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Day 3 (Saturday 9 December 2023) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Muffin Men 49 - Dragmort Dragons Utd 87
209’s MostWanted 77 - San Dominica Warriors 110
F.Day Internet Lovers Club 73 - Lion Rebels 99
Linndale 66 - Shandong Golden Lions 88
VileOnes 61 - Super Sonics 95
Jumpstop Jumpers 65 - Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️ 98
CB Bethesdorf 146 - Fort Wayne Pistons 142
Tasty Tardsicles 100 - Balls to the Walls 61

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 146 : CB Bethesdorf
Rebounds : 68 : Dragmort Dragons Utd
Assists : 38 : San Dominica Warriors
Steals : 16 : Fort Wayne Pistons
Block Shots : 11 : Super Sonics

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 40 : U. Jaén (Fort Wayne Pistons)
Rebounds : 31 : M. Coedo (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️)
Assists : 13 : G. Izaza (Fort Wayne Pistons)
Steals : 4 : S. Aranda (Fort Wayne Pistons)
Block Shots : 3 : L. Fuzong (Muffin Men), S. Hollins (Lion Rebels), Z. Levin (Super Sonics), S. Fabis (Super Sonics)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : F. Alidori (San Dominica Warriors) (17 Points, 3 Rebounds, 8 Assists, 3 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 27
Shooting Guard : U. Jaén (Fort Wayne Pistons) (40 Points, 7 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 39
Small Forward : L. Baião (San Dominica Warriors) (21 Points, 7 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 28
Power Forward : G. Nuñez (CB Bethesdorf) (31 Points, 19 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 47
Center : M. Coedo (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) (25 Points, 31 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 1 Steals, 2 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 47

MVP of the evening
M. Coedo (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) (25 Points, 31 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 1 Steals, 2 Block Shots), G. Nuñez (CB Bethesdorf) (31 Points, 19 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 47

The bad performance of the evening
J. Graf (VileOnes) (0 Points, 2 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 0 Steals, 0 Block Shots), : Efficiency : -9

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : A. Durham (VileOnes) : 6 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : S. Aranda (Fort Wayne Pistons) : 6 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : A. Pakzat (Dragmort Dragons Utd), D. Branimirović (F.Day Internet Lovers Club), A. Durham (VileOnes), M. Coedo (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️), G. Hilliard (Jumpstop Jumpers), J. Valentin (Jumpstop Jumpers) : 48 Minutes

The shooter : Z. Levin (Super Sonics), A. Durham (VileOnes), T. Freeman (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️), A. Guilla (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️), U. Jaén (Fort Wayne Pistons) : 4 Three points

The best performer : T. Freeman (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) : Rating : 18.0

The worst performer : T. Käiväräinen (209’s MostWanted) : Rating : 5.0

Roberto Gurgone logged onto the video chat. “Good to see you, my friend! You ever pull crap like that again, I’ll kill you myself. How are you feeling?”

“Like I took a charge from a Mack truck on I-90. Which is an improvement.”

“Pio, you get sick, take the time off. Delegate. You have a staff. You know, Saturday was a rough night.”

“I heard. From what little I’ve seen, looks like someone ran motion. Why did Air do that?”

“Byron was out sick also. You know Air doesn’t listen to Marshall. The players were just listening to who was running the sidelines.”

“Staff meeting?”

“No. Pio, you don’t need to do that. It’s already handled. Officially, Byron Helm is the associate head coach and Marshall is the lead assistant. Air is not happy, but is he ever? Enough about that for now. What was it?”

“A series of unfortunate events. That RSV thing presents like a flu. I knew it wasn’t that, though. Flu shot. What it did was aggravate my existing bronchitis, but then it started trying to take me out.”

“How so?”

“RSV caused fevers and dehydration. I didn’t know I was dehydrated; I was drinking water, orange juice, peppermint tea, lemon tea, and ginger ale like you’d never seen. I can’t breathe, I’m using my inhaler ---which I kept updated but hadn’t had to use in years--- and I’m in the ER and they weigh me. I haven’t been that at that weight in 20 years. That’s when I knew something was really wrong. So they gave me an IV and kept me on IV all weekend long; also I was in an iso unit. Needed 2 magnesium infusions. I was low. And then my RSV decided to play with my diabetes. They were going to put me on insulin, but I argued against that. The IV got me right, but it was rougher than it should have been.”

“When are you expecting to be back to the grind?”

“Docs won’t clear me before Monday. Still in iso, but at home, with far better food and accommodations.”

“Take all the time you need. We got this.”

“Just one question. Of all the things to do, why did Air think we needed to run motion?”

“He thinks it was unexpected, and he wanted to get a read on how far the team needed to improve on the ball security.”

“Tell him he’d better be worried about job security.”

“I’ll let Byron tell him. It will make him feel better. He’ll be back tonight.”

“Thanks, Roberto. I’ll see you guys in the office soon,”

“Not before you’re ready, got it?”

“I’ll see you as soon as the docs clear me. I’ll check in tomorrow.”

As the call ended, in walked Pio’s staff.

“Let’s talk about staff roles and job performance, gentlemen...”

Pete:
Ok welcome to the Pod! I’m Pete Jamison with me of course is Hunt along with the tenacious Sam Walsh. Our special guest this morning are two San Dominica legends, Bret Rodriguez and Mr. Smooth himself, Douglas Diamond. Normally our boy Matt would be here but he’s a little under the well this morning so …

Samantha:
Question is why is he under the weather?

Pete:
I don’t know he’s Matt, could be anything.

Brett:
Y’all think Matt’s Christmas shopping on us

Samantha:
Hell no, my suspect is spiked apple cider

All:
Ooooh!!!

Hunt:
Oh yeah that would be Matt!

Pete:
Ok joking aside. We love you Matt. Whatever it is, hurry back to us Bro. (pause) All right. Warriors took care of business Sat-to-day Night against the Outlaws of the 209. The 209 Most Wanted have been a dangerous opponent since their arrival to the III.11 back in season 59.

Samantha:
They have been rising as contenders in the Big 8. In fact they have given the Warriors some issues in the past.

Pete:
Fortunately, the Warriors have prevailed when it really mattered most. Most of the time. But still a dangerous team.

Brett:
You absoultely right Pete, Sam. This one started off really close. The Outlaws leading by three after one, but then it was pretty much Warriors after that.

Pete:
110 to 77 was the final in that one. LAB Baiao led the way for the Dubs, 21 pts, 7 boards, 5 dimes. He actually started this game after coming off the bench for the previous 2 league games. DD you’ve been in this situation with Coach before, being the main man and then coming off the bench. What’s going through LAB’s head right now.

DD:
Having gone through that, look it’s no different than its always been. Always be ready for whatever. At the end of the day its about getting W’s if coming off the bench gets W’s it is all goodness

Hunt:
Now when they start losing, will it still be so easy for LAB though.

DD:
I mean yeah but so far, no matter when or how LAB has been getting into the game he’s been getting his. Other than the Linndale game and that was the season opener so you expect maybe a let down, he’s been getting 20 easily since. (pause) Oooh watchout guys Hunt’s got that look

Hunt:
Look I just want to know who is gonna address the elephant in the room.

Samantha:
Apparently you, I have a feeling where you’re about to go.

Hunt:
Look, for the 2nd consecutive game Ranger Granja has been held to less than 10 points. That’s got to be concerning for Coach Stephenson. Now fortunately LAB has been stepping up but Ranger has just been pretty pathetic the last two games especially given we have the FDILC coming up.

Pete:
On that. Do you guys think that’s because Ranger Granja is the focus on the defensive end or is he just in a slump?

Samantha:
I think its a mixture of both. Teams are going to focus on him in the backcourt because he can easily drop 20 points in a game and he’s not the only guard in the backcourt who has been under performing far as I’m concerned.

Hunt:
Yeah but no one expects Blanchet to score points. I expect Blanchet to drop dimes. He’s averaging about 5 a game. Ranger is gettng 40K this season and its definitely not to put up less than 10 points in consecutive games.

Pete:
How worried are you guys about Ranger going into the Graveyard next game.

Samantha:
I’m not that worried, the real concern is will the Agency be living in Coach Stephenson’s head much like Carolina did. Every match has pretty much been a blowout so I’m more concern about Coach maybe overthinking the lineup than Ranger Granja being in a slump.

Pete:
Yeah I think Coach would love to finally get one over the … Did you call them the Agency?

Samantha:
Why not? Enough letters to be a federal agency of some kind.


Last edited by Coach Stephenson at 12/12/2023 2:47:37 PM

DD:
Maybe they can help me get my money

Bret:
You are still harping on that.

DD:
Yeah because you said they would run a box defense against the Muffin Men and I told you they wouldn’t

Bret:
I said maybe

DD:
You said maybe on the pregame show. I ain’t talking about the pre game show I’m talking after. After you was certain they were gonna go Box and we took a bet.

Bret:
Man you can’t count that. Coach said after the game he would have ran the Box but was scared it would lead to a mismatch of Granja being on a big.

DD:
That don’t matter the point is he didn’t go with the Box!

Bret:
Seriously!

DD:
(jokingly)
Yes Seriously! Pay up. Just know I don't take IOUs or Monopoly money.

Pete:
(laughing)
We’ll be back

Day 4 (Tuesday 12 December 2023) : Performances by (https://www.buzzer-manager.com)

Night results
Dragmort Dragons Utd 115 - 209’s MostWanted 94
San Dominica Warriors 66 - F.Day Internet Lovers Club 87
Lion Rebels 114 - Linndale 91
Shandong Golden Lions 101 - Muffin Men 62
Super Sonics 69 - Jumpstop Jumpers 45
Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️ 113 - CB Bethesdorf 109
Fort Wayne Pistons 78 - Tasty Tardsicles 102
Balls to the Walls 82 - VileOnes 98

Best collective performance of the evening
Points : 115 : Dragmort Dragons Utd
Rebounds : 61 : Shandong Golden Lions
Assists : 29 : Lion Rebels
Steals : 9 : Shandong Golden Lions, Fort Wayne Pistons
Block Shots : 11 : Dragmort Dragons Utd

Personal best performances of the evening
Points : 38 : S. Kang (Dragmort Dragons Utd)
Rebounds : 19 : G. Quevedo (F.Day Internet Lovers Club), G. Cinovskis (VileOnes)
Assists : 10 : L. Melucci (F.Day Internet Lovers Club)
Steals : 4 : P. Cuellar (209’s MostWanted)
Block Shots : 6 : Q. Yu zi (Dragmort Dragons Utd)

Top 5 of the evening
Point Guard : L. Melucci (F.Day Internet Lovers Club) (33 Points, 8 Rebounds, 10 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots), W. Acevedo (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) (32 Points, 5 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 2 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 35
Shooting Guard : H. Kwang Chih (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️) (33 Points, 4 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 2 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 28
Small Forward : S. Kang (Dragmort Dragons Utd) (38 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 33
Power Forward : G. Nuñez (CB Bethesdorf) (27 Points, 14 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 37
Center : G. Quevedo (F.Day Internet Lovers Club) (15 Points, 19 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 36

MVP of the evening
G. Nuñez (CB Bethesdorf) (27 Points, 14 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 0 Steals, 1 Block Shots) : Efficiency : 37

The bad performance of the evening
F. Alidori (San Dominica Warriors) (12 Points, 1 Rebounds, 1 Assists, 3 Steals, 0 Block Shots) : Efficiency : -5

All kinds of statistics
The player who forgot to remove his mittens : R. Stamper (209’s MostWanted) : 5 Turnovers

Player targeted by the referees : I. Tabrizi (F.Day Internet Lovers Club) : 6 Personnal Fouls

The iron-man : L. Melucci (F.Day Internet Lovers Club), N. Hayes (Jumpstop Jumpers), L. Alaniz (Jumpstop Jumpers), A. Carečina (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️), E. Richardson (Mindless Zombies 🧟‍♀️), J. Bover (VileOnes) : 48 Minutes

The shooter : D. Gay (Shandong Golden Lions) : 7 Three points

The best performer : T. Armstead (Lion Rebels) : Rating : 17.0

The worst performer : A. Pérez Ruiz (VileOnes), J. Herman (Balls to the Walls) : Rating : 6.0

Week Two Power Rankings
Week 2 Observations
Welcome to the conclusion of Week 2, where we saw CB Bethesdorf flip a giant bird to my commentary (you'll see what I mean momentarily) and Linndale appear to be selling the house. Everyone's still "in it" as far as I can tell, meaning, no one is botifying any time soon, which is a great relief to me. Last season at this time we lost a great team in Zubr Bialystok, whom I memorialized in an overly dramatic fashion all season long. But we definitely are starting to see the teams that are potentially great, those that are catastrophically terrible (on purpose or just in general) and the rest muddling up the middle. All in all, we appear to be poised for what should be a pretty decent playoff race separating the wheat from the chaff.

While it is definitely not entirely accurate it makes the season a bit more interesting to have these power rankings differ a bit from what we see in the standings. They'll be up and down and around as teams find their groove (or slip and fall on their faces). For those of you who are new, we'll see them pretty much solidify and not see much movement about a week or two after the all-star break.

Couple of quick points: Cellar Dwellers, and self-proclaimed tankers, Jumpstop Jumpers has their 22-year old playing (probably) out of position and averaging 39.5 PPG. Secondarily, not to brag, but more of a surprising note, before Tuesday's game, the Lion Rebels were averaging 9 blocks per game, and I have to confess, I'm not entirely sure how that happened. Our matchup with Linndale was a resettling of sorts. And finally, Dragmort's Asil Anil Pakzat and Mindless' Macario Coedo are striving for what seems impossible in terms rebounds, averaging 21 and 18.7, respectively, per game.

Transfer List Report
There were several additions this week, but because there are several potentially league altering transfers about to happen, I'm going to hold off on a big report here, but here are some interesting numbers from transfers so far this season. (Numbers are from Wednesday of this week)

Average Age of Players Bought/Sold: 25.7
Total Salary Costs of Players Bought/Sold: $1,439,338
Number of Players Bought/Sold: 52
Total Result of Players Bought/Sold: -$792,307
Team with Most Transfers: Jumpstop Jumpers
Team with Most Players Bought: Balls to the Walls
Team with Most Players Sold: Jumpstop Jumpers (2nd place goes to Super Sonics/209's MostWanted)
Number of Teams with Zero Transfers: 5

Here are the rankings, in reverse order: (Last week's rank will be in parenthesis behind the team’s name).

Week Two Power Rankings - Part Two
16. Muffin Men (16)
Dropping to an even worse EFFG this week (48.3), but improving on their OPP EFFG by 5.5 points, Muffin Men sit winless after four having scored just 245 points in 4 games (that's a paltry 61.25 PPG for those of you who've been affected by your child's math homework). After being decimated by the Dragons last weekend and then by the Golden Lions on Tuesday, it's hard to look forward and find room for the hope of improvement here. Their big (and only) signee Carlos Webber looks inept (and not just in his paltry 28% FG shooting) - they're going to have to learn to rely less on him for every game if they're to see return on their results. Next on the slate is The Agency on TV on the road before hosting Linndale next Tuesday.

15. 209's MostWanted (15)
Leaping 30.2 EFFG points forward from 16th place, but dropping to last in OPP EFFG, the effects of 209's selling off nearly $160k in salary and replacing it with just $57k are taking effect. Losses to San Dom (on TV on the road) and Dragmort by 21 at home don't show much promise. But they did win their second Cup matchup and have an easy one upcoming next week after visiting Linndale followed by hosting FDILC next week which may be another 0-2 run unless speedtraps sells off their primaries.

14. Balls to the Walls (14)
No changes in the bottom three rankings this week, and unfortunately for BttW, no show of improvement in either EFF category in week two. Yes, they are the first not winless team this low on the list, and while a loss to Tasty is deserving, losing by 16 to VileOnes is more damning. Having just two players with over 10k in salary, it's impressive on the outset, that they've won one game already. But the Zombies and Sonics loom, and I don't have much hope for them.

13. VileOnes (12)
The first change in these rankings, though a small one, sees VileOnes, winless, drop a spot in these rankings. Reviewing the transfer report, it's not really a surprise after selling off $185k in salary covering four players. While they lost to the Sonics to start the week by 34, they turned around and won by 16 against Balls. A five point improvement in OPP EFFG moves them closer to the league mean, but they're still a ways off. Next comes a test against #1 in EFFG followed by a home matchup with the Tardsicles, so not much hope in the near future.

12. Jumpstop Jumpers (11)
So far, while being 0-4 and categorically (according to the standings) the 2nd worst team in the league, by EFF ratings, they're not that. They did see a large drop off in EFFG, but their defensive EFF is still middle of the pack, which proves them, thus far, to be a diligent devotee to gaining that 1st pick. While they were blown out by Mindless, they put on a work of art against the Sonics by scoring just 45 points in four quarters (that's just 11.25 per quarter, for those scoring at home). Not much should change, except for EFF this coming week as they face Tasty on the road before hosting upstart CB Bethesdorf.

11. Linndale (8)
13 point drops in both EFF categories after matchups against the set of Lions teams in the Big 8 drop them three places in these rankings and ushered in what appears to be a fire sale with adding four players to the transfer list for a total initial asking price of 3.001 million dollars (in BB $, which roughly translates to .03501 cents in US dollars). But fortune may turn, unless they come into that 3 mil over the next few days, as they face the down trodden 209's and pay a visit to Drury Lane this coming week.

Week Two Power Rankings - Part Three
10. Fort Wayne Pistons (4)
Representing the biggest drop in the rankings after one week, the Pistons dropped slightly in EFFG, but their 26 point drop in OPP EFFG (from 3rd to 10th) brings them back to what seems to be reality, though, I still think they've got some opportunity ahead of them. A bit of a heart breaking 4-point loss to CB last Saturday, in overtime had to have been a disappointment, as CB scored 146 points with a slow offense against Fort Wayne's full court press on 110 shots, shooting over 50% on the night. And probably the worst aspect of that was getting outrebounded 61-37 on the night, highlighting a tactical error. But interesting matchups loom, with the Sonics on the road in Seattle on TV before they host the Zombies with a chance to move back into the playoff mix next Tuesday.

9. Dragmort Dragons Utd (13)
The Dragons find themselves at .500 and right in the middle of the Big 8 after four games. After losing their opening two games in week one, they righted the ship with a dominant win over the Muffin Mats and then traveled to the 209 and brought back a nice victory, seemingly cementing their status as Categorically Not Cellar Dwellers this season. Thanks to these two games, they saw a combined 48.5 point boost in efficiency categories which makes them the second biggest jump up these rankings this week. Next comes LIONS week where they host the Rebels before traveling to Shandong in what most likely will be a difficult week for them. (Now I'm asking for it!)

8. Mindless Zombies (9)
Occupying the same position in these rankings after two weeks as they did last season, the Zombies Took Care of Business with an expected win against the Jumpers before traveling to and knocking off CB Bethesdorf by four. The TV game was close with CB holding a 2-point lead at the half and then Mindless swinging it back around to take a 2-point lead into the 4th and the ending went down to the wire. With 3:42 remaining, Mindless made a free throw to make it 105-98. Over the course of the next two and a half minutes, CB worked their way back into the mix, holding the Zombies to just four points and getting back to within two with a three from R. York at 1:09. ON the ensuing possession, T. Burkay stole the ball and with 29 seconds left, P. Tai On grabbed an offensive board and tied it up. Unfortunately, free throws were what ended up sealing the deal as Bethesdorf fouled and Zombie Richardson made two to break the tie and then somehow CB didn't get a shot off until 1 second was left and a foul was called on the ensuing defensive rebound that gave the Zombies their final score of 113. A bit of a similar week this coming week as they host Balls to the Walls before traveling to Fort Wayne to sort out who’s better than who.

7. F.Day Internet Lovers Club(5)
A slight drop for FDILC (h/t to Coach Stephenson for making my life easier) as they saw their offensive efficiency take a 13-point hit while their defensive efficiency improved a bit. But they maintained their winning record after losing last Saturday to the Lion Rebels before exerting all their might in a defeat of the Warriors who did not appear to have shown up to play. The Lovers were not very loving after giving up 33 points in the first quarter (and only scoring 16 themselves) by turning around and limiting San Dominica to just 33 points in the following three quarters. [Insert mouth dropping emoji/gif]. Melucci had 33 points on 28 shots, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds for a near-miss triple double. Next comes a bit of a cake walk as they host Muffin Men before parading to the 209.

Week Two Power Rankings - Part Four
6. CB Bethesdorf (3)
Dabizinho is bringing the efficiency to the TABLE. Yes, they're 2-2, but they lead the league in EFFG at 142.3. Unfortunately for them, their downfall is OPP EFFG, which took a near 20-point hit this week and moved them from 5th to 11th in that category. Their four-point patient victory on the road against Fort Wayne was supplanted by the dismay of coming oh so close against the Zombies on Tuesday night. But, don't look now, as Dabs gets something of an early Christmas present(s) with matchups against VileOnes and Jumpstop this upcoming week.

5. Shandong Golden Lions (7)
Rising a couple of spots this week, the shinier Lions bring a 3-1 record to the table after back to back wins this week following last week's road loss to the Agency. A 22-point victory over Linndale was followed up by a 39-point romp over the Muffins and while their EFFG saw a modest improvement, their OPP EFFG jumped 23 points, moving them from 7th to 2nd in that category. Up next comes a particularly interesting showdown between them and the Warriors in a battle for potentially first or second in the Big 8 and then they play host to Dragmort.

4. San Dominica Warriors (2)
The Warriors took it to 209's on TV last weekend with a disarmingly easy victory and then, while they appeared to show concern pregame, failed to do anything on the court after the 1st quarter. A pretty astounding way to go the last three quarters, scoring 8, 12, and 13 points successively to whimper to 66 points total on the night and a 21-point loss in which FDILC took it to them with vengeance. But, oh well, no time to worry about that as they too have LIONS week, playing host to the Goldens before traveling to the Rebels.

3. Super Sonics (10)
Super Sonics represent the biggest jump up the rankings this week and had a 6 point difference in average rankings shift to land them at third. And it's all because of their gigantic 47.5 OPP EFFG improvement on the week, thanks to a trip through VileOnes and Jumpstop...though, they only scored 69 points in the second win, they did hold Jumpers to just 45 points on 21% shooting, including just 2 points in the first quarter. Next comes TV time against Fort Wayne at home before they travel to Balls to the Walls Arena.

2. Tasty Tardsicles (6)
Tasty comes with some fire this week posting a 141 EFFG and improving their OPP EFFG 32.5 points to go from 11th to 5th this week in that category. They rolled through Balls and Pistons to remain undefeated, and while Pistons hung with them in the first half, Tards broke out with a 31-point third quarter, holding Fort Wayne to just 14 enroute to their 24-point victory for the evening. And this week's not going to change anything as they host the Jumpers and then visit VileOnes for a TV matchup next Tuesday. They're not going anywhere.

1. Lion Rebels (1)
I hate this, I really do hate being at the top. I much prefer the underdog story, that way, when I inevitably lose, it's because I was supposed to. Alas, not much I can do except throw games (which I honestly thought about before the season just because of where my training regimen is it), but here we are, 4-0 after two convincing wins against FDILC and Linndale. That brings me to a trip to Dragons' Dungeon before facing off with San Dominica at Daylis Arena.

Three more games until interconference play begins - best of luck in Week 3!

Happy Ourer: “Well it’s been a bit of a rough start for your favorite basketball team, but tonight looks like a prime opportunity for a win at home against 209’s Most Wanted.”

Joshua Doe: “Nothing like some home cooking to get you right, but Linndale has made a change. Let’s see how this goes.”

HO: “Mantas Petriukstis is no longer a member of the team, and the team has also added Cafer Enfes. Joshua, what can the fans expect to see tonight?”

JD; “We don’t really know. First, there’s Byron Helm taking over coaching duties tonight for an ailing Pio Reina. We’re going to get a look at some of his coaching style. I expect to see Farley and Tovar in the back court to start the game, but we really don’t know. You could see Midas Kops, you could see Cafer Enfes, and don’t forget about Maurizio Cerri; the team has a few options.”

HO: “With the strength of the team being up front, would it be prudent to expect a bigger lineup given that Byron Helm was a pretty good center and may be inside oriented?”

JD: “That’s not a bad thought, but it’s going to put a lot of stress on the second unit to hold their own. Rolland Reynolds has to be a useful player on the second unit or there will be trouble. I expect we’ll see more roster changes if things don’t go our way tonight.”

HO: “I hope we can see Kops in the back court and that we see Enfes at the small forward. I feel like Kops fits better there and Enfes could show out by the end of the season.”

JD: “You could be right, but we simply don’t know. There are too many variables and unknowns. Let’s let them show us what they can do and go from there.”

HO: “After we return from the break, we catch up with Byron Helm. We’ve got questions, he has the answers!”