Metro League (Vancouver) Info & More
Moderator:wfs
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
MEDIA RESOURCES
Site http://metroleague.ca/
Site http://vancouverbasketball.ca/
Twitter https://twitter.com/metroleague
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vancouverbasketball
NEWS
Metro League http://metroleague.ca/2015/10/06/fall-w ... and-recap/
https://twitter.com/VancouverBball
Vancouver Basketball ‏@VancouverBball
Andrew Wadden & Clint Lomax host The Vancouver Basketball Network Podcast. Vancouver Basketball Network Podcast http://fb.me/7LhgGC3Ja
Site http://metroleague.ca/
Site http://vancouverbasketball.ca/
Twitter https://twitter.com/metroleague
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vancouverbasketball
NEWS
Metro League http://metroleague.ca/2015/10/06/fall-w ... and-recap/
https://twitter.com/VancouverBball
Vancouver Basketball ‏@VancouverBball
Andrew Wadden & Clint Lomax host The Vancouver Basketball Network Podcast. Vancouver Basketball Network Podcast http://fb.me/7LhgGC3Ja
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
Week 10 Recap & All Star Monday (Dec 14)
Week 10 Recap http://metroleague.ca/2015/12/09/fall-week-10-recap/
METRO LEAGUE ALL-STAR MONDAY
7-7:45 Three-Point Shootout (OPEN TO PUBLIC)
7:45-8PM ALL-Star PhotoShoot
8-9:30 PM All - Star Game (DUNK CONTEST AT HALFTIME - OPEN TO PUBLIC)
METRO LEAGUE ALL-STAR MONDAY
7-7:45 Three-Point Shootout (OPEN TO PUBLIC)
7:45-8PM ALL-Star PhotoShoot
8-9:30 PM All - Star Game (DUNK CONTEST AT HALFTIME - OPEN TO PUBLIC)
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
All Star Monday Recap (Dec 14)
Click link for full Metro League article: http://metroleague.ca/2015/12/16/fight- ... nd-scores/
The First Annual Vancouver Metro League All-Star Game
The first annual Vancouver Metro All-Star event started with a 3-point competition. 16 participants arrived with hopes of taking away the winner take-all prize. 9 of those 16 players were current Metro League participants, not including the director of the league Doug Plumb. The first round would see two head-to-head 30 second shootouts to make it to the final four. Even with the tie-breakers decided, the final four had its own shootout between Bret McDonald and Vito Chan of Metro Men (both tying with 11 made 3s in the first round). McDonald would beat out Chan, but failed to make it to the final round. JJ Bath of Sofa King Good started the first round with 10, but only managed just 6 makes in the semis. In the finals, it would be Gene Wolf of SWAT versus an unaffiliated participant by the name of Jose Colorado. Wolf is a long time local legend, who has made a big-time comeback to prominence despite two old knees that have more age on them than Donald Trump’s hairstyle. Wolf hit 12 3-pointers in both the first round and final four, setting the early pace for the competition. Colorado came in as an unknown, but played for Quest College and is the newest member of the ABA Vancouver Balloholics basketball team. Colorado would top Wolf’s effort with 13 and 15 made 3s in the first round and final four, respectively.
The finals would be a nail biter to the end, as both players missed shots at the first part of the round, but both turned it on late. At the buzzer, the score was 13-12 for the winner Jose Colorado. An impressive feat, as Colorado won this competition in loafers, while wearing street clothes!
With that excitement out-of-the-way, it was now time for the main event to begin. The captains for the All-Star game would be Roger Sheung for the Black Team, and Joey Haywood for the White Team. Being one of the longest, if not the longest tenured Vancouver Metro player, Roger was granted the first pick.
After the teams were selected, the fans and spectators took a look at the lineups, and determined that the Black team would dominate the White team. The size across the board seemed to be obvious and overwhelming, and at the start of the game it looked like they were right. The Black team started out hot, jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead. Akeem Pierre helped the Black team off to the fast start with his energy and constant aggressiveness. Jit Locham joined Akeem in pushing the lead out for the Black Team. The White team couldn’t seem to buy a bucket. Uncharacteristic turnovers and missed shots had the White team reeling for most of the half. Slowly, the White team would force the action and get back in the game from the free throw line. This may have looked like watching “paint dry” to most of the spectators, but to me it was a genius move. It slowed the Black team’s transition game down, and had the White team putting up points at the same time. Before the Black team knew it, their lead had vanquished and the game was tied at 30 by halftime.
With the competitive fires stoked late in the first half, both teams came out swinging. Enter Wolf and Haywood. While Wolf was effective in spots in the first half, the second half would see him and Haywood take over the game. Wolf was hot from 3-point territory, knocking down the money balls, including a sideways twisting three with a defender draped all over him. Haywood would push the pace and knocked down a few wide open 3-pointers to push the lead out to 11 points past the midway point of the second half. The Black team would push back with a team effort to close the lead back to four, but in came Roopi Singh Clair. Roopi struggled with his leg conditioning, but would find a groove, and looked like Roopi of old. He would score 12 out of the next 14 points for Team White. Just when you thought the game was over, the Black team would make a late game push to cut the White teams lead down to 10, Kevin Rasmussen, Chan, and Locham would close the lead to two with 1.3 seconds left in the game. Haywood was narrowly caught for a foul to stop the clock, in hopes of a miss and a chance to tie or win the game on the next possession. Haywood knocked down two clutch free throws, which sealed the game for the White team, taking it 82-78.
Haywood went home with a fresh new pair of Nike kicks after being awarded the MVP, pouring in 34 points in the win.
The First Annual Vancouver Metro League All-Star Game
The first annual Vancouver Metro All-Star event started with a 3-point competition. 16 participants arrived with hopes of taking away the winner take-all prize. 9 of those 16 players were current Metro League participants, not including the director of the league Doug Plumb. The first round would see two head-to-head 30 second shootouts to make it to the final four. Even with the tie-breakers decided, the final four had its own shootout between Bret McDonald and Vito Chan of Metro Men (both tying with 11 made 3s in the first round). McDonald would beat out Chan, but failed to make it to the final round. JJ Bath of Sofa King Good started the first round with 10, but only managed just 6 makes in the semis. In the finals, it would be Gene Wolf of SWAT versus an unaffiliated participant by the name of Jose Colorado. Wolf is a long time local legend, who has made a big-time comeback to prominence despite two old knees that have more age on them than Donald Trump’s hairstyle. Wolf hit 12 3-pointers in both the first round and final four, setting the early pace for the competition. Colorado came in as an unknown, but played for Quest College and is the newest member of the ABA Vancouver Balloholics basketball team. Colorado would top Wolf’s effort with 13 and 15 made 3s in the first round and final four, respectively.
The finals would be a nail biter to the end, as both players missed shots at the first part of the round, but both turned it on late. At the buzzer, the score was 13-12 for the winner Jose Colorado. An impressive feat, as Colorado won this competition in loafers, while wearing street clothes!
With that excitement out-of-the-way, it was now time for the main event to begin. The captains for the All-Star game would be Roger Sheung for the Black Team, and Joey Haywood for the White Team. Being one of the longest, if not the longest tenured Vancouver Metro player, Roger was granted the first pick.
After the teams were selected, the fans and spectators took a look at the lineups, and determined that the Black team would dominate the White team. The size across the board seemed to be obvious and overwhelming, and at the start of the game it looked like they were right. The Black team started out hot, jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead. Akeem Pierre helped the Black team off to the fast start with his energy and constant aggressiveness. Jit Locham joined Akeem in pushing the lead out for the Black Team. The White team couldn’t seem to buy a bucket. Uncharacteristic turnovers and missed shots had the White team reeling for most of the half. Slowly, the White team would force the action and get back in the game from the free throw line. This may have looked like watching “paint dry” to most of the spectators, but to me it was a genius move. It slowed the Black team’s transition game down, and had the White team putting up points at the same time. Before the Black team knew it, their lead had vanquished and the game was tied at 30 by halftime.
With the competitive fires stoked late in the first half, both teams came out swinging. Enter Wolf and Haywood. While Wolf was effective in spots in the first half, the second half would see him and Haywood take over the game. Wolf was hot from 3-point territory, knocking down the money balls, including a sideways twisting three with a defender draped all over him. Haywood would push the pace and knocked down a few wide open 3-pointers to push the lead out to 11 points past the midway point of the second half. The Black team would push back with a team effort to close the lead back to four, but in came Roopi Singh Clair. Roopi struggled with his leg conditioning, but would find a groove, and looked like Roopi of old. He would score 12 out of the next 14 points for Team White. Just when you thought the game was over, the Black team would make a late game push to cut the White teams lead down to 10, Kevin Rasmussen, Chan, and Locham would close the lead to two with 1.3 seconds left in the game. Haywood was narrowly caught for a foul to stop the clock, in hopes of a miss and a chance to tie or win the game on the next possession. Haywood knocked down two clutch free throws, which sealed the game for the White team, taking it 82-78.
Haywood went home with a fresh new pair of Nike kicks after being awarded the MVP, pouring in 34 points in the win.
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
Playoff Preview/Odds
Click link for Vancouver Basketball site: http://vancouverbasketball.ca/2015/12/2 ... ings-odds/
2015 Vancouver Metro Basketball League Fall League Playoff Rankings and Odds to Win It All
This regular season has been full of surprises and exciting games. Now that the playoff seeding has been decided, it comes down to who wants it more. After last week win’s by YMCMB and Sonic Boom (which earned them a miracle berth into the playoffs), the second season is now set.
While the teams battle it out for the championship trophy, the rest of the league have been predicting who they think will take it. The unofficial buzz has been tabulated, and the results are in.
These are the unofficial calculated odds and with the tentative seeding for each team in the playoffs. LET’S DO IT!
#8 Rank – YMCMB – 6th Seed (-5000 – 5000/1)
In a weird, somewhat obscure ranking, YMCMB comes in as the 8th ranked team on this list. Even though they’re a 6th seed, they’re far from the championship team they were in the past. Gone is Anthony “Lebron James” Lao who anchored their inside/out attack. They still have good athletic players, but their overall height is their downfall. Offensive boards and half court interior scoring is their weakness. Jacky Ho leads YM in scoring followed by Will Cheung, and anchored by the leadership of Kelly Ho (still holds the record for most 3-pointers made in a half in a championship game at 5).
#7 Rank – Sonic Boom – 8th Seed (-500 – 500/1)
The long-time veteran Sonic Boom come in as the 7th ranked team on this list for a few reasons. One is that they are known for upsetting top seeds in Vancouver Metro. The second, is if they have Metro League All-Star Game MVP, Joey Haywood. Sonic Boom would rank more towards the middle of the pack, but injuries and a short bench throughout the season leaves them as an unpredictable bunch. They lost a number of winnable games this season, but it’s hard to know which Sonic Boom team will show up. However, around playoff time they release their not so secret weapon in Haywood. The first round matchup vs SB Battle will be interesting to say the least. Conor Rockandel and Shamir Naik have played well as of late, but Mike Schmidt will have big shoes fill with the departure of young sharpshooter Mark Mitchell.
#6 Rank – Core – 4th seed (- 350 – 350/1)
Core may think that our interactions this season resemble the Stephen A. Smith vs Allen Iverson/Stephon Marbury feud, but nothing could be further from the truth. Core had gradually built up their team to championship contender status in the last few seasons. From their unexpected break through under the name “Quantum Leap” to “Core Basketball” to “Core”, they had been making big steps towards title contention. This season and part of last season, they had some disappointing losses that in essence set them back a step. Gone is Cody Cormack, the all around pillar for Core, but Michael Cheung continues to captain Core forward. The additions of sharp shooter John McCarthy, and low post scorer Karol Cybula makes them a solid team. We are just looking for the full potential of Core to show through, consistently.
#5 Rank – LiveStock – 7th seed (-250 – 250/1)
Livestock is packed full of talent, and usually is a formidable opponent for all teams. This season, they had a few hiccups including a week 10 loss that dropped them to the 7th seed. Patrick Samson and Karmal “Olidipo” Omer provide high energy and 3-point shooting to their back court, while David Grobelski and Ryan Clancy put pressure on the opponent’s interior defence. Despite ranking them as a fifth place seed in our books, they will be tough to advance to the 2nd round having to face the mighty Stallions.
#4 Rank – SWAT – 5th seed ( -100 – 100/1)
The ever changing SWAT team yet again has achieved through adversity. Only one player remains from last year’s team, and Damon Rosier has continued to hold down the SWAT team. Big Stuart Wallenstein started the season strong but missed the last five games with an injury. To pick up the slack, Gene and Richie Wolf have carried SWAT to the playoffs. Derrick and Kyle Clein add needed offensive punching power, but when they needed a bucket it came from Gene “New Knees” Wolf. His 3-point shooting and overall offensive skill has helped SWAT grind out some crucial wins this season. They’re a threat to any team.
#3 Rank – Sofa King Good – 3rd Seed ( -50 – 50/1)
Sofa King Good came into this league establishing their dominance by winning a title almost immediately. Their team has one big man in Gurjit, but they are 7-8 deep in talent. Akeem Pierre joined the team this season to lead them in scoring and energetic plays. JJ “No Knees” Bath and Eddie “Mad Man” Fan make for an exciting back court that can score in bunches. Kevin Rasmussen adds the outside touch with rugged inside play to balance out SKG. Amritpaul Bath is back from his vacation abroad, and is whipping himself back into playoff shape. They are 50/1 dogs to take it all, but with the infamous “Palmer Zone” defense…. anything is possible!
#2 Rank – Stallions – 2nd Seed (7/2)
What more can be said about the Stallions? Multiple time champions, great players, great pace, and always creating entertainment on the court. Led by the founder and long-time Vancouver Metro member Roger Shueng, the Stallions are a threat to take the title every year. With a who’s-who of ex-Langara Wildcat players, form College MVP Bordy Greig highlights this deep squad. With the firepower that they have, a few of their games have come off as “underachieving”. Yet they have spectacular games vs SB Battle, splitting both meetings on both ends of a blowout. They will be on top of their game from game one of the playoffs. It’s a matter of if they stub their toe on the way to the championship game.
#1 Rank – SB Battle – 1st seed (3/1)
To say SB Battle is ready for the playoffs is an understatement!!! You can check out their playoff preview video if you don’t believe me.
SB BATTLE Playoff Video https://www.facebook.com/sb.battle.5/vi ... nref=story
SB came into the league like a title wave, and demolished everyone in their path including a 35-point win over the multi time champion Stallions squad. As of late, they have been hit with injuries that threatened to sink their #1 seed quest. This SB squad is loaded from top to bottom, and nearly every player on this team could start for all teams in Vancouver Metro. A late season injury to Clay Crellin does not hurt this team’s seeding, especially when you have Demi Harris on your team. Harris set the single game scoring record this season with 51 points (eclipsing the 49 points by Joey Haywood in the playoffs a few seasons ago). SB should be back to full strength in the first round of the playoffs, and all I can say about that is….GET YOUR POPCORN READY!
2015 Vancouver Metro Basketball League Fall League Playoff Rankings and Odds to Win It All
This regular season has been full of surprises and exciting games. Now that the playoff seeding has been decided, it comes down to who wants it more. After last week win’s by YMCMB and Sonic Boom (which earned them a miracle berth into the playoffs), the second season is now set.
While the teams battle it out for the championship trophy, the rest of the league have been predicting who they think will take it. The unofficial buzz has been tabulated, and the results are in.
These are the unofficial calculated odds and with the tentative seeding for each team in the playoffs. LET’S DO IT!
#8 Rank – YMCMB – 6th Seed (-5000 – 5000/1)
In a weird, somewhat obscure ranking, YMCMB comes in as the 8th ranked team on this list. Even though they’re a 6th seed, they’re far from the championship team they were in the past. Gone is Anthony “Lebron James” Lao who anchored their inside/out attack. They still have good athletic players, but their overall height is their downfall. Offensive boards and half court interior scoring is their weakness. Jacky Ho leads YM in scoring followed by Will Cheung, and anchored by the leadership of Kelly Ho (still holds the record for most 3-pointers made in a half in a championship game at 5).
#7 Rank – Sonic Boom – 8th Seed (-500 – 500/1)
The long-time veteran Sonic Boom come in as the 7th ranked team on this list for a few reasons. One is that they are known for upsetting top seeds in Vancouver Metro. The second, is if they have Metro League All-Star Game MVP, Joey Haywood. Sonic Boom would rank more towards the middle of the pack, but injuries and a short bench throughout the season leaves them as an unpredictable bunch. They lost a number of winnable games this season, but it’s hard to know which Sonic Boom team will show up. However, around playoff time they release their not so secret weapon in Haywood. The first round matchup vs SB Battle will be interesting to say the least. Conor Rockandel and Shamir Naik have played well as of late, but Mike Schmidt will have big shoes fill with the departure of young sharpshooter Mark Mitchell.
#6 Rank – Core – 4th seed (- 350 – 350/1)
Core may think that our interactions this season resemble the Stephen A. Smith vs Allen Iverson/Stephon Marbury feud, but nothing could be further from the truth. Core had gradually built up their team to championship contender status in the last few seasons. From their unexpected break through under the name “Quantum Leap” to “Core Basketball” to “Core”, they had been making big steps towards title contention. This season and part of last season, they had some disappointing losses that in essence set them back a step. Gone is Cody Cormack, the all around pillar for Core, but Michael Cheung continues to captain Core forward. The additions of sharp shooter John McCarthy, and low post scorer Karol Cybula makes them a solid team. We are just looking for the full potential of Core to show through, consistently.
#5 Rank – LiveStock – 7th seed (-250 – 250/1)
Livestock is packed full of talent, and usually is a formidable opponent for all teams. This season, they had a few hiccups including a week 10 loss that dropped them to the 7th seed. Patrick Samson and Karmal “Olidipo” Omer provide high energy and 3-point shooting to their back court, while David Grobelski and Ryan Clancy put pressure on the opponent’s interior defence. Despite ranking them as a fifth place seed in our books, they will be tough to advance to the 2nd round having to face the mighty Stallions.
#4 Rank – SWAT – 5th seed ( -100 – 100/1)
The ever changing SWAT team yet again has achieved through adversity. Only one player remains from last year’s team, and Damon Rosier has continued to hold down the SWAT team. Big Stuart Wallenstein started the season strong but missed the last five games with an injury. To pick up the slack, Gene and Richie Wolf have carried SWAT to the playoffs. Derrick and Kyle Clein add needed offensive punching power, but when they needed a bucket it came from Gene “New Knees” Wolf. His 3-point shooting and overall offensive skill has helped SWAT grind out some crucial wins this season. They’re a threat to any team.
#3 Rank – Sofa King Good – 3rd Seed ( -50 – 50/1)
Sofa King Good came into this league establishing their dominance by winning a title almost immediately. Their team has one big man in Gurjit, but they are 7-8 deep in talent. Akeem Pierre joined the team this season to lead them in scoring and energetic plays. JJ “No Knees” Bath and Eddie “Mad Man” Fan make for an exciting back court that can score in bunches. Kevin Rasmussen adds the outside touch with rugged inside play to balance out SKG. Amritpaul Bath is back from his vacation abroad, and is whipping himself back into playoff shape. They are 50/1 dogs to take it all, but with the infamous “Palmer Zone” defense…. anything is possible!
#2 Rank – Stallions – 2nd Seed (7/2)
What more can be said about the Stallions? Multiple time champions, great players, great pace, and always creating entertainment on the court. Led by the founder and long-time Vancouver Metro member Roger Shueng, the Stallions are a threat to take the title every year. With a who’s-who of ex-Langara Wildcat players, form College MVP Bordy Greig highlights this deep squad. With the firepower that they have, a few of their games have come off as “underachieving”. Yet they have spectacular games vs SB Battle, splitting both meetings on both ends of a blowout. They will be on top of their game from game one of the playoffs. It’s a matter of if they stub their toe on the way to the championship game.
#1 Rank – SB Battle – 1st seed (3/1)
To say SB Battle is ready for the playoffs is an understatement!!! You can check out their playoff preview video if you don’t believe me.
SB BATTLE Playoff Video https://www.facebook.com/sb.battle.5/vi ... nref=story
SB came into the league like a title wave, and demolished everyone in their path including a 35-point win over the multi time champion Stallions squad. As of late, they have been hit with injuries that threatened to sink their #1 seed quest. This SB squad is loaded from top to bottom, and nearly every player on this team could start for all teams in Vancouver Metro. A late season injury to Clay Crellin does not hurt this team’s seeding, especially when you have Demi Harris on your team. Harris set the single game scoring record this season with 51 points (eclipsing the 49 points by Joey Haywood in the playoffs a few seasons ago). SB should be back to full strength in the first round of the playoffs, and all I can say about that is….GET YOUR POPCORN READY!
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
Playoffs Recap (Jan 4)
Click link for Vancouver Basketball site: http://vancouverbasketball.ca/2016/01/0 ... als-recap/
2016 Fight for Fall Great 8 Playoff Recap
The first round of the “Fight for Fall” had a lot of anticipation and excitement. Most teams had their full squads, and the energy in the building was filled with determined faces. With the seats filled to capacity with fans eagerly waiting for the tip off for their favourite team. The only thing left was getting the ball up in the air, and breaking the seal of the playoffs.
Sofa King Good 62 – YMCMB 47
This matchup seemed to be closer on paper than the actual results. Both former league champions, high powered offences with high powered weapons, but slightly different defensive styles. While YMCMB incorporates a high energy man defence, Sofa King Good slaps on the patented “Palmer Zone” that stifles the fast break offenses of most teams. This matchup would be no different for SKG, as they would force several shot clock violations on YMCMB. YMCMB battled throughout the game, could not make the big run that they needed to give SKG the scare needed to have a chance to win this contest.
Top Scorers:
Sofa King Good – J.Bath 25
YMCMB – Torien 14
Stallions 78 – LiveStock 57
On the bottom part of the bracket, the old school Stallions team would take on the up and coming LiveStock squad. The odds were long against LiveStock pulling out an upset, but don’t tell them that. LiveStock came out with high energy to take an early lead on the #2 seeded Stallions. However, the Stallions can get on runs, and they put together quick and long ones to get back into games, and put them out of reach. But in this case, it didn’t happen according to the script. Livestock battled at both ends of the floor, while leveling the height disadvantage with all out hustle. A late arrival for the short-handed Stallions may have tipped the scales in their favour, as Elliot Mason made his way into the arena. Almost like clockwork, the Stallions were able to go on a run with Mason in the lineup. In the second half, for every score or positive play Livestock had, The Stallions would match that and add a 3-pointer with it. With the Stallions in a groove and Livestock calling its two timeouts early in the second half, this game was put out of reach. Good season for Livestock, but it would be The Stallions advancing to the final four.
Top Scorers:
Stallions – Jitt 28
LiveStock – David Grobelski 11
Swat 58 – Core 49
The #4 and #5 seed were the most evenly matched among all games on this night. Core had an up and down season, but seemed to tighten things up late in the season to capture the fourth seed. SWAT was hit with crucial injuries midway through the season, but regrouped to make a strong push for the post season. Led by Gene and Richie Wolf, SWAT had the leadership and experience needed to win this game. With a few of their high powered scoring units back for the playoffs, SWAT looked confident going into the game. Core gave them more to think about than they had anticipated. Core would cut off the court in an attempt to make SWAT one dimensional, and it worked to near perfection. As SWAT’s ball movement was almost non-existent, Core would take advantage on the offensive end with sneaky inside scores. After a heated yet “honest” halftime talk, SWAT began to implement the style that won them many games in the regular season. The ball movement was much better, they attacked the inside a lot more, and played smart strategic defence. This gradually earned back the lead for them, which would allow them to cruise to a late game victory.
Top Scorers:
SWAT – Derrick M. 18
Core – Karol Cybula 12
SB Battle 87 – Sonic Boom 35
The upset special of the night was far from it. Even with the odds stacked against them, Sonic Boom had a puncher’s chance going into this matchup even with the high-scoring Joey Haywood. The #1 overall seed was well aware of the “upset” talk, and were determined to stick a fork in that theory early on. Sonic Boom, decimated by injuries, had no subs but a lot of heart. The game started slowly for Sonic Boom which looked bad early, as SB Battle would start the “track meet” early and often. Slow starts for Sonic Boom are a part of their make up this season, and it didn’t help that Haywood was ice cold to start the game.Even after early timeouts by Sonic Boom, SB Battle showed no mercy on the short handed Sonic Boom team. Running out to a 30 point halftime lead, SB Battle wouldn’t look back. To add insult to injury, Haywood pulled up with an injured hamstring. With that in the books, the game was called. SB Battle looked good after a few weeks off, and look very strong heading into the semi-finals.
Top Scorers:
SB Battle – Demitri Harris 24
Sonic Boom – Joey Haywood 20
2016 Fight for Fall Great 8 Playoff Recap
The first round of the “Fight for Fall” had a lot of anticipation and excitement. Most teams had their full squads, and the energy in the building was filled with determined faces. With the seats filled to capacity with fans eagerly waiting for the tip off for their favourite team. The only thing left was getting the ball up in the air, and breaking the seal of the playoffs.
Sofa King Good 62 – YMCMB 47
This matchup seemed to be closer on paper than the actual results. Both former league champions, high powered offences with high powered weapons, but slightly different defensive styles. While YMCMB incorporates a high energy man defence, Sofa King Good slaps on the patented “Palmer Zone” that stifles the fast break offenses of most teams. This matchup would be no different for SKG, as they would force several shot clock violations on YMCMB. YMCMB battled throughout the game, could not make the big run that they needed to give SKG the scare needed to have a chance to win this contest.
Top Scorers:
Sofa King Good – J.Bath 25
YMCMB – Torien 14
Stallions 78 – LiveStock 57
On the bottom part of the bracket, the old school Stallions team would take on the up and coming LiveStock squad. The odds were long against LiveStock pulling out an upset, but don’t tell them that. LiveStock came out with high energy to take an early lead on the #2 seeded Stallions. However, the Stallions can get on runs, and they put together quick and long ones to get back into games, and put them out of reach. But in this case, it didn’t happen according to the script. Livestock battled at both ends of the floor, while leveling the height disadvantage with all out hustle. A late arrival for the short-handed Stallions may have tipped the scales in their favour, as Elliot Mason made his way into the arena. Almost like clockwork, the Stallions were able to go on a run with Mason in the lineup. In the second half, for every score or positive play Livestock had, The Stallions would match that and add a 3-pointer with it. With the Stallions in a groove and Livestock calling its two timeouts early in the second half, this game was put out of reach. Good season for Livestock, but it would be The Stallions advancing to the final four.
Top Scorers:
Stallions – Jitt 28
LiveStock – David Grobelski 11
Swat 58 – Core 49
The #4 and #5 seed were the most evenly matched among all games on this night. Core had an up and down season, but seemed to tighten things up late in the season to capture the fourth seed. SWAT was hit with crucial injuries midway through the season, but regrouped to make a strong push for the post season. Led by Gene and Richie Wolf, SWAT had the leadership and experience needed to win this game. With a few of their high powered scoring units back for the playoffs, SWAT looked confident going into the game. Core gave them more to think about than they had anticipated. Core would cut off the court in an attempt to make SWAT one dimensional, and it worked to near perfection. As SWAT’s ball movement was almost non-existent, Core would take advantage on the offensive end with sneaky inside scores. After a heated yet “honest” halftime talk, SWAT began to implement the style that won them many games in the regular season. The ball movement was much better, they attacked the inside a lot more, and played smart strategic defence. This gradually earned back the lead for them, which would allow them to cruise to a late game victory.
Top Scorers:
SWAT – Derrick M. 18
Core – Karol Cybula 12
SB Battle 87 – Sonic Boom 35
The upset special of the night was far from it. Even with the odds stacked against them, Sonic Boom had a puncher’s chance going into this matchup even with the high-scoring Joey Haywood. The #1 overall seed was well aware of the “upset” talk, and were determined to stick a fork in that theory early on. Sonic Boom, decimated by injuries, had no subs but a lot of heart. The game started slowly for Sonic Boom which looked bad early, as SB Battle would start the “track meet” early and often. Slow starts for Sonic Boom are a part of their make up this season, and it didn’t help that Haywood was ice cold to start the game.Even after early timeouts by Sonic Boom, SB Battle showed no mercy on the short handed Sonic Boom team. Running out to a 30 point halftime lead, SB Battle wouldn’t look back. To add insult to injury, Haywood pulled up with an injured hamstring. With that in the books, the game was called. SB Battle looked good after a few weeks off, and look very strong heading into the semi-finals.
Top Scorers:
SB Battle – Demitri Harris 24
Sonic Boom – Joey Haywood 20
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
Metro League Semi Finals Preview
Click link for Vancouver Basketball site: http://vancouverbasketball.ca/2016/01/1 ... edictions/
The odds on favourites won in different ways last week. While the Stallions and SB Battle won in easy fashion in the middle of their games, SWAT and Sofa King Good had a tough time with their matchups, but were able to finish their opponents off in the end. None of that matters now, as we move on to the Final Four of the Fight for the Fall!
The matchups are in place featuring #2 Stallions vs #3 Sofa King Good, and #1 SB Battle vs #5 Swat.
Here are the “unofficial” odds and O/U numbers for each matchup. The first number is the Vegas number for winning the matchup, and the 2nd number is the odds of winning the game. The number beneath both teams is the over/under for total points scored in the game (O/U).
#2 Stallions – 135, 5-3 vs #3 Sofa King Good +135, 5-1 O/U – 135.5
Over several seasons, I have witnessed top seeded teams lose unexpectedly. Each situation not so different from the other, yet some are not the same in the scheme of things. Stallions have been on the wrong end of that situation a few times. Yet they are multi time champions, and will tell you that it is not a given to win the championship every year. Sofa King Good came into the league and tasted early success winning two titles in four seasons. Their high tempo is on par with all of the elite teams in Metro League history. Even with their average size, SKG makes up for it on the defensive end. The infamous “Palmer Zone” is effective in slowing down the game with the 2-3 zone, but they do a good job of fast breaking right after grabbing the defensive rebound. With all of that said, the only thing I have to say is “Championship Experience”. Even though both teams have it, the Stallions have been winning in this league for several years. The consistent players year in and year out coupled with the new infusion of talent, make this a huge mountain for SKG to climb. Stallions over SKG by 14
#1 SB Battle -115 , 1.5-1 vs #5 Swat +350, 8-1 O/U 148.5
What can be said about the season that SB Battle has had? Outside of the double digit loss to the Stallions in their regular season rubber match, SB Battle has won the majority of their games by nearly 20 points. Every game is lighting quick, and it seems like there is a new “hero” every game they step on the floor. Finding a weakness in their armour is a task that will take you more than a moment to figure out. Even if you identified a weakness, the way this team is built, they have specialist that shore up the shortcomings of their “said” weaknesses. Team Swat has been a long standing, foundation team in Metro league for several seasons. New faces come and go, but Swat continues to stay competitive and even push for a championship on several occasions. This Swat team was decimated by injuries and “flash” weddings. Yet they continued to battle their way through the season to the #5 seed. Their mix of fast break and methodical half court offence is their biggest strength. I think that SB Battle has to many horses in the stable for the short handed Swat team. Their high energy and up and down tempo may blow this game out of the water! SB Battle over Swat by 23
The odds on favourites won in different ways last week. While the Stallions and SB Battle won in easy fashion in the middle of their games, SWAT and Sofa King Good had a tough time with their matchups, but were able to finish their opponents off in the end. None of that matters now, as we move on to the Final Four of the Fight for the Fall!
The matchups are in place featuring #2 Stallions vs #3 Sofa King Good, and #1 SB Battle vs #5 Swat.
Here are the “unofficial” odds and O/U numbers for each matchup. The first number is the Vegas number for winning the matchup, and the 2nd number is the odds of winning the game. The number beneath both teams is the over/under for total points scored in the game (O/U).
#2 Stallions – 135, 5-3 vs #3 Sofa King Good +135, 5-1 O/U – 135.5
Over several seasons, I have witnessed top seeded teams lose unexpectedly. Each situation not so different from the other, yet some are not the same in the scheme of things. Stallions have been on the wrong end of that situation a few times. Yet they are multi time champions, and will tell you that it is not a given to win the championship every year. Sofa King Good came into the league and tasted early success winning two titles in four seasons. Their high tempo is on par with all of the elite teams in Metro League history. Even with their average size, SKG makes up for it on the defensive end. The infamous “Palmer Zone” is effective in slowing down the game with the 2-3 zone, but they do a good job of fast breaking right after grabbing the defensive rebound. With all of that said, the only thing I have to say is “Championship Experience”. Even though both teams have it, the Stallions have been winning in this league for several years. The consistent players year in and year out coupled with the new infusion of talent, make this a huge mountain for SKG to climb. Stallions over SKG by 14
#1 SB Battle -115 , 1.5-1 vs #5 Swat +350, 8-1 O/U 148.5
What can be said about the season that SB Battle has had? Outside of the double digit loss to the Stallions in their regular season rubber match, SB Battle has won the majority of their games by nearly 20 points. Every game is lighting quick, and it seems like there is a new “hero” every game they step on the floor. Finding a weakness in their armour is a task that will take you more than a moment to figure out. Even if you identified a weakness, the way this team is built, they have specialist that shore up the shortcomings of their “said” weaknesses. Team Swat has been a long standing, foundation team in Metro league for several seasons. New faces come and go, but Swat continues to stay competitive and even push for a championship on several occasions. This Swat team was decimated by injuries and “flash” weddings. Yet they continued to battle their way through the season to the #5 seed. Their mix of fast break and methodical half court offence is their biggest strength. I think that SB Battle has to many horses in the stable for the short handed Swat team. Their high energy and up and down tempo may blow this game out of the water! SB Battle over Swat by 23
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
Semi-Finals Recap
Click link for Metro League site: http://metroleague.ca/2016/01/12/fall-s ... nd-scores/
Last week’s match-ups proved that the seeding is in place for a reason. While the middle seeds had competitive games, the #1 and #2 seeds ran over the lower seeds in preparation for the semi-finals. The final four would match fast break versus controlled aggression in both games.
(1) SB Battle 85 (5) SWAT 51
SB Battle started out of the gate like a horse at the Belmont Stakes looking for the Triple Crown. The running and fast pace was in full effect, and there was little let-up to start this game. SB Battle raced out to 30-11 lead with everyone on the team chipping in. Layup after layup, dunk after dunk led to two quick back-to-back timeouts by SWAT. Demi Harris and Clay Crellin led the aerial acrobatics with alley hoop dunks off the backboard, while Ransford Brempong and Kadeem Willis showed superior athleticism and good fundamental footwork in and around the paint. Gene Wolf and Igor Dutina had 14 of SWAT’s 20 first half points, unfortunately they were down 26 at the half.
The second half was a little better for SWAT, however, it was even better for SB Battle. The show continued on with even more action than in the first half. SB Battle continued to hold SWAT to one shot, and ran on nearly every missed shot, made shot, free throw, and everything in between. SB Battle would go on to win by a big margin. Even in this lopsided match, the crowd still felt like they got their money’s worth.
(2) Stallions 72 (3) Sofa King Good 63
I wrote in my predictions piece about how intriguing this matchup would be, and it did not disappoint. Both teams are speedy and have Metro League playoff experience, but the height difference was a glaring factor in this one. Stallions came in with three players 6’5” and above. Not only that, but the speed factor at that height seemed even more daunting for SKG.
The fast pace of this game that I had anticipated was more measured. Almost calculating in the way both teams usually attacked. The Stallions were a little off to start the game going against the famous “Palmer Zone”. It was very effective in slowing the Stallions tempo down, while it let them run out to probe for easy scores. The Stallions transition defence was working for the most part. The scrappy SKG team probed and found scoring opportunities when they could. While the Stallions continued to find their footing on offence, they were able to take advantage of their height advantage for offensive rebounds. At the end of the half, the Stallions were able to take a 3-point lead to take back control of the game.
The second half started where the first left off. The game began to get a little “chippy” near the end of the first half, and it continued into the second. Yet it was more hustle plays that led to the rough play. Both teams were on their games in the second half which led to some exciting play. The Stallions began to take control of the game midway though the half, with a few of their patented runs. Jit Lochan and Elliot Mason used their height, skill, shooting, and hustle to gain a huge advantage on the “hustle board”. As champions do, SKG would not let go of the game, and battled even harder. The only problem was they couldn’t make a shot. With every miss, the Stallions would capitalize with a jumper, layup, or free throws. In the end, the Stallions would win by 11 and advance to the championship final to meet the #1 seed SB Battle for a third time this season.
The Metro League Fall season championship game takes place at the Richmond Oval next Monday, January 18 with tip-off slated for 8pm.
Last week’s match-ups proved that the seeding is in place for a reason. While the middle seeds had competitive games, the #1 and #2 seeds ran over the lower seeds in preparation for the semi-finals. The final four would match fast break versus controlled aggression in both games.
(1) SB Battle 85 (5) SWAT 51
SB Battle started out of the gate like a horse at the Belmont Stakes looking for the Triple Crown. The running and fast pace was in full effect, and there was little let-up to start this game. SB Battle raced out to 30-11 lead with everyone on the team chipping in. Layup after layup, dunk after dunk led to two quick back-to-back timeouts by SWAT. Demi Harris and Clay Crellin led the aerial acrobatics with alley hoop dunks off the backboard, while Ransford Brempong and Kadeem Willis showed superior athleticism and good fundamental footwork in and around the paint. Gene Wolf and Igor Dutina had 14 of SWAT’s 20 first half points, unfortunately they were down 26 at the half.
The second half was a little better for SWAT, however, it was even better for SB Battle. The show continued on with even more action than in the first half. SB Battle continued to hold SWAT to one shot, and ran on nearly every missed shot, made shot, free throw, and everything in between. SB Battle would go on to win by a big margin. Even in this lopsided match, the crowd still felt like they got their money’s worth.
(2) Stallions 72 (3) Sofa King Good 63
I wrote in my predictions piece about how intriguing this matchup would be, and it did not disappoint. Both teams are speedy and have Metro League playoff experience, but the height difference was a glaring factor in this one. Stallions came in with three players 6’5” and above. Not only that, but the speed factor at that height seemed even more daunting for SKG.
The fast pace of this game that I had anticipated was more measured. Almost calculating in the way both teams usually attacked. The Stallions were a little off to start the game going against the famous “Palmer Zone”. It was very effective in slowing the Stallions tempo down, while it let them run out to probe for easy scores. The Stallions transition defence was working for the most part. The scrappy SKG team probed and found scoring opportunities when they could. While the Stallions continued to find their footing on offence, they were able to take advantage of their height advantage for offensive rebounds. At the end of the half, the Stallions were able to take a 3-point lead to take back control of the game.
The second half started where the first left off. The game began to get a little “chippy” near the end of the first half, and it continued into the second. Yet it was more hustle plays that led to the rough play. Both teams were on their games in the second half which led to some exciting play. The Stallions began to take control of the game midway though the half, with a few of their patented runs. Jit Lochan and Elliot Mason used their height, skill, shooting, and hustle to gain a huge advantage on the “hustle board”. As champions do, SKG would not let go of the game, and battled even harder. The only problem was they couldn’t make a shot. With every miss, the Stallions would capitalize with a jumper, layup, or free throws. In the end, the Stallions would win by 11 and advance to the championship final to meet the #1 seed SB Battle for a third time this season.
The Metro League Fall season championship game takes place at the Richmond Oval next Monday, January 18 with tip-off slated for 8pm.
-
- Posts:36744
- Joined:Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:42 pm
Championship Preview (Jan 18)
Click link for Vancouver Basketball site: http://vancouverbasketball.ca/2016/01/1 ... rediction/
#1 SB Battle vs #2 Stallions in the “Fight for Fall” Championship Game
Well, this is what we’ve all been waiting for. Even though this seemed to be preordained from early in the season, the top two seeds will clash for all the marbles. Both teams split the season matchups, and both ended in blowouts against each other. The path to the championship was not an even road. While SB seemed to blitz most of their opponents early and often, the Stallions had a few games that baffled most of the onlookers due to their propensity to play down to their competition. I only happened in spots, then something would kick in to help them pull away from their foes.
These teams are more evenly match than people want to believe, just in different ways. Both teams have the speed, but SB holds a slight athletic edge. Both fast break in a flash, but the Stallions hold the half court execution edge. Both teams are deadly from the three point line, but the Stallions are lethal when going on instant runs. Brody Grieg, Darryl L, and Roger Shueng continuously try to find holes in the opponent’s defense.
The running is so constant, and finding a breath without giving up a quick score is almost impossible. SB is no slouch when it comes to running. Clay Crellin, Demi Harris, and Gabriel Diggs not only run the breaks, but they have the height to see over the defense and finish above the rim! Demi Harris holds the Metro league record for most points in a regular season game with 51, but Clay Crellin holds the Metro League finals record with 50 points.
Intangibles: The overall height advantage is nullified by the SB Battle squad with the presence of Ransford Brempong. Ransford’s length, athletic ability, skill, and experience makes him a big presence in the middle. Jitt Lochan and Elliot Mason put most teams in an defensive mismatch because of their height and big time scoring ability. Glenn Gravengard and Andrew Creightney are the long range bombers for SB Battle. If one or both of them are going, it spells “curtains” for the opponent. Luis Ayala will look to wreak havoc in the key on both ends looking for those 50/50 opportunities, but he will have to contend with SB’s version of D Wade’s alter ego “Flash” in Kadeem Willis.
I predict that SB Battle will have too much energy and consistency for the Stallions to keep pace with SB. Even though they run well, SB Battle has the deepest bench in the league along with being the #1 seed. This outta be fun.
#1 SB Battle vs #2 Stallions in the “Fight for Fall” Championship Game
Well, this is what we’ve all been waiting for. Even though this seemed to be preordained from early in the season, the top two seeds will clash for all the marbles. Both teams split the season matchups, and both ended in blowouts against each other. The path to the championship was not an even road. While SB seemed to blitz most of their opponents early and often, the Stallions had a few games that baffled most of the onlookers due to their propensity to play down to their competition. I only happened in spots, then something would kick in to help them pull away from their foes.
These teams are more evenly match than people want to believe, just in different ways. Both teams have the speed, but SB holds a slight athletic edge. Both fast break in a flash, but the Stallions hold the half court execution edge. Both teams are deadly from the three point line, but the Stallions are lethal when going on instant runs. Brody Grieg, Darryl L, and Roger Shueng continuously try to find holes in the opponent’s defense.
The running is so constant, and finding a breath without giving up a quick score is almost impossible. SB is no slouch when it comes to running. Clay Crellin, Demi Harris, and Gabriel Diggs not only run the breaks, but they have the height to see over the defense and finish above the rim! Demi Harris holds the Metro league record for most points in a regular season game with 51, but Clay Crellin holds the Metro League finals record with 50 points.
Intangibles: The overall height advantage is nullified by the SB Battle squad with the presence of Ransford Brempong. Ransford’s length, athletic ability, skill, and experience makes him a big presence in the middle. Jitt Lochan and Elliot Mason put most teams in an defensive mismatch because of their height and big time scoring ability. Glenn Gravengard and Andrew Creightney are the long range bombers for SB Battle. If one or both of them are going, it spells “curtains” for the opponent. Luis Ayala will look to wreak havoc in the key on both ends looking for those 50/50 opportunities, but he will have to contend with SB’s version of D Wade’s alter ego “Flash” in Kadeem Willis.
I predict that SB Battle will have too much energy and consistency for the Stallions to keep pace with SB. Even though they run well, SB Battle has the deepest bench in the league along with being the #1 seed. This outta be fun.