Wolfpack 86 vs. Sixers 54
When all is said and done the Wolfpack COULD, end up being the greatest team in PGBL history. That’s if they keep winning all the way to the championship. Think about this, the last time this team lost was October 10th! That was the first game of the season and probably one of the first time they’ve played together. Last night’s game started out like a see saw, with both teams scoring quickly. But it was the Pack who kept scoring while the Sixers slowed down. Led by Nicko Balis (28pts) and George Vlahos (27pts), the Wolfpack made it look easy against a short handed Sixers team. Good job by the Pack to take care of business. Now for a challenge next week against a scrappy and confident Rip City team.
The defending champs had a tough time last night after the first few minutes. But did you notice I said ‘defending champs’? They are indeed, still the champions until somebody knocks them off. Sometimes taking a butt kicking is not so bad. Makes you re evaluate your flaws and errors. Look at yourself and ask what can we do better as a team. The Sixers were so shorthanded last night, I won’t even consider this an indication of the current state of the team. What I am worried about is, will they be able to get everybody there for the playoffs? Tony Spirocostas made 6 three pointers last night, keeping the score respectable for much of the game. Jim Armenakis scored 14 points. Only 2 in the 2nd half which came from free throws, but by then the lead was too big.
Game ball: Balis and Vlahos – making it look easy.
Revolution 70 vs. Warriors 53
King Kada is back! To me it seems like Kada has been very quiet this season, not playing like his self. Lacking speed and explosiveness, and even having trouble making the 3’s he usually does. But last night, oh boy, Pete Kada was everywhere. What impressed me most was his ability to get out in the open court on fast breaks and out run everybody for at least 5 fast break layups all by himself. Kada also hit 5 three pointers on his way to a season high 34 points. The Rev were short handed tonight just like the Sixers but King Kada led the way to victory. The Rev have one last game left against the Wolfpack to either finish 10-6 of 9-7. Which one will it be? Come out and find out.
It has been a difficult season for the Warriors as they finish out the season with only 2 wins. I must give credit where credit is due, to the 2 best players on this roster, Nick Karalis and Will Galiatsatos for doing their best all season to carry this team. Keeping them in the fight when playing against the best teams and being leaders on and off the court. Losing seasons like this provide an opportunity for these guys to learn and grow as players and as team leaders. I think the warriors need to add a couple pieces to the mix and they’ll be right back in the playoffs. I don’t think they’re far because the talent is there, just have to find the right blend of players.
Game ball: Pete Kada.
Danny’s Boys 61 vs. Spartans 55
Danny’s Boys started this game with a lineup I hadn’t seen prior to last night. They were missing Pete Kathopoulis, they’re leading scorer. The Boys started the game going back and forth with the Spartans and playing good team ball, moving the ball and sharing the scoring load. A late 1st half run gave the Spartans a 5 point halftime lead but then, in walks Kathopoulis. Pete started the 2nd half and we all thought the game would be in hand right away but it wasn’t that easy. The Spartans held off DB and kept making plays when they had to. Late in the game with under a minute left, Danny’s Boys took the lead on an Ari Raptis layup and wouldn’t look back. A couple free throws by Kathopoulis helped ice the game and secure the win and the 2nd seed for DB. Raptis finished the game with 15 and Kathopoulis with 17, in the second half alone.
The Spartans could have and should have had this game. Missed layups and turnovers cost them bigtime in the second half. The opportunities were there, with DB shooting cold, but the Spartans couldn’t capitalize. Henry Harambalides started the game hot, with 14 points and 4 first half 3’s, but he couldn’t score in the second half. Pete Tsamoutalis had a solid second half, scoring 10 points out of his 14, on some big, clutch hook shots in the paint. The Spartans have 1 more game left against a powerful Kings team. Will they be able to pull off an upset? We shall see, but I will say this, If the Spartans are able to have all of their best players show up consistently, including newcomer Demetri Zanikos, they are for sure a 9-10 win playoff team.
Game ball: Ari Raptis.