Sixers 71 vs. Spartans 53
The Sixers started slow but finished strong. A big run at the beginning of the 2nd half boosted the Sixers to victory. The leading scorer tonight was Jim Armenakis with 25 points from the paint, and a couple short range jumpers. Good all around game for Armenakis. When some of your main players are injured, somebody has to step it up, and that guy tonight was Tony Spirocostas. Tony took full advantage of his opportunities tonight, scoring 21 points and draining 4 huge 3 pointers. Spirocostas earned his pay as he did more than enough to overcome the absence of Vas Rousseas and Tony Grammenos.
For much of the 1st half, the Spartans were in this game, even holding the lead. But trailing by 8 at halftime, they should have came into the second half a little more composed. Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. Some forced, some just mistakes…either way, it can’t happen if you want to beat a good team. Nick Kafkalas was lights out tonight with 4 threes on his way to a 20 point game. Andrew Milonas followed with 13 points, but as we all know, if we don’t protect the ball..It’s hard to win.
Game ball: Tony Spirocostas. We all know what Jim Armenakis is capable of, but Tony stood out tonight.
Danny’s Boys 61 vs. Warriors 48
So far Danny’s Boys are the best offensive team in the PGBL. At the helm of it all is Pete Kathopoulis, who led the Boys again tonight with 19 points. Many of which came from mid range jumpers from just outside the elbow. Kosta Nikolos scored 16 points tonight, some from outside, some from the paint. Kosta is able to score from around the basket with his post moves or from deep outside. Another guy who is standing out to me so far this season is Dimitri Poulimenos (12pts) who looks light on his feet. Danny’s Boys trailed for most of the 1st half but once they earned the lead, they didn’t look back.
Will Galiatsatos led the Warriors again this week with 16 points. Unfortunately only 2 of those points came in the 2nd half. Nick Karalis scored 10 tonight but if the Warriors want to beat some of the top teams, Will and Nick need to be more aggressive. The Warriors led for most of the 1st half but had trouble fighting off the Boys’ run. Nick Dinoulis was as aggressive as I’ve seen him tonight, scoring only 8 points, but those points came at crucial times and were hard earned. Good news for the Warriors, next up for them is FOB on Sunday, a team that has struggled so far.
Game ball: Pete Kathopoulis.
Kings 49 vs. Rip City 36
Holding a good offensive team in Rip City to 7 points in the 1st half!, the Kings are the best defensive team in the PGBL. Watching them play I see stops, steal and blocks, almost every defensive stance. The anchor of the Kings D is Lou Sarris Grau, either altering or blocking almost everything that comes inside. Foti Giannopoulos (15pts) is another defensive specialist. With those two guys in the paint, it will be tough driving to the basket. The King’s offense has been sloppy so far but tonight they were bailed out by Chris Kourelias who led the team with 17 points on some gorgeous drives and reverse layups. Chris showed explosiveness on the offensive end. Still my number 1 team in the league, when this offense starts clicking like the defense, they will get even better.
Tough night for Rip City going up against the Kings defense. Leading the team with 11 points was Stef Grigorakakis. Stef had a good 2nd half scoring 10 of his 11, keeping his team in the game. George Mashas also played a good 2nd half with 8 points. George and Stef were both on the attack late in the game, helping the Blazers get to within 6 points. But that was as close as they would get tonight. Next up for Rip City is Danny’s Boys so these guys should put this behind them and start preparing for another tough game.
Game ball: Chris Kourelias.