Around The League: Gold Division, Season Finale

[Commish]

2010 SPRING, 16^th SEASON
GODS vs. GIANTS

GOLD DIVISION

AROUND THE LEAGUE – SEASON FINALE
By: Hanz Jimenez
Writer

“Two For One”

Bullets vs. Fontucky Unicorns
GOLD DIVISION

The result: BK Agu recorded the first quadruple double in Superstar Basketball history as Fontucky Unicorns beat Bullets, 127-48.

His stat-line was impressive: 15 points, 10 assists, 13 rebounds, and 10 steals. Not only did Agu record the first quadruple double but he broke the steals record by grabbing 10 steals (previous record, 9).

Malcom had a big night with 40 points while Beau Reyes finished with 34 points and 10 three-pointers. Josh Garza added 20 points and 6 steals while G Marcus Angels was unavailable. GM Efehi Ogbebor took the night off scoring 7 points as he cleared the benches against the 4-man team Bullets.

What’s in a Name: Former LeBronze Division Champs, Bullets, bit the bullet this week playing with just 4 players. They were given a chance to pick their schedule but declined to do so opting to play for Walnut Rec instead.

”You played these two teams already but with everyone wanting to watch the NBA Finals, it’s kinda difficult to schedule Gold teams to play during primetime. You can play at Roosevelt in Corona against the teams Outlawz are playing or you can play at Walnut during the Finals. Which schedule do you want?” asked the league scheduling committee.

Despite running out of firepower, Bullets never give up and they still played all 40 minutes. They play with a lot of pride and comparing them to Screwed Up Click would be an insult. This is another down season for Bullets but they play with heart and they have already proven they’re too good to play in LeBronze when they have a full roster.

Likely to Win Accolades: Fantasy Player of the Season is decided by stats. Did BK do enough to claim the Fantasy Player of the Season award?

Momentum for Playoffs: Fontucky Unicorns know this was a game where they could pad their stats – nothing more, nothing less. When Playoffs come around, GM Ogbebor will have his team ready to compete.

Bad News Ballers vs. Blitzburgh
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Both teams had a depleted roster and it was All Star Chris Epps’ 9-0 run in the 2^nd half that helped give Blitzburgh the win over Bad News Ballers, 78-77.

Playing without their best player in Mike Epps, Danny Ceniceros stepped up with 20 points and 8 rebounds while Josh Rendon added 13 points and 4 assists. All Star Chris Epps led the team with 34 opints, 6 three-pointers and 8 boards. Janel Wilson grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds and was instrumental in the win by knocking down 2 free throws to give Blitzburght the lead, 78-77.

All Star Jonathan Spaniol finished with 35 points and 13 rebounds while Nick Santiago added 22 points and 5 three-pointers. PG Kenny Ali logged a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

What’s in a Name: Blitzburgh, fittingly so as the team ran past BNB in the 2^nd half despite trailing, 39-31. They went on a 11-2 run at the 3 minute mark and they did it on the defensive end grabbing 7 steals, mostly in the 2^nd half.

Likely to Win Accolades: The Epps combo are likely going to make an All Star appearance this season while Bad News Ballers C Jonathan Spaniol should be back at the All Star gala.

Momentum for Playoffs: Should both teams worry about their lackluster attendance on Week 8? The games were earlier than usual and this season, the Playoffs do not begin until 12 p.m. With no NBA Finals, with games later than usual, expect both teams to have a full roster.

Bad News Ballers vs. D-League
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Playing with just 4 players, Bad News Ballers defeated D-League, 70-63.

All Star MVP Jonathan Spaniol led Bad News Ballers with 30 points and 19 rebounds. Kenny Ali added 11 boards and 16 points while Albert Zelaya (re-instated before the game) scored 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Marc Sy-Santos looked to take advantage of BNB’s 4 player roster scoring a season-high 30 points and 4 three-pointers. Chadwick Maliwat finished with 15 while Justin Padiernos finished with 10 points and 5 assists. The game was close in crunch time as D-League actually narrowed the lead, 65-62. BNB was too big and Kenny Ali put the nail in the coffin hitting 5 straight points in the last 30 seconds.

What’s in a Name: D-League? How bout the Handicappers? Their injury stricken season was so bad, Paulo Montoya came back a week for D-League last week.

Likely to Win Accolades: Jonathan Spaniol is the cornerstone of the franchise. Bad News Ballers had a great season and Spaniol was one of the reasons why. When he won All Star MVP, he had that look in his eye. He’s finally looking for accolades and that determination should have him hungry for every End of the Season award.

Momentum for Playoffs: Playing with just 4 players on Week 8? What does that translate to? That either means BNB players wanted to pad their stats or BNB barely has enough to make it to the Playoffs. A 1^st Round exit wouldn’t be a surprise considering the team will have to make adjustments should their full squad show up.

Lakers vs. Outlawz
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Lakers made the game interesting in the 2^nd half as they cut the lead to 5 points by hitting 4 three-pointers in a row. Lakers could pull no closer as Outlawz steam roll through the Regular Season with a 87-76 win over Lakers.

David Munoz finished with 18 points and 3 assists while Eddie Sandoval logged 21 points and 9 rebounds. Frankie Morales added 10 points and 6 boards while Marlon Parrales finished with 11.

Alex “La Mamba” Villasenor finished with 32 points and 7 three pointers while Center Mike Nino finished with 25 points and 7 rebounds. C Orlando Williams had his best game of the season with 17 points and 15 boards.

What’s in a Name: Can both teams just switch team names? Outlawz were out of synch as a team as GM Alex Villasenor continues to fire relentlessly from 3-point range. Outlawz are playing like the NBA Lakers and they had ball movement, stellar defense and length over their opponents. In true Laker fashion, they blew a 1^st half lead to make the game interesting the 2^nd half. If that’s not the Lakers for you…

Likely to Win Accolades: Outlawz are due for some End of the Season Awards especially GM David Munoz. The League Commissioner doesn’t want to leak it but MVP David Munoz…oops.

Momentum for Playoffs: Lakers snuck in to the Playoffs but will they make anything out of it? Getting to the 2^nd Round is an accomplishment, can they do it? Outlawz has to be in the Championship Game otherwise their reputation as a Regular Season team endures as the drought for a title continues.

Outlawz vs. Wedashitudaflys
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Alex “Bear” Ivezaj beasted his way to a double-double 23 points and 23 rebounds but it wasn’t enough as Weshitudaflys lose to Outlawz, 66-63.

Outlawz were forcing too many 3-pointers early in the contest and it was Eddie Sandoval who made sure Outlawz kept their lead by going to the post in the 2^nd half. Sandoval had a double double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. David Munoz logged 10 points and 5 boards while Fernando Ruiz finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds.

Rookie Dwayne Gaines is fitting in with Weda as he logged 15 points, 13 rebounds and was 75% from the stripe. Mark Baron added 10 points and 2 three-pointers while John Paras finished with 11 points, 3 three-pointers.

What’s in a Name: Wedashit needs to change their team name to We(beenplayinglike)shit. We’re going to say it one more time, you have one of the best frontcourt in the division let alone the league. You need a point guard that can direct your bigs, go out and get that point guard, John Paras and Danny Martinez! You see how David Munoz does it for Outlawz? You need someone like him on your roster.

Likely to Win Accolades: MVP is going to Outlawz but is the team deserving of a GM of the Season Award as well? After Bear went for 23 points and 23 boards against the #1 team in Gold, does that convince voters that Bear is one of the top Defensive Players in the division?

Momentum for Playoffs: Weda shocked the division with their unlikely upset against -_- in the 1^st Round last season. Will Wedidshockeveryonelastseason do it again this season?

Dynasty vs. Buckets
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Dynasty was due for a loss and league analysts felt that a loss to Buckets was predictable. Dynasty made fools out of SSBL experts with a huge win over Buckets, 70-63.

”Wow, I kinda wrote them off and thought Buckets would rout them,” said league analyst not named Hanz Jimenez (cough). “If they play like this every week, I wouldn’t be writing them off all the time.”

Dynasty Center Jesse Romero continues to marvel fans with his 15 foot jumpers and his remarkable jump shot. The big guy is moving faster these days and even former rival Tino Aldaco (SICKWIDIT) felt Romero may be working on his game more during the week. Romero finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds while Alek Koo added 12 points and 3 three-pointers. Thomas Cruz led the team with 6 steals while Bryan Buenaventura led the team with 9 assists. They excelled on the defensive end grabbing 13 steals as Buenaventura looked to push the tempo all game.

What’s in a Name: Dynasty hasn’t won a Championship so uh… what dynasty are you referring to, GM Ken Ngarayawongse. Dynasty’s backcourt make or breaks the team while GM Jesse Romero has been their most consistent player. The team wins games they have no business of winning but lose games to teams they should be beating.

Buckets on the other hand are known for knocking down the 3-ball and they’re usually wet when their scorers are clicking on all cylinders. GM Jonathan Wynn scored 11 while Rashad Martin added 19 points, 3 three-pointers. Shooters Jay-R Gomez, Mike Jones, and Mark Mercado were unavailable. Tony Allmond led the team with 22 points, 19 rebounds, and 5 spin moves to the basket…

Likely to Win Accolades: After Dynasty’s huge turnaround season, Jesse Romero is garnering serious attention for MVP. GM Jonathan Wynn is up for GM of the Season after taking over the franchise again after Week 2.

Momentum for Playoffs: Both teams finished the season with a 6-2 record. Buckets are proven and have won 2 Gold Division Championships and 2 Platinum Division Championship. Despite the loss, the Chino team should be ready for the real season. Dynasty on the other hand, are on the same boat as Green Light District and Upper Hand. These are teams that play better with a chip on their shoulder and they usually respond with big games after being critiqued by league analysts.

Green Light District vs. Dynasty
GOLD DIVISION

The result: League analysts felt Dynasty was due for a loss and a 1-1 weekend was predicted by many. Green Light District cruised to a 78-58 victory over Dynasty as Terrell Langston led the team with 23 points and 9 rebounds.

Dung Dang logged 14 points and 2 assists while Imani Henderson scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. GM DJ Jones scored 9 points while Justin Efren logged 2 steals. The team outworked their opponents on the glass (40-21) and had 6 more assists (14-8) than Dynasty.

C Jesse Romero faced early foul trouble and was limited to 20 points and 4 three-pointers. Alex Koo was the second leading scorer with 15 points and he finished with 10 boards. Thomas Cruz logged 9 points and 2 steals while GM Ken Ngarayawongse scored 8 points.

What’s in a Name: Green Light District were given the green light by Dynasty to shoot anywhere from the floor. They got any shot they wanted and 2^nd half was garbage time for GLD. They dominated from start to finish and GM DJ Jones is hoping that carries over to the Playoffs.

Likely to Win Accolades: Can Thomas Cruz get Most Improved Player? He suffered an injury last season and his struggles with injury led to Dynasty missing the Playoffs.

Momentum for Playoffs: Both teams should be ready for Playoff basketball but Green Light District has higher expectations. Maybe it’s because GM DJ Jones is more vocal but the bar is set higher for his team.

Trinicousins vs. Stankonia
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Team ball will beat individual talent and Trinicousins proved that now more than ever as the fambam team defeat the depleted Stankonia squad. Stankonia finishes the season with a lowly 1-7 record while Trinicousins clinch a Playoff spot with a 4-4 record.

Trinicousins led 43-39 at the half but could pull no closer in the 2^nd half despite a 8-0 run (55-63) midway thru the 2^nd half. Alphonso “Flight” White finished with 26 while Rashan Haralson added 15 points and 14 rebounds. Omar Alameddine, re-instated before the game, made his return with 9 points, all from downtown. Flight had the highlight of the game with a 360 dunk in the 1^st half.

Charles Trinidad led the team in scoring with 24 points and 4 three-pointers. He was perfect from the line hitting all 6 free throw attempts. Brian Guevarra finished with 8 points while defensive guard Chris Capinia led the team with 3 steals and 4 assists.

What’s in a Name: Stankonia really stunk this season and if they should ever get back to their winning ways, they need to go back to their successful Gold Division moniker, San Miguel Beermen. GM Dale Basingat struggled to get his team to play as a unit this season and he was quick to anoint this season as his worst ever.

Likely to Win Accolades: GM Michael Santa Maria for GM of the Season, we’ll find out on Saturday.

Momentum for Playoffs: Does Trinicousins have it in them to advance to the next round? They lack size but make up for it with team chemistry, speed, and fan support. The LeBronze Division Champions weren’t expecting to make the Playoffs but a 4-4 Gold Division record is one of their best seasons thus far. Can they rock the joint on Sunday afternoon?

Brotherhood vs. Green Light District
GOLD DIVISION

The result: After a forgettable 0-2 weekend last week, Green Light District re-gained momentum by closing out the season with a 2 game winning streak. Using 2 separate runs (14-0 run in 1^st) on two different occasions (8-0 run in 2^nd), Green Light District defeat Brotherhood, 58-44.

Terrell Langston scored 20 points and 6 rebounds while Imari Henderson added 16 points and a team-high 9 rebounds and 3 steals. Israel Zayala finished with 8 points and 8 rebounds.

What’s in a Name: Riverside team Brotherhood plays as a unit, they play for each other and the box score proves that. Every player scored for Brotherhood and no player scored more than 10 points. GM Alex Somesla felt that since the team already clinched a Playoff spot, spreading the minutes around would be the smartest move as he prepares to enter the Playoffs with a deep bench.

Dwayne Cross finished with 10 points while LeShawn Miller grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds. Raul Servin was the second leading scorer with 8 points while GM Alex Somesla finished with 6.

Likely to Win Accolades: LeShawn Miller is usually quiet and rarely tries to seek attention. His stats in the rebounding department speak otherwise and once again, Miller should be in the running for Defensive Player of the Season.

Momentum for Playoffs: If a 2-0 weekend against Playoff teams Dynasty and Brotherhood are any indication, Green Light District should be a force in the Playoffs this season. They quietly made their way up the standings with a 4-0 record but Gold Division teams now have a red flag on Green Light District. They are the dark horse team of the Playoffs and GM DJ Jones has his team on pace to make it to the Final Four.

Black Ballin’ vs. Upper Hand
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Unlike Upper Hand’s choice to play 5-on-4 against Got Em last week, Black Ballin’ played it fair playing 4-on-4 to start the contest. The basketball gods were impressed with Black Ballin’s gesture and were kind to them in the clutch as Upper Hand’s Uzoma Kalu misses a 3-pointer for the game winner. Black Ballin’ upset Upper Hand, 63-61.

All Star Deshawn Jamerson scored a game-high 35 points as he knocked down 6 three-pointers and grabbed 5 steals. Aaron McCorey scored 9 points and grabbed 9 boards while Keith Levingston dished a team high 4 assists.

Shadon Knight led Upper Hand with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jason Fielder logged a near double-double with 9 points and 10 rebounds while GM Danny Medina finished with 8 points.

What’s in a Name: Black Ballin or Back Ballin’?? Keith Levingston missed 2 free throws in the game’s waning seconds but it was Jamerson that had his back scoring on a put back to give Black Ballin’ their 2^nd win of the season.

Likely to Win Accolades: Deshawn Jamerson should get nominated for an award but don’t expect any winners from both teams.

Momentum for Playoffs: Black’ Ballin guaranteed a Playoff spot this season and they did that. Will that kind of confidence carry over to the Playoffs?

-_- vs. Upper Hand
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Even with Gold Division Champion Mark Davison suited up for Upper Hand, GM Danny Medina couldn’t prevent Upper Hand from slipping, 76-67 to -_-.

Kevin Chow came out with a lot of energy grabbing every loose ball in sight. He grabbed 7 rebounds and 2 steals and finished with 5 points while GM Jordan Ramos dazzled the crowd with 7 assists and 22 points. The team jumped to a 11-4 lead (13:59) and led convincingly, 70-63 at the 1:15 mark.

Shadon Knight finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds while Jason Fielder added 12 points and 7 rebounds. Mark Davison scored 13 and led the team defensively with 3 steals and 2 blocks while Uzoma Kalu scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.

What’s in a Name: Upper Hand had no hand on their defense and the guilty player was Uzoma Kalu.

League Analyst Harry Yoo summed it up in un-biased fashion: Mark D and Shadon kept the game close but Uzoma made too many bad decisions and played no defense.

Likely to Win Accolades: Jordan Ramos is once again in the running for MVP.

Momentum for Playoffs: Upper Hand qualified but many are predicting a 1^st Round exit. -_- plays early in the afternoon and their players need to be in attendance if they want to prevent a repeat of last season.

Buckets vs. Kings of Krunk
GOLD DIVISION

The result: Forfeit – Kings of Krunk

What’s in a Name: Kings of Deception is more like it. GM Ryan Rulloda is getting a kick out of being the villain. Word on the street is he informed GM Jonathan Wynn not to show up because he won’t have a full roster. 5 minutes before game time, Rulloda did Buckets dirty by showing up with 4 players and Buckets was a no-show. The move was un-ethical, dishonest, but amusing for one, Ryan Rulloda. Rulloda said he didn’t care about the win and his team should have been given the loss.

Likely to Win Accolades: If Jonathan Gibson played enough games, hands down, he’s MVP of Gold.

Momentum for Playoffs: Both veteran teams are expecting nothing less than an appearance in the Championship Game. The Regular Season means nothing to them, expect both teams to turn on the switch in the Playoffs.

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+ Game Previews, recaps and write-ups are articles written by Superstar Basketball League Analysts.