Scores: Playoffs Round 2

I believe MacLeod, Debreceni, Dawson, and Hegeman all emerged victorious this morning. I will confirm this later on, as I'm off to BC Basketball vs. Florida State. If those are in fact the winning teams, then the semi-finals will be as follows...

MacLeod vs. Debreceni
Dawson vs. Hegeman

Game Picks: Playoffs Round 2

Team Dawson wins the lottery and gets the draw-in. It's late so I'll just put scores with no analysis. Nice first round by everyone. For those of you whose season ended tonight, I hope you've enjoyed my blog, and I hope you'll sign up for basketball next year. Good luck to the teams who moved on to Round 2.

MacLeod 47 Bailey 44 (8:00am -- LA)
Debreceni 54 Dion 50 (8:00am -- LA)
Burke 43 Dawson 42 (9:20am -- LA)
Hegeman 49 Fotino 43 (9:20am -- LA)

Scores: Playoffs Round 1 -- UPSET CITY

WOW. All competitive games so far, with 3 upsets (in terms of record). If you have a score or stat or comment, leave it below. I will update scores as I get them, and when I hear of the team that gets drawn back in, I will post that as well. A couple of notes from what I've seen/heard...

--Team Fotino led 26-15 at halftime before Team Stevens cut it down to 1 with 25 seconds left, but Team Fotino made their free throws and held on behind a solid effort by Shane O'Malley. Tim Grove had 20+, and dominated in the second half to pull Team Stevens close.

--Team Dion forced OT with a 3-pointer by Liam Barberich with under 30 seconds left. Team Dawson then forced a 2nd OT with a basket by Mackie Enright, to tie the game 39-39. But Team Dion pulled away in the 2nd OT to get the "W."

--MacLeod led 23-17 at halftime, thanks to 12 first half points by Tynan MacLeod. After Team MacLeod increased their lead to 33-23, Team Calderan went on a 14-2 run to take a 37-35 lead. With just under a minute left, Team Calderan led 45-40. Two free-throws by Tynan MacLeod cut Team Calderan's lead to three. Then with 20 seconds left, Peter Georges made a 3-pointer from the top of the key to tie the score at 45 and send the game to OT. In overtime, Team MacLeod jumped out to a 51-45 lead. Team Calderan then cut the lead to one. Two banked free-throws by Hunter Lambert increased Team MacLeod's lead, and more free throws and a steal followed by an "and-one" by Tynan MacLeod locked it up for his team.

Fotino 51 Stevens 47
Dion 46 Dawson 40 (2OT)
MacLeod 61 Calderan 52 (OT)
Hegeman 48 Jarboe 43 (OT)
Burke 38 Lavallee 22
Bailey 41 Wright 37
Debreceni 52 Smith 48

Game Picks: 1st Round Playoffs

Leave your Round 1 picks in the comment section, and we'll see who deserves the title of "Mr. Pick 'Em." Plus you can see what everyone else thinks about your teams chances. This is it. Forget about the regular season... IT'S PLAYOFF TIME!

Bailey (1-7) vs. Wright (1-7)
Regular Season: DNP
This matchup is the benefit of a random draw, as two last place teams face eachother in round one. With two consistently inconsistent and unpredictable teams, it could go either way, but I think Team Wright will pull it out in the end on heart and hustle.
Wright 47 Bailey 45

Calderan (8-0) vs. MacLeod (2-6)
Regular Season: Calderan 60-- MacLeod 46 (Week 5)
As the biggest mismatch on paper, its easy to say that Team Calderan would win a blowout. But I think Team MacLeod will come ready to play and put in a good effort, and if someone can step up and help out Tynan MacLeod they should be able to keep it close for a while. Yet, it won't be enough, Team Calderan should pull away late and advance to the second round.
Calderan 57 MacLeod 47

Dawson (6-2) vs. Dion (1-7)
Regular Season: Dawson 49-- Dion 29 (Week 3)
Based on each team's record it looks like a huge mismatch. But after last week's 30 point win, Team Dion has shown the inspired style of play that makes them competitive with anyone. Meanwhile, Team Dawson has been on a six game winning streak driven by unselfish play and solid defense by the team as a whole. I think this game comes down to the wire, and Team Dion pulls out an overtime victory for the big upset.
Dion 52 Dawson 51 (OT)

Smith (5-3) vs. Debreceni (6-2)
Regular Season: DNP
Ryan Langell's ankle injury left him on crutches the past few days, but he's going to try to weather the storm and put together a gutsy effort, which could help or hurt his team. On the other side, Team Smith has been rolling along behind solid efforts from Aaron Honkonen and Doug Smith. I'm really having a tough time picking this game, but I'll say that Langell's effort, though it might not be pretty, will inspire his team to pull out a tight win.
Debreceni 54 Smith 52

Lavallee (4-4) vs. Burke (7-1)
Regular Season: DNP
These could be the two most defensive minded, slower paced teams in the league-- meaning this one should come down to which team's offense is more productive. Team Burke would love to get physical down low with Big Ben Icenogle, which I think they can successfully do. When it's all said and done, Team Burke should control the game most of the way, and pull out a fairly comfortable win.
Burke 41 Lavallee 34

Stevens (2-6) vs. Fotino (4-4)
Regular Season: DNP
Ahhhhh, the most important game of all. I think Team Stevens matches up really well with Team Fotino, which should translate to an interesting game. If Team Stevens can attack the basket and play their aggressive style of defense, they should be able to pull out a win over an extremely inconsistent Team Fotino.
Stevens 45 Fotino 40

Hegeman (3-5) vs. Jarboe (6-2)
Regular Season: Jarboe 52-- Hegeman 42 (Week 5)
Anthony Cotoni of Team Hegeman has the ability to both shoot the outside jumper, as well as attack the basket, and potentially get Zack Dhionis into foul trouble. Team Jarboe's Zack Dhionis on the other side, has been a beast on the boards all year, and could be unstoppable down low. These two should offset eachother in the scoring column, but Dhionis' presence in the paint, coupled with a solid supporting cast should lead Team Jarboe to victory.
Jarboe 49 Hegeman 46 

Baller of the Week: Week 8

The last Baller of the Week award goes to Team Dion's big-man tandem of Liam Barberich and Dustin McEvoy, as they played a significant role in their team's first win, a 70-37 victory over Team Wright. Barberich had 15 points and a ton of rebounds, and McEvoy contributed 27 points and several blocked shots. Congratulations Liam and Dustin on being co-Ballers of the Week!

Playoff Bracket Announced

Playoff Bracket

The playoff bracket was drawn after the 9:20 Burke/Stevens game. I have yet to receive an email from the league as to the matchups and the exact times, but I do know a few things. My team, Team Stevens, will play Team Fotino. I also know that Team Bailey will play Team Wright, with the winner of that game facing the winner of Team Calderan and Team MacLeod. I believe Team Jarboe is set to face Team Hegeman, but I'm not completely sure of that one so don't hold me to it. I can tell you that all games will be on Friday night, and any team with a JV player (or two) will play one of the later games. I'll be sure to post the bracket as soon as I receive it or get any more information, hopefully I'll have this up tonight, so check back often.

Scores: Week 8

Team Dion got their first win of the season, behind a dominating 27 point performance by Dustin McEvoy. Team Debreceni won another blowout, and Team Dawson extended their winning streak to six games. Team Calderan completed their undefeated season and Team Burke got by Team Stevens by the skin of their teeth. I went 7-0 in the picks column, if anyone cares... Also, if you have a score or comment or a stat or two, please leave it in the comment section.

Debreceni 76 MacLeod 44
Dawson 53 Hegeman 46
Jarboe 57 Fotino 44
Smith 52 Bailey 36
Burke 54 Stevens 53
Calderan 50 Lavallee 36
Dion 70 Wright 37 (Yes, that is correct)

Game Picks: Week 8

Well, we're down to the final week of the regular season, where has the time gone? Anyway, I'll have the playoff seeds and schedule up as soon as I receive it-- the drawing will be taking place after the Hegeman/Dawson game on Saturday. Make sure to take note of the location and time of each game, as several have been changed from the original schedule. Best of luck to everyone this week, and luckily, I'll see you all in the playoffs!

SATURDAY:


Hegeman (3-4) vs. Dawson (5-2) @ LA -- 9:20am

Team Dawson has been rolling along with a five game winning streak, and Team Hegeman is coming off a hard fought victory over an improved Team Dion. Anthony Cotoni will be a hard cover for Team Dawson with his size and penetrating ability, so expect him to have a big game. However, the chemistry of Team Dawson has been evident throughout their hot streak, and it should lead them to victory over a the one-man Cotoni attack.
Dawson 46 Hegeman 43

Fotino (4-3) vs. Jarboe (5-2) @ LA -- 10:40am

In one of the better matchups on paper this weekend, the real story will come from Steve Fotino, and whether or not he can contain Zack Dhionis inside. Team Fotino will be without Mike Fotino, so they will really have to rely on Shane O'Malley to shoulder a large portion of the scoring load. Look for Will Lamy and Kyle DeLuca to play well and pull out a close one.
Jarboe 53 Fotino 52

MacLeod (2-5) vs. Debreceni (5-2) @ LA -- 10:40am

Team MacLeod has really been struggling as of late, and in contrast, Team Debreceni has been on fire. Not too much to say about this one as each team's trend should continue this week, and Team Debreceni should pull it out fairly easily.
Debreceni 64 MacLeod 50

SUNDAY:


Bailey (1-6) vs. Smith (4-3) @ GS -- 8:00am

Team Bailey kept it close for the first 25 minutes of last week's game against Team Debreceni, but a lackluster defensive effort led to a blowout loss. That type of effort isn't going to cut it against Team Smith, which might not be the most talented, but they're always going to give 100%.
Smith 52 Bailey 48

Burke (6-1) vs. Stevens (2-5) @ GS -- 9:20am

This game is a big mismatch on paper, but the aggressive play of Team Stevens should make it interesting. If Team Stevens can prevent one of their patented first half ten point defecits, I think they have a shot-- but in the end I think Team Burke's size will be the determining factor in what would be their seventh consecutive win.
Burke 42 Stevens 39

Calderan (7-0) vs. Lavallee (4-3) @ GS -- 10:40am

Team Lavallee is the only thing that stands between Team Calderan and an undefeated regular season. I'm not sure that is saying too much. Team Lavallee should keep it close in the first half, but unless Team Calderan wants to rest their starters for the playoffs (hey, the Colts did it...), I'd say the 8-0 record is theirs.
Calderan 49 Lavallee 40

Dion (0-7) vs. Wright (1-6) @ MSN -- 10:00am

C'mon Team Dion, you NEED to win this game... sooooo for good luck I'll say you get it done in the end. Barely.
Dion 45 Wright 44

Power Rankings: Week 7

1.) Calderan (7-0) [--]
2.) Burke (6-1) [--]
3.) Debreceni (5-2) [+2]
4.) Jarboe (5-2) [--]
5.) Fotino (4-3) [-2]
6.) Dawson (5-2) [+3]
7.) Smith (4-3) [+1]
8.) Lavallee (4-3) [+2]
9.) Hegeman (3-4) [-3]
10.) Stevens (2-5) [-3]
11.) Dion (0-7) [+3]
12.) Wright (1-6) [+1]
13.) MacLeod (2-5) [-2]
14.) Bailey (1-6) [-2]

Baller of the Week: Week 7

The penultimate Baller of the Week award goes to Team Debreceni's Ryan Langell for his second consecutive 27 point performance, the most recent of which came last week against Team Bailey. Langell and his teammates combined for the first 70 point performance of any team this season. Congratulations Ryan!

NO PRACTICE TONIGHT (MONDAY 1/18) @ LA

I have been informed by the league that the Lawrence Academy gym is closed due to the snowstorm. NO PRACTICE TONIGHT. Also, please remember NOT to park in the bus parking spaces when you have a game or practice at LA.

Scores: Week 7

Leave any notes of scores, stats, or potential baller of the week candidates in the comments section please...

Dawson 49 Stevens 37
Debreceni 70 Bailey 45
Hegeman 48 Dion 44
Smith 54 Wright 45
Burke 57 MacLeod 39
Fotino 34 Lavallee 28
Calderan 45 Jarboe 43

Game Picks: Week 7

Stevens 49 Dawson 43
In building up their current four-game win streak, Team Dawson has been able to beat up on the weakest teams in the league (in terms of wins).They haven't beaten a team with more than 2 wins, and although we would fall under that category, I think Team Stevens can dictate an uptempo pace and pull out a much needed win.

Debreceni 71 Bailey 45
Debreceni. All morning. All afternoon. All night. Team Bailey simply doesn't play defense... at all.

Smith 52 Wright 51
Ahhhhhh what an interesting game this should be. With Team Wright coming off their first win of the season, the chemistry should be very strong. But Team Smith has played well behind Honkonen, so I'd pretty much call this one a toss-up. I haven't picked Team Smith all year so I guess I gotta break the trend at some point, I'll say they pull out a close one.

Dion 44 Hegeman 42 (OT)
The strong effort last week against top-ranked Calderan shows me a reason to believe in Team Dion. They may be without Barberich but I still think they'll build on last weeks confidence and another big game from Zach Hurst will get them their first win of the season against a very inconsistent Team Hegeman.

Fotino 61 Lavallee 49
Big Ben Icenogle should have a good game as Team Fotino has little height, but at the same time Team Lavallee has no one to cover Shane O'Malley. Team Lavallee should keep it close for the first half or so, but expect O'Malley and Denomme to put up big numbers in a victory.

Burke 38 MacLeod 33
This matchup of contrasting offensive styles should be interesting to say the least. Tynan MacLeod and his team's run-and-gun offense should keep them in the game against Team Burke, which lacks depth at the guard position. Yet Team MacLeod has very little size, something that over the period of 32 minutes, Team Burke should be able to expose and in the end come away with a relatively close victory.

Calderan ?  Jarboe ?
Didn't get this one in in time, but I was leaning towards Jarboe to be honest. ***Note that this game has been moved to MSS***

***Schedule Changes & Playoff Info***

From the league. Click to enlarge.

Ballers of the Week: Week 6

This week's award is a little different. I've decided to give it to Team Wright for their overtime victory over Team Fotino. Behind a big game from both Mike Devarenne and Eric Rahnasto, they won their first game of the season over a good Fotino team in a well fought battle that took extra time to settle. Congratulations to everyone on Team Wright for their teamwork and hustle!

Scores: Week 6

Interesting week as Team Wright gets their first win of the season in overtime against Team Fotino, and Team Dion almost pulls off a huge upset over undefeated Team Calderan. Standings have been updated on the sidebar.


Debreceni 65 Stevens 50
Calderan 43 Dion 39
Jarboe 54 MacLeod 34
Lavallee 37 Smith 33 
Burke 52 Hegeman 46
Wright 57 Fotino 54 (OT)

Smith 50 Stevens 42

Dawson 52 Bailey 36

Game Picks: Week 6

Should be an interesting week as everyone tries to get back into the game, so I'd expect there to be a few slow starts. This week really starts the stretch run for teams that want to prove that they can make some noise in the playoffs. Alright, here we go with the picks! *Note that there are two Sunday games due to the  week 5 Smith/Stevens matchup being rescheduled for 8:40am at MSN.*

Calderan 54 Dion 41
McEvoy is back and should prevent it from getting out of hand but it won't be enough to pull the biggest upset of the season.

Debreceni 56 Stevens 49
Team Stevens' rebounding has been ugly and the offense was out of sync at practice, although I hope I'm wrong with the pick!

Smith 47 Lavallee 35
Team Lavallee has had 7 points at halftime two weeks in a row, not gonna cut it vs. Team Smith.

Fotino 55 Wright 50
Wright will keep it close but until they can prove they can close it out I have to pick against them.

Jarboe 43 MacLeod 40
Should be a close game but Jarboe has a big size advantage that should help them overcome MacLeod's fastbreak offense.

Burke 38 Hegeman 36
I kinda want to pick Team Hegeman, but the Cotoni/Burkholz tandem hasn't played together yet so I think a slow start will hurt Team Hegeman as they adjust to eachother.

Bailey 51 Dawson 48
Bailey is overdue for a big game... and I think it comes on Sunday.

Stevens 44 Smith 41
A secret plan to stop Honkonen will be the difference in the end!

Power Rankings: Week 5

I've been super busy this week so I haven't had time to do any analysis on these. Leave any thoughts or questions in the comments and I'll be happy to respond. Game picks will be posted by Friday night.

1.) Calderan (5-0) [--]
2.) Burke (4-1) [+1]
3.) Fotino (3-2) [+2]
4.) Jarboe (4-1) [--]
5.) Debreceni (3-2) [-2]
6.) Hegeman (2-3) [--]
7.) Stevens (2-2) [--]
8.) Smith (2-2) [--]
9.) Dawson (3-2) [+1]
10.) Lavallee (3-2) [-1]
11.) MacLeod (2-3) [--]
12.) Bailey (1-4) [--]
13.) Wright (0-5) [--]
14.) Dion (0-5) [--]

Makeup Game Announced

Team Stevens will play Team Smith on Sunday at 8:40am @ MSN in a makeup of their week 5 postponed game. The two teams come into the game with identical (2-2) records, but that will change with Saturday's outcomes. Check back for picks and power rankings later on...

Baller of the Week: Week 5

I haven't been able to make a decision on who the award should go to this week, so I've decided to allow the fans and fellow players to vote for the most deserving player. The poll will last for 24 hours, so you have until late Wednesday afternoon to decide between Greg Stratton and Shane O'Malley. Stratton scored a career-high 18 points, including several NBA range 3's in Team MacLeod's loss to Team Calderan. O'Malley led Team Fotino to victory over Team Debreceni, scoring 21 first half points and finishing with a total of 29. You decide! 

Week 5 Baller of the Week?