Saturday, December 31, 2016

Week 5 Power Rankings

Sorry for being so late... Happy New Year
1. Tornaritis (-)
They squeaked one out this week and may have lost if the book could count to five, but a win is a win. Team Gingras proved that even with Dean they can be beaten but Team Tornaritis proved that even when most teams give them their best shot, they still won't win. Don't be surprised if this Team runs the table from here on out.

2. Booth (+2)
This Team had a good win against a fully loaded Team Stark. They are pretty average team statistically but they win more than they lose. We're still not sure how we feel about this team when the playoffs come around but as of right now they are looking good.

3. Estes (+2)
This team has flown under the radar thus far this season but after updating the standings we noticed that they are tied with Team Tornaritis for the best record in the league and they are in the a top 3 for +/-. They are hot and cold which means we don't know how consistant they will be come playoffs but as Team Ordemann learned in the second half, you can not sleep on this team.

4. McNamara (+4)
This team is all over the place. Their lows are as low as any team's but their highs are through the roof. They won by 50 over a team we thought was pretty good. They put up 79 points in regulation and I would assume they let up near the end because of the score. We're not sold that this team can go all the way, but if they get hot for those playoff games than it's going to be tough for anyone including Team Tornaritis.

5. Forbes (+2)
When this Team is at full strength they are very good. Hecht played them tight but they should still scare the rest of the league. If they have s full roster for the playoffs then they will have a legitimate chance to win it all. (Assuming Dean Tornaritis gets injured or kidnapped...)

6. Ordemann (-3)
This team appeared to be on their way to their 4th win against Team Estes but they forgot that you have to play 2 halves in rec ball. Team Estes couldn't miss so it really wasn't their fault, but missing Varsity Player Ordemann was clearly hurting their offense. We think out of all the Teams who will miss players because of V- squad Team Ordemann will be able to manage the best but this development will certainly hurt their standing.

7. Meyers (-5) 
Team Meyers is so up and down. They look great some weeks and then they look horrible the next. This will lead to a decent regular season record but a less then promising playoff push. The loss of Joey Femia will be tough, but maybe Nick Boge' can hone in his three ball range and pick up the slack.

8. Dawson (-2)
The loss of Dylan Dawson to the Varsity Team is going to be tough for this Team to overcome. They already have begun to slide, losing to Team Coveno this past week. This Team has pulled out some tight victories which might mean they can steal one game come playoffs but without Dylan we see this Team dropping in the coming weeks.

9. Coveno (+1)
This Team has struggled out of the gate but we still think they have a lot of good pieces. They had a solid win over a Dawson-less Team Dawson which is to be expected, but what was not expected was Zack Gavel struggling at the offensive end of the floor. If Team Coveno can get him going and keep him going then he alone should scare the rest of the league.

10. Gingras (+1)
This Team took a heartbreaking loss from Team Tornaritis and really that is how their entire season has gone. They have been in every game but can't figure out how to finish. They will be a good spoiler pick for the playoff bracket but probably not a great pick to go all the way.

11. Stark (-2)
We thought the return of Tim Stark would give this Team the boost they needed but apparently not. We believe that Coach Stark was drafting for the future and is trying to build a dynasty but that takes time. This Team is too young to be consistant this year but has the pieces to snag a few wins.

12. Hecht (-)
This Team has been so close but has nothing to prove for it. They work hard and are very scrappy but they just don't have enough raw talent to get the win. If they continue to grind then we believe they will steal a couple of wins, but I think at this point in the season it's safe to say that this Team isn't going anyway come playoffs.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Baller of Week 5

There were a lot of great candidates this week but because he was there when his team needed him most this weeks baller of the week is Connor Estes. He had 23 points and led the way for Team Estes' comeback.
Honorable mentions go to: Garret Solomon, Jeremy Keast, Jacob Hickman, Will Manzi, Justin Griffin (mostly for offensive rebounding), Connor Keagan and Mitchell Townsend ].

Week 5 Results

This was in all likelihood the craziest week in Rec Ball history. In the early time slot, Team McNamara won by 50 points over Team Meyers. In the middle slot, Team Estes came back from a 17 point deficit in the first half to win 9 after a barrage of three pointers. That game was followed by the late slot which included an insane double overtime game between Gingras and Tornaritis that had a full court prayer from Kyle Battles that sent it into the second overtime. It should be noted that poor game-book management led to Dean Tornaritis to play with 5 fouls and eventually hit the game winning free throw.

Coveno 39 over Dawson 29
Without Dylan Team Dawson struggled on the offensive end of the court. Team Coveno looked decent in all three stages of the game.
McNamara 79 over Meyers 29
Garrett Solomon, Brian Scott, and Justin Kavalowskas combined for 59 points and apparently dominated a thought to be good Team Meyers.
Estes 54 over Ordemann 45
Team Ordemann appeared to have this game wrapped up by half time but then Team Estes got really hot, and stayed really hot. Led by Connor Estes, Team Estes hit something like 12 threes in the second half and missed, maybe 4? If they can keep this momentum than no one will be able to keep up with them.
Booth 51 over Stark 40
Led by Jacob Hickman's 21 points Team Booth was able to beat Team Stark despite the return of Tim Stark.
Forbes 62 over Hecht 57
The 20 point spread was an excessive prediction but no one thought Team Hecht would be this close to winning over a good Team Forbes. Despite not winning a game this season Team Hecht has hung with the best of them and shouldn't be ridden off by any Team.
Tornaritis 71 over Gingras 70 (Double OT)
Team Gingras stayed in it with Team Tornaritis but in the end Deano was able to pull it out of his hat. Play this game 10 times and Team Gingras wins 5 of those and Tornaritis wins the other 5.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Week 5 Predictions

Coveno 45 vs Dawson 40
Despite Dawson's winning ways we believe Team Coveno will be able to get into the winning column for only the second time this season.
McNamara 52 vs Meyers 42
McNamara has struggled lately so we think it's about time they get hot again. We think Team Meyers will just be unlucky this week.
Ordemann 44 vs Estes 39
Ordemann matches up well against Team Estes, and after struggling against a short handed Team Coveno we see Nick Poitras and company finding the holes in their defense.
Stark 38 vs Booth 37
Tim Stark should be back in the lineup and we think his resurgence will finally put Team Stark back in the winning column.
Forbes 50 vs Hecht 30
This prediction is made thinking Nate Forbes will show up. When he has Team Forbes is undefeated and handled their opponents. Team Forbes hasn't won without him though, so if he doesn't show than Team Hecht may have a chance to make this closer or even steal it.
Tornaritis 48 vs Gingras 40
Until proven otherwise we refuse to pick anyone to beat Team Tornaritis.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Week 4 Power Rankings

1. Tornaritis (-)
They were number 1 last week and didn't lose this week so there's no reason they should move down. They were able to handle a decent Team McNamara and have shown no signs of slowing down. Most teams are going to be looking for some miracles in order to take down this giant.

2. Meyers (+1)
Team Meyers bounced back nicely after a horrific loss in week 3. They pretty much dominated a young Team Stark and have proved that they plan on being one of the better teams this season. An area for concern with this team is that Joey Femia may have scrapped his way onto the Varsity HS school leading to his disqualification from rec ball play. This would be a devastating blow, pending commissioner Gingras's decision.

3. Ordemann (+4)
Based off poor play from some of the top rated teams, Team Ordemann is finally able to move up the Power Rankings. This Team has good players at the top of their lineup and has a solid core of role players. The acquisition of Jake Gavel has been huge but like Team Meyers they have to be careful. Rumors have been circulating that one, Wiley Ordemann, has made the Varsity squad. If this was true Team Ordemann would be in violation of Rec Bylaws section 13, which forbids Varsity players from playing on a rec court while enlisted on a a Varsity Roster. Once again the final decision will be Commission Gingras's so we will all be anxiously waiting his say.

4. Booth (-2)
This team struggled to say the least against Team Forbes. Despite losing by 26 points we still have faith that this team will be consistant and a solid team throughout the rest of the season. Sometimes you have an off night (or morning) and we think that's all this week was for Team Booth.

5. Estes (-1)
Despite winning this week we were forced to drop them in rank because of better play around the league. They won by 10 over Team Coveno but they should have dominated. Team Coveno was very short handed and didn't have any real point guards. Team Estes, being essentially only point guards, should have been able to easily handle and dominate Team Coveno, but the game was fairly close. This led to them dropping even though they got the W.

6. Dawson (-1)
Team Dawson is in the same boat as Team Estes. Despite winning we had to drop them. They almost lost to Team Hecht and it really shouldn't have been close based on where these two teams are headed. They got the win so it wasn't all bad but because it was a close shave was had no choice but to drop them.

7. Forbes (+1)
After 2 rough weeks this team came to play against Team Booth. Winning by 28 points and only allowing 32 is impressive to say the least. Based on the past 2 weeks this team is still in the bottom half of the league but if they continue to play like this then watch out for this team to return to the top of the league.

8. McNamara (-1)
The "pit stop" has apparently been extended as Team McNamara was handed their second straight loss this week. Losing to Team Tornaritis isn't too surprising or embarrassing but they still had to go down a spot. We expect them to bounce back an eventually re-rise through the rankings.

9. Stark (-)
This team lost again this week but Tim Stark will be back in action next week so we expect them to get back on track. This team desperately needs him a they have lost 3 straight all by double digits. With his return we'll see if they can turn it around but if not then this team will eventually fall further than they already have.

10. Coveno (-)
This team had a crazy short bench and still managed to keep it close against a respectable Team Estes. This team has now lost 2 games because of lack of attendance. This gives us hope for this team but only if the players start showing some more dedication. Watch out for this team to start making moves in the weeks to come.

11. Gingras (-)
Another tough loss for Team Gingras. This is their 3rd straight loss by 5 points or less. This makes their record look bad but also means they may be able to turn it around and win a lot of games in a hurry. If they can figure out how to finish then this team will rise through the power rankings fast.

12. Hecht (-)
Team Hecht fought bravely against a good Team Dawson, but they still lost and with they're loss they won't be leaving the bottom ranking. This is the second time in 3 games that Team Hecht has lost by one possession. This means they're just like Team Gingras. Their record sucks but they could rise pretty fast if they can just finish out their games.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Baller of Week 4

Baller of this week goes to the Big Three of Team Forbes(Nate Forbes, Will Manzi, Andrew Delaney). They beat down a good Team Booth led by the Manzi on the offensive end and Forbes on the defensive. If these three can show up consistently then they should be able to lead Team Forbes to a bunch if wins.
Honorable mentions to Dean Tornaritis.

Week 4 Results

Meyers 44 over Stark 27
As predicted Team Meyers bounced back nicely and Team Stark continues to slide.
Estes 55 over Coveno 45
Despite a short bench Team Coveno kept it close but, to not really anyones surprise, a full Team Estes won by a reasonable margin.
Forbes 58 over Booth 32
Team Forbes manhandled a good Team Booth in a blowout victory. This is the Team we thought Team Forbes would be but failed to show the past two weeks.
Tornaritis 46 over McNamara 37
Once again Team McNamara didn't fully show up and against a great Team Tornaritis that wasn't enough.
Dawson 44 over Hecht 42
Team Hecht made this game crazy close (at one point being up 38-35) but in the end a good Team Dawson closed out and stole back the win.
Ordemann 45 over Gingras 40
Team Ordemann edged out Team Gingras in a decently close game. This is the third lose by 5 points or less for Team Gingras.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Week 4 Predictions

Meyers 39 vs Stark 30
Based on the past 2 weeks, we've really lost faith in Team Stark. Despite last weeks poor performance from Team Meyers, we believe that they will bounce back with a solid win this week.
Coveno 40 vs Estes  38
I'm not going to be able to make it this week, but I'm still not going to pick against my boys. Team Estes is solid but lack height so if Adam Scott and Interim Head Player/Coach Zack Gavel can take advantage than Team Coveno should be able to notch their second win.
Tornaritis 52 vs McNamara  46
Team McNamara has yet to have a complete game from their starters and against Team Tornaritis that won't be enough. Justin Flanagan's height should lead to a dominating performance and another win for Team Tornaritis.
Booth 41 vs Forbes 37
Team Booth has been getting steadily better and Team Forbes has been getting steadily worse. If Nate Forbes actually shows up this week that maybe Team Forbes can flip the script, but based on the past few weeks we have to give Team Booth the edge.
Ordemann 49 vs Gingras 34
Team Ordemann's starting five matches up well against Team Gingras'. Connor Keegan and Mitch Townsend will have an opportunity to take advantage of the smaller Team Ordemann but we don't think that will be enough to beat a good Team.
Dawson 54 vs Hecht 38
After last weeks big win by Team Dawson we think they'll be a tough matchup for any team, and when facing a weak Team Hecht, we do not see them having any problems. Even without star shooter Dylan Dawson we think this will be a snoozer of game.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Week 3 Power Rankings

1. Tornaritis (+1)
This team has the best player in the league (Dean Tornaritis), arguably the second best player in league (Justin Flanagan), and potentially the best bench in the league. They seem unstoppable and are an offensive juggernaut. The new game plan for opposing teams is hope Dean and Justin carpool and get lost on the way to LA.

2. Booth (+3) 
Team Booth didn't have a great game this weekend but they got the job the done. They've been one of the most consistant teams in the league and have great depth. Look for this team to make a quiet but successful run in the playoffs.

3. Meyers (-2)
They didn't have Joey Femia so we'll give them a break but if all their success only comes from Femia then do not see them going far. They really didn't look good but maybe they just had an off week. We still have faith in them but keep an eye on them in the weeks to come. If they play like this over the next few weeks then they will mostly continue to fall.

4. Estes (+2)
This team beat down on a struggling Team Hecht, but doubling anyone up is an accomplishment. They have been up and down thus far and this is to be expected in a team without big men. They'll go as far as their jump shots can take them but watch out for Sam Battles to bring some stability and consistency to the paint.

5. Dawson (+2)
Winning by 10 without Dylan Dawson should send fear throughout the league. This team proved that they have one of the strongest benches in the league and with Dylan likely to return within the next few weeks they will, in all likelihood, rise to be a top 3 team in the league. We are always skeptical of a team that heavily relies on 3's but as of right now this seems to be a recipe for success for Team Dawson.

6. McNamara (-3)
"Just a pit stop on the revenge tour" says star shooting guard Brian Scott. This came after Brian struggled on both ends of the court and was schooled by Baller of the Week Jake Gavel. Despite his poor performance, his Team was able to keep it close, at one point it was 28 all, until the final 8 minutes. If Brian Scott can get back on track for his "revenge tour" then we see this team bouncing back, but for now they're in some deep trouble.

7. Ordemann (+1)
Team Ordemann really deserves to be higher than they are but due to even play around the league they will have to settle for 7th. The big three (Nick Poitras, Wiley Ordemann, and Jake Gavel) are backed up by arguably the two biggest value picks in the league (Nick Antonopoulos, and Pat O'Reilly). Watch out for this team to rise and rise quickly in the weeks to come.

8. Forbes (-4)
The week 1 PR of 2nd was apparently premature. Since that, they have struggled. Nate is too scared to show up anymore, and they've dropped two straight games. This week has been especially eye opening as they lost to a Dylan-less Team Dawson and scoring leader Will Manzi is on the record saying after the game that "My team is so bad though... So unbelievable bad." Coach Forbes needs to get a handle of his players fast or we see them continuing to fall in the weeks to come.

9. Stark (-)
This team is struggling to say the least without Tim Stark. They've lost two straight and have let up a combined 109 points in those games. With Stark's timeline unknown someone needs to step up or they will continue to lose and eventually fall in the Power Rankings. Look out for big Peter Eldredge to step up and own the paint while Team Stark impatiently waits for Tim.

10. Coveno (+2)
The first 12 minutes of the game looked like the Team Coveno we saw in the first two weeks of the season. Turnovers, air balls and missed layups led the way. But following a made three pointer from Tristan Nabo something clicked. For a solid 20 minutes this team actually looked like a basketball team. If they can continue that play then keep an eye on them to be a contender.

11. Gingras (-1)
The past two weeks have come down to the final shot for this team. In week two Team Hecht missed a game winner against them and this week they missed a game tying 3 against Team Coveno. Because of their size we're not counting them out, but based on their record and who they've played so far, we have to keep them near the bottom of the Rankings.

12. Hecht (-1)
After a brief stint as the 11th ranked team this team is back on the bottom. They got doubled up this week and just don't look like they're going anywhere soon. David Heffernan scored over 1/5 of this team's points... That should scare every player and coach on Team Hecht....

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Baller of Week 3

No one player stood out offensively this week, so the Baller of Week 3 goes to Jacob Gavel of Team Ordemann. Jake had about 6 blocks, 5 steals, a couple of silky assists and 10 or 12 points with an unbelievable shooting percentage. He also held offensive star Brian Scott to 4 points, so well done Jake Gavel.
Honorable mentions to Jeremy Keast, Will Manzi, Jacob Hickman, and Nick Poitras.

Week 3 Results

Estes 50 over Hecht 25
Team Hecht needs a spark from somewhere or this may be a long season.
Tornaritis 62 over Stark 39
The loss of Tim Stark is proving costly for Team Stark as they have now lost 2 in a row.
Dawson 57 over Forbes 47
No Dylan, no problem for Team Dawson. No Nate, big problem for Team Forbes.
Coveno 38 over Gingras 35
After an ugly first half Team Coveno built a second half lead and held off a late push from Team Gingras.
Booth 39 over Meyers 24
Joey Femia was absent this weekend and apparently so was the rest of Team Meyers.
Ordemann 40 over McNamara 28
Brian Scott brought the wrong shoes and as a result scored 4 points...