By Mr. PGBL
Ellas 50 vs. PAS Giannina 31
After a disappointing opening day loss for against the Spartans, Team Ellas rebounded last tonight with a hard fought double digit victory. The return of George Pantzaris sparked the team’s intensity which led to all around tough play. Theo Arapis is using his sweet jump shot to make a name for himself in the PGBL. Arapis led the team in scoring with 18 points and played smooth and under control. If he keeps playing like this, players will begin to recognize his talent. Tom Poulos scored 16 tonight and made his presence felt at the point guard position. Poulos also hit some pretty shots that helped Ellas increase their lead.
The team formerly known as the Mavericks are now PAS Giannina. Led by captain Bill Dosis, this team has made some additions such as Dimitri Evangelopoulos (14pts) and Kosta Pavlidis.(11pts). These 2 guys combined for 25 points to lead Giannina in scoring but they will either need a lot more points from these 2 or more of an efficient offensive effort from the rest of the gang. The turnovers were the main reason Giannina couldn’t get anything going so I think if they can cut down on the turnovers and get some better quality shots, they can compete with anybody. Especially if Kosta Pavlidis gets hot.
Mr. PGBL’s Game Ball: Theo Arapis.
Sixers 46 vs. Warriors 34
The new big man additions were not present for the Sixers today and I don’t know how often we’ll see them but Chris Vasiliou, Eddie Bekas and George Armentani held everything down for the team tonight. Last year’s scoring champion Chris Vasiliou led the team with 22 points. Chris used his height advantage and did a solid job offensively, fighting off a pesky Warriors defense that constantly is looking for steals. George Armentani scored 12 points and played great defense. George brings youth and energetic athleticism to the Sixers and it seemed to rub off on Eddie Bekas who was full of energy and enthusiasm. Bekas scored 11 timely points and was a spark the Sixers needed to expand the lead.
Good and bad things from the Warriors tonight. The good I saw was the defense. These guys were scrappy as always, knocking balls loose and fighting for steals and rebounds. But offensively it was not pretty. Nick Karalis and Will Galiatsatos combined for 15 points and that won’t get it done in this league, against any team. The ball movement seemed good early but became a bit more stagnant as the game progressed. I think if the core players like Nick and Will can get a little more of a rhythm offensively they will be just fine.
Mr. PGBL’s Game Ball: Chris Vasiliou.
Danny’s Boys 92 vs. Spartans 48
After a tough overtime loss on opening night, DB was back and ready to get back on track. The defending Champions came out swinging and slowly built a big lead as the game went on. The offensive star in the opener was Pete Kathopoulis but tonight it was all about Nick Kafkalas who scored a career high 37 points! Nick was red hot and looking to break the all time 3 point record of 10 three pointers in a game. He came close! Kafkalas drained 8 three pointers en route to his career high scoring game. Great job with the shooting and I’m sure Danny’s Boys wouldn’t mind having that fire power around more often.
The Spartans are now 1-1 after a good opening day win and a tough loss to Danny’s Boys. Tonight they were simply out played by the defending champs and there’s no way around that. The scoring was balanced but the scoring was low, meaning nobody scored double digits. Even with that, defensively the Spartans have to be better. They need to rotate better and contest the 3 point shots. It won’t get any easier as the Kings are next on the schedule, but winning that 1st game was crucial.
Mr. PGBL’s Game Ball: Nick Kafkalas.