DocDrew’s
Swish
Welcome to the first issue of volume sixteen of Swish, a periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica Family YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as announcements and updates from the program.
This Spring season, the Santa Monica Family YMCA has 5 divisions of youth basketball, with the Copper division having 4 teams, the Bronze division with 6 teams, and the Silver, Gold, and Platinum division with 5 teams each.
We are a coed league with players that are ages 5 to 15. Our emphasis is that we are a developmental league, and we want the kids to not only enjoy playing youth sports, but to benefit from the three principles of the YMCA:
Youth Development, Social Responsibility, and Healthy Living.
We are partnered with the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation which provides jerseys, grants, and clinics to help develop our youth. We are ever grateful for their support of our program. Many thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation: Kiesha Nix, Richard Harris, and Jeanie Buss for helping us become the premier youth basketball program on the Westside. Many thanks to UCLA Health for sponsoring the Junior Lakers jerseys.
For the theme of this season’s team names, we are going with nicknames of legendary Lakers from the Minneapolis and Los Angeles eras. It’s an opportunity for the kids and parents to learn a little more about Laker history.
Registration for the Fall 2024 youth basketball season is now available at the following link: https://ymcasm.org/programs/youth/sports-play/
SAT 6/20/24 Scrimmage Day
All teams had a scrimmage on this day, and new players received their Junior Lakers jersey. Coaches were forced to be referees to not only help their players, but learned to have sympathy for the real referees when it comes to the regular season.
Copper
All four teams took each side of the gym to have a scrimmage against an opponent.
Kangaroos
James Clifford Pollard was an American professional basketball player and coach. As a player in the National Basketball Association, Pollard was considered one of the best forwards in the 1950s and was known for his leaping ability, earning him the nickname “The Kangaroo Kid”.
Newcomer to the coaching ranks, Ivan Gallegos has brought both his boys, Aiden and Kian, to make an impression in our league.
Fish
Derek Lamar Fisher is an American professional basketball coach and former player. Fisher played professionally in the National Basketball Association for 18 seasons, spending the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won five NBA championships.
David Sharafi returns with his son David, after winning the Copper championship last season. As Kevin Bacon once said in a movie “Thank you sir, may I have another?”
Foxes
Ulrich Alexander Fox is a Canadian actor and former basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association for the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, and played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
New coach Chris Janka with his veteran son Sebastian, have come on board to guild the helm of the Foxes.
Rabbits
Elgin Gay Baylor was an American professional basketball player, coach, and executive. He played 14 seasons as a forward in the National Basketball Association for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers.
The talented duo of varsity Santa Monica High School players, Olivia Duarte and Priya Mevasse will be imparting their wisdom and skills to the next generation of younger players, as Elan Mevasse helps to guide them in their coaching.
Bronze
3 teams had a round robin of scrimmages, and the other 2 teams scrimmaged each other.
Ironmen
A.C. Green Jr. is an American former professional basketball player. Nicknamed “Iron Man”, he holds a National Basketball Association record for most consecutive regular-season games played with 1,192. Green played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat.
Coach Phil Volken with his son Phoenix have returned to conquer the Bronze division, and are looking to improve the skills and teamwork of all their players.
Roughhousers
Rudolph A. LaRusso was an American professional basketball player who was a five-time All-Star in the National Basketball Association. He was nicknamed “Roughhouse Rudy.”
Coaches Tom Casarella with his sons Billy and Hugo, have come back to the division and again to settle all scores, and tear the house down.
Scoops
Michael Jerome Cooper is an American basketball coach and former player. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers during his entire career in the National Basketball Association, winning five NBA championships with the Lakers during their Showtime era.
A duo of new coaches have joined forces to scoop up the division. Coaches Peter Bigler and Brad Wolf, along with theirs sons Beau and Alexander, will show the league what they got.
Slaters
Slater Nelson “Dugie” Martin Jr. was an American professional basketball player and coach who was a playmaking guard for 11 seasons in the National Basketball Association. He was born in Elmina, Walker County, Texas and played in seven NBA All-Star Games.
Brody Patterson is back to coach again, and has moved up a division, as he was coaching Copper last season. Brody brings a positive reinforcement style of coaching that will get the respect of all his players.
Monsters
George Lawrence Mikan Jr., nicknamed “Mr. Basketball”, was an American professional basketball player for the Chicago American Gears of the National Basketball League and the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBL, the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball Association.
Reigning Copper division MVP, Zayden Rashid, has convinced mom and dad to coach his team in the next division; therefore, Misbah and Faisal have agreed that they can help the rest of the team become winners with their knowledge of basketball.
Silver
3 teams had a round robin of scrimmages, and the other 2 teams scrimmaged each other.
Skyscrapers
Clyde Edward Lovellette was an American professional basketball player. Lovellette was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988. He was the first basketball player in history to play on an NCAA championship team, Olympics gold medal basketball team, and NBA championship squad.
Previous co-coaches have reunited again with their daughters to take on the Silver division. Kelly Roberts with his daughter Alice, and Eugene Travnikoff with his daughter Cetine will look to take their team to the top.
Godfathers
Patrick James Riley is an American professional basketball executive, former coach, and former player in the National Basketball Association. Often referred to as “The Godfather”, Riley is regarded as one of the greatest NBA figures of all time both as a coach and executive. He has won five NBA championships as a head coach, four with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ben Ketai returns to the Silver division with the help of his sons Jonas and Emet; and he will get additional help from Alex Tilahun with his son Lucas Alemayehu to help push the team to the top.
Stumpers
Gail Charles Goodrich Jr. is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association. He is best known for scoring a then record 42 points for UCLA in the 1965 NCAA championship game vs. Michigan, and his part in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 1971–72 season.
Legendary coach Ali Safavi will continue to give positive reinforcement, and his son Saum will continue to light up the scoreboard, as they look to return to their championship ways.
Spaniards
Pau Gasol Sáez is a Spanish former professional basketball player. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and a four-time All-NBA team selection, twice on the second team and twice on the third team. Gasol won two NBA championships, both with the Los Angeles Lakers back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.
Coach Peter Bigler will be doing double duty with his son Beau, and he will guide his second team in the league. He will also have the help of veteran coach Kevin Geary with his son Gavin to bring help and support.
Big Shots
Robert Keith Horry is an American former professional basketball player and current sports commentator. He earned the nickname “Big Shot Rob”, because of his clutch shooting in important games. A seven-time NBA champion, he is widely considered to be one of the greatest clutch performers and winners in NBA history.
Fresh off a championship season, co-coaches George Edelman and Noah Verleun want to do it again. George has his son Theodore, and Noah will now have both his boys, Linus and Soren, playing together as they look to use their double trouble magic on the rest of the league.
Gold
All four teams took each side of the gym to have a scrimmage against an opponent.
Great Danes
Arild Verner Agerskov Mikkelsen was an American professional basketball player. One of the National Basketball Association’s first power forwards in the 1950s, he was known for his tenacious defense. Also an ironman, he played in 699 out of a possible 704 during his career.
The dynamic duo of Jennifer Lynn and her son Oliver have come back again to the Gold division to instill their high quality of teamwork to help their squad succeed.
Zenmasters
Philip Douglas Jackson is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive. A power forward, Jackson played 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association, winning championships with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973. Regarded as one of the greatest coaches of all time, Jackson was the head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 to 1998, leading them to six NBA championships. He then coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2005 to 2011; the team won five league titles under his leadership.
Coach DJ Jacobs returns to the Gold division, and along with his son Buck, they look to move up to the top with their triangle offense, and tenacious defense.
Magicians
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. Often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time, Johnson spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association.
Magic will be created as Justin Nelson is back again with his boys, Ross and Spencer. Showtime will be in the arena as his team will come to perform.
Goliaths
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was an American professional basketball player. Standing 7 ft 1 in tall, he played center in the National Basketball Association for 14 seasons. Chamberlain won his second championship as a member of the 1972 Lakers, a team which set a record with a 33-game winning streak.
Arash Yaghoubzadeh with his boys, Ocean and Leo, will use big plays and big shots to conquer the Gold division.
Platinum
3 teams had a round robin of scrimmages, and the other 2 teams scrimmaged each other.
Diesels
Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal, known commonly as Shaq, is an American former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. He is a 7-foot-1-inch and 325-pound center who played for six teams over his 19-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is a four-time NBA champion.
Beloved coach, Joe Tilley, will keep the train rolling, as he guides his kids along the tracks to get to the promised land.
Worthy
James Ager Worthy is an American former professional basketball player. Nicknamed “Big Game James”, he played his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association. Widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history, Worthy was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Team member who won three NBA championships and was voted the NBA Finals MVP in 1988.
2022-2023 Coach of the Year, Armando Gonzalez, is more than worthy of being a coach in the Platinum division, and has his son Diego to help back him up to rise to the top.
Logos
Jerome Alan West was an American basketball player and executive. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His nicknames included “the Logo”, in reference to his silhouette being the basis for the NBA logo.
Fresh off of his first championship in the Platinum division, coach Bill Kravitz wants to make it a repeat season, and his son Dylan is hoping for the same.
Mambas
Kobe Bean Bryant was an American professional basketball player. A shooting guard, he spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Bryant won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star.
Coach Mark Greenberg and his son are still celebrating their Gold division title and MVP from last season. Now it’s time to put on the Mamba Mentality, and take it to the next level in the Platinum division.
Captains
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American former professional basketball player who played 20 seasons in the National Basketball Association for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. During his career as a center, Abdul-Jabbar was a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
Father and son coaches, Brent and Brayden Stoll, will guide this group of talented young athletes that will include family member Keean playing alongside them.
Photos by Carol Chan
SAT 7/27/24 WEEKEND #1
Copper
Kangaroos vs Foxes
In our first match of the regular season, the Foxes got out to an early lead on baskets from Brooks Carey and Ruby Sherman who also had two assists. The Kangaroos got their scoring going with points from Galiel Sarfati and James Wasson. In the second half, the Kangaroos had good defense from Rasmus Wolfgang who made a couple of steals. The Foxes were too sly as they got 3 baskets from Benjamin Kapgan, steals from Levi Carey, and multiple points and assists from Player of the Game-Sophie Ogawa who led all scorers with 8 points to guide her team to the victory.
Bronze
Ironmen vs Slaters
The Ironmen laid the hammer down right away as Victor Lima Lopes had 6 first quarter points and Phoenix Volken added a basket in the second quarter. The Slaters were able to tie the score by halftime as Anthony Berumen Alliyani made a basket, and teammate William Holt had three buckets. In the second half, the Ironmen had tough defense from Kris Peddi and Rocco de Tray, and Grace Parry got on the scoreboard with a free throw; however, the Slaters were able to pull away for the victory as Jaxon Oxendine grabbed rebounds and got the ball up to Killian Georgaris who made several shots, and Player of the Game-William Holt added five more points down the stretch to give their team the victory on opening day.
Scoops vs Roughhousers
Photo by Carol Chan
Pretty much all Roughhousers in the first half as Player of the Game-George Couvreur and teammate Lior Vaisburd each had three baskets. The Scoops found their footing in the second half as they had a basket each from Greysen Lovett, Inez Napoli, Landon Schmidt, and Beau Bigler; and teammate Claire Magid got on the scoreboard with a free throw. The Roughhousers held on to the win as they got baskets in the second half from Aiden Yousefi, Theodore Rattner, and Billy Casarella.
Silver
Spaniards vs Stumpers
Photos by Matthew Farrar
Stumpers got the big lead in the first half as Oakley Entsminger had 10 points, and Ryder Range and Saum Safavi each had two buckets. The Spaniards kept pace with baskets from Beau Bigler and Jaxon Silverstein. In the second half, the Spaniards had Knute Haglund get on the scoreboard with a bank shot, and Killian Georgaris got his shooting stroke going as he had 11 points which included a long distance “3”. The Stumpers were too strong as Josiah Hong provided good defense, Sadie Bellavia got rebounds, and Player of the Game-Beau Ellis Farr had a game high LeBron James “23” points to have his team cruise to victory.
Big Shots vs Godfathers
Photo by Carol Chan
Billy Joel vs Al Pacino? Devil’s delight at the end of the first quarter with sixes on the board, as the Big Shots had scoring from Theodore Edelman and Charlie Koch; the Godfathers had a basket each from Oscar Farrar, Mateo Chan and Jonas Ketai. Through the next couple of quarters, the Godfathers began to pull away as Lucas Alemayehu made driving layups and Rocco Tomas had a bucket. The Big Shots tried to catch up with two baskets each from Charlie Kalmbach and Teddy Millman; however, the Godfathers had Player of the Game-Alex Blondheim play the big man game as he gobbled up rebounds to put back for points to have his team go onto the victory.
Photo by Matthew Farrar
Gold
Great Danes vs Goliaths
The Goliaths took control of the first quarter with eight points from Andrey Sterlyagov and a basket by Azumi Nomoto. The Great Danes came roaring back in the second quarter with eight points from Rohan Peddi and a basket from Ryan Yousefi, as the score remained close at halftime. The score remained close through the third quarter as the Great Danes had two putback rebounds for points from Auden Travnikoff; and the Goliaths got driving layups from David Yonatan. In the final minutes of the match, the Goliaths had the lead as Saum Safavi made a two crucial baskets; but with time winding down, the Great Danes had Rohan Peddi hit a “3”, and Player of the Game-Oliver Lynn put in a down-the-lane floater to give their team a two point lead. In a mad scramble with seconds left, the Goliaths had Player of the Game-Ava Katz come up with the ball, and shot it from the free throw line, and as the buzzer sounded, the ball went off the backboard and in for the tying bucket. Only fitting the match ended in a tie, a nail-biter of a contest. The old saying is that a tie is like kissing your sister; however, I prefer that a tie is like kissing your sibling. I’ll let you figure out the meaning of that one, as I clean the fingernails off the floor.
Platinum
Diesels vs Captains
Photo by Mirela Samardzija
As if one nail-biter didn’t deserve another, this was to be another such match. The Diesels controlled the first three quarters with a “3 for all as Olana Alemayehu, Isaac Lynn, Yisaac Tariku, Adonyinas Yonas, and Player of the Game-Azariah Gebeyehu were all making treys from downtown. The Captains stayed within striking distance as baskets were made by Danilo Samardzija, Sam McGowan, and Ibrahim Ally. And as the game was winding down, the Captains drew closer with key baskets by Liam Adams and Lucien Fong, along with free throws from Leonardo Garcia. In the final moments of the match, the Diesels got a key basket from Andrew Farca, and with only seconds left, and the Captains running full speed down the court, the Diesels Andrew Farca took the charge resulting in an offensive foul by the Captains, and the Diesels were able to hold onto the ball in the final seconds for the narrow victory. Once again, I had to get the mop out to clean the fingernails from the floor, looks like I need a bigger bucket.
Logos vs Worthy
The Worthy would control the first half as Cassius Taylor had multiple “3”s, and Luokang “Danny” Zhou had multiple dueces. The Logos kept pace in the first half with baskets from Kingston Andes and Kai Halpert, but really got going in the third quarter as Chloe Scofield made the scoreboard, and her teammate Koa Entsminger had nine points in the third quarter to give their team a one point lead at the end of the third frame, to which they increased with a bucket from Radin Taherian in the fourth quarter. The Worthy put on their best defense in the fourth frame as Maryck Booher, Jarvis Wakefield, and Louis Meehan Smith employed a trap defense that created turnovers that led to multiple points from Danny Zhou and Player of the Game-Cam Pariser to allow their team to get ahead for good as they went onto the victory
SUN 7/28/24
Copper
Fish vs Rabbits
First half scoring for the Rabbits came from free throws made by Harper Gaines and Issa Ally; the Fish had a basket from David Sharafi, and three field goals from Player of the Game-Matthew Alemayehu to take the halftime lead. The second half saw the Rabbits get multiple rebounds from Vivienne Bond, and a basket from Joseph Ackermann; the Fish had strong defense from Quentin Dijols< Olivia Couvreur, and Grayson Wells, and Marlowe Geogaris made a basket, as the Fish prevailed.
Bronze
Scoops vs Monsters
Photo by Carol Chan
The Monsters controlled the first half with baskets from Julian Garcia, Sora Nomoto, and Player of the Game-Oliver Williams. The Scoops got going in the second half as Maline Anderson and Louis Liu led the team in rebounding, Delilah Shaw made a free throw, and Inez Napoli and Esme Chan each had a basket. The Monsters stayed strong as Canasia Backrien got rebounds, and Zayden Rashid made a free throw to go onto the win.
Photo by Sarah Williams
Silver
Stumpers vs Skyscrapers
The Skyscrapers struck first as Ray Song, Declan Wong, and Olivia Wu scored off of pickpocket turnovers. The Stumpers regrouped and took the lead by halftime and expanded on it in the third quarter as Beau Ellis Farr made multiple points which included several “3”s, Ryder Range drove to the hoop and banked shots in, and Max Ambriz and Josiah Hong got steals and rebounds. The Skyscrapers put on a late run and caught up in the fourth quarter as Rodrigo Padron blocked shots and Cetine Teavnikoff created turnovers to get the ball to Alice Roberts and Ray Song for baskets. As the game wound down, Player of Game-Oakley Entsminger drove to the hoop to put the Stumpers ahead; the Skyscrapers got key shots from Olivia Wu and Declan Wong to bring the score within a couple points; however, the Stumpers held onto the ball and let the clock wind down, and were able to get the victory.
Gold
Zenmasters vs Magicians
First half scoring for the Magicians came from Sean Dobbs, Spencer Nelson, and Oliver Harris; the Zenmasters had baskets from Logan Christenson, Buck Jacobs, Jack Meyer, and Player of the Game-Ethan Chang. The second half saw the Magicians get an “And1” from Ross Nelson and free throws from Judah Hong. The Zenmasters eventually went on to win as Archie Lewis and Emet Ketai played strong defense in their Gold division debut, and Leon Muenze got on the scoreboard with a nice 15 footer from the side.
Platinum
Mambas vs Diesels
Photo by Penia Wong
The first half had the Diesels get treys from Azariah Gebeyehu, and deuces from Yafet Desta. The Mambas had baskets from Mohamed Dia, Joshua Edwards, Ryan Chambers, and Alden Wong who had a deep “3” from the corner to take the halftime lead. The second half saw the Diesels get turnovers created by Olana Alemayehu, Isaac Lynn, and Yisaac Tariku, that led to Adonyinas Yonas getting transition points as he had nine second half points to get his team within striking distance of taking the lead; however, the Mambas bit back as Aiden Lin and Ethan Schwartz got big rebounds, Max Greenberg made an in-the-lane floater, and Player of the Game-Dagmawi Ayele who was the only player in the match with a basket in every quarter, guide his team to the victory.
SAT 8/3/24 WEEKEND #2
Bronze
Monsters vs Slaters
Both teams were a little light on players, but the Slaters let different members of their team help the Monsters each quarter. Julian Garcia made the first basket of the match putting the Monsters out front, followed by a bucket from William Holt who subbed for the Monsters in the first quarter. The Slaters then got hot shooting from Killian Georgaris who hit a trey and a duece within one minute to take the lead at the end of the first quarter. William Holt switched back to his team(Slaters) in the second quarter and made a nice assist to Rahm Kapgan who sank the 12-footer. In the third quarter the Monsters got rebounds from Adam Farghaly, and an assist from Canasia Backrein as she found an open Rahm Kapgan who was subbing for her team, before he went back to the Monsters in the fourth quarter. The Slaters got the lead to end the third frame when Anthony Berumen-Alliyani made a nice assist to William Holt. The fourth quarter saw a back and forth battle as the Monsters got baskets from Julian Garcia, Canasia Backrein, and Anthony Berumen-Alliyani who was subbing for the Monsters. In the end, the Slaters pulled out a one point victory as Benjamin Bloom made some key steals, and William Holt, and Player of the Game-Rahm Kapgan scored baskets to give their team the victory.
Scoops vs Ironmen
Photo by Carol Chan
The Ironmen dominated the first half with scoring from Victor Lima Lopes who had all 8 of his points in the first two quarters. The Scoops kept pace with free throws made from Louis Liu and Greysen Lovett, and both players made baskets in the second half as they received assists from Alexander Wolf and Esme Chan. The Ironmen would keep their lead till the end, as Ray Lyons and Grace Parry got rebounds, Tyler Enayati played master thief, and Player of the Game-Rocco de Tray finished with a game high 9 points.
Copper
Foxes vs Fish
Photo by Dean Geogaris
The Foxes started the scoring with a basket from Benjamin Kapgan and a free throw made by Brooks Carey, but the Fish took the lead in the first quarter with baskets from Matthew Alemayehu and David Sharafi. In the second quarter, Player of the Gane-Decker Zaczepinski extended the Fish lead with a nice ten foot swish shot(his first basket ever, then teammate Greyson Wells added another basket. In the second half, the Foxes had strong defense from Levi Carey and Ruby Sherman to try and narrow the gap. The Fish stayed strong as Quentin Dijols and Olivia Courveur prevented their opponent from catching them, as they went onto victory.
Player of the Game-Decker Zaczepinski, photo by Alyse Levine.
Silver
Skyscrapers vs Spaniards
Both teams were in search of their first victory of the season. The Spaniards dominated the first half with baskets from Jaxon Silverstein, Gavin Geary, and Decker Amos. The Skyscrapers got going in the second half with multiple baskets from Ray Song, Olivia Wu, and Alice Roberts, and when Declan Wong made an outside shot, they were within striking distance to take the lead late in the match. However, a couple of late baskets by by Kilian Georgaris and Player of the Game-Decker Amos, along with free throws made by Ilya Zaria and Naphat Wattanalaowit, helped to pull away at the very end for the Spaniards to get their first victory of the season.
Godfathers vs Stumpers
Photo by Carol Chan
Everything went the Godfathers way in the first quarter as Lucas Alemayehu, Mateo Chan, and Jonas Ketai scored. Then everything went the Stumpers way in the second quarter, as they got the halftime lead with points from Oakley Entsminger, Pablo Gonzalez, Josiah Hong, and Beau Ellis Farr. Back and forth in the third quarter as the Stumpers Saum Safavi exchanged baskets with the Godfathers Lucas Alemayehu. As the fourth quarter progressed, The Stumpers got assists from Alison Lyons and rebounds from Max Ambriz; however, down the stretch, the Godfathers Player of the Game-Jonas Ketai was too much for the opponent to handle as he had 8 points in the final minutes to remain to have his team remain the only undefeated team in the Silver division.
Photo by Dean Georgaris
Gold
Goliaths vs Magicians
The Magicians had a strong first quarter as Judah Hong, Spencer Nelson, and Diego Gonzalez scored to give their team a big early lead; however, the Goliaths played to their name, as they took over in the second quarter with multiple baskets from Andrey Sterlyagov and David Yonatan. The Goliaths continued to play big in the third quarter employing the full court press to create turnovers which led to Leo Yaghoubzadeh and Alexander Melamed getting on the scoreboard to build a good sized lead going into the fourth quarter. But the switch was flipped, and the Magicians cast their spell in the fourth frame by getting blocks from Quest Dixon and rebounds from Elliot Israels to get the ball to Player of the Game-Diego Gonzalez who had 14 of his game high 29 points in the quarter, which include a big “3” down the stretch to complete the come from behind victory for the Magicians.
Platinum
Worthy vs Diesels
The Diesels started off well, as Brandon Israels converted an “And1”, but the lead would not last, for the Worthy got it going with multiple points from Danny Zhou, Cam Pariser, and Ezra Mooney who had a couple of treys in frame number two, as the Worthy had a good halftime lead. In the second half, the Diesels attempted to get closer with multiple “3”s and putbacks from Adonyinas Yonas and free throws made by Amensisa Alemayehu. But the Worthy were able to continue to keep the big lead as Diego Gonzalez and Rowan Booher scored, and Player of the Game-Cassius Taylor controlled the court with making threes and frees to make his team Worthy of the victory.
Captains vs Logos
Close first quarter as the Captains had two baskets from Lucien Fong, and a “3” each from Sam McGowan and Leonardo Garcia. But the Logos Kay Roberts showed that anything g you can “3”, I can “3” better as she nailed two consecutive downtown treys to give her team the lead. The second quarter was mostly defense reigning supreme as the Logos got rebounds from Chloe Scofield and Kai Halpert, and the Captains had blocks from Sean Limpisvasti and Liam Adams. The third quarter saw the Logos get
Baskets from Kingston Andes, Kai Halpert, and Koa Entsminger; the Captains had all their third quarter scoring from Sam McGowan who would finish the game with 22 points, and teammates Sean Limpisvasti and Jared Garibay scored big baskets to get within striking g distance late to take the lead. The Logos stayed strong as Radin Taherian and Player of the Game-Kay Roberts played lockdown defense, and Koa Entsminger came up with a big “3” in the final seconds to give their team the victory.
SUN 8/4/24
Copper
Rabbits vs Kangaroos
The Rabbits took a big first half lead with an excellent passing attack in which Joseph Ackermann had three assists in the first half in which Clara Cowen, Harper Gaines, and Vivienne Bond were recipients to make baskets. The Kangaroos got two made free throws from Jake Jackson; then in the second half, teammates Rasmus Wolfgang and Galiel Sarfati each made three free throws to draw closer, while Aiden Gallegos and Caleb Abrahams got rebounds. The Rabbits continued their passing attack with more assists that led to baskets by Mason Heim and Player of the Game-Josephine Carey as they went on to the victory.
Silver
Skyscrapers vs Big Shots
With only five players, the Skyscrapers gave it everything they had, as they built a big first quarter lead off of steals from Cetine Teavnikoff and Theo Amis that led to quick transition buckets from Ray Song and Olivia Wu. The second quarter saw the Big Shots go on a run with baskets from Theodore Edelman, Charlie Koch, and Keegan Ellice Paul to remain close at halftime. In the second half, the Big Shots got rebounds from Charlie Kalmbach to get the ball to Soren Verleun and Theodore Edelman to only be down by a couple points. The Skyscrapers got scrappy on defense as they locked it down and created turnovers, the distributed the ball around the perimeter to find open shots made from Alice Roberts and Olivia Wu, then in the final minute, Player of the Game-Ray Song hit a couple of running floaters to get her team their first victory of the season, in a very exciting match.
Gold
Great Danes vs Zenmasters
The first half saw a wide distribution of scoring from the Zenmasters as Ethan Chang banked in an outside shot, Buck Jacobs and Beau Zaczepinski made driving layups, and Niam Pahwa and Leon Muenze put rebounds back up for points. The Great Danes had a basket each from Krishna Aysola and Auden Travnikoff, along with a pair of “3”s from Rohan Peddi to get their scoring going; and in the second half, Henry Mack had multiple rebounds that he put back up and in, and Mai Ly Pariser made assists to the draw the Great Danes closer. In the end, the Zenmasters were able to get all their players on the scoreboard as Harrison Bond, Logan Christenson, and Archie Lewis had a couple of baskets each; and Player of the Game-Emet Ketai had coast to coast layups and several assists to lead their team to victory, and to remain the only undefeated team in the Gold division.
Platinum
Mambas vs Worthy
Initial baskets by Ryan Chambers and Ethan Schwartz put the Mambas out front; however, the Worthy would have a “3” party as Rowan Booher, Diego Gonzalez, and Cassius Taylor would each have a pair of treys for the match. The Mambas made a valiant effort to comeback as Joshua Edwards and Mohamed Dia had second half points; however, the Worthy had brothers Leo Mooney and Ezra Mooney, preventing drives to the hoop, and Player of the Game-Luokong “Danny” Zhou gobbling up all rebounds and scoring down low to give the Worthy the victory and to remain the only undefeated team in the Platinum division.
SAT 8/10/24 WEEKEND #3
Copper
Fish vs Kangaroos
Photo by Dean Georgaris
The Kangaroos got the early lead on two baskets from Galiel Sarfati. The Fish came back to take the lead before halftime as Matthew Alemayehu and David Sharafi each had multiple baskets and assists, and teammate Marlowe Geogaris had a bucket. Galiel Sarfati continued to score more buckets for the Kangaroos in the second half, and teammates William Kim and Kian Kellener picked a few pockets by getting steals. The Fish were in too much of a giving mood with multiple assists from Player of Game-David Sharafi being the assists leader with 4 dimes in the match, to lead his team to the victory.
Bronze
Monsters vs Ironmen
Points were hard to come by in the first half as defense was tough. The Ironmen had first half points from Victor Lima Lopes and Ray Lyons; while the Monsters had all their first half points from Oliver Williams. Scoring picked up in the second half with Phoenix Volken and Rocco deTray making baskets off of assists from Tyler Enayati to give the Ironmen a small lead in the third quarter. The Monsters then employed a lockdown defense in the fourth quarter led by Canasia Backrien, Zayden Rashid, and Sora Nomoto the wouldn’t allow their opponent to score; teammates Julian Garcia and Player of the Game-Riggan Marder took over with multiple baskets to give the Monsters the victory.
Slaters vs Scoops
Photo by Carol Chan
Strong first half by the Slaters with baskets from Hudson Hoff, Killian Georgaris, and Jaxon Oxendine to give their team the lead at halftime. The Scoops got most of their scoring in the second half as baskets were made by Louis Liu, Esme Chan, Claire Magid, and Greyson Lovett; and teammate Delilah Shaw converted a free throw. However, the Slaters continued with getting baskets, as Anthony Berumen Alliyani and Player of Game-Rahm Kapgan had scores in the fourth quarter to put the game away, and give the Slaters the victory.
Silver
Big Shots vs Spaniards
The Big Shots shot right out of the cannon to start the match with baskets from Charlie Koch,Teddy Millman, and Ellington Litvin to have a big lead at halftime. The Spaniards got their scoring going in the second half as Gavin Geary, Killian Georgaris, Selby Scott, and Otis Smith made baskets. The defense for the Spaniards picked up in the second half as Naphat Wattanalaowitt and Decker Amos made steals, and Rahm Kapgan grabbed rebounds. The Big Shots held on for the victory as brothers Soren and Linus Verleun scored, and Player of the Game-Theodore Edelman finished with a game high 14 points.
Godfathers vs Skyscrapers
Photo by Carol Chan
First half was close with the Godfathers getting multiple baskets from Lucas Alemayehu, Mateo Chan, and Alex Blondheim; the Skyscrapers had Milena Zewde as their high scorer in the first half as she got herself into the lane to power up shots to help her team keep pace. In the second half, the Skyscrapers got rebounds from Theo Amis, steals from Alice Roberts, and multiple baskets from Ray Song and Declan Wong. However, the Godfathers were able to pull away down the stretch, as Krasna Pathak and Oscar Farrar scored from assists by Rocco Tomas, and steals by Oliver Farrar led to Player of the Game-Jonas Ketai scoring driving floaters towards the end of the match to keep their team undefeated.
Gold
Magicians vs Great Danes
The first half saw the Magicians get an “And1” from Elliot Israels and a free throw made from Ross Nelson; the Great Danes had scoring from Oliver Lynn, Ryan Yousefi, and Auden Travnikoff to take the lead at halftime. The second half saw the Magicians get rebounds from Brendan Still and Spencer Nelson to get the ball to the “Three Musketeers” Elliot Israels, Judah Hong, and Matthew Klass who each had a “3” in the fourth quarter. The Great Danes went onto victory as Redeat Gebeyehu and Finley Provencher controlled the boards, Krishna Aysola had a couple of baskets, Rohan Peddi had a “3” party in the fourth quarter, and Player of the Game-Lucia Kraus had a complete all around game with points, rebounds, steals, and blocks.
Player of the Game-Lucia Kraus. Photo by Jennifer Lynn
Platinum
Worthy vs Captains
Photo by Mirela Samardzija
The first half was close with the Captains getting scoring from Danilo Samardzija, Sam McGowan, and Keean Stoll; the Worthy had a “3” from Rowan Booher, and four “3”s from Cassius Taylor. The second half saw Luokang “Danny” Zhou and Jarvis Wakefield get on the scoreboard, and Captains player Jarec Garibay get rebounds for the Worthy, as he was subbing for the shorthanded Worthy. The Captains went onto the victory as they got second half points from Leonardo Garcia and Player of the Game-Lucien Fong.
Logos vs Mambas
Photo by Apolonia Drew
It was a devil’s score to end the first quarter of 6 to 6, as the Mambas had baskets from Dominic Drew and Dagmawi Ayele, and the Logos had baskets from Dylan Kravitz and Gabriel Chibane. The second quarter saw the Mambas get the lead at halftime as Alden Wong had a “3” and Ryan Chambers had the rare four point play as he nailed a trey and got fouled and converted the “And1” free throw. The Logos kept pace in the second quarter with baskets from Koa Entsminger, Augie Tucker Maxcy, and Kai Halpert. The third quarter belonged to the Logos as they employed a full court press that created many turnovers in which Kay Roberts and Radin Taherian stole the ball setting up a “3” for Rayan Chibane and 11 points for Player of the Game-Dylan Kravitz who could not miss in the third frame, leading to a 19-0 run. Eventually the Mambas got back on track as Joseph Doherty and Aiden Lin got rebounds, and Rohham Taherian found open shooters; however, the Logos continue to score as Kingston Andes made drives to the hoop, and teammate Gabriel Chibane had a couple of dueces and a trey to lead their team to the victory.
SUN 8/11/24
Copper
Rabbits vs Foxes
Big first half for the Rabbits as Vivienne Bond and Harper Gaines had multiple baskets, and they got some help from Benjamin Kapgan who subbed for them from the Foxes to score a couple of baskets. Eventually Benjamin Kapgan went back to the Foxes and scored all their points in the match, but did get some help from Brooks Carey and Charley Amos who got rebounds, and Isla Hahlund and Ruby Sherman with a couple of steals. The Foxes also had good defense from Sebastian Janka and Mack Sherman. In the end, the Rabbits prevailed as Lorenzo Anis Bilimani and Jones Updegrove hustled to get the ball to Harper Gaines and Player of the Game-Vivienne Bond for more scores to get the victory.
Bronze
Ironmen vs Roughhousers
Tight defense in the first half kept the match low scoring as the Roughhousers had Billy Casarella and Loren Garner preventing any penetration into the lane, and did manage to get a basket from Hugo Casarella. The Ironmen had first half baskets from Victor Lima Lopes and a bucket from Phoenix Volken of an assist from Rocco de Tray, to take a small lead at halftime; however, the second half would see the shorthanded Ironmen get tired, even though Ray Lyons played good defense, and Nathan Stafford made a free throw; the Roughhousers would go onto the victory as Lior Vaisburd made a basket and Player of the Game-Aiden Yousefi had three driving layups to put his team up for good.
Silver
Stumpers vs Big Shots
The Stumpers got the first half lead with baskets from Sadie Bellavia, Dylan Read, and Beau Ellis Farr. The Big Shits stayed within striking distance as Theodore Edelman, Charlie Koch, and Linus Verleun had field goals, with teammate Qiao Ren providing assists. In the third quarter, the Big Shots were able to take the lead as Amarveer Gupta and Ellington Litvin got big rebounds, Keegan Ellice Paul had several steals, Aiden Schneider made several blocks, and Soren Verleun got into the scoring column. The Stumpers regrouped and started to make a comeback in the fourth quarter as Josiah Hong hit an outside shot, Henry Fyda made a “3”, Max Ambriz and Alison Lyons got key steals to get the ball to Player of the Game, Saum Safavi who had the rare 4-point play as he nailed a “3” while being fouled and converted the “And1”
free throw to pull off the comeback win in the final minutes of the match.
Gold
Goliaths vs Zenmasters
Where’s the ball? Photo by Robert Clark
Defense reigned supreme in the first half, as the Goliaths had rebounds from Ava Katz and Leo Yaghoubzadeh; the Zenmasters had steals from Jack Meyer and blocks from Leon Muenze. First half scoring for the Zenmasters came from Harrison Bond, Niam Pahwa, and Beau Zaczepinski, while the Goliaths had free throws from Alexander Melamed, and a basket each from David Yonatan and Ocean Yaghoubzadeh to give their team the lead at halftime.
Photo by Robert Clark
With full court press in the second half the defense got even tighter, and the scoring came at a premium. The Zenmasters were able able to get Emet Ketai onto the scoreboard; however, defensive pressure by the Goliaths led to free throws made by Andrey Sterlyagov, and big buckets by Player of the Game-Azumi Nomoto who rose to the occasion by playing a terrific all around game, and she had command of the court in the final minutes to prevent the Zenmasters from coming back, and to have the Goliaths hold on for the victory.
Photo by Robert Clark
Platinum
Diesels vs Logos
Photo by Robert Clark
Logos controlled the first half as they got multiple points from Koa Entsminger and Kingston Andes, and additional points from Kay Roberts, Dylan Kravitz, and Kai Halpert. The Diesels kept pace with baskets from Amensisa Alemayehu, Isaac Lynn, and Adonyinas Yonas who was knocking them inside and way outside for 13 first half points.
Photo by Robert Clark
The Diesels got closer in the second half as Brandon Israels, Yisaac Tariku, and Olana Alemayehu employed a trap court defense that created turnovers leading to points in the high Julian Veckerelli added his name to the scoresheet, and getting the Diesels within only a few points of the lead to start the 4th quarter.
Photo by Robert Clark
The Logos took over in the final quarter and extended their lead for good, as they employed their own trap defense with Chloe Scofield, Kay Roberts, and Shai Painter that created turnovers leading to baskets by Dylan Kravitz, Auggie Tucker Maxcy, Gabriel Chibane and Player of the Game-Kingston Andes who was the game high scorer with 14 points, as the Logos went onto the victory.
Spring 2024 Most Valuable Player, Gabriel Chibane. Photos by Robert Clark
SAT 8/17/24 WEEKEND #4
Copper
Rabbits vs Fish
The Fish got going quickly with baskets from Matthew Alemayehu, Marlowe Geogaris, and Grayson Wells as he was assisted by David Sharafi. The Rabbits got their scoring going in the second half with baskets from Clara Cowen and a free throw made by Benjamin Vaisburd who was subbing for the Rabbits. The Rabbits got good defense from Jones Updegrove, Reyan Parekh, and Lorenzo Anis Billimani. The Fish went onto the victory, as Soraya Karwal had a couple of steals, Decker Zaczepinski had a basket, and Player of the Game-Grayson Wells continued to score.
Bronze
Monsters vs Scoops
Photo by Carol Chan
Greyson Lovett got the Scoops on the board with a couple early buckets, and Beau Bigler added another to take a first quarter lead, and teammate Louis Liu added another bucket in the second quarter. The Monsters kept pace with scores from Julian Garcia, Oliver Williams, and Riggan Marder to stay within striking distance through the fourth quarter. The Scoops played great defense with Inez Napoli grabbing rebounds and Esme Chan getting steals. The Monsters wouldn’t give up as Adam Farghaly and Sophia Vasquez got key rebounds and moved the ball up the court to get teammates Oliver Williams and Player of the Game-Julian Garcia open looks for baskets in the final minutes to squeeze out the narrow victory in a close contest.
Silver
Spaniards vs Godfathers
Photo by Carol Chan
Defense controlled the first quarter with the only baskets coming from the Godfathers Jonas Ketai and the Spaniards Adeline Smith. The Spaniards took a lead to start the second quarter with a basket from Beau Bigler; however, the Godfathers spread the scoring around and got Mateo Chan, Krsna Pathak, and Oscar Farrar on the scoreboard to take the halftime lead to which they extended I. The third quarter with a basket by Lucas Alemayehu, but the Spaniards fought back with points from Gavin Geary, Killian Georgaris, Shelby Scott, and Decker Amos to cut into the lead of the Godfathers. The Godfathers responded in the fourth quarter as Oscar Farrar and Alex Blondheim scored key baskets down the stretch to keep their team undefeated.
Gold
Goliaths vs Great Danes
Tough defense by the Great Danes led to first half “3”s by Rohan Peddi and multiple baskets by Ryan Yousefi to take a halftime lead. The Goliaths kept pace as Andrey Sterlyagov made a trey. In the second half, the Goliaths got Ava Katz, David Yonatan, and Saum Safavi on the scoreboard, and got steals from Teo Escalante. The Great Danes had second half scoring from Lucia Kraus, rebounds from Auden Travnikoff, and Player of the Game-Henry Mack who grabbed multiple rebounds to put back for points to lead his team to victory.
Magicians vs Zenmasters
First half scoring for the Zenmasters came from Beau Zaczepinski, Niam Pahwa, Leon Muenze, Jack Meyer, and Emet Ketai; the Magicians first half scoring came mostly from Diego Gonzalez, Matthew Klass, and Oliver Harris to take the halftime lead. The Zenmasters got closer in the third quarter as Logan Christenson and Myles Shaw got rebounds, and Archie Lewis made a couple of free throws. The Magicians got stronger in the fourth quarter as Brendan Still and Quest Dixon, and Judah Hong and Zachary Law became master thieves as they stole the ball, and Player of the Game-Elliot Israels nailed two bank shots in the paint to give their team the victory.
Platinum
Captains vs Diesels
Photo by Mirela Samardzija
The Diesels were short on players, so we divided up both sides equally. Close first half as the Captains had first half scoring from Lucien Fong and Sam McGowan, along with strong defense from Jarec Garibay. The Diesels/Captains had a first half “3” from Leo Garcia, and multiple points from Keean Stoll. The second half stayed as close as the first half as the Captains had a strong rebound performance from Liam Adams and multiple downtown treys from Player of the Game-Danilo Samardzija; the Captains/Diesels won by a point on the strength of a “3” by Isaac Lynn, a driving layup by Brandon Israels, and multiple scoring from Player of the Game-Adonyinas Yonas.
Photo by Stephanie McGowan
Worthy vs Logos
Photo by Joy Chantarasompoth
The Worthy got the halftime lead on points from Amir Enayati, Diego Gonzalez, and Louis Meehan Smith; the Logos kept pace with points from Koa Entsminger and Kai Halpert; then, the Logos took the lead in the third quarter as Dylan Kravitz, Kingston Andes, and Augie Tucker Maxcy. The Worthy fought back on a strong game performance from Cassius Taylor who made drives and threes to bring his team closer. The Logos eventually pulled away to win on the strength of strong defense by Chloe Scofield who had several blocks, and Player of the Game-Gabriel Chibane who had a game high 26 points.
SUN 8/18/24
Copper
Foxes vs Kangaroos
Foxes got out to an early lead as Player of the Game-Ethan Buehl and Brooks Carey each had two baskets, and teammate Sebastian Janka had a basket and an assist. The Kangaroos came back to tie the score in the final minutes on 10 points from Jake Jackson and 4 points from Rasmus Wolfgang, along with rebounds from Aiden Gallegos. The Foxes were able to pull it out in the end as Benjamin Kapgan made a basket, and Player of the Week-Sophie Ogawa scored the winning basket with only seconds left to give her team the victory.
Bronze
Slaters vs Ironmen
Baskets were hard to come by in this matchup as the rim bounced many sure shots out to the dismay of all of us watching. It was as if Mayor Humdinger from Foggy Bottom was using some magnetic control to not let the ball go in the hoop.
However, the Slaters were able to get a first half basket from Bodhi Kothari off an assist from Zachary Cohen; the Ironmen had first half points from Nathan Stafford and Kris Peddi. The Ironmen had strong defense throughout the match as Grace Parry and Ray Lyons created turnovers as they stole passes, and Gianna Sabine and Rocco de Tray got rebounds. The Slaters had good perimeter defense from Hudson Hoff and Benjamin Bloom to get the ball to Anthony Berumen Alliyani to get him on the scoreboard in n the second half. The Ironmen came through in the final minutes as Victor Lima Lopes and Player of the Game-Phoenix Volken nailed outside shots to give their team the victory.
Silver
Godfathers vs Big Shots
Photo by Carol Chan
Tight matchup from start to finish. A perfect “10” to end the first quarter, as the teams were tied at that number as the Big Shots had baskets from Linus Verleun and Theodore Edelman; while the Godfathers spread the scoring out with a basket each from Lucas Alemayehu, Alex Blondheim, Oliver Farrar, Oscar Farrar, and Jonas Ketai. In the second quarter, the Godfathers got outside shots from Rocco Tomas and Mateo Chan to take a narrow lead at halftime. The Big Shots got the lead in the third quarter as Ellington Litvin and Bodhi Pettiti each had a basket, and Player of the Game-Charlie Kalmbach had a duece followed by a trey in less than a minute. The Godfathers narrowed the gap in the fourth quarter as defense from Nicholas Jones and Krsna Pathak created turnovers to help get their team points; however, the Big Shots countered with their good defense from Qiao Ren, Aiden Schneider, and Amarveer Gupta to keep the Godfathers from coming back, and giving the Big Shots the big win.
Player of the Game, Charlie Kalmbach, with Coach George Edelman. Photo by Theodor Kalmbach
Skyscrapers vs Stumpers
Photo by Penia Wong
Both teams fought tooth and nail to get the victory. Neck and neck in the first half as the Stumpers got scores from Dylan Read, Saum Safavi, and Henry Fyda; the Skyscrapers had first half scoring from Ray Song and Declan Wong to take a narrow lead at halftime. The Stumpers had third quarter scoring from Oakley Entsminger, Ryder Range, and Beau Ellis Farr.
Photo by Brian Read
The Skyscrapers had big third quarter performances from Olivia Wu and Emma Escoto as they got rebounds from Rodrigo Padron who gave them the ball to put back in the hoop for points to keep their narrow lead to end the third frame. In the fourth quarter with the full court press for both sides, the Stumpers had Sadie Bellavia and Alison Lyons put on a strong defense performance; however the Skyscrapers had the scrappy Cetine Tavnikoff get steals with the pressure that allowed Player of the Game-Declan Wong to get a couple of late baskets that gave their team the victory.
Player of the Game, Declan Wong. Photo by Brian Wong
Platinum
Captains vs Mambas
Photo by junior photographer, Julian Garcia
The mambas got out front early on baskets from Alden Wong and Rohham Taherian. The Captains struck back and took the lead at the end of the first quarter as Danilo Samardzija and Oliver Harris scored, and the Captains had Sam McGowan and Abdullah Jooma have a strong second quarter to give their team the lead at halftime. The Mambas chipped away at their opponents lead as Mohamed Dia, Joshua Edwards, and Ryan Chambers scored. The Captains pulled away in the end as Keean Stoll, Leonardo Garcia, and Liam Adams all scored down the stretch to give their team the win.
SAT 8/24/24 WEEKEND #5 Picture Day
Copper
Kangaroos vs Rabbits
Dueces wild to end the first quarter as the Kangaroos Galiel Sarfati made a couple of free throws and Vivienne Bond had a basket for the Rabbits. The Kangaroos showed good defense by Rhys Amis, Theo Keller, and Teo Quesada to hold their opponent. The Rabbits were able to break through in the second quarter as Player of the Game-Kiki Moncher made an impressive league debut by scoring multiple baskets in the quarter to eventually go on to a game high 12 points, and with the support of teammates Harper Gaines and Clara Cowen grabbing rebounds, the Rabbits went on a scoring spree and onto the victory.
Fish vs Foxes
Photo by Denise Maratos
The Foxes had a full roster and let Raffaele Giordana and Isla Haglund play for the Fish to get more playing time, as they played very well. The Foxes got on the board early as Ethan Buehl had a basket on an assist from Ethan Cohen. Ruby Sherman had a good game for the Foxes as she made an assist and got a basket on an assist from her brother Mack Sherman. The Foxes also had Charley Amos make a basket and a free throw. The Fish eventually won the match as multiple points were scored by Matthew Alemayehu, David Sharafi, and Grayson Wells. Cora Walker Yore made her debut for the Fish to get her feet wet.
Player of the Game, Kosmos Kavalakis. Photo by Denise Maratos
Bronze
Roughhousers vs Scoops
Photo by Carol Chan
The Scoops were in search of their first victory of the season. The Roughhousers were a little short on players, so the Scoops had Delilah Shaw and Claire Magid help their opponent in the first half by giving them some points and rebounds, and Bing Sheng came to fill in to coach and brought his son Lincoln Sheng to help. The Roughhousers got on the board early on a couple of buckets from Ashley Neff and a free throw made from Devraj Karwal. In the second half, Loren Garner and Lincoln Sheng got points on the scoreboard. The Scoops got a bucket each from Esme Chan and Inez Napoli, and a plethora of baskets from Player of the Game-Beau Bigler who led his team to their first victory of the season.
Slaters vs Monsters
It was four score after the first quarter as the Slaters had a basket each from Anthony Berumen Alliyani and Ryan Kapgan, and the Monsters had a bucket apiece from Oliver Williams and Riggan Marder. The second quarter saw Cole Lyle get steals for the Monsters; while the Slaters got William Holt and Player of the Game-Bodhi Kothari on the scoreboard. In the second half, the Monsters got a field goal each from Julian Garcia and Zayden Rashid; while the Slaters held on to the victory thanks to good defense from Jaxson Oxendine and Hudson Hoff.
Silver
Stumpers vs Godfathers
Photo by Carol Chan
Tight first half as both teams exchanged leads several times as the Godfathers got a driving layup from Lucas Alemayehu, a perfect four for four from the free throw line from Mateo Chan, and multiple points from Jonas Ketai that included an “And1” conversion as he was fouled on a med basket and converted the free throw. The Stumpers first half scoring came from field goals by Ryder Range, Henry Fyda, and Oakley Entsminger. The second half saw the Godfathers use strong defense to create turnovers by Krana Pathak and Jonas Ketai to convert to points; however, the Stumpers countered by getting Saum Safavi making an outside shot, and Player of the Game-Beau Ellis Farr go on a scoring run in the the fourth quarter to put the game away, as he had a game high 21 points to give his team the victory.
Big Shots vs Skyscrapers
Photo by Penia Wong
The Skyscrapers built a big first half lead as Mariella Belew and Liana Enayati created turnovers, and Miles Wasson grabbed rebounds that led to points by Declan Wong, Milena Zewde, and Ray Song. But the Big Shots saved their best for the second half as Linus Verleun and Soren Verleun hit outside shots, Ellington Litvin worked it down low to put rebounds back in, Bodhi Petitti hit it in from the elbow, and Theodore Edelman made drives to the hoop putting in floaters and making free throws to give the Big Shots the come from behind victory in the final minutes of the match.
Photo by Amy Chang
Gold
Zenmasters vs Great Danes
The Zenmasters put up a strong first half as Harrison Bond made 15 footers, Buck Jacobs had a couple of hook shots, Emet Ketai sank a couple in from just inside the three point line, and Jack Meyer got offensive rebounds to put back up and in. The Great Danes mounted a comeback in the second half and drew closer with rebounds from Hunter Tito; Mai Ly Pariser, Rohan Peddi, and Auden Travnikoff made shots, and teammates Ryan Yousefi and Henry Mack made aggressive moves to the hoop to get layups. The Zenmasters were able to hold onto the lead down the stretch as Beau Zaczepinski and Player of the Game-Jack Meyer scored key baskets down the stretch to give their team the victory.
Magicians vs Goliaths
To paraphrase Charles Dickens, this match was the best of halves, the worst of halves for both teams. The first half was all the Goliaths as Andrey Sterlyagov had 15 points, Azumi Nomoto had 2 baskets, and Felix Carpenter and Nicholas Chan controlled the boards by getting multiple rebounds. The second half was all the Magicians, as they took advantage of the full court press as Matthew Klass and Elliot Israels created turnovers that led to double digit scoring by both Diego Gonzalez and Player of the Game-Oliver Harris. The Magicians were able to shutout the Goliaths in the fourth quarter in order to complete the comeback win.
The Goliaths can take solace in another famous Dickens quote:
“I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.”
Player of the Game-Oliver Harris. Photo by Pete Harris
Platinum
Diesels vs Worthy
This was a match that Alexandre Dumas would refer to as the Three Basketeers as it was all for three, three for all! More simply put, there were a lot of “3”s made. But there were a few dueces as well; as the Diesels had baskets from Yafet Desta, Yisaac Tariku, and Azariah Gebeyehu; and the Worthy had buckets from Loukang “Danny” Zhou and Jarvis Wakefield. The trey party involved shots from downtown going in by the Diesels Isaac Lynn, Adoniyas Yonas, brothers Olana and Amensisa Alemayehu, and Aayan Lakhani who had three “3”s in the contest; while the Worthy had “3”s from Diego Gonzalez, Cassius Taylor, Cam Pariser, and Player of the Game-Rowan Booher to have just a little more points than their opponent, thus leading the Worthy to victory. “United we stand, divided we fall”-Alexandre Dumas.
SUN 8/25/24
Bronze
Roughhousers vs Monsters
The Monsters had the majority of their scoring from Oliver Williams and Riggan Marder; the Roughhousers had all five of their players get into the scoring column as Ashley Neff, Loren Garner, and Lincoln Sheng each had a basket, and Elliot Sheng and Lukas Bellodi converted free throws. The Monsters won the match with good defense as Canasia Backrien and Cole Lyle made blocks and rebounds, and Player of the Game-Zayden Rashid led the match in steals and also got on the scoreboard.
Ironmen vs Scoops
Photo by Carol Chan
The Scoops won the battle of the first half as they were perfect from the free throw line as Beau Bigler and Claire Magid sank the ball in from the charity stripe. The Ironmen had first half scoring from Ray Lyons and Victor Lima Lopes to stay within striking distance. The Scoops extended their lead in the second half with a basket from Inez Napoli. But the Ironmen flipped the switch, and it was raining buckets as they went on a big run with a couple swish shots made by Rocco de Tray, assists from Rohan Henderson and Grace Parry to get baskets for Gianna Sabine and Phoenix Volken, and three shots in a row from distance by Player of the Game-Victor Lima Lopes who was so hot with the shooting that I had to remind coach Phil Volken that the fire extinguisher was on the wall behind him in case the gym started burning down. Luckily all were safe, and the Ironmen went onto the victory.
Silver
Stumpers vs Spaniards
Photo by Dean Georgaris
Mostly Stumpers in this match as Beau Ellis Farr had a plethora of baskets, Pablo Gonzalez and Ryder Range each had a field goal, and Player of the Game-Dylan Read had a trio of floating swishers. However, the Spaniards put up a good fight as Ilya Zaric made a basket, Decker Amos converted free throws, and Gavin Geary led the match in rebounds.
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out”-John Wooden
Platinum
Logos vs Captains
Photo by Mirela Samardzija
This match went back and forth from start to finish. The first quarter saw the Captains Alex Providas grab rebounds to kick out to Liam Adams and Keean Stoll for coast to coast scores; the Logos got baskets on drives to the hoop from Auggie Tucker Maxcy and Kingston Andes. The action continued at a fast pace in the second quarter as The Captains got a trio of layups from Sam McGowan and a “3” from Oliver Harris; the Logos countered with Gabriel Chibane going a perfect 4 for 4 from the charity stripe, steals from Shai Painter, and a basket by Chloe Scofield. With the score still close to start the second half, the Logos pulled slightly ahead in the third quarter with a triplet of inside makes from Koa Entsminger and downtown treys from Dylan Kravitz. The Captains stayed close on a “3” from Nicholas Mirich, and inside moves for scores from Danilo Samardzija. The fourth quarter saw the defensive pressure by the Logos Rayan Chibane creating turnovers to score points; but in the final moments, opportunistic crossover moves to the hoop for late baskets by Player of the Game-Oliver Harris gave the Captains the slight edge to stave off the opponent and currently claim first place in the Platinum division.
Player of the Game-Oliver Harris. Photo by Pete Harris
Diesels vs Mambas
Photo by Penia Wong
This would be the closest match of the weekend. It was crazy eights to end the first quarter with a Kobe score of 8 to 8. The Mambas had multiple assists and free throws made by Dagmawi Ayele, a basket by Joshua Edwards, and a “3” by Alden Wong; the Diesels had free throws made by Isaac Lynn and a pair of treys by Aayan Lakhani.
Photo by Apolonia Drew
The second quarter was a defensive battle as Misha Lakhani and Azariah Gebeyehu got steals for the Diesels that led to a basket each by Yisaac Tariku, Adonyinas Yonas, and Yafet Desta; the Mambas got rebounds from Dominic Drew and Joseph Doherty, steals by Max Greenberg to set up a downtown “3” by Ryan Chambers, and a 10 foot floater by Mohamed Dia. The Mambas had three threes in the third quarter as Ryan Chambers, Dagmawi Ayele, and Alden Wong were the Three Amigos as they each hit one from beyond the arc to take a slight lead. The Diesels put on the pressure and started a scoring surge that carried over to the fourth quarter as Brandon Israels scored a field goal, and Amensisa made two treys off of assists from Olana Alemayehu. The Mambas came back in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter to get a narrow lead on baskets and free throws from Dagmawi Ayele, a bucket from Mohamed Dia, and an “And1” from Joshua Edwards. But the Diesels would not be denied as Player of the Game-Aayan Lakhani drained another “3”, and Adonyinas Yonas drove to the basket for key points, including the game winning free throw to give the Diesels the one point victory.
Photos by Robert Clark
Robert Clark is the head referee from Make it Official which supplies referees for the older divisions. Robert takes action photos of our matches when he is not refereeing. Here are some of his excellent pictures:
This Issue’s Profile
Each issue of the Swish has a profile of a coach, player, or someone in the program who inspires all of us involved in Santa Monica YMCA youth basketball.
This issue’s profile is of Brayden Stoll. Brayden is not only a beloved coach in the Platinum division, but also our most reliable and diligent referee who always volunteers for all the matches in the younger divisions. Not only does he help to keep order, but he also teaches our youngest players how to correct mistakes and improve their skills; furthermore, he uses the same approach for the teenagers that he coaches in the Platinum division, as he does when he referees by using positive reinforcement. His players love him because he is a player himself and gets out on the court with them to teach what he preaches. Brayden has given me valuable insight and advice for running the youth basketball program with ideas that I am able to implement immediately to help our youth. Brayden is a former player in our program who started out in his younger days playing in the same divisions that he referees. This season, Brayden has been given the rare opportunity to coach his brother Keean, and there is no sibling rivalry there, but instead a mutual respect and understanding of who is the coach, and who is the player, both learning from each other. Brayden is currently playing varsity at Summitview School West where he excels as an athlete and a scholar.
I asked the Brayden a few questions for the Swish:
DocDrew: What is your favorite thing about youth basketball at the Santa Monica Family YMCA?
Brayden: My favorite thing about the YMCA basketball is to see any of the players and to see how much they grow over the years. Another thing I Like about the YMCA is that it is helping me become a better basketball player and a coach for the career that I want to go into. Also I like it that I can help other people out on one of the sports that I love.
DocDrew: Who is your favorite player or coach, and why?
Brayden: Steph Curry is my favorite player because he changed the game. The game is played now with more space, allowing players to be more athletic.
DocDrew: What hobbies, activities, or other sports do you like to do?
Brayden: I love to play all sports, I love math and like to help other kids that need support.
Coach and referee, Brayden Stoll
Braydon is what our program is all about for not just our players, but our coaches and referees in helping with their development and adhering to the three principles of our YMCA: healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. Brayden has been a camp counselor and has volunteered in many other youth programs. We can’t thank him enough for all that he has done for our YMCA and the youth in our programs. For his outstanding efforts, Brayden has been awarded the “2023-2024 Santa Monica Family YMCA Referee of the Year”, an honor that is most well deserved. Thank you very much, Brayden!
Scores
SAT 7/27/24 WEEKEND #1
Copper
Kangaroos 9, Foxes 25
Bronze
Ironmen 11, Slaters 20
Scoops 10, Roughhousers 25
Silver
Spaniards 29, Stumpers 53
Big Shots 23, Godfathers 34
Gold
Great Danes 27, Goliaths 27
Platinum
Diesels 37, Captains 36
Logos 30, Worthy 41
SUN 7/28/24
Copper
Fish 12, Rabbits 6
Bronze
Scoops 5, Monsters 15
Silver
Stumpers 40 Skyscrapers 38
Gold
Zenmasters 42, Magicians 19
Platinum
Mambas 32, Diesels 23
SAT 8/3/24 WEEKEND #2
Bronze
Monsters 20, Slaters 21
Scoops 8, Ironmen 20
Copper
Foxes 7, Fish 14
Silver
Skyscrapers 17, Spaniards 25
Godfathers 29, Stumpers 22
Gold
Goliaths 30, Magicians 33
Platinum
Worthy 53, Diesels 34
Captains 34, Logos 37
SUN 8/4/24
Copper
Rabbits 22, Kangaroos 10
Silver
Skyscrapers 25, Big Shots 19
Gold
Great Danes 17, Zenmasters 37
Platinum
Mambas 24, Worthy 33
SAT 8/10/24 WEEKEND #3
Copper
Fish 30, Kangaroos 14
Bronze
Monsters 17, Ironmen 11
Slaters 30, Scoops 15
Silver
Big Shots 31, Spaniards 17
Godfathers 46, Skyscrapers 27
Gold
Magicians 16, Great Danes 38
Platinum
Worthy 36, Captains 72
Logos 48, Mambas 33
SUN 8/11/24
Copper
Rabbits 27, Foxes 11
Bronze
Ironmen 7, Roughhousers 12
Silver
Stumpers 29, Big Shots 24
Gold
Goliaths 16, Zenmasters 11
Platinum
Diesels 34, Logos 43
SAT 8/17/24 WEEKEND #4
Copper
Rabbits 8, Fish 32
Bronze
Monsters 13, Scoops 11
Silver
Spaniards 16, Godfathers 24
Gold
Goliaths 10, Great Danes 28
Magicians 32, Zenmasters 21
Platinum
Captains 43, Diesels(w/Captains) 44
(Captains get win, Diesels forfeit)
Worthy 33, Logos 54
SUN 8/18/24
Copper
Foxes 16, Kangaroos 14
Bronze
Slaters 4, Ironmen 13
Silver
Godfathers 31, Big Shots 39
Skyscrapers 30, Stumpers 26
Platinum
Captains 44, Mambas 34
SAT 8/24/24 WEEKEND #5
Copper
Kangaroos 8, Rabbits 20
Fish 27, Foxes 19
Bronze
Roughhousers 11, Scoops 16
Slaters 21, Monsters 13
Silver
Stumpers 35, Godfathers 31
Big Shots 25, Skyscrapers 20
Gold
Zenmasters 32, Great Danes 26
Magicians 26, Goliaths 21
Platinum
Diesels 31, Worthy 44
SUN 8/25/24
Bronze
Roughhousers 12, Monsters 16
Ironmen 20, Scoops 12
Silver
Stumpers 27, Spaniards 4
Platinum
Logos 46, Captains 52
Diesels 33, Mambas 32
Standings:
Teams are awarded 5 points for a win, 3 points for a tie, 1 point for a loss, 0 points for a forfeit. Tournament games have greater point value. Teams are listed in their place in the standings with W-L-T and team points.
Copper:
Fish 5-0-0, 25 points
Rabbits 3-2-0, 17 points
Foxes 2-3-0, 13 points
Kangaroos 0-5-0, 5 points
Bronze:
Monsters 4-2-0, 22 points
Slaters 4-1-0, 21 points
Ironmen 3-3-0, 18 points
Roughhousers 2-2-0, 12 pts
Scoops 1-6-0, 11 points
Silver:
Stumpers 5-2-0, 27 points
Godfathers 4-2-0, 22 points
Big Shots 3-3-0, 18 points
Skyscrapers 2-4-0, 14 points
Spaniards 1-4-0, 9 points
Gold:
Zenmasters 3-2-0, 17 points
(1-1-0 vs Magicians; 2-0-0 vs Great Danes)
Magicians 3-2-0, 17 points
(0-1-0 vs Great Danes)
Great Danes 2-2-1, 15 points
Goliaths 1-4-1, 12 points
Platinum:
Captains 4-2-0, 22 points
(1-1-0 vs Logos; 1-0-0 vs Worthy)
Logos 4-2-0, 22 points
(1-1-0 vs Worthy)
Worthy 4-2-0, 22 points
Diesels 2-5-0, 14 points
Mambas 1-4-0, 9 points
Thank you very much, to all the coaches, parents, players, and referees.
Special thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation for partnering with the Santa Monica Family YMCA youth basketball program.
Dr. Paul Drew, youth basketball coordinator at the Santa Monica Family YMCA, editor and publisher of Swish
