Saturday, March 26, 2011

Championship Game

This is it, the last rec ball game of my life.We're gonna be without Doug Rosa and Pete Ellerkamp, which is sure to hurt us quite a bit. But Team Werner won't have Plausse or Werner for the first half, so we have a chance. Get ready for Patrick Stevens to make it rain like Jimmer Fredette, and maybe I'll chip in with a four-point play. We've made it this far against all odds, so I'm going to be a homer and say that we find a way to win. I hope everyone comes out to watch both the championship game and the all-star game, it should be a fun time. These games mean a lot to the seniors, so come out and support them. The game will be recorded and televised on the Groton Channel sometime next week. "Get Rec'd" t-shirts will be on sale for $5, so get pumped for that. No matter what happens to Team Stevens, it should be a great day to enjoy rec ball one last time.

Scores: Final Four

Werner 50 Dawson 38
Stevens 56 Debreceni 49

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Scores: Round 2

The dream is alive!

Stevens 50 Stewart 39
Debreceni 58 Calderan 55
Werner 41 O'Malley 36
Dawson 46 DeLuca 39  

Game Picks: Playoffs Round 2

Werner vs. O'Malley-- Wednesday, 6:45pm @ MSN
These two teams matchup perfectly with one another. Just over two weeks ago, they faced each other in a Week 10 battle, where Team O'Malley squeaked out a 44-42 victory. I expect it to be just as close this time. Matt Hanagan's wrist (injured when he fell on it near the end of Saturday's game) is a big question mark that could ultimately be the difference in the game. The matchup at the point guard slot, between Devin Goudey and Shane O'Malley is sure to be a great battle. In a game that is essentially a coin flip, I think Matt Plausse's ability to get to the rim and also rip some boards will be the difference.
Werner 51 O'Malley 48 (OT)

DeLuca vs. Dawson-- Wednesday, 6:45pm @ MSS 
Team DeLuca asserted itself as a force to be reckoned with after knocking off a seven-win Team Hill last week. They have been streaky all year, and could be catching fire once again at the right time. On the other side is the always consistent Team Dawson, who struggled last week against lonely Team Mahan. Team DeLuca's aggressive mentality could potentially catch Team Dawson's sometimes lackadaisical effort off guard, but in the end the Team Dawson's size is simply too much to overcome.
Dawson 47 DeLuca 42

Debreceni vs. Calderan-- Wednesday, 8:00pm @ MSN
Team Debreceni is one of the hottest in the league, thanks to the efforts of Dustin McEvoy and Mike Allen. They have won four in a row, and five out of six-- however, that one loss came at the hands of Team Calderan. The problem for Team Debs is that they only have a big two, while Team Calderan has more of a big three, which could leave a mismatch in Kevin Thompson's favor. I wouldn't count out Team Debreceni, but I think Mark Lavallee will rally the troops and pull out a closer-than-expected win to propel his team to the semis.
Calderan 54 Debreceni 50

Stevens vs. Stewart-- Wednesday, 8:00pm @ MSS 
Team Stevens has been nearly unstoppable at its home court this year, going 4-1. They are also in the midst of a four game winning streak, and will gain the assistance of second round pick Doug Rosa at the guard slot. Meanwhile, Team Stewart pulled out a win with just five players last week, and will be without Noah Burkholz once again. The rebounding edge clearly favors Team Stewart, who beat Team Stevens by three during the regular season. I anticipate this to be a defensive minded game, but it could just as easily be high scoring, with Team Stevens dropping at least 60 points each of the last three games. I think we can control the tempo and make some threes, and ultimately outlast the mighty Team Stewart. Let's go!
Stevens 41 Stewart 40

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Schedule for This Week

Playoffs Round 2
Werner vs. O'Malley-- Wednesday, 6:45pm @ MSN
DeLuca vs. Dawson-- Wednesday, 6:45pm @ MSS
Debreceni vs. Calderan-- Wednesday, 8:00pm @ MSN
Stewart vs. Stevens-- Wednesday, 8:00pm @ MSS

Consolation Games
Icenogle vs. MacLeod-- Thursday, 6:45pm @ MSN
Hill vs. Mahan-- Thursday, 6:45pm @ MSS
Jarboe vs. Fotino-- Thursday, 8:00pm @ MSN
Wright vs. Hegeman- Thursday, 8:00pm @ MSS

Scores: Round 1

DeLuca 50 Hill 35
Stevens 58 Hegeman 49
Stewart 49 Wright 40
Calderan 55 Fotino 44
Dawson Mahan
O'Malley MacLeod

Werner 59 Icenogle 44
Debreceni 53 Jarboe 51

Saturday, March 12, 2011

My Bracket

2011 Postseason Preview: This is What It's All About

With the playoffs starting later today, here a few questions regarding this year's tournament.

Who's the favorite?
There isn't one. The field is wide open this year, with the likes of Team Dawson, Hill, and Calderan all near the top, but I think they could be beaten on any given night. Team Stewart would easily fit this void if Noah Burkholz was in the lineup, but without him they are severely vulnerable. Mark Robinson's teams are always competitive, so I don't think it's out of the question that they could make a run to the championship, but I just don't see it personally.

Who has a chance to surprise everyone?
Team Debreceni. If they take care of business today, I think they could squeak by Team Calderan in the second round, and carry their momentum on to the finals. Mike Allen has really stepped up and provided a great alternative scorer to Dustin McEvoy, averaging 24 points over the last two games. I'm not saying it's likely that Team Debs can pull this off, but if they can ride the hot hands of D-Mac and Biggie, they could open some people's eyes.

Best first round matchup?
I think DeLuca versus Hill (Saturday, 2:00pm @ MSS) will be intense and exciting. The Hill's know how to win and the Kyle DeLuca and crew certainly want to win. This game should provide a glimpse of rec basketball at its finest, so I would encourage everyone to be there (plus you could root for Team Stevens in the game after...).

Will the Dawson and Calderan curses hold true once again?
Each and every year, Team Dawson and Team Calderan have great regular seasons, but have trouble translating this into success in the playoffs. With (9-1) and (7-3) records respectively, they have certainly help up the first end of the bargain. But I think this year, one of these teams' luck is going to change. I'm picking Calderan versus Dawson in the finals.

Which team wins it all?
In a finals of Team Calderan versus Team Dawson, I think Dawson finally ascends the ladder of rec ball greatness, to win the championship. I picked them at the beginning of the year so I'm going to stick with them to take the crown.

Baller of the Week: Week 10

The final regular season Baller of the Week Award goes to Jon Wolfe. He put up 21 points for Team Jarboe, including four threes, in a 52-49 loss to Team Hegeman. Congratulations Weezy!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Game Picks: Week 10 (part 2)

Stevens vs. Icenogle-- Thursday, 6:45pm @ MSN
Team Stevens is riding the momentum of a two game winning streak into tonight's clash with Team Icenogle, while their opponents are in the midst of a three game losing streak. With rumors swirling that varsity captain Will Peregoy could be making an appearance for Team Icenogle, this has the potential to be quite a game. In the end, I think Team Stevens keeps on riding the wave and finishes off the season with a respectable .500 record.
Stevens 61 Icenogle 54

Hill vs. Stewart-- Thursday, 6:45pm @ MSS
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the regular season was Noah Burkholz' near perfect attendance. All good things must come to an end. While he is out for two weeks, his team will face one of its toughest challenges of the season in Team Hill, who is coming off just its second loss of the season. These teams have polar opposite styles of play, with the Hill's always looking to get out and run, versus Team Stewart consistently looking to slow down the pace and pack it inside. Ultimately, I think the loss of Noah is too great to overcome, and Team Hill comes out with a victory.
Hill 56 Stewart 49

DeLuca vs. Fotino-- Thursday, 8:00pm @ MSN
With Brian Murphy set to fill the void left by the injured Mike Deveranne, Team Fotino shouldn't lose a step. Although he presents a size advantage over a small Team DeLuca, I don't think Murphy will necessarily exploit them inside-- it's not his game. But he should spread out the offense and allow John Denomme and Zach Hurst to create lanes to the basket. I expect Kyle DeLuca and Ben Walsh to come up big for Team DeLuca. But in the end, B-Murph propels Team Fo to victory in overtime.
Fotino 66 DeLuca 64 (OT)

Wright vs. Mahan-- Thursday, 8:00pm @ MSS
Team Wright has been in free-fall mode, losing each of its last five games after a hot 4-0 start. Team Mahan hasn't played so well lately either, so something has to give. Mike Shea could be resting his ankle for Team Mahan, in anticipation of a potential upset of Team Dawson on Saturday, which would severely injure Team Mahan's chances tonight. Ryan Sheehan against Timmy Grove should be a good battle one on one, but overall Team Wright will be too much.
Wright 47 Mahan 40

Scores: Week 10

Debreceni 68 MacLeod 58
O'Malley 44 Werner 42
Hegeman 52 Jarboe 49
Dawson (+12) Calderan  
Stevens 63 Icenogle 49
Stewart Hill
DeLuca 66 Fotino 47 
Wright (+2) Mahan 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Game Picks: Week 10 (part 1)

Werner vs. O'Malley-- Wednesday, 6:45pm @ MSN
No Curran Huff or Matt Plausse for Team Werner really puts them in a hole to start. Devin Goudey has a good matchup, but without his supporting cast he will likely have trouble, being the sole focus of the offense. With Team O'Malley at full strength, I expect them to take care of business.
O'Malley 54 Werner 43

Debreceni vs. MacLeod-- Wednesday, 6:45pm @ MSS
Both of these teams rely on their top player to carry the load each and every game, so the matchup between Dustin McEvoy and Tynan MacLeod should be interesting to watch. With a lingering wrist injury, I think Tynan is at a bit of a disadvantage. Mike Allen has come up big recently, with two consecutive twenty-plus point efforts. If he can keep it up, I think Team Debreceni wins their third straight.
Debreceni 57 MacLeod 50

Calderan vs. Dawson-- Wednesday, 8:00pm @ MSN
At full strength, this would be a great matchup, but Team Dawson is missing Jared Dawson. Team Calderan should be able to get out and run, with Team Dawson missing their only point guard. I could see a press working well for Team Calderan, and I expect Mark Lavallee to have a big game thanks to Jared's absence.
Calderan 59 Dawson 53

Hegeman vs. Jarboe-- Wednesday, 8:00pm @ MSS
This matchup is highlighted by the trash talking that has been escalated recently between Griffin Modzelewski and Cam Finnell. This should be an interesting matchup to watch, as Cam as been criticized for not being able to shoot, and Griffin for not being able to drive and score inside. Ultimately, Team Jarboe has no answer for Anthony Cotoni, and I think Team Hegeman gets it done, winning their third straight.
Hegeman 48 Jarboe 45

Baller of the Week: Week 9

After leading our team to a 66-42 victory over Team Jarboe with 20 points, and having consistently been our leading scorer over the course of the year (as a fourth round pick), I would like to recognize my brother, Patrick Stevens, as Baller of the Week. Ever since I bought him that shooting sleeve for Christmas he has been deadly beyond the arc. Congratulations Patrick! (and you're welcome...)

Saturday, March 5, 2011

All-Star Game

All-Star Game voting is now open. Each player and coach can fill out one ballot.

2011 GD Rec BBall All Star Ballot

Steps to Vote:
1.) Click the above link to access this year's all star ballot.
2.) Print it.
3.) Write your name on it.
4.) Vote for 8 players and 2 coaches.
5.) Bring the ballot to your coach OR Mr. Calderan OR send an email with your votes to pj.r.stevens@gmail.com, I will forward it to Mr. Calderan.

The All-Star Game will be held on Saturday, March 26 at 12:00pm @ MSN, after the completion of the championship game. I hope to have both the championship and All-Star Game televised on the Groton Channel, but I will need some help in organizing this. If anyone wants to help out, send me an email or leave a comment.

Halftime of the All-Star Game will feature:
     --Free Throw Contest
     --Three Point Shootout
     --Slam Dunk Contest

Scores: Week 9

Hegeman ? Hill ?
Debreceni 57 Fotino 49
Stevens 66 Jarboe 42
MacLeod 51 Mahan 41
O'Malley ? Icenogle ?
Dawson (by 3) Wright 
Calderan 48 DeLuca 34 
Werner ? Stewart ?

Game Picks: Week 9

Dawson 57 Wright 52 -- 8:00am @PTYC
Hill 64 Hegeman 47 -- 8:00am @ MSS
DeLuca 50 Calderan 49 -- 8:00am @ MSN
O'Malley 46 vs. Icenogle 39 -- 9:20am @ PTYC
Debreceni 45 Fotino 44 -- 9:20am @ MSS
Stewart 48 Werner 46 -- 9:20am @ MSN
Jarboe 43 Stevens 40 -- 10:40am @ MSS
MacLeod 44 Mahan 38 -- 12:00pm @ MSS