Upper Darby, PA – Could this be the year of the Wolfpack? It’s not on the Chinese calendar, but the signs are all pointing that way. Last night’s commanding victory over those pesky Danny’s Boys, all but secured a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Now standing tall in first place, they look like the team to beat.
Wolfpack 78 vs. Danny’s Boys 53
This one was all Wolfpack. From the opening jump, the Pack controlled the game and continued the domination throughout. At 11-1, the Pack have all but clinched the number 1 spot and look like the league’s best going into the playoffs. Tonight the scoring load was shared between George Vlahos and Aris Haritonidis, 2 players with championship experience who know what it takes to win. Both players scored 21 points as the Wolfpack outworked and out hustled Danny’s Boys. George Vlahos, former MVP and the All Time leading points scorer contributes to his team with more than just offense. He’s clearly one of the league’s best rebounders. Wolfpack are 11-1 and future looks promising.
When you’re the 2 time champs and lookin for a 3 peat, you know the regular season doesn’t mean too much. But DB definitely needs to get into a rhythm before the playoffs come if they want to defend their crown. Tonight the scoring leader was Kosta Nikolos who put in 17 points on 5 three pointers and the league’s leading scorer, Pete Kathopoulis was held to just 14 points. Nothing to worry about though, Danny’s Boys need to just put this one behind them and look forward to the playoffs where I’m sure they’ll have Economides and Poulimenos there to help. Game Ball: Vlahos & Haritonidis.
Kings 81 vs. Warriors 67
The Kings have had sort of a roller coaster regular season because they haven’t had their entire team present since opening day. But thanks to a very talented roster and a great mix of youth and experienced veterans, the Kings are still one of the league’s best. Tonight was a vintage performance by former league MVP Bill Zonios who drained 7 three pointers en route to a game high 28 points. Zonios has become only the 2nd player in PGBL History to surpass the 2,000 point mark. Before going down with a foot injury, Alex Veronis scored 18 points. Veronis has become a key piece to the Kings’ team and we wish the best in his recovery. Good hard earned victory for the Kings.
Always tough, always scrappy, the Warriors are an intense team to face. Taking a 1 point lead into halftime, the Warriors were trading baskets with the Kings the whole first half. They fight for every loose ball and rebound, banging in the paint with the best of ‘em. Tonight they were led by Will Galiatsatos (18 pts) and Nick Karalis (16pts). Will was able to use his size and strength to his advantage in the paint where he scored most of his points. And Nick Karalis was able to mix it up from outside and driving to the basket. I have to mention Spiro Karalis also, who drained 4 threes at crucial times to keep the Warriors in the game. Defensively, stopping the Kings’ outside shooting was no easy task tonight, and that became the difference. Game Ball: Bill Zonios.
Revolution 58 vs. PAS Giannina 44
No let down for the Rev tonight, despite a valiant effort from PAS Giannina. A balanced scoring attack from the Rev was led by Vasili Nasis and Gus Rombos who both scored 13 points. The Rev are in the middle of the pack and if the playoffs started tonight they would be set to play the Sixers which could be a fantastic first round matchup. The Revolution are a dangerous team because they seem to just cruise through the regular season even though they have plenty of firepower which I’m sure they’ll exhibit in the postseason. Size, shooting and experience will always give you a chance to win.
PAS Giannina has been playing a lot better of late. Tonight the boys started out very well, trailing by just 3 at halftime but just couldn’t maintain that level of play in the second half. Led in scoring by the much improved Dimitri Evangelopoulos, Giannina are sitting in 8th place and looking at a date with Danny’s Boys in the first round. Of course the seeding could change by playoff time. Game Ball: Vasili Nasis.