B2 5v5 North

Commentary by MURRAY...

The Somerville Basketball Team 46  The Long Shots 42

Somerville Sneaks Out With a Win

It came down to a few clutch free throws by Cam Moniz, but Somerville was able to hold on to remain undefeated early in the season. Moniz would lead the way with a great all around showing (16pts 7 reb 3 ast), running the offense effectively and picking his spots efficiently. Kyle Miller was not far behind with 13 pts of his own, adjusting to a shaky shooting performance with some tough finishes down low. Somerville held the lead for much of this game but the Long Shots hung around until the bitter end. David Albanese played tough on the boards all night with 7 reb and Mike O’leary hit some big shots throughout the course of this game adding 8 pts. Overall a really team oriented approach from Somerville getting it done on both ends. That being said, Moniz was definitely the x-factor in this one. It seemed every time the Long Shots looked like they were about to turn up and take the lead Moniz had an answer whether that was a clutch three, a nice dime or an easy drive for a bucket. Will be interesting to see if Somerville can prevail as the last unbeaten. 

For the Long Shots they showed a ton of heart especially considering they were missing Curtis Williams who played great last game. Kesh Charles led the way with 11 pts getting to the basket whenever he wanted to for stretches, but towards the end Somerville began sending more help to deny Charles those drives. Max Elliot had 10 pts as well and was highly effective on both sides of the ball in this one finishing with 5 reb, a steal, and a block in addition to the scoring. Jonah Feldman had a good game with 8 pts and 8 rebs as well but unfortunately fouled out with about 5 mins remaining. It was a great sign for the Long Shots who looked crisp on defense and other than some careless turnovers looked like they had a chance in this one all night. In the end Moniz and Miller posed too much scoring prowess for them, but looking forward to seeing what they can do with Curtis Williams back next week. 

AB Alums 57  Cheese Boys 41

Gotthief Goes Off

This one was the most lopsided of the games thanks to AJ Gottheif and Liam Gantrish getting it going early from the tip. The two would go on to score 47 of 57 for AB Alums on the way to a 57-41 victory. Gottheif specifically would go on to finish with 26 pts on 6-13 shooting from deep and it really seemed as if the Cheese Boys had no real answer for him. Whether it was off the catch, off the dribble, or driving to the basket Gottheif was in control throughout this game not forcing anything. Gantrish was great as well finishing with 21 pts 4 ast 4 reb 3 stl. His ability to get out on the fast break was crucial in this one as it seemed he was constantly on the fast break finishing an array of tough floaters through multiple defenders. Sam Issenberg was also a monster on the glass with 20 boards. It seemed like every shot missed ended up in his hands and quickly was outletted into fast break opportunities. When Gottheif and Gantrish are firing on all cylinders like they were last night, that's a tough combo to stop. 

For the Cheese Boys this was a tough one because it seemed like every time they had some momentum it would be followed up by an answer from AB Alums. Jack Woods and Matt Connors were vital to the cause per usual putting up 15 and 12 pts respectively but struggled from the three point arc. Brendan Connors also had some big rebounds finishing with 7 rebs and guarding the paint effectively in the half court. The Cheese Boys were also missing Max Sniffen and Justin Marino, two pieces that usually add to the ball movement and shooting effectiveness of the team. Brian O had some big shots as well finishing with 10 pts including a three to beat the buzzer at the end of the half, but overall as a team a couple more three point makes and this game could have looked different. A tough loss this week for the Cheese Boys but looking to see Jack Woods and Matt Connors come back with a vengeance next week. 

ORANGE 53  Danger Zone 65

Danger Zone Back in Action

After a tough loss last week while missing key piece Warfa Abdillahi, Danger Zone got him back this week and proceeded to get right back to their winning ways. The ball movement was crisp as three different players were able to crack 5 asts. Bobby C was efficient as usual not missing a three or free throw finishing with 16 pts, Matt Conelly had a truly unique game with 5 pts 5 asts 10 reb and 5 blks, and Warfa would lead the way with 18 pts and 10 rebs. A very balanced attack from these guys as Jon Press and Evan Matthews also got it cooking at points in this game with 9 and 12 pts respectively. When this squad is at full strength they are tough to beat. They played a great game attacking the basket and moving the ball for open looks. They would lead for most of this game but with about 10 mins left in the first half the Orange took their first lead of the game at 44-43. Mike Cadman hit a big three pointer to make the lead and spark a run that put the game to rest. We shall see how Danger Zone fares down the stretch here but great win tonight. 

For the Orange it was a different story as they fell to 0-3 on the season. A great effort from them again tonight as Dave Rodenhizer finished with 27 pts and 13 rebs on 7 of 10 shooting from three, but it was not enough against the balanced attack of Danger Zone. Sam Boyles also had some good moments in this game finishing with 13 pts 6 reb 3 ast and 3 stl with 2 of 4 from three. The Orange definitely have some guys that can play on the roster and there were some great contributions from Drew Dodakian with 7 rebs 3 asts, John Kelly 6 pts, Lucas Raagas 9 rebs, and Ty Boire 3 pts. These guys have some potential but size has been a bit of a downfall so far. Should be interesting to see if they can make a run this season.

Soup-A-Stars 41  D3 Practice Squad 54

D3 Practice Squad On the Board

D3 Practice Squad looked really good this week, leading for most of this game. Scott Howard was up for his usual three point shooting hitting 4 threes and Brad Canova was really effective this week seeming to lead the charge on both sides of the ball. Canova would finish with 8 pts 2 rebs 2 asts and Howard had 19 pts of his own. The ball movement looked much better than their first two games which was a great sign. Marc Evans was a factor getting 3 stls and 5 pts, Dan Finn moved the ball well with 8 pts 6 rebs 3 asts, Adam Fisher was effective with 9 rebs and Ryan Glass hustled with 3 stl 4 reb 2 ast. Overall, looking to see the balanced attack continue with Howard’s three point ability leading the charge. Great win for them tonight. 

For the Soup-A-Stars missing Jordan DeRosby was a huge loss but there were definitely some guys that stepped it up in his absence. Kevin Levitsky gets credit for a good game with 14 pts 8 reb and 4 ast. Tom Fallon filled the stat sheet as well with 5 pts 11 reb 3 asts 4 stl 3 blk. They were never truly out of the game but never had the run to put them in the lead and it was not enough against the D3 Practice squad. Nick Coutinho also had a nice game with 16 pts of his own. Once they get DeRosby back this is a tough team. Looking forward to seeing them compete this year.