Winter 2011 - Week 2 Recap

Juggernauts def. Godzilla (68-59)

The Juggernauts managed to handle Godzilla relatively easy this week, winning 68 to 59. Without Zilla’s first round pick, Scott Sauer, for the 2^nd week in a row Zilla could not overcome the lack of size in the paint. As the Juggernauts had 3 starters with double figure rebound games, led by Jason Stealy with 14 total rebounds. Zack Barras the leagues rebounding leader had other solid game on the glass with 14pts-14reb game, but expect his rebounding number to go down with the return of Sauer. Chris Scott had a game he will want to forget about as he went an ice cold 6 for 28 from the field.

Chris Kruithoff Turns his ankle put on IR

Before the game, and days leading up to it, Theo Simmons, wrote on Zilla’s captain’s Facebook wall about how he was going to have a monster game. He was able to back it up, recording a double-double. A very efficient 44 points, and 12 rebounds, helped his team to the win. Improved play from rookie Vincent Bradley, helped overcome the early loss of Juggernauts 1^st round pick Chris Kruithoff, who sprained his ankle and had to be wheel chaired out of the gym. Chris’s ankle may have him out the rest of the season. Rumor is Toni Tone will be his replacement.

*Trade Alert*

After week 2, Zilla’s captain, Thomas ‘T’ Hailey, and Dragon’s captain, Rob Taylor agreed to a straight up trade, sending Bryan Compton to the Dragons in exchange for Ty Rashad. This should improve the lack of outside scoring for Zilla and improve the locker room chemistry for the Dragons.

Samurai def.  Hadouken (82-73)

Samurais bounce back from a disappointing overtime loss to the Juggernauts. Once again Titus Wright led the way dropping 38 points and at times making his opponents look silly. Samurais have the size and speed to compete against any team in the GTBA. Joe Hughes the veteran and champion from last year with the Unusuals received a technical during the game after several complains about the officiating. The referees were just glad no bunches were thrown. The
officiating was outstanding in comparison to some of the earlier games.

Titus Wright with one of his 3 blocks

On the other side Hadouken struggled again even with the addition of Braden Alletto in the starting lineup. The team is lacking chemistry and size and turnovers were once again a problem. They have been unable to utilize their best weapon and league leading scorer from last year Robby Huang, who struggled with his shooting going 4 for 15 from long range. The game was tied after one half but eventually the samurais were able to pull away for the fairly easy victory.

Kamikazes def. Ninja Stars (97-75)

Basilios reverse layup

Kamikazes took control early and never looked back. Once again with balanced scoring and passing. Six out of seven Kamikaze players scored in double figures and they reached 20 or more assists for the second consecutive game and out-rebounded the Ninja Stars by 22. Chris Hawkins who may be the steal of this year’s draft came off the bench and hit 11 of 14 shots for 23 points to lead all scorers. For the Ninja Stars Nick Hailey who did not play in the first half came in firing in the second filling up the stat sheet and finishing with 23 points and 4 assists on 50% shooting.

Both teams had 12 three points FG made. Ninja Stars had a much better second half with the addition of Hailey as the Kamikazes took the foot off the gas and set their tempo to cruise control. Kamikazes are now ready for a real test next week versus the Samurais who have the size and arguably the best point guard in the league so far.

Nate Holmes raises his arm in victory

Birds vs BBB

I thought it was a joke," said Bumblebees Captain John von Arx.  "Either  i'm a lot stronger than I think, or the 6'5" guy flopped."