Upper Darby, PA – The Wolfpack, Kings and Rip City all took wins home in their Thursday night match ups.

Wolfpack 62 vs. Spartans 42

The Wolfpack controlled this game right from the tip, and I expected nothing less from my #1 team in the PGBL. George Vlahos led his team with 18 points tonight, playing freely and without pressure. Vlahos has more of a supporting cast around him this season, than ever before. A big part of that supporting cast, and I do mean big, is center Lou Sarris Grau. Lou scored 11 points tonight but it’s his defensive presence that makes other teams nervous. After all, he is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Lou Karapanagiotides sat this game but his services were not required. Good job taking care of business for the Pack.

After a disappointing loss to the Sixers on Sunday, the Spartans faced a tough task against the Wolfpack. An almost impossible uphill battle against one of the best built teams in PGBL history. The Spartans have heart and didn’t lay down, led in scoring by Henry Haralambidis with 18 points on 6 threes! When Henry heats up, he can really knock down some long range shots and he showed his range tonight. Elias Apsis can also knock down 3’s, draining 3 of them tonight for his 11 points. Doesn’t get any easier for the Spartans with Rip City coming up in a couple weeks.

Game ball: George Vlahos

Kings 91 vs. Warriors 48

Wow, I was really impressed with the Kings tonight. They scored over 50 points in the first half and could of easily scored 100 if they didn’t slow it down. Ever since Niki Veronis (25pts) has joined the Kings, they look like a contender. With Veronis in the game, the Kings are averaging over 80 ppg and making it look easy. This is why I’m moving them up in my power rankings. Foti Giannopoulos had his best game of the season scoring 23 points, Bill Zonios put in 19 points, and Jim Kemmerer scored 16. All this offense is a result of Niki Veronis pushing the ball and the Kings running. Not to mention the stifling team defense the Kings showed tonight. Lets see if the Rev can slow things down on Sunday.

The Warriors struggled in every facet of the game tonight. Offensively they had trouble with turnovers and didn’t handle the defensive pressure well. Will Galiatsatos was one of 2 bright spots I saw tonight. Will was tough as always, scoring a team high 15 points. The other bright spot was big man Bobby Hadjitheodosiou.( I hope I spelled that right ) . Bobby had a solid 6 points but it was his presence in the paint and his size that should keep the Warriors optimistic about the future. If Bobby can continue coming to games, the Warriors will be strong. Tonight just wasn’t their night.

Game ball: Niki Veronis

Rip City 49 vs. Ellas 30

Yes Rip City won the game. Yes they are 2-1. But I am lowering them in my power rankings. ( for now ) . This game was way closer than it should have been and that’s partially due to some chemistry issues these guys may be facing. Nothing that can’t be fixed, and I’m sure it will be. Nicko Balis led the squad with 14 points, followed by Jim Armenakis with 11. Ironically, Rip City looked the best in their one loss against the Wolfpack. Their 2 wins were not impressive but it was the potential they showed in that Wolfpack game that lets us know, their ceiling is very high. Tonight just check one in the W column and move forward to the Spartans on Nov. 6th.

Tom Zikos showed us some range tonight!! Zikos led the team with 11 points, sinking 3 consecutive three pointers in the 2nd half. The form looked good I must say, he even followed through perfectly. Keep it up Tom, your team needs the offense. George Pantzaris is a tough player in the paint, scoring 8 points and getting over 10 rebounds. He even got bloody at one point. Next up, the Sixers.

Game ball: Nicko Balis

Written by Mr. PGBL’s