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6. 209's MostWanted (7)
Alex finds his crew at 3rd place in the Big 8 after five weeks and are now in the midst of a four game winning streak thanks to a near 30-point victory over Hustlas on the road followed by a dominant near 60-point win while hosting STG on MCU. Their 8 point improvement in EFFG moves them up one spot to 1st and they improved by 10.6 points in OPP EFFG to move up to 9th from 12th, which gives them a score of 5 (tie break goes to last week's ranking, which Miami wins). A trip to Żubr Białystok is on the horizon and then they turn around and host Miami for a battle of the (current) 3rd place teams.

7. Philly Dribble (6)
Philly finds themselves at .500 even though they've got a 134-point differential advantage. Their loss to The White Walkers extended their losing streak to three before they righted the ship against Cincinnati at home, taking out all their frustration in a 100-point victory, scoring 144 points on 62% shooting (nearly 100 shots). Their EFFG is ranked 5th while their OPP EFFG is ranked 6th for an overall score of 5.5. They get a bit of a sigh of relief, traveling to the Keg against Beer Bellys before then hosting Tasty in what could be a difficult matchup - but they have a chance to get two games above .500!

8. Żubr Białystok (8)
After putting a drowning out the Lions last weekend, whitestok's boys turned their attention to the Flamingos, beating them on the road by 24. Their efficiency ranks have stayed the same (9th and 7th respectively) for a score of 8 as we enter the next section of teams. On their slate for Saturday is a home matchup with 209's in what should be an interesting matchup and then they travel to face the Cardinals on the road.

9. Linndale (9)
Speedtraps' gang is sticking at .500 after a brief three game win streak, the last of which was a two-point victory at the Keg thanks to D. Kamp's shot with 17 seconds remaining and the Bellys not scoring on their shot attempt with 4 seconds left. Following that, they lost to Tasty in a game in which they were never really in it, although Tovar had a nice night, shooting 50% from the field, including 7-12 from three for 29 points. Their EFFG is ranked 8th and OPP EFFG 10th for a score of 9. Next comes a road matchup with Hustlas followed by hosting STG on MCU.

10. Carolina Rebels (10)
A tough week for Carolina dropping two games and going 1-4 over the last two weeks with their intentions keen on staying in the Cup, which has been rewarded, as they face #587th ranked AZ LYNX this coming week with a chance for three games during all star week. They dropped a road game to Miami before just missing on their hosting of The White Walkers, losing by two in OT. Down 5 at the start of the 4th, the White Walkers quickly found themselves down 10 after a couple minutes. But a three ball by V. Stiberc jolted them awake and they clawed back, holding the Rebels at 63 points for six whole minutes, but didn't tie it up until 19 seconds were left. Tied at 69 heading into overtime, the teams traded barbs back and forth before the Walkers went ahead by one with 33 seconds remaining and both teams not able to make a shot aside from Stiberc going 1-2 from the FT line with 16 seconds left. Ultimately Carolina couldn't get a shot off to end the game. After that heart break, Carolina is gifted a television matchup on the road in Cincinnati before playing host to The Beer Bellys.

11. Flamin' Flamingos (11)
Not satisfied with the status quo of hanging just outside the playoff field, ascent went out this week and dropped 1/2 million dollars on a French 7-footer, 30-year-old Julien Delaire who averaged 16.3/14.9 PTS/Rebs for a French Div IV team that went bot. I'd assume he'll step in place for Gino Colonnelo, the 34-year-old Italian center whose been performing relatively averagely thus far. He might transition to PF, with Salehuddin Aldino moving to SF and Darnell Rivas pivoting to SG which would relegate Li See Yan to the bench as a very capable 6th man. But that's just a guess. 1-1 on the week, with a victory on the road against STG before falling short against Żubr Białystok. Next comes a tough week with a road game in Miami followed by hosting the Wild Walkers of the North.

12. The Beer Bellys (13)
I fudged and accidentally entered The Bellys EFFG points 25 higher than they actually were. They had been ranked 4th in EFFG before I found my flub, but one can wish, I guess. Their actual rank is 12 and their OPP EFFG is ranked 11th, which leaves them with a score of 11.5. They too have made some moves this week, bringing in some old dogs alongside a 19-year-old Canadian that one would presume they're going to focus on training. In the short-term, however, their guard/forward pick ups should help balance them out in their fight against relegation - but only they will know how fast their skills deteriorate over the course of the season. Another two losses this week, with heart-breaker to Linndale at home followed by utter decimation by the heartless Warriors on the road. Next up, they host Philly before traveling to Carolina for what will be a difficult week.

13. Hustlas (13)
This tier of teams has stood pat in the rankings with no movement. Hustlas are no exception to that rule, with an EFFG rank of 13 and an OPP EFFG rank of 14, leaving them with a score of 13.5. They haven't won since February 18th, and their losing streak is up to seven games after losing to 209's and granting the Cardinals their first victory of the season. Next up comes Linndale at home followed by a TV matchup on the road against San Dominica.

14. Fondy Cardinals (15)
The lone team with movement upwards in the bottom 9 teams in these rankings, Fondy gets themselves a win and with a 4.6 swing in OPP EFFG moves from dead last in that category to 13th which gives them an overall score of 13.5, jumping them up to 14th in these rankings. It's been a rough go thus far and Tasty was sure to leave a turd in the visiting locker room last weekend before they defeated Fondy viciously, but the Cardinals turned around and beat Hustlas by 14 points at home leading the whole way. And though they gave up 43 points to league scoring leader J. Esposito, they put together a nice offensive performance for themselves on the back of Móric Milo who started at SF and finished with 25 points on 11-19 shooting to go along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Next, they've got a chance to put together a little winning streak as they go on the road against STG on MCU before then hosting Żubr Białystok.

15. STG on MCU (14)
STG has fallen to 15th in both efficiency categories for a score of 15, dropping them down one place in the rankings. Currently on a four game losing streak, they lost to the Flamingos at home by nearly 20 and then got dominated by 209's on the road, giving up 131 points. But just as Fondy has a chance this weekend, STG has a chance to turn things around a bit and get their third win of the season hosting the Cardinals before they travel to Speedtraps' crew next Tuesday.

16. Cincinnati Slammers (16)
You have to appreciate Cincinnati's dedication despite losing 10 games straight. After getting overpowered by San Dominica at home, they got humiliated by Philly Dribble, only scoring in double digits in two quarters and giving up 30+ in each quarter, including 42 points in the first. Without a star set of players, it's going to be a long road back to Div IV. Next comes a TV matchup at home against Carolina before traveling to Daylis for the second course of Rebels for them for the week.

Good luck to those of you still in the Cup, and good night!

March Madness is crazy this year! [as always]
Who yall got in your Final Four??

“Happy Ourer back with you on the Linndale Basketball Pregame Show, along with Marshall Richards. Oh boy, Marshall, it’s good to be back!”

“It’s good to have you back, Happy”

“Marshall, everyone with the team seems to be really excited about our biggest addition making his Linndale debut tonight in league play as we watch Floyd Hearn step on to the court for warmups. What can we expect from him tonight?”

“Well Happy, he’s going to improve the interior defense and rebounding. That’s where it starts, but there’s more to it. He’s young, so he ‘ll likely be a big part of the team for the future; this isn’t a buy low, sell high, sell fast deal. He’s only 24. He can score inside, and he’s got some wiggle to him. He can handle the rock and drive. He’s a shot blocker. He makes free throws. He’s a decent passer. He’s got a developing perimeter game, but that isn’t what he’s here for. I can’t wait to see how they manipulate the lineups around him. He’s going to give Coach Pio Reina a few options to play with.”
“Thanks Marshall, and now we go to our newest member on the broadcast and welcome aboard Air Allnite. Air, welcome to the Linndale basketball family!”

“Thank you, Happy! I spoke with recent acquisition Christophe Nguyen and veeran Nick Guevara a few moments ago. They didn’t say much, but they were excited to see Hearn on the floor. Nick specifically said he thinks there may be some combinations we’ve not contemplated. I haven’t been able to ask Coach Reina about that yet, but as soon as I can, I will.”

“Thanks Air, we’ll check back with you later in the show. Marshall, when we come back from commercial break, give us a rundown on the week I missed. Also we’ll check in with Air Allnite once more, and I’ll have a conversation with Art Reese! More Linndale Basketball after the break.”

Haven't been able to watch any college hoops all season, so I didn't fill put a bracket. Second year i a row this has happened, and i don't like it one bit! As long as Duke doesn't win it all, I'm happy.

We had a bracket pool at my job. Of course I say had because mostly everyone's bracket except two are busted. I won't lie yesterday my significant other thought I had fallen or something right after FDU had beaten Purdue. I was screaming that much (and it was in joy) My Duke hate has diminished some with the departure of Coach K. I still have joy when they lose, but not as much joy as I have when Kentucky loses, I never liked Calipari. Tolerated him at UMass, hope he was contained at Memphis and lost all respect for Kentucky for they hired him. A Cal year of No Final Four is all I need.

1.) Houston
2.) Marquette
3.) Alabama
4.) Gonzaga

Yeah I know Gonzaga has not been playing like they have the last few years but Mark Few knows how to get the most from his team and they're in a bracket that while challenging is still within them being able to get through.

Marquette, I've always liked Shaka Smart in a smaller conference situations

Last edited by Coach Stephenson at 3/18/2023 10:28:30 PM

Hunt Mosley:
For three quarters of this game, the San Dominica Warriors were the inferior team. For three quarters of this game, the Tasty Tardicles were the dominant team and were basically knocking the taste out of the mouth of the San Dominica Warriors. After three quarters of this game, the Tasty Tardicles were for all intents and purposes tasting victory.

But basketball is a game of four quarters and in the last quarter, the San Dominica Warriors were the dominant team. Coach in his press conference will likely credit it to stamina, some pundits will agree with him. A good number of others will credit it to luck. There are some who will say the Tardicles lost this game rather than San Dominica won it. And in the end it doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter who you credit it to, somehow, some way the San Dominica Warriors scored 42 points in the fourth quarter and somehow stymied the Tasty Tardicles offense that just needed to do something, practically anything and they would and should have walked away with a victory. Instead the basketball gods found favor on the Warriors and they walked away winners 106-94. And the basketball gods kept giving as the Lion Rebels and the 209’s Most Wanted, both lost. My take hmm, there are no such things as bad wins. A win is a win. Now there will be no bragging points for the Warriors in this win. There are some games where you just walk away with the W and be happy about it. This is one of those games. When we come back, my partner the legendary Brett Rodriguez will break this game down. I’m Hunt Mosley and you’re watching the Warriors Post Game Report. Back after this commercial break.

Last edited by Coach Stephenson at 3/18/2023 10:45:47 PM

“Air Allnite with the Linndale Basketball Post Game Report and I’m here with Coach Pio Reina. Coach, how are you and the team after the win tonight?”

“I’m here because I’m contractually obligated to be here; don’t get it twisted. I do not like you. That said, we’re feeling pretty good right now. Hustlas is always a tough matchup for us, but we got it done tonight and it was our defense that did it.”

“Coach, it’s surprising that Kyle Knowles only took 7 shots and only played 22 minutes. Was there a reason?”

“Kyle Knowles didn’t score much but he didn’t have to, and he was fantastic. Shooter was phenomenal backing up both guard spots; specifically I think he played well when running the point. Mantas Petriukstis was solid. We were able to get strong minutes from our guards without needing them to score, and we were able to get Nguyen some time on the court. That was good to do. More to the point, we were up by 30 after 3; did you think we were going to leave the guys out there or try to get some young guys some in game action?”

“That was an interesting lineup you used out there. How did you think Floyd Hearn looked out there?”

“Floyd Hearn was impressive playing at the power forward. We talked about this when he arrived, and while he’s not going to be playing forward full time, he will see time there. Sanz Garcaa looked solid playing next to Hearn. Datler was solid as usual. That trio was impressive.”

“Daniil Kamp seemed to have control of the game and appeared to benefit the most from the big front line you used.”

“Daniil Kamp was impressive and efficient. Even when his shot isn’t falling, he’s been very good for us.”

“Guevara and Reese did not have their best games at all. Mann and Reynolds didn’t get much court time. Any thought to changing things up with regards to them?”

“No. We have a plan for Reynolds and we’ll stick to it. Reese had a rough game, but he’s progressing. Mann has had a solid season so far. Not as good as we were hoping, but we’re not giving up on him either. Guevara is solid. Just a bad day at the office for him today.”

“Thanks for your time, Coach. Congratulations on the win tonight, and we’ll see you when you get back home on Tuesday.”

Coach walks into the GM’s office and takes a seat next to Pio Reina, concern on his face.

“Whoever hired that Air Allnite character is playing with fire,” Coach said to no one in particular. “He’s a problem.”

“All I can say is I don’t like him”, replied Pio. His disdain for Allnite was widely known.

“Duly noted, gentlemen. Coach, welcome back. It’s always a pleasure, but we don’t have a lot of time so we need to get down to business. I asked for this meeting because I don’t believe we can wait for the All Star break as we had previously scheduled. We’re tied with Philly and Carolina at 6-5 for the last playoff spot. Due to tiebreakers, we’re in 6th place. In essence, we’re two games out of a playoff spot. All things being equal, that’s not too bad for us given the retooling we’ve had to do. Having said that, we know what the standard is. What OUR standard is. We need to determine if we need to go all in and chase that playoff spot or deal with relegation and set ourselves up for next season. Coach, you have the pros. Pio, you have the cons. I’ll name the player and you respond. Christophe Nguyen.”

Coach: “Long term play, at worst JUST a backup PG. A 19 year old rookie who is *thisclose* to being ready for a bigger role. You may have gotten yourself a steal at that price.”

Pio: “No disagreement.”

GM: “Kyle Knowles.”

Coach: “Keeper.”

Pio: “No disagreement.”

GM: “Shooter.”

Coach: “That kid is gonna be special.”

Pio: “His defense needs work.”

Coach: “You say that about everybody. You know I’m right and you believe it, too.”

GM: “Mantas Petriukstis.”

Coach: “Another good pickup. I hear what point guards with his skill set are going for.”

Pio: “He’s not a point guard, and he needs confidence.”

GM: “So we’re in agreement the guard room is not the issue?”

Coach: “We’re in agreement that the guard room is in a nice spot. You have a weapon in Kyle. You have 2 more developing in Shooter and Mantas. Both should be able to play the point full time soon. You have a rookie who will likely claim the backup point guard job outright no later than just after the all star break. When he does, and that’s not an if, Shooter will be the least accomplished defensive guard on the team”

Pio: “I can play with these guys. You know Shooter was my pet project, but I have to tell you Mantas is that guy now. One of those two will wind up being THE point guard.

GM: “Given development, what does Nguyen need to do to become that guy?”

Pio: “Free throw shooting needs to improve. He becomes a liability at the end of games without that. His outside shot needs work, but if he can get to the rim and finish, you can surround him with shooters and he’ll find the open guy. He’ll draw the defense when he attacks the rim.”

GM: “And as Coach indicated, point guards with the skill set we seek are not cheap.”

*secretary interrupts via intercom*

“Excuse me, sir, but you will want to see this.” *turns on television via remote*

“I’m Air Allnite, and this is your state of the Linndale basketball team. It sucks. This is not playoff team. The GM is out of his league. The coach is short in experience and bad in temperament. The organization seems to be well run, but that’s a facade. It’s run well enough to not fail, and even then they come close. Just utterly ridiculous!”

Coach: “Called it.”

Pio: “Any further questions?”

GM: "We'll deal with that later. We have to continue the self evaluation. We have to see where we can continue on plan and where we need to make a course correction. Coach, you and I will meet with Alejandro Jayo, the new PR manager."

Coach: "Does that Allnite character work for the team, or our broadcast partners? That has to affect the response."

GM: "Duly noted. We'll deal with that later. Let's order dinner and get back to our self evaluation. On to the forwards..."