Winter 2013: Co-Ed 5v5 A League Champs: Boom Boom POW

Commentary by Joe Dilworth...

Band of Misfits 70  Pick and Roll Out 58

Misfits Claim Division's Top Spot

The Band of Misfits took care of Pick and Roll Out by a final score of 70-58 and wrapped up the West Division’s top spot in the process. Improving to a league-best 8-1, the Misfits have been a model of consistency over the past nine weeks. After absorbing the loss, Pick & Roll Out rounded out the season at 2-7, good for fifth in the division standings.

Team leader Jesse Cox once again carried the scoring load for the Misfits, netting 20 points, many of which came in transition. Cox & co. jumped out to an early lead, grabbed a nine-point halftime lead, and coasted to the win without having to suppress a real, serious comeback threat. Gael Frouin, the stat-stuffing machine, continued his stellar all around play while Eric Nordstrom was tough on the boards, an excellent sign for the Misfits going into the playoffs. Also working in the team’s favor is the three-point stroke of Loren Turner. Turner has knocked down seven three pointers over the last two weeks. If her torrid pace continues, the team will be that much more effective against the zone, which teams have become increasingly fond of down the stretch. In all, the Misfits are firing on all cylinders heading into the most important time of the season and will make a formidable number overall 2 seed.

On the other end, Pick and Roll Out is far better than their 2-7 record reflects. Guard Kyle Lavigne has come on very strong down the stretch. His 16 points, 4 boards and 4 assists paced P & R last night and his competitive effort on defense challenged the Misfit ball handlers. Big man John Slein recorded his usual double-double while Peter Stanich and Peter Daly both finished with their top scoring performances of the season, an excellent sign considering playoffs are just one week away.

Where\'s Keith? 69  Effort vs Skill 46

Where's Keith Rolls To Win In Meaningless Affair

Game two wasn’t a competitive one as Where’s Keith blew out Effort vs. Skill by a final score of 69-46. While the game may have been positive for WK’s collective confidence, the outcome had no impact on the division’s final standings. WK locked up the 4th seed at 4-5 while Effort vs. Skill remained stuck in the basement at 1-8.

Without Keith Baranowski in the lineup, WK needed to find a way to score points. Forward Matt Hayes answered the call, netting 21 points on 4 of 5 shooting from three. Hayes has been impressive in recent weeks and presents a difficult matchup due to his height and ability to stretch the floor with dead-eye perimeter shooting. Rev. Rip Rohman recorded a double-double and Kaitlyn Hennigan scored an efficient 12 points. Initiating the offense flawlessly was Jacqueline Shinall, who finished with 7 helpers and a pair of three pointers. As playoffs approach, WK is an interesting team as they certainly have talent in the lineup but have yet to beat one of the division’s premier teams.

Effort vs. Skill limps into the playoffs after enduring another tough defeat. Star-player Alex Jenny led the effort with 23 points and 11 boards while Alex Was and Chris Baucom played as well as they have all season. But with time running out, Effort vs. Skill needs to figure out how to right the ship, and fast.

Thunder Buddies 4 Life 60  Boom Boom POW 58

Thunder Buddies Top BBP, Prepare For Playoff Run

In the night’s grand finale, the Thunder Buddies handed Boom Boom POW their second loss of the season. The TBs carried a 32-29 lead into halftime and managed to hang on down the stretch. With the loss, BBP claims sole possession of second place in the division while the Thunder Buddies settle into 3rd place, finishing at 5-4.

The TBs know what they’re getting from star Terry Henderson week in and week out (15 points and 14 rebounds last night), but need more consistency from their other players. Last night, the squad showed their role players are more than capable of carrying the load. Chris Burke, Doug Bouvier, and Laura Jasinski all scored in double figures, each of them making crucial plays that contributed to the big win. The Thunder Buddies have now knocked off the division’s top two teams, BBP and the Misfits. Their tendency to play to the level of their competition makes them a highly interesting squad in the playoffs. I predict a deep run into April for this squad.

Boom Boom POW may have been hampered by the sheer number of players that showed up last night. Not that any of the nine players were weak, but with large attendances, individual players can struggle to find a rhythm. But despite the odds, BBP had the ball and a chance to win or tie with five seconds remaining. However, a Tristian Mouligne pass sailed through the hands of Kimi Soo Hoo as time expired, squashing any chances for a comeback. Mouligne led the team with 13 points and 11 rebounds while big man Jeff Eliason contributed 10 points and 11 boards of his own. The TBs did an excellent job of limiting Ian Sugel’s shots, an excellent outside shooter who never was able to get comfortable last night.