Wolfpack 66 vs. Revolution 52
Nicko Balis and George Vlahos did what they’re supposed to do tonight. They both scored 20 points, leading their team to victory and a 3-1 record. Nicko had his best game of the season tonight with 20 points, on 4 three pointers. He is one of the leagues best shooters and showed it tonight. The Wolfpack opened up a big lead late in the game with stifling defense which created turnovers and fast break points. I noticed Lou Karapanagiotides’ defensive pressure and was impressed. Good job by the Pack, next game will be against the Spartans in a couple weeks.
Pete Kada is finally back and it was bombs away 3 pointers! Pete made a 3 pointer from inside the halfcourt circle! That’s what you call range. Kada finished with 18 points, but the Rev couldn’t stay close enough to win. The game was close, a 2 point game at the half, but like I said above, the Wolfpack turned on the defense and the Revolution had a little trouble handling the ball. Gus Rombos was absent tonight, perhaps he may have been able to help with his ball handling.
Game ball: Nicko Balis, George Vlahos.
Danny’s Boys 64 vs. Rip City 54
Pete Kathopoulis led his team in scoring again with 20 points. Pete didn’t shoot a high percentage, but made some huge buckets when it counted. Including a 4 point play late in the game, the first of the season! This was a close game all the way till the end but Danny’s Boys grinded it out with lots of help from my star of this game, Grigori Rallatos. This guy is big, strong and he’s got some moves down low. Grigori scored 14 points from the low post and grabbed, hmm I would say 90 percent of Danny’s Boys’ rebounds. Danny’s Boys are the league’s best team right now and they’ll get everybody’s best shot. They did a good job fighting off Rip City tonight.
I give a lot of credit to Rip City tonight. They fought so hard and almost pulled off an upset. George Mashas and Pete Kyriakodis led the team with 11 points each, followed by Stef Grigorakakis with 10 points. Just when I thought they were down and out, in the second half trailing by 9, Rip City made a run and had us all on the edge of our seats. This team has had a tough early season schedule and showed me that they are a good team. Despite what the record says, Rip City will improve, they will be in the playoffs, and they will make some noise.
Game ball: Grigori Rallatos.
Sixers 67 vs. Kings 46
He’s back! Tony Grammenos, last year’s finals MVP is now back with the team and it couldn’t of come at a better time. Tony’s 17 points propelled the Sixers to a blowout victory over the Kings. You know what else boosted the Sixers tonight? Jim Armenakis, with a season high 27 points. Jim has been looking good this season, so far. The Kings had no answer for him down low and it seemed whenever he touched the ball in the paint, it led to 2 points. The Sixers controlled this game from the start, and though it was sloppy, a win is a win. Especially against a team you could be battling for playoff positioning late in the season.
I could tell the Kings just didn’t have it from the start. Out of sync and not able to make shots was the main problem for them. Foti Giannopoulos had a tough time down low so he stepped outside to score 17 points, leading the team. Chris Kourelias scored 12 from the guard spot. But the biggest surprise about the Kings so far this season has been the play of last year’s league MVP and one of the best shooters we’ve had in our league, Bill Zonios. He needs to get it going and I believe when he does, the team will improve as well. For now, the Kings’ offense is struggling. Not to worry, it is still early in the season.
Game ball: Jim Armenakis.