Sixers 69 vs. FOB 43
At the mid way point of the season, the defending champs are 5-3. That’s a good thing, when you take into consideration all the adversity they’ve been dealt with injuries. Players such as Tony Spirocostas have stepped up when needed and last night was proof of that. In the absence of Alex Lolosides and Tony Grammenos, Spirocostas scored 22 points and was on fire from three point land, draining 5 of them! Speaking of 3 pointers, guess who’s back..Vas Rousseas with 5 deep bombs of his own!. Vas scored 17 points last night and his return heightens the hopes of a Sixers repeat. Jim Armenakis was nothing short of an MVP with 26 points but more importantly, Jimmy cleaned up the boards. Armenakis had at least 15 rebounds. 26 and 15, those are Shaq numbers.
George Pantzaris scored a team high 20 points and did so against a big Jim Armenakis and George Pagiotas. Pantzaris is a hard worker and he’s proven that by never backing down and holding his team accountable.
Game ball: Tony Spirocostas.
Wolfpack 73 vs. Rip City 60
The Wolfpack want that number 1 spot, and they won’t stop till they get it. Their opportunity is Thursday, as the 2nd half of the season begins, I am sure the Pack want revenge against Danny’s Boys. Last night was a scrappy game, as every game involving Rip City is. Aris Haritonidis made sure the Blazers wouldn’t make a run in the second half, as he deposited 12 of his 17 points on some tough drives and finishes at the basket. Lou Karapanagioties and George Vlahos scored 16 points a piece. The Wolfpack have their biggest game of the season next week and if they pull it off, they will not only be number one in the standings , but also in my power rankings.
The Blazers were led by Stef Grigorakakis who scored 26 points and went 6-7 from the free throw line. It seems to me like Stef is having his best season of his PGBL career averaging 18.5 points per game so far and growing to be one of the best shooting gaurds in the league. George Mashas has been in foul trouble for the past few games but it didn’t stop him from scoring 16 last night. If George can stay out of foul trouble it will allow him to play freely and be even more effective. Rip City plays with heart every game, but in order to beat the top tier teams they need to combine that heart with a great performance. Last night they just fell short. FOB’s are next.
Game ball: Aris Haritonidis.
Kings 88 vs. Spartans 68
The Kings finally looked like themselves last night and it started with last year’s MVP Bill Zonios (18pts) being more aggressive and making shots. Zonios played well and had a handful of pretty assists as well. Chris Kourelias is fearless as well all know, throwing his body around for his team’s success. Chris Scored 19 points last night and has been playing well offensively as of late. Foti Giannopoulos scored 17 of his 25 points in the 1st half. Foti, last years MVP runner up, is leading the Kings in scoring and has been their rock all season. 4 threes and 9-9 from the free throw line for Giannopoulos. George Fisfis also made a big contribution with 15 points, excellent shooting and intensity on defense. The Kings ball movement stood out to me, I saw at least 4-5 passes before every shot. Looks like these guys may be getting on track.
The Spartans at 2-6 need to make sure they get a few more wins in the 2nd half of the season if they want to be in the playoffs. Keep playing together, keep moving the ball and stay focused for 40 minutes every game. Jim Kemmerer scored a game high 26 points, being his normal aggressive self. Taking it to the rack is what Kemmerer does and I don’t expect him to stop. Henry Haralambidis has been a threat from 3 point land lately. Henry scored 14 points last night and drained 4 threes. New scouting report says, ya can’t leave this kid open. Point guard Andrew Milonas scored 11 points to add to a solid night offensively for the Spartans. Unfortunately when the Kings offense is clicking like that, it’s hard for anybody to stop.
Game ball: Kings Offense.