago, Dunk-a Schoen is actually favored by two points.
9:00 – Team Fouls vs. Beast of Burden
The 1-game suspension of leading scorer Rafael Rodriguez is sure to take its toll on Beast of Burden as they face the GABL’s last-place team. Ismael Rodriguez will have to pick up the slack, but scoring may become more difficult in the absence of a true point guard. The play of Kieran Valla, Brian Love, and Robin Luna will play a big factor in tonight’s game.
Team Fouls is known for its passive offensive style, which hurts them against teams who control the boards. Tonight, though, they may have a shot to at least break even. Kyle Ervin plays bigger than his height, and Zach Smith and David Saie have been known to mix it up on the glass when necessary. If they can assert some kind of presence against the Beast of Burden interior, they’ll have a shot to pull off the upset.
In the absence of second-chance points, this game may come down to the long distance attacks. Ismael Rodriguez and Andrew Weiner are two of the best three-point shooters in the league, and if one goes cold while the other stays hot, it could be the difference in the game. Due to Rafael’s suspension, the spread is much closer than it would otherwise be. At the moment, Beast of Burden is favored by a single point.
9:45 – The Cray’s Nest vs. Layup Line Heroes
The Heroes have shown a knack to earn the big win when it really counts, and at 3-3 they’re still very much in the playoff discussion. Tonight, though, they will have their hands full with a Cray’s Nest team who matches up very well against their offense. In their first match-up, TCN employed a tough 2-3 zone that limited the Heroes to outside shots, which was never their strength. Keith Gormley managed to score on precise foul-line jumpers, but it was nowhere near enough to overcome the onslaught on the offensive end.
Lars Rasmussen, Vance Tucker, and Jacob Craycroft are pure danger on the boards, and have led The Cray’s Nest to first place in the league. Gene Walsh, Jordan Glickson, and Shane Ryan are capable of scoring from the perimter, and Jane Rizzo’s perimeter defense was good enough to earn Marchioness honors last week. A win tonight will clinch a playoff spot, and unless they suffer a severe let-down after last week’s dramatic victory, they should have an easy time.
As of post time, The Cray’s Nest was favored by 13 points, the highest spread yet this year.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Recaps, Week 6
MANHATTAN - A lively week in the GABL saw The Cray's Nest assert themselves as the league's best team, Beast of Burden suffer a disastrous meltdown, and Dunk-a Schoen take steps to fulfill their early potential.
The Cray's Nest 37, Hospital Bombers 35
In a grinding, punishing, pugilistic battle, The Cray's Nest outlasted The Hospital Bombers in a clash of the league's best. Though they only trailed once, at 22-21 in the second half, the Nesters were never far in front, and it was all they could do to hold on for victory. Lars Rasmussen turned in another stellar performance, scoring 13 points and teaming with Vance Tucker to form a stolid defensive interior. For the Bombers, Bob Van Kolken gave as good as he got, scoring 14 points underneath and leading a fierce challenge for control of the boards. With 30 seconds remaining, Shane Ryan (9 points) drove by an unidentified player who may have been an illegal ringer for the go-ahead layup. The Bombers responded with a baseline jumper by legal ringer Noah Davis to tie the game at 35. After a timeout, Lars Rasmussen could not find Vance Tucker on a set play, and was forced to throw the ball deep to Shane Ryan. The pass found its mark, and Ryan whipped the ball to a cutting Jordan Glickson (6 points), who laid it in for the winning bucket. The Bombers had 4 seconds remaining, but Van Kolken's missed shot came after the buzzer, and The Cray's Nest moved to 5-1, and first place outright.
The Bombers will have many regrets looking back. Coming into the game, they'd been averaging 4 3-pointers a contest, but they could only muster one Thursday, a bank shot by Nate Purinton. Their normally prolific offense was shut down by the Nest, and Geoff Nelson and Steve Friedman, each averaging over 10 points per game, were held to 6 combined. The Cray's Nest answered some questions about their toughness after a series of close contests saw their early shine somewhat diminished. They'll have a chance to increase their momentum this week, when they'll be heavy favorites against the Layup Line Heroes.
Layup Line Heroes 33, Beast of Burden 28
In what may be a turning point of the season, the Layup Line Heroes moved back to .500 and defeated Beast of Burden for the second time this year. They scored over half their points on the line, shooting an impressive 17-25 in a game full of controversy. In the first half, the referee called it tight, and Beast of Burden's aggressive style began to work against them. It was tied 17-17 at the half, but as the second half began, Beast of Burden began to pull away. Kieran Valla hit two three-pointers, Robin Luna hit two from the foul line, and the result everyone expected seemed to be transpiring.
Then all hell break loose. After arguing a foul call, Rafael Rodriguez was given a technical. He proceeded to sprint down the floor and slap the opposite backboard, at which point he was ejected from the game. Incensed, he sprinted at the referee and had to be held back by several players. The game was delayed, and when the dust had settled, Keith Gormley hit three of four foul shots to eat into Beast of Burden's lead. Without Rodriguez, that lead quickly vanished. Ismael Rodriguez, normally one of the league's best shooters, went cold from the floor, and Beast of Burden couldn't muster any offense for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, Gormley excelled underneath, scoring 14 points to help the Heroes pull away. Greg Wyrick added 10, including 6-7 from the line, in his best performance of the year. Those two, combined with Matt Brinkmann, dominated the interior and led the Heroes to a crucial win. Their playoff hopes are alive and healthy at 3-3, while Beast of Burden drops to the same mark.
For the altercation, Rodriguez was given a one-game suspension, which is incredibly poor timing for Beast of Burden, who face the woebegone Team Fouls in what might be a must-win game this week.
Dunk-a Schoen 59, Team Fouls 32
When the year began, many experts predicted that Dunk-a Schoen would be one of the two best teams in the league. Their first half, though, was an utter disaster, full of embarrassing losses and chemistry issues. But after annihilating Team Fouls in Week 6, those initial predictions are looking a lot less ridiculous. Whitney Warren scored 15 points and looked like the championship-winning star from last season, while newcomer Kevin Felder and Ben Weitmarschen added 11 each for the victors. Zach Heinzerling and Mark Lee scored 10 and 8, respectively, and Tom Fleischman played a strong game on the boards, adding 4 points of his own. It was a total team effort for Dunk-a Schoen, and they hope it will serve as a springboard for a late-season run and a playoff berth.
For Team Fouls, a tough year just got worse. Kyle Ervin and Chris Bonastia played valiant games in the frontcourt, scoring 9 and 8, but sharpshooters Andrew Weiner and Zach smith could never really find their form, and the team had little to no presence on the interior. The loss dropped them to 1-5 on the year, and they currently sit in last place. Redemption may be possible this week against Beast of Burden, who will be missing the GABL's leading scorer, but crawling back into playoff contention may be a Herculean task.
The Cray's Nest 37, Hospital Bombers 35
In a grinding, punishing, pugilistic battle, The Cray's Nest outlasted The Hospital Bombers in a clash of the league's best. Though they only trailed once, at 22-21 in the second half, the Nesters were never far in front, and it was all they could do to hold on for victory. Lars Rasmussen turned in another stellar performance, scoring 13 points and teaming with Vance Tucker to form a stolid defensive interior. For the Bombers, Bob Van Kolken gave as good as he got, scoring 14 points underneath and leading a fierce challenge for control of the boards. With 30 seconds remaining, Shane Ryan (9 points) drove by an unidentified player who may have been an illegal ringer for the go-ahead layup. The Bombers responded with a baseline jumper by legal ringer Noah Davis to tie the game at 35. After a timeout, Lars Rasmussen could not find Vance Tucker on a set play, and was forced to throw the ball deep to Shane Ryan. The pass found its mark, and Ryan whipped the ball to a cutting Jordan Glickson (6 points), who laid it in for the winning bucket. The Bombers had 4 seconds remaining, but Van Kolken's missed shot came after the buzzer, and The Cray's Nest moved to 5-1, and first place outright.
The Bombers will have many regrets looking back. Coming into the game, they'd been averaging 4 3-pointers a contest, but they could only muster one Thursday, a bank shot by Nate Purinton. Their normally prolific offense was shut down by the Nest, and Geoff Nelson and Steve Friedman, each averaging over 10 points per game, were held to 6 combined. The Cray's Nest answered some questions about their toughness after a series of close contests saw their early shine somewhat diminished. They'll have a chance to increase their momentum this week, when they'll be heavy favorites against the Layup Line Heroes.
Layup Line Heroes 33, Beast of Burden 28
In what may be a turning point of the season, the Layup Line Heroes moved back to .500 and defeated Beast of Burden for the second time this year. They scored over half their points on the line, shooting an impressive 17-25 in a game full of controversy. In the first half, the referee called it tight, and Beast of Burden's aggressive style began to work against them. It was tied 17-17 at the half, but as the second half began, Beast of Burden began to pull away. Kieran Valla hit two three-pointers, Robin Luna hit two from the foul line, and the result everyone expected seemed to be transpiring.
Then all hell break loose. After arguing a foul call, Rafael Rodriguez was given a technical. He proceeded to sprint down the floor and slap the opposite backboard, at which point he was ejected from the game. Incensed, he sprinted at the referee and had to be held back by several players. The game was delayed, and when the dust had settled, Keith Gormley hit three of four foul shots to eat into Beast of Burden's lead. Without Rodriguez, that lead quickly vanished. Ismael Rodriguez, normally one of the league's best shooters, went cold from the floor, and Beast of Burden couldn't muster any offense for the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, Gormley excelled underneath, scoring 14 points to help the Heroes pull away. Greg Wyrick added 10, including 6-7 from the line, in his best performance of the year. Those two, combined with Matt Brinkmann, dominated the interior and led the Heroes to a crucial win. Their playoff hopes are alive and healthy at 3-3, while Beast of Burden drops to the same mark.
For the altercation, Rodriguez was given a one-game suspension, which is incredibly poor timing for Beast of Burden, who face the woebegone Team Fouls in what might be a must-win game this week.
Dunk-a Schoen 59, Team Fouls 32
When the year began, many experts predicted that Dunk-a Schoen would be one of the two best teams in the league. Their first half, though, was an utter disaster, full of embarrassing losses and chemistry issues. But after annihilating Team Fouls in Week 6, those initial predictions are looking a lot less ridiculous. Whitney Warren scored 15 points and looked like the championship-winning star from last season, while newcomer Kevin Felder and Ben Weitmarschen added 11 each for the victors. Zach Heinzerling and Mark Lee scored 10 and 8, respectively, and Tom Fleischman played a strong game on the boards, adding 4 points of his own. It was a total team effort for Dunk-a Schoen, and they hope it will serve as a springboard for a late-season run and a playoff berth.
For Team Fouls, a tough year just got worse. Kyle Ervin and Chris Bonastia played valiant games in the frontcourt, scoring 9 and 8, but sharpshooters Andrew Weiner and Zach smith could never really find their form, and the team had little to no presence on the interior. The loss dropped them to 1-5 on the year, and they currently sit in last place. Redemption may be possible this week against Beast of Burden, who will be missing the GABL's leading scorer, but crawling back into playoff contention may be a Herculean task.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Stats, Standings, Features After Week 6
Here we be.
Features!
Player of the Week: Keith Gormley
Let's face it: the media does not go easy on the Layup Line Heroes. It's a hostile city, and they've faced some fire, but one or way another these dudes find a way to win the important games. Keith Gormley has led the way all season, and yesterday's 14-point performance gave them a huge 33-28 win. His 6-7 performance from the foul line was the difference in the game, and his defense nullified the Beast of Burden interior attack. For his efforts, Keith will be presented with a stick of chewing gum from an early 90s Fleet basketball cards package which featured Manute Bol (cards not included).
Honorable Mention: Bob Van Kolken and Whitney Warren
Van Kolken, facing a difficult task against Cray's Nest bigs Lars Rasmussen and Vance Tucker, proved himself to be one of the league's premier post players with a strong 14-point performance. Though his team lost by two, Van Kolken left it all out on the floor.
Warren regained his form from last year's championship season in Dunk-a Schoen's break-out win against Team Fouls, scoring 15 and wreaking all kinds of terror in the lane.
Each player will be allowed to share a YMCA locker room shower with former Arkansas Razorback great Scotty Thurman.
Past Players of the Week:
Week 1: Lars Rasmussen (retroactive)
Week 2: Ismael Rodriguez (retroactive)
Week 3: Geoff Nelson
Week 4: Rafael Rodriguez
Week 5: Jordan Glickson
The King's Court: Week 6
Let subjectivity reign!
Sir Prolificus (points): Whitney Warren, 15
Dr. Charity (foul-shooting): Keith Gormley, 6-7.
Narrowly edges out Greg Wyrick (6-8), Lars Rasmussen (4-5), and Matt Brinkmann (4-5).
Captain Long-Range (three-point shooting): Kevin Felder, 3
The Earl of Baskets (field goals): Van Kolken and Warren, 6
The Duke of D: The Cray's Nest, for holding The Hospital Bombers to one 3-pointer (a bank shot).
The Dime Baron (week's best pass): Two passes this time. To quote GABL play-by-play announcer Ted Sherlock: "Rasmussen running out of time, nobody's open...he hurls it downcourt! It's long to Ryan...he whips it to a wide open Glickson, and...it's good! OH MY! WHAT HAVE MY EYES JUST WITNESSED?!"
The Marchioness (best female performance): Jane Rizzo, for a full game of smothering defense on the wing of the zone, and several surprising rebounds among the tall trees.
Recaps Monday!
Features!
Player of the Week: Keith Gormley
Let's face it: the media does not go easy on the Layup Line Heroes. It's a hostile city, and they've faced some fire, but one or way another these dudes find a way to win the important games. Keith Gormley has led the way all season, and yesterday's 14-point performance gave them a huge 33-28 win. His 6-7 performance from the foul line was the difference in the game, and his defense nullified the Beast of Burden interior attack. For his efforts, Keith will be presented with a stick of chewing gum from an early 90s Fleet basketball cards package which featured Manute Bol (cards not included).
Honorable Mention: Bob Van Kolken and Whitney Warren
Van Kolken, facing a difficult task against Cray's Nest bigs Lars Rasmussen and Vance Tucker, proved himself to be one of the league's premier post players with a strong 14-point performance. Though his team lost by two, Van Kolken left it all out on the floor.
Warren regained his form from last year's championship season in Dunk-a Schoen's break-out win against Team Fouls, scoring 15 and wreaking all kinds of terror in the lane.
Each player will be allowed to share a YMCA locker room shower with former Arkansas Razorback great Scotty Thurman.
Past Players of the Week:
Week 1: Lars Rasmussen (retroactive)
Week 2: Ismael Rodriguez (retroactive)
Week 3: Geoff Nelson
Week 4: Rafael Rodriguez
Week 5: Jordan Glickson
The King's Court: Week 6
Let subjectivity reign!
Sir Prolificus (points): Whitney Warren, 15
Dr. Charity (foul-shooting): Keith Gormley, 6-7.
Narrowly edges out Greg Wyrick (6-8), Lars Rasmussen (4-5), and Matt Brinkmann (4-5).
Captain Long-Range (three-point shooting): Kevin Felder, 3
The Earl of Baskets (field goals): Van Kolken and Warren, 6
The Duke of D: The Cray's Nest, for holding The Hospital Bombers to one 3-pointer (a bank shot).
The Dime Baron (week's best pass): Two passes this time. To quote GABL play-by-play announcer Ted Sherlock: "Rasmussen running out of time, nobody's open...he hurls it downcourt! It's long to Ryan...he whips it to a wide open Glickson, and...it's good! OH MY! WHAT HAVE MY EYES JUST WITNESSED?!"
The Marchioness (best female performance): Jane Rizzo, for a full game of smothering defense on the wing of the zone, and several surprising rebounds among the tall trees.
Recaps Monday!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Week 6 Previews
8:15 - The Hospital Bombers (4-1) vs. The Cray's Nest (4-1)
After tonight, there will be an undisputed top team in the GABL. Can The Cray's Nest enact a repeat of their week one victory, or have the Bombers improved beyond the point of defeat? In the latest power poll, experts chose the Bombers as the top team, while The Cray's Nest was dropped to third, despite owning the tiebreaker for the #1 seed. Results in the past three weeks seem to confirm this analysis, and the Bombers' dominance stands in stark contrast to TCN's escape acts. In the night's marquee match-up, questions will be answered.
If the Bombers have a weakness, and they may not, it's in the ballhandling realm. The Cray's Nest will look to exploit their lack of a true point guard. Shooting guard extraordinaire Geoff Nelson may find himself with more dribbling duty than usual, while Steve Friedman and Kerry Brown will have to carry a heavy frontcourt load. On the boards, Jeremy Forsythe, Bob Van Kolken, and Nate Purinton will have to contend with two of the league's best rebounders in Vance Tucker and Lars Rasmussen. Defensively, they'll have to shut down those two and contain the shooting prowess of guards Gene Wash and Jordan Glickson, who have been improving each game. The possible return of Shane Ryan could also add a new wrinkle to the Cray's Nest offense. Jacob Craycroft adds a third body to the rebounding equation, while Jane Rizzo will provide pressure from the defensive wing. On the offensive end, the Bombers will look to Van Kolken to assert his presence inside in order to create open looks beyond the arc for Nelson and Purinton. It will be crucial for The Cray's Nest to prevent penetration by Friedman and Brown, and to guard the middle of the zone without conceding the easy outside shot.
Favorite: Hospital Bombers (-4)
9:00 - Beast of Burden (3-2) vs. Layup Line Heroes (2-3)
Beast of Burden will be looking to avenge their week one loss, while the Heroes desperately need to create some distance between themselves and Team Fouls in the standings. While the Brothers Rodriguez will be leading their team on a quest to take second place, Gormley and Colby Hall will be trying to maintain an unsteady grip on the fourth and final playoff spot.
In week one, the Heroes were able to contain Ismael and Rafael Rodriguez, holding the entire team to 32 points. But as they've found their rhythm, the entire Beast of Burden team has gelled, and this low point total should be exceeded easily. The Heroes need to take advantage of their superior height; if Gormley and Colby Hall can mix it up down low, they should be able to at least achieve a healthy rebound margin. But the glaring question for the Heroes is how well they can handle the intense defensive pressure from the BoB frontcourt. If they discover an effective method for beating the press, their size gives them a fighting chance to win. If not, the mission becomes impossible.
Favorite: Beast of Burden (-8)
9:45 - Team Fouls (1-4) vs. Dunk-a Schoen (1-4)
Though neither team can be pleased with their first half performance, they can take solace in the fact that they're still very much in the playoff hunt. Team Fouls, in particular, needs only to defeat Dunk-a Schoen and the Heroes in order to earn the 4th seed. But the stakes tonight are high; a loss makes the journey all but hopeless.
Dunk-a Schoen have yet to find offensive chemistry, but they'll own a distinct size advantage tonight. Ben Weitmarschen, Zach Heinzerling, Whitney Warren, and Kevin Felder have the potential to make things miserable for the Team Fouls interior. On the flip side, Kyle Ervin, Andrew Weiner, and Chris Bonastia may give Dunk-a Schoen headaches in transition. It's an interesting clash of styles, and one that ended in an overtime victory for Dunk-a Schoen in week one. Tonight's outcome is utterly unpredictable, and a win, for both teams, is utterly imperative.
Favorite: Pick 'em
After tonight, there will be an undisputed top team in the GABL. Can The Cray's Nest enact a repeat of their week one victory, or have the Bombers improved beyond the point of defeat? In the latest power poll, experts chose the Bombers as the top team, while The Cray's Nest was dropped to third, despite owning the tiebreaker for the #1 seed. Results in the past three weeks seem to confirm this analysis, and the Bombers' dominance stands in stark contrast to TCN's escape acts. In the night's marquee match-up, questions will be answered.
If the Bombers have a weakness, and they may not, it's in the ballhandling realm. The Cray's Nest will look to exploit their lack of a true point guard. Shooting guard extraordinaire Geoff Nelson may find himself with more dribbling duty than usual, while Steve Friedman and Kerry Brown will have to carry a heavy frontcourt load. On the boards, Jeremy Forsythe, Bob Van Kolken, and Nate Purinton will have to contend with two of the league's best rebounders in Vance Tucker and Lars Rasmussen. Defensively, they'll have to shut down those two and contain the shooting prowess of guards Gene Wash and Jordan Glickson, who have been improving each game. The possible return of Shane Ryan could also add a new wrinkle to the Cray's Nest offense. Jacob Craycroft adds a third body to the rebounding equation, while Jane Rizzo will provide pressure from the defensive wing. On the offensive end, the Bombers will look to Van Kolken to assert his presence inside in order to create open looks beyond the arc for Nelson and Purinton. It will be crucial for The Cray's Nest to prevent penetration by Friedman and Brown, and to guard the middle of the zone without conceding the easy outside shot.
Favorite: Hospital Bombers (-4)
9:00 - Beast of Burden (3-2) vs. Layup Line Heroes (2-3)
Beast of Burden will be looking to avenge their week one loss, while the Heroes desperately need to create some distance between themselves and Team Fouls in the standings. While the Brothers Rodriguez will be leading their team on a quest to take second place, Gormley and Colby Hall will be trying to maintain an unsteady grip on the fourth and final playoff spot.
In week one, the Heroes were able to contain Ismael and Rafael Rodriguez, holding the entire team to 32 points. But as they've found their rhythm, the entire Beast of Burden team has gelled, and this low point total should be exceeded easily. The Heroes need to take advantage of their superior height; if Gormley and Colby Hall can mix it up down low, they should be able to at least achieve a healthy rebound margin. But the glaring question for the Heroes is how well they can handle the intense defensive pressure from the BoB frontcourt. If they discover an effective method for beating the press, their size gives them a fighting chance to win. If not, the mission becomes impossible.
Favorite: Beast of Burden (-8)
9:45 - Team Fouls (1-4) vs. Dunk-a Schoen (1-4)
Though neither team can be pleased with their first half performance, they can take solace in the fact that they're still very much in the playoff hunt. Team Fouls, in particular, needs only to defeat Dunk-a Schoen and the Heroes in order to earn the 4th seed. But the stakes tonight are high; a loss makes the journey all but hopeless.
Dunk-a Schoen have yet to find offensive chemistry, but they'll own a distinct size advantage tonight. Ben Weitmarschen, Zach Heinzerling, Whitney Warren, and Kevin Felder have the potential to make things miserable for the Team Fouls interior. On the flip side, Kyle Ervin, Andrew Weiner, and Chris Bonastia may give Dunk-a Schoen headaches in transition. It's an interesting clash of styles, and one that ended in an overtime victory for Dunk-a Schoen in week one. Tonight's outcome is utterly unpredictable, and a win, for both teams, is utterly imperative.
Favorite: Pick 'em
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Mid-Season Report: Part Two
Part One is here. We're doing reverse order power rankings. On to the top 3...
3. The Cray's Nest (4-1)
After a blistering start, the league's top seed has come back to Earth in the past three games, holding on for two close wins and dropping a third to Beast of Burden. Despite their knack for winning, this stretch has exposed some weaknesses in their varied arsenal. One of the league's top rebounding teams, they benefit from the strong play of Lars Rasmussen and Vance Tucker, who typically dominate the boards, and average 17 and 12 points per game, respectively. Jordan Glickson, who hit the game-winning 3 against Team Fouls last week, averages 7.8, while point guard Gene Walsh contributes 7 per game. Shane Ryan chipped in with 11 ppg before going down after week 2 with an ankle injury. His return this week is doubtful, though he expects to be back for week 7.
As a team, The Cray's Nest are one of the top offensive units, averaging 46.8. But this total is a bit deceptive; after two weeks, they averaged 55, and have had trouble scoring since. Meanwhile, their somewhat lackadaisical approach to defense in the first two weeks cost them when the offense dropped off; the loss to Beast of Burden came about because of difficulty stopping the Brothers Rodriguez. Still, there are positives for the team to build on. They make it to the line 14 times per game, second only to Dunk-a Schoen, and they make those chances count. They have the highest free throw shooting percentage in the league, at 61%, thanks in large part to Rasmussen's remarkable 77% rate (best in the GABL). And rebounds should win them enough games to stay comfortably inside the playoff race. But their resolve will be tested in the season's second half, and it won't take long- week six's game against The Hospital Bombers is a rematch of their opening win, and promises to be a much harder journey this time around. And due to the recent vulnerability, the target on their back widens with each passing game.
2. Beast of Burden (3-2)
The Brothers Rodriguez, Ismael and Rafael, are the league's stop scoring duo, and they undoubtedly anchor this surging team. But though no other player averages in double figures, Beast of Burden are a cohesive unit from spots one through seven. In fact, they are the only team in the league to boast a perfect attendance record. This unity has paid dividends; after a rough beginning, featuring two close losses to the Layup Line Heroes and the Hospital Bombers (one point apiece), they have congealed into a basketball machine wherein each cog performs its assigned role to perfection.
Ismael and Rafael vie each week for leading scorer (Rafael currently leads the GABL with 18 ppg), but the true strength of BoB is their defense. They allow 39 points per game, tops in the league, and the pressure from their guards has been particularly upsetting to opposing frontcourts. They also excel at the line, hitting 59% of their free throws while averaging 4.0 3s per game and scoring 46 points. Their point differential is by far the league's best, and they're a mere two points from an undefeated record. Still, those two losses are not insignificant. In both cases, Beast of Burden started slow, and their late surge fell short of victory. Did intimidation play a role, or does it just take them more time to find their rhythm? If a championship run is in the cards, this question requires an emphatic answer.
1. The Hospital Bombers (4-1)
The Bombers' week one loss to The Cray's Nest seems, a month later, like ancient history. At 4-1, they are technically in second place, but nobody would argue for anybody else as the league's top team. They've now notched four wins in a row, and have done so with great shooting, a strong board presence, and tireless defense. This may be a team without a superstar (Geoff Nelson and Steve Friedman both average 12 points per game, while Bob Van Kolken has lately emerged as a legitimate post threat with 10.8 ppg), but they benefit from a total lack of weakness. Of their 8 players, any 5 can take the floor at a given time and fulfill the necessary functions of an elite basketball team. This depth makes it difficult for opponents to find any breathing room, and simultaneously ensures that no single Bomber will succumb to fatigue.
Their statistics are irreproachable. They score 47 points per game, best in the league, and hit a competent 53% of their foul shots. They allow 43 per game on defense, a number which hovers around the league's average, but which has lately been far lower. Still, they have something left to prove against The Cray's Nest. Some have speculated that certain players on that team hold a psychological edge over the Bombers dating back to last season, and that this played a large role in the week one result. Also, the Bombers have tended to flag late in games, allowing teams like Beast of Burden and Team Fouls to make close games out of potential blow-outs. If they can learn to turn in 36 minutes of optimal performance, though, it will be extremely difficult for any opponent to keep them from an ultimate victory.
3. The Cray's Nest (4-1)
After a blistering start, the league's top seed has come back to Earth in the past three games, holding on for two close wins and dropping a third to Beast of Burden. Despite their knack for winning, this stretch has exposed some weaknesses in their varied arsenal. One of the league's top rebounding teams, they benefit from the strong play of Lars Rasmussen and Vance Tucker, who typically dominate the boards, and average 17 and 12 points per game, respectively. Jordan Glickson, who hit the game-winning 3 against Team Fouls last week, averages 7.8, while point guard Gene Walsh contributes 7 per game. Shane Ryan chipped in with 11 ppg before going down after week 2 with an ankle injury. His return this week is doubtful, though he expects to be back for week 7.
As a team, The Cray's Nest are one of the top offensive units, averaging 46.8. But this total is a bit deceptive; after two weeks, they averaged 55, and have had trouble scoring since. Meanwhile, their somewhat lackadaisical approach to defense in the first two weeks cost them when the offense dropped off; the loss to Beast of Burden came about because of difficulty stopping the Brothers Rodriguez. Still, there are positives for the team to build on. They make it to the line 14 times per game, second only to Dunk-a Schoen, and they make those chances count. They have the highest free throw shooting percentage in the league, at 61%, thanks in large part to Rasmussen's remarkable 77% rate (best in the GABL). And rebounds should win them enough games to stay comfortably inside the playoff race. But their resolve will be tested in the season's second half, and it won't take long- week six's game against The Hospital Bombers is a rematch of their opening win, and promises to be a much harder journey this time around. And due to the recent vulnerability, the target on their back widens with each passing game.
2. Beast of Burden (3-2)
The Brothers Rodriguez, Ismael and Rafael, are the league's stop scoring duo, and they undoubtedly anchor this surging team. But though no other player averages in double figures, Beast of Burden are a cohesive unit from spots one through seven. In fact, they are the only team in the league to boast a perfect attendance record. This unity has paid dividends; after a rough beginning, featuring two close losses to the Layup Line Heroes and the Hospital Bombers (one point apiece), they have congealed into a basketball machine wherein each cog performs its assigned role to perfection.
Ismael and Rafael vie each week for leading scorer (Rafael currently leads the GABL with 18 ppg), but the true strength of BoB is their defense. They allow 39 points per game, tops in the league, and the pressure from their guards has been particularly upsetting to opposing frontcourts. They also excel at the line, hitting 59% of their free throws while averaging 4.0 3s per game and scoring 46 points. Their point differential is by far the league's best, and they're a mere two points from an undefeated record. Still, those two losses are not insignificant. In both cases, Beast of Burden started slow, and their late surge fell short of victory. Did intimidation play a role, or does it just take them more time to find their rhythm? If a championship run is in the cards, this question requires an emphatic answer.
1. The Hospital Bombers (4-1)
The Bombers' week one loss to The Cray's Nest seems, a month later, like ancient history. At 4-1, they are technically in second place, but nobody would argue for anybody else as the league's top team. They've now notched four wins in a row, and have done so with great shooting, a strong board presence, and tireless defense. This may be a team without a superstar (Geoff Nelson and Steve Friedman both average 12 points per game, while Bob Van Kolken has lately emerged as a legitimate post threat with 10.8 ppg), but they benefit from a total lack of weakness. Of their 8 players, any 5 can take the floor at a given time and fulfill the necessary functions of an elite basketball team. This depth makes it difficult for opponents to find any breathing room, and simultaneously ensures that no single Bomber will succumb to fatigue.
Their statistics are irreproachable. They score 47 points per game, best in the league, and hit a competent 53% of their foul shots. They allow 43 per game on defense, a number which hovers around the league's average, but which has lately been far lower. Still, they have something left to prove against The Cray's Nest. Some have speculated that certain players on that team hold a psychological edge over the Bombers dating back to last season, and that this played a large role in the week one result. Also, the Bombers have tended to flag late in games, allowing teams like Beast of Burden and Team Fouls to make close games out of potential blow-outs. If they can learn to turn in 36 minutes of optimal performance, though, it will be extremely difficult for any opponent to keep them from an ultimate victory.
The Mid-Season Report: Part One
We're halfway through, and it's time to examine the state of the league. Let's take a tour of our six teams, in reverse power ranking order.
6. Dunk-a Schoen (1-4)
It might be difficult for the Dunk-a Schoen faithful to remember in these tough times, but they actually opened the season with a thrilling OT win over Team Fouls. Trailing 20-10 at the half, they regrouped during the intermission and found a way to prevail. Since then, their fortunes have changed for the worse. It's been four straight losses for the Schoeners, with the low point coming in a week 3 loss to the Cray's Nest, who were missing two of their top 3 scorers. They could only muster 27 points in that game, and on the season they're averaging a league-worst 36 points. They're also second-to-last in free throw percentage, and are 4th in defensive efficiency.
On a positive note, the recent acquisition of Kevin Felder has given them another scoring option. He's yet to take them over the hump, however, and certain chemistry issues remain unsolved. Besides Felder, who has only played two games, no player averages double figures. Ben Weitmarschen comes closest at 9.8 ppg, while Whitney Warren (8.8) and Zach Heinzerling (8.0) are not far behind. If they hope to reverse the negative trends, a good chance comes this week against Team Fouls, the only squad they defeated in the season's first half. Failure to right the ship will likely mean that the task of making the playoffs is too great. For the league's cellar dwellers, it's now or never.
5. Layup Line Heroes (2-3)
Amazingly, one of the Heroes' two wins came against Beast of Burden in week one. A brilliantly designed out-of-bounds play by Colby Hall gave them a 33-32 victory and an early start on the playoff rush. Since then, the fates of the two teams have been utterly divergent. While Beast of Burden has surged to third in the league, the Heroes have struggled, and currently maintain a tenuous hold on the 4th and final playoff position. Their second win came against Dunk-a Schoen, but a better estimate of their quality came against Team Fouls in week three, when an 11-point loss dropped them below .500. If they cannot avenge that loss in the season's second half, it's likely they'll fall out of the playoff race.
While their defense is second best in the league, allowing only 41 ppg, the offense has not done its part. Keith Gormley paces the Heroes with 16.2 ppg, while Colby Hall contributes 11.5. After these leaders, though, the drop-off is significant; no other player averages more than 4 points per game. As a team, the Heroes average only 36.6, a full 10 points lower than every team above them in the standings. This is compounded by the passive nature of their offense, which has earned only 52 strips to the charity stripe, second-worst in the league. Once there, the struggle continues; they are the only team under 50% from the line. The Heroes have always lacked diversity, and if that issue remains unresolved, the season's second half could be long. It will take a stunning victory to keep them in 4th place, and something approaching a miracle to raise them to the level of the league's elite.
4. Team Fouls (1-4)
Despite having one fewer win than the Heroes, Team Fouls has shown evidence of real class in the past three weeks. Starting with their lone win against LLH, continuing with a valiant effort in a losing cause to the Hospital Bombers, and culminating in last week's heartbreaker against The Cray's Nest, they've demonstrated the wherewithal to compete against the league's best. The importance of this week's clash against Dunk-a Schoen cannot be underestimated; in order to have a chance at the playoffs, they need to stay within a game of the Heroes, and winning against the league's other 1-4 team is an absolute must.
Team Fouls sits at the middle of the pack in scoring, with 41 ppg, but over 40% of this total comes from the long ball. Andrew Weiner leads the aerial attack with a league-leading 16 3s. His 15-point average is complemented by Zach Smith and Kyle Ervin, who contribute 9 apiece. Their glaring weakness, though, is the interior. They seem to have no interest in the attacking game, earning only 24 foul shot attempts on the year, fewer than half the total of any other team. This retreating style is reflected on defense, as well, where they concede a league worst 45.8 ppg. And while two more wins may be good enough to earn the 4th and final playoff spot, they'll need to establish an inside presence if they hope for anything more than a one-and-done postseason experience.
Part Two coming later today...
6. Dunk-a Schoen (1-4)
It might be difficult for the Dunk-a Schoen faithful to remember in these tough times, but they actually opened the season with a thrilling OT win over Team Fouls. Trailing 20-10 at the half, they regrouped during the intermission and found a way to prevail. Since then, their fortunes have changed for the worse. It's been four straight losses for the Schoeners, with the low point coming in a week 3 loss to the Cray's Nest, who were missing two of their top 3 scorers. They could only muster 27 points in that game, and on the season they're averaging a league-worst 36 points. They're also second-to-last in free throw percentage, and are 4th in defensive efficiency.
On a positive note, the recent acquisition of Kevin Felder has given them another scoring option. He's yet to take them over the hump, however, and certain chemistry issues remain unsolved. Besides Felder, who has only played two games, no player averages double figures. Ben Weitmarschen comes closest at 9.8 ppg, while Whitney Warren (8.8) and Zach Heinzerling (8.0) are not far behind. If they hope to reverse the negative trends, a good chance comes this week against Team Fouls, the only squad they defeated in the season's first half. Failure to right the ship will likely mean that the task of making the playoffs is too great. For the league's cellar dwellers, it's now or never.
5. Layup Line Heroes (2-3)
Amazingly, one of the Heroes' two wins came against Beast of Burden in week one. A brilliantly designed out-of-bounds play by Colby Hall gave them a 33-32 victory and an early start on the playoff rush. Since then, the fates of the two teams have been utterly divergent. While Beast of Burden has surged to third in the league, the Heroes have struggled, and currently maintain a tenuous hold on the 4th and final playoff position. Their second win came against Dunk-a Schoen, but a better estimate of their quality came against Team Fouls in week three, when an 11-point loss dropped them below .500. If they cannot avenge that loss in the season's second half, it's likely they'll fall out of the playoff race.
While their defense is second best in the league, allowing only 41 ppg, the offense has not done its part. Keith Gormley paces the Heroes with 16.2 ppg, while Colby Hall contributes 11.5. After these leaders, though, the drop-off is significant; no other player averages more than 4 points per game. As a team, the Heroes average only 36.6, a full 10 points lower than every team above them in the standings. This is compounded by the passive nature of their offense, which has earned only 52 strips to the charity stripe, second-worst in the league. Once there, the struggle continues; they are the only team under 50% from the line. The Heroes have always lacked diversity, and if that issue remains unresolved, the season's second half could be long. It will take a stunning victory to keep them in 4th place, and something approaching a miracle to raise them to the level of the league's elite.
4. Team Fouls (1-4)
Despite having one fewer win than the Heroes, Team Fouls has shown evidence of real class in the past three weeks. Starting with their lone win against LLH, continuing with a valiant effort in a losing cause to the Hospital Bombers, and culminating in last week's heartbreaker against The Cray's Nest, they've demonstrated the wherewithal to compete against the league's best. The importance of this week's clash against Dunk-a Schoen cannot be underestimated; in order to have a chance at the playoffs, they need to stay within a game of the Heroes, and winning against the league's other 1-4 team is an absolute must.
Team Fouls sits at the middle of the pack in scoring, with 41 ppg, but over 40% of this total comes from the long ball. Andrew Weiner leads the aerial attack with a league-leading 16 3s. His 15-point average is complemented by Zach Smith and Kyle Ervin, who contribute 9 apiece. Their glaring weakness, though, is the interior. They seem to have no interest in the attacking game, earning only 24 foul shot attempts on the year, fewer than half the total of any other team. This retreating style is reflected on defense, as well, where they concede a league worst 45.8 ppg. And while two more wins may be good enough to earn the 4th and final playoff spot, they'll need to establish an inside presence if they hope for anything more than a one-and-done postseason experience.
Part Two coming later today...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Standings, Stats after Week Five, and One Feature
Player of the Week: JORDAN GLICKSON!
Mr. Money came through with a big 3-ball at the end to give The Cray's Nest a tight win over Team Fouls. He wins a lock of John Wooden's hair.
Past Players of the Week:
Week 1: Lars Rasmussen (retroactive)
Week 2: Ismael Rodriguez (retroactive)
Week 3: Geoff Nelson
Week 4: Rafael Rodriguez
Mid-Season Report coming tomorrow.
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