DocDrew’s
Swish
Welcome to the second 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/
Most Outstanding Player for the Spring 2024 Platinum division, Mia Kondratyeva, received her trophy in front of a capacity crowd.
SAT 9/7/24 WEEKEND #6
Copper
Foxes vs Rabbits
Ethan Cohen got the Foxes on the scoreboard first as he hit a ten foot shot, and teammate Raffaele
Giordana made a free throw. The Rabbits took the lead at the end of the first quarter on a couple of driving dueces from Kiki Moncher, and extended the lead on a two for two from the charity stripe by Harper Gaines. The Foxes got the halftime lead on two baskets from Ethan Buehl and a bucket and assist from Benjamin Kapgan. The Rabbits shut down the Foxes in the third quarter to take the lead with good defense from Issa Ally and Jones Updegrove to pull ahead to start the fourth quarter. The Foxes saved the best for last as they got rebounds from Ruby Sherman and Charley Amos to get the ball to Brooks Carey and Sophie Ogawa to tie the score, then with only seconds left, Player of the Game-Benjamin Kapgan put the game winning bucket in the net to give his team the victory.
Bronze
Monsters vs Roughhousers
Defense played tough for both sides in the first half as the Monsters got rebounds from Canasia Backrien and Cole Lyle; the Roughhousers had Ashley Neff and Theo Rattner got steals. Most of the scoring happened in the second half as the Roughhousers had baskets from Loren Garner and Lior Vaisburd; the Monsters had drives to the bucket by Oliver Williams, and outside swish shots from Zayden Rashid to have a decent lead in the final minutes of the match; however, the Roughhousers had George Couvreur make two consecutive long “3”s to tie the match. With seconds to go, Player of the Game-Adam Farghaly got the steal and gave the ball to Oliver Williams who drove down the right side and put up the bank shot from 15 feet out in the final seconds to give the Monsters the narrow victory in another nail biter match.
Scoops vs Slaters
Photo by Dean Georgaris
The Scoops took the early lead with baskets by Greysen Lovett and Inez Napoli, on assists from Louis Liu and Inez Napoli. The Slaters started to get on track later in the second quarter as William Holt and Killian Georgaris had multiple baskets, on assists from teammates Bodhi Kothari and Player of the Game-Anthony Berumen Alliyani. In the second half, the Scoops had steals from Esme Chan who got the ball to teammates Beau Bigler and Louis Liu for baskets. The Slaters continued to get more points on the scoreboard, as Jaxon Oxendine made a basket, and Zachary Cohen played tough defense to prevent the Scoops from catching up, as their team went onto the victory.
Silver
Big Shots vs Stumpers
The Big Shots got going early as Theodore Edelman made drives to the hoop for scores, and Charlie Koch made a free throw; but the Stumpers grabbed the lead by the end of the first quarter as Oakley Entsminger and Henry Fyda sank outside shots, and teammate Ryder Ranger converted a free throw. The Big Shots took the lead back in the beginning of the second quarter as Soren Verleun connected on a 12-footer, and his brother Linus Verleun made
A couple of coast to coast drives for layups. The Stumpers finished the first half on a strong run led by a swish shot from the wing by Saum Safavi, and Beau Ellis Farr had 10 points before the halftime buzzer to give their team the lead. The Big Shots employed strong defense to get within striking distance to take the lead back in the second half as Qiao Ren made multiple steals, Bodhi Petitti blocked shots, and Ellington Litvin controlled the board with rebounds and putbacks for points. With full court pressure in the fourth quarter, the Stimpers relied on their defensive prowess from Sadie Bellavia and Josiah Hong to create turnovers that led to key baskets from Player of the Game-Henry Fyda to give their team the victory and keep them at the top of the division standings.
Spaniards vs Skyscrapers
Photo by Dean Georgaris
The Spaniards took the early lead on baskets from Killian Georgaris and Knute Haglund, and a free throw made from Otis Smith. The Skyscrapers regrouped and distributed the ball around the perimeter to find open shooters Declan Wong, Ray Song, and Mariella Belew who made shots off of assists from Cetine Travnikoff and Emma Escoto to take the lead at halftime. The Spaniards played tough in the second half as Gavin Geary made steals to get the ball to Jaxon Silverstein and Naphat Wattanalaowit for scores, and an open Decker Amos for the trey from downtown. The Skyscrapers continued their excellent ball distribution as Olivia Wu and Milena Zewde found Miles Wasson and Rodrigo Padron down low for scores, and Declan Wong put the game out of reach at the end with more hot shooting from the outside, as he made 15-footers to give his team the victory.
Photo by Carol Chan
Gold
Zenmasters vs Goliaths
A topsy-turvy match as the Goliaths struck first and often to jump out to a big lead in the first part of the game as Ocean Yaghoubzadeh and Olivia Ruiz made steals and take it down court for scores as they scored the first nine points of the match; however, the switch would be flipped, and the Zenmasters scored the next ten points as Buck Jacobs, Logan Christenson, and Beau Zaczepinski were nailing floaters and runners, as their team took the lead to end the quarter. In the second quarter, the Zenmasters extended their lead on baskets from Archie Lewis and Leon Muenze; but the Goliaths tied it up just before half as Mariama Belew and Olivia Ruiz drove to the hoop for scores, and Leo Yaghoubzadeh nailed a “3”. In the second half, the Goliaths jumped out to a big lead in the third quarter and more than halfway through the fourth quarter as David Yonatan put back rebounds for points, Ava Katz made a free throw, and Ocean Yaghoubzadeh had a “3”. For all intensive purposes, it looked as if the game was over, but let’s not forget what the late Yankees legend, Yogi Berra, once said:
In the final minute of the match, the Zenmasters got a basket and two converted free throws from Buck Jacobs with only seconds left to get within two points of the Goliaths. The Zenmasters applied full court pressure and in a mad scramble Player of the Game-Emet Ketai got the ball deep in the right corner of the court behind the three point line, and as he let it fly, the buzzer sounded, and the next sound was the swish of the hoop, as the ball went through for the game winner to give the Zenmasters the improbable comeback victory by the narrowest of margins. “It ain’t over till it’s over!”
Platinum
Worthy vs Mambas
The Mambas jumped out to the early lead as Alden Wong hit a pair of treys early on, as he received assists from Max Greenberg, and Dagmawi Ayele used his inside game to get points down in the paint. The Worthy were able to get back to within striking distance of taking the lead as Leo Mooney had several baskets including an “And1”, Cam Pariser made floaters on the inside and a “3” on the outside, and Luokang Zhou followed up missed shots. The second half saw Ryan Chambers and Rohham Taherian make baskets and free throws; the Worthy started getting hit beyond the arc, as Rowan Booher, Leo Mooney, and Ezra Mooney had a “3” party as they were launching rainbows that hit the pot of gold, and got closer to taking the lead. The Mambas put the locks on defense in the fourth quarter as Dominic Drew made steals and scored a layup off a laser pass from Ryan Chambers, and Aiden Lin got rebounds to keep the lead and go onto the victory.
Logos vs Diesels
This match was close from start to finish and featured double digit scoring from the Logos Gabriel Chibane and Kai Halpert, and the Diesels Adonyinas Yonas and Yafet Desta as the score remained tied at halftime. In the second half, the Logos had point guards Kay Roberts and Augie Tucker Maxcy dishing out dimes to keep their team neck and neck with their opponent. In the fourth quarter, the Diesels had Azariah Gebeyehu and Misha Lakhani creating turnovers to get the ball to Player of the Game-Adonyinas Yonas in the final minutes for him to make the final three points to give the Diesels the close victory.
SUN 9/8/24
Bronze
Roughhousers vs Slaters
Photo by Dean Georgaris
The Slaters had a strong first half as William Holt made spin around moves to make his shots, Bodhi Kothari and Rahm Kapgan made baskets off of assists from Hudson Hoff. The Roughhousers had baskets from Lukas Bellodi and Lior Vaisburd, and free throws made from Ashley Neff and Loren Garner. The second half was a shootout of the three ball between the Roughhousers George Couvreur and the Slaters Killian Georgaris as they exchanged treys from downtown. In the end, the Slaters prevailed as Anthony Berman Alliyani and Bodhi Kothari added late baskets to allow the Slaters to go onto the victory.
Copper
Kangaroos vs Fish
Photo by Denise Maratos
Mostly the Fish in this match as baskets were made by David Sharafi, Matthew Alemayehu, Kosmos Kavalakis, and Grayson Wells. The Kangaroos had baskets from Galiel Sarfati and Jake Johnson, steals from Caleb Abrahams, and rebounds from James Wasson. Quentin Dijols was Player of the Game, as he had a basket and two assists.
Bronze
Ironmen vs Monsters
The Monsters started the match as their name suggest, as they controlled both ends of the floor as baskets were
made by Zayden Rashid, Oliver Williams, and Julian Garcia. The Ironmen actually won the battle of the second half as Victor Lima Lopes and Phoenix Volken got points on the board for their team, and Gianna Sabine her team in rebounds; however the Monsters still maintained a strong defense that was led by rebound leader Canasia Backrien and master thief and Player of the Game-Sora Nomoto that led their team to the victory.
Silver
Skyscrapers vs Godfathers
Photo by Hayley Farrar
First quarter scoring for the Godfathers came from 6 points by Jonas Ketai; the Skyscrapers had baskets Mariella Belew, Olivia Wu, and Emma Escoto who were all recipients of assists from Ray Song. The second quarter saw the Skyscrapers get Alice Roberts and Ray Song on the scoreboard; the Godfathers got inside scoring from Lucas Alemayehu and Alex Blondheim to stay close at halftime. In the third quarter, the Skyscrapers had a small lead on a basket from Miles Wasson; however, the Godfathers were able to take a one point lead to end the quarter, as Mateo Chan and Krsna Pathak were making shots from the elbow and the wing. The Skyscrapers got the lead back in the fourth quarter as defensive full court pressure by Liana Enayati and Milena Zewde created turnovers in which Declan Wong made a couple of outside shots, and Ray Song nailed a “3” from the top of the key. Following a timeout, the Godfathers also put on the full court pressure as Oscar and Oliver Farrar teamed up to steal the ball and get it to Player of the Game-Lucas Alemayehu who hit a long distance “3” and a running backboard shot to squeeze out a narrow victory in the most exciting match of the day.
Photo by Carol Chan
Gold
Great Danes vs Magicians
The big dogs had first bite, as the Great Danes were off and running to start the match as Oliver Lynn made 15-footers, Rohan Peddi was cooking up “3”s, and Auden Travnikoff made all his free throws. The Magicians eventually got their scoring going as Diego Gonzalez had a “3” and some frees, Oliver Harris zigzagged through the lane for points, and Matthew Klass had his classy outside shot going in. The Magicians applied defensive pressure in the second half to try to catch up as Zachary Law and Judah Hong got steals, Brendan Still had rebounds, and Brandon Israels swatted down shots. The Great Danes put forward a good team effort as Hunter Tito got rebounds, Henry Mack got down and dirty near the rim to get the ball and put it back up and in, and Player of the Game- Krishna Aysola was had showed his marksmanship skills as he sank long distance shots to give their team the victory.
Player of the Game-Krishna Aysola. Photo by Jennifer Lynn
Platinum
Captains vs Worthy
The battle for first place started off with a bang from the Worthy as they had a high powered first half of moving the ball around quickly in transition to find open players behind the arc and down low driving to the hoop. Rowan Booher was getting layups on cross court assists from Luokang Zhou who also was finding open teammates, Diego Gonzalez and Cam Pariser, beyond the arc for the catch and shoot “3”s, and Jarvis Wakefield and Leo Mooney made the inside moves to lay the ball up and in. The Captains finally got their scoring going as Sam McGowan, Danilo Samardzija, and Keean Stoll all had deuces, treys, and frees to try to catch up. In the second half, The Captains had rebounds from Liam Adams and Sean Limpisvasti to move the ball up the court; however, the Worthy continued to push the ball up the court as Ezra Mooney stole the ball, Cassius Taylor had multiple assists, and Player of the Game-Diego Gonzalez finished the match with six “3”s to be the high scorer with 18 points to keep the Worthy alone in first place to finish the weekend.
SAT 9/14/24 WEEKEND #7
Copper
Kangaroos vs Foxes
Defense reigned supreme in the first half, but the Foxes were able to get a basket from Brooks Carey and a free throw from Sebastian Janka; the Kangaroos got a basket from Galiel Sarfati. The second half saw the scoring pickup as the Kangaroos had Rasmus Wolfgang make a basket off of an assist from Jake Johnson, and teammates Aiden Gallegos and Theo Keller made some nice stops on defense. The Foxes did an excellent job of pass distribution as Benjamin Kapgan, Mack Sherman, Sophie Ogawa, and Charley Amos all had assists; and teammate and Player of the Game-Ruby Sherman made some key buckets down the stretch to give those sly Foxes the victory.
Fish vs Rabbits
Photo by Dean Georgaris
The undefeated Fish were looking to remain the only undefeated team in the league, but the Rabbits had something to say about that, and got the early lead on field goals from Kiki Moncher, Vivienne Bond, and Issa Ally; as teammate Jones Updegrove made a nice bounce pass assist. The Fish were able to tie it up by the end of the third quarter as they were led in scoring by Matthew Alemayehu with 8 points, and a basket each from Quentin Dijols , Grayson Wells, and Marlowe Georgaris. With the match tied going into the final minutes, Player of the Game-Harper Gaines pulled a couple of rabbits out of her hat, and scored down low, and found Vivienne Bond under the basket to get her the ball to put in the go ahead bucket as time wound down, and the Rabbits knocked the Fish from the ranks of the unbeaten.
Player of the Game-Harper Gaines with her teammate Kiki Moncher. Photo by Jason Gaines
Bronze
Roughhousers vs Ironmen
The Roughhousers gave the Ironmen a rude wake up call, as they scored the first 14 points in the match as Hugo Casarella and George Couvreur had a “3” party with shots made from beyond the arc, and Lukas Bellodi and Aiden Yousefi added the traditional deuces. The Ironmen woke up in the second quarter as Victor Lima Lopes and Rocco deTray made baskets. In the second half, The Ironmen would outscore the Roughhousers in the second half, as Tyler Enayati, Phoenix Volken, Rohan Henderson, and Kris Peddi each had a basket; and teammate Ray Lyons had a couple of buckets to get closer. The Roughhousers responded by having Lior Vaisburd grab rebounds, assists from Billy Casarella, and points Theodore Rattner and Player of the Game-Loren Garner to hold off their opponent and go onto the victory.
Photo by Natalie Vaisburd
Silver
Spaniards vs Big Shots
The Spaniards controlled the first half with baskets by Decker Amos, Rahm Kapgan, and Gavin Geary, and multiple treys from Jaxon Silverstein. The Big Shots kept pace in the first half as Keegan Ellice Paul and Theodore Edelman did most of the scoring, to keep their team close, and then took a small lead to end the third quarter as Bodhi Petitti and Soren Verleun each had a bucket. The fourth quarter was fast and furious as the full court press was in play, and the Spaniards got Otis Smith and Adeline Smith to get steals, Naphat Wattanalaowit had rebounds, to get the ball to Killian Georgaris who had is outside shot going to put their team ahead. The Big Shots eventually took the lead back for good, on a hot quarter from Player of the Game-Linus Verleun who had 10 points in the final minutes of the match, as he drove to the basket and used his best friend, the backboard, and converted his drives to lead his team to the victory.
Gold
Great Danes vs Goliaths
The first half saw the Great Danes get scoring from Ryan Yousefi and Rohan Peddi; the Goliaths got the lead at halftime as brothers Leo and Ocean Yaghoubzadeh each had a “3”, and Olivia Ruiz had multiple baskets with hook shots and drives to the hoop as turnovers were created by teammates Nicholas Chan and Teo Escalante, as they took the lead at halftime. The Great Danes used full court pressure in the second half to get closer, as Redeat Gebeyehu blocked shots, Finley Provencher grabbed rebounds, and Krishna Aysola got onto the scoreboard with a nice outside floater. However, the Goliaths would be resilient and as Andrey Sterlyagov and Alexander Melamed each score
12 footer shots, and Player of the Game-Olivia Ruiz put her team on her back and as she converted an “And1” and was the leading game scorer with 15 points with many of those points coming in the final minutes to give the Goliaths the victory.
Player of the Week-Olivia Ruiz. Photo by Rachel Ruiz
Zenmasters vs Magicians
19-19 was the first half score, as the Zenmasters had a pair of “3”s from Emet Ketai, assists from Buck Jacobs, and 8 points from Beau Zaczepinski; the Magicians had a basket from Elliot Israels and Brendan Still, and multiple points from Diego Gonzalez and Oliver Harris to even it up at the half. The second half saw the Zenmasters take a lead in the third quarter as Ethan Chang and Leon Muenze made shots from the elbow. The Magicians relied on a good defensive performance from Quest Dixon who got steals and rebounds to get the ball to open teammates, including Player of the Game-Matthew Klass who had 10 points for the match and led his team in assists to make the Magicians, the new team at the top of the division.
Platinum
Mambas vs Captains
Photo by Rachel Adams
Mambas were a little shorthanded, so Danilo Samardzija and Nicholas Mirich switched over from the Captains to help out, and both contributed with points, as Danilo had 14 points, and Nicholas had three threes for three times three in points(say that three times fast😄). The Mambas had “3”s from Alden Wong and Joshua Edwards, a basket from Aiden Lin, and Dominic Drew made several sneaky steals. Many Captains made the scoreboard, with Sam McGowan having 23 points, Sean Limpisvasti Lucien Fong, Liam Adams, and Ibrahim Ally making the scoreboard with buckets. Oliver Harris and Player of the Game-Leonardo Garcia were impressive in their offensive prowess as they scored inside and outside to give their team the victory.
SUN 9/15/24
Copper
Foxes vs Fish
Photo by Dean Georgaris
Having lost their first match of the season yesterday, the Fish were in no mood for a close match, and the Fish had a record number of first half points as several baskets were scored by Matthew Alemayehu, Quentin Dijols, and Player of the Game-Kosmos Kavalakis. The Foxes actually out scored the Fish in the second half, but it was too big a deficit to overcome. The Fish had baskets from Benjamin Kapgan, Sophie Ogawa, and Ruby Sherman. The Foxes also had good defense from Mack Sherman and Sebastian. Janka, along with a free throw made from Charley Amos to make it a respectable score.
Photo by Denise Maratos
Rabbits vs Kangaroos
The Rabbits came out hopping and running with first half points from Kiki Moncher, Vivienne Bond, and Player of the Game-Harper Gaines with her back then down low moves to put the ball in the hoop. The Kangaroos got points from Galiel Sarfati, rebounds from Jake Jackson and Aiden Gallegos, and steals from Caleb Abrahams and Kian Kellener to stay close. In the end, the Rabbits went onto victory as Jones Updegrove and Clara Cowen intercepted passes to get the ball up the court to get Vivienne Bond and Josephine Carey on the scoreboard.
Bronze
Slaters vs Roughhousers
Photo by Benny Roshan
This was a low scoring affair as both teams played lockdown defense. First half scoring for the Roughhousers came from a “3” by George Covreur, a basket by Lukas Bellodi, and a free throw by Loren Garner; the Slaters had all their scoring in the first half with baskets from Killian Georgaris, Hudson Hoff, and William Holt from an assist by Anthony Bremen Alliyani. So you would think if the Slaters didn’t score a single point in the second half then they probably could not win the match, but think again! The Slaters put on a very good defensive show to hold onto their narrow lead all the way to the very end, as Bodhi Kothari and Player of the Game-Benjamin Bloom shut down the other team, and wouldn’t allow them to catch up, to hold onto the victory, and take the top seed going into the in-season tournament.
Silver
Godfathers vs Spaniards
Photo by Carol Chan
The Spaniards had first half scoring from Otis Smith, Adeline Smith, and Beau Bigler to grab an early lead; the Godfathers. The Godfathers were able to take the halftime lead thanks in part to Jonas Ketai dishing out dimes all over the court to help teammates Luca Alemayehu, Alex Blondhei, and Oscar Farrar to score multiple baskets. In the second half, the Spaniards had baskets from Killian Georgaris and Raul Kapgan to get closer. In the end, the Godfathers pulled away as Mateo Chan and Krsna Pathak had their outside shooting going in, and Player of the Game-Oscar Farrar added more baskets to give their team the victory.
Photo by Dean Georgaris
Platinum
Mambas vs Logos
Photo by Apolonia Drew
Even though shorthanded, the Mambas bit first as Dominic Drew and Ryan Chambers had multiple baskets from assists by Aiden Lin and Max Greenberg. The Logos eventually got their shooting touch going in the second quarter as Koa Entsminger and Kay Roberts were hitting “3” balls from behind the arc, and Gabriel Chibane and Dylan Kravitz made shots from twelve feet out, as the were only a few points behind to end the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Logos kept pace as they got steals from Radin Taherian and Shai Painter to get the ball to Koa Entsminger and Augie Tucker Maxcy for more scores. With the score all knotted up late in the fourth quarter, the Mambas relied on the gritty defense of Joshua Edwards and the blocks and points from Player of the Game-Rohham Taherian to pull out the victory in a close match.
SAT 9/21/24 WEEKEND #8
Copper
Rabbits vs Foxes
The Rabbits hopped out to the early as Kiki Moncher scored the first six points of the match; then Ethan Buehl scored the first 4 points for the Foxes in the second quarter. The Rabbits extended their lead through the next quarter as Harper Gaines and Vivienne Bond scored. However, the Foxes got rebounds from Charley Amos and Sophie Ogawa to get the ball up to Benjamin Kapgan for a basket, and teammate Sebastian Janka made a nice assist to Ethan Buehl to get closer to the Rabbits. The Rabbits tightened up their defense, and wouldn’t let any on go win the rabbit hole, as Lorenzo Anis Billiani and Reyan Parekh made a couple steals, and Issa Ally and Player of the Game-Mason Heim each made a fourth quarter basket to keep the lead and go onto the victory.
Fish vs Kangaroos
Mostly the Fish in this match as they got good defense from Soraya Karwal to help teammates Matthew Alemayehu, Quentin Dijols, Greyson Wells, David Sharafi, and Decker Zaczepinski to have multiple points in the first half. The Kangaroos put a good effort in coming back as a majority of their points came from the game high scorer Jake Johnson who had 14 points with his nice outside shooting touch. The Kangaroos also got points from Aiden Gallegos and James Wasson from an assist by Caleb Abrahams. In the end, Player of the Game-Marlowe Geogaris scored a basket and the Fish swam to the victory.
Bronze
#4 Ironmen vs #5 Scoops
The first of the play-in matches of the day, in order to get into the in-season tournament. The Ironmenhad first half scoring from Victor Lima Lopes and Phoenix Volken with an assist from Kris Peddi; the Scoops had baskets from Beau Bigler and Louis Liu to keep the score close at the end of the first half, and continued to score again I. The second half, along with a free throw made by Maline Anderson, and rebounding from Inez Napoli, steals from Delilah Shaw and Alexander Wolf. The Ironmen took over in the fourth quarter as Nathan Stafford scored, and Player of the Game-Gianna Sabine made a couple of coast to coast drives to propel her team to victory and a spot in tomorrow’s in-season tourney semi-final.
Silver
#4 Skyscrapers vs #5 Spaniards
In the next play-in match of the day, the Skyscrapers had first half scoring from Mariella Belew, Declan Wong, Miles Wasson, and Alice Roberts; while the Spaniards had baskets from Gavin Geary and Decker Amos thanks to Otis Smith dishing out multiple dimes to the open shooters, as his team took the lead at halftime. In the second half, the Skyscrapers got closer in the third quarter as Liana Enayati, Cetine Teavnikoff, Emma Escoto, and Ray Song scored, and the score got close. The fourth quarter saw the Spaniards pull way as the created turnovers with the full court press as Adeline Smith made key steals, and Naphat Wattanalaowit grabbed rebounds, and Jaxon Silverstein made a “3” and a couple of frees, and Player of the Game-Otis Smith scored to give their team the victory and an invitation to tomorrow’s in-season tourney semifinal.
Gold
Goliaths vs Magicians
Photo by Rachel Ruiz
Started well for the Magicians as Matthew Klass, Ross Nelson, and Oliver Harris scored to get an early lead; the Goliaths then got the ball rolling, as Ocean Yaghoubzadeh and Olivia Ruiz scored multiple points to take the lead back at halftime. The Magicians attempted a valiant comeback as Sean Dobbs sank a 3-pointer, Quest Dixon and Judah Hong grabbed rebounds, Zachary Law scored, and Brendan Still had 6 points from crafty use of the backboard to score. The Goliaths eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter as Nicholas Chan made key stops, Leo Yaghoubzadeh scored 11 second half points, and Player of the Game-Alexander Melamed made assists and “3”s for the victory.
Great Danes vs Zenmasters
The Great Danes had 4 points from Rohan Peddi in the first half; while the Zenmasters had a bucket from Buck Jacobs, free throws made from Archie Lewis, and 10 first half points from Player of the Game-Beau Zaczepinski to take a commanding lead at halftime. However, the Great Danes put on defensive pressure in the second half as Mai Lu Pariser and Lucia Kraus created turnovers that led to pints by Ryan Yousefi and Krishna Aysola to get closer; the Zenmasters responded with a basket from Logan Christenson, and 6 points from Jack Meyer who was assisted by Ethan Chang, and the Zenmasters were able to hold on for the win.
Platinum
#4 Mambas vs #5 Diesels
In the last play-in match of the day, the Mambas took the early lead on early baskets from Ryan Chambers and Aiden Lin. The Diesels were able to take the lead by halftime with a “3” from Isaac Lynn, and baskets from Brandon Israels and Yafet Desta. The Mambas took the lead back in the third quarter as Rohham Taherian and Joshua Edwards made baskets with the help of Dominic Drew finding his open teammates for scores, and setting screens to free up teammates. The Diesels turned up the gas, and took over in the fourth quarter as Adonyinas Yonas scored and assisted Aayan Lakhani in finding him beyond the arc to have three “3”s in the fourth quarter; but, it was really the superior defense and late scores from Player of the Game-Misha Lakhani that helped the Diesels get the victory and play again tomorrow in the tourney semifinal.
SUN 9/22/24
Bronze
#2 Monsters vs #3 Roughhousers
The first of the semifinal matches started with the Roughhousers getting a couple of outside shots from George Couvreur to take the early lead. The Monsters responded with first half points from Oliver Williams and Zayden Rashid to keep the match close at halftime. In the second half, the Monsters had Canasia Backrein grabbed rebounds, Cole Lyle and Adam Farghaly made steals, and Riggan Marder had 10 second half points to keep pace; the Roughhousers locked down the defense with Loren Garner and Ashley Neff preventing the opponent from penetrating to the hoop, and Player of the Game-Aiden Yousefi had 12 second half points to lead their team to victory and a date on Championship Sunday next weekend.
#1 Slaters vs #4 Ironmen
Photo by Dean Georgaris
In the second semifinal of the in-season tournament, the Ironmen came out on fire as Rocco de Tray, Gianna Sabine, Victor Lima Lopes, and Kris Peddi scored with the help of assists from Tyler Enayati and Phoenix Volken, and before you knew it, the Ironmen had a big lead going into halftime. The Slaters fought back in the second half, as Bodhi Kothari and Anthony Berumen Alliyani made shots off of assists from Rahm Kapgan and Killian Georgaris, then William Holt had a couple of dueces and a trey in the final minutes to get within three points with seconds to go. The Ironmen held on as Nathan Stafford and Player of the Game-Kris Peddi locked down on defense and prevented the game tying shot from going in, thus leading the surprising Ironmen into the in-season tourney final.
Silver
#2 Godfathers #3 Big Shots
Photo by Carol Chan
The first of the In-season tourney semifinals saw the Godfathers dominate the first half with baskets from Lucas Alemayehu, Oscar Farrar, and Rocco Tomas. More impressive was 10 first half points from the Godfathers Jonas Ketai who made running floaters from the wing and elbow that was nothing but net. The Big Shots regrouped in the second half, and employed a tough defensive trap in which Qiao Ren, Amarveer Gupta, and Aiden Schneider were able to create turnovers that led to baskets by Ellington Litvin. Deep into the fourth quarter, the Big Shots were able to have Soren Verleun steal the ball and get it up the court to Theodore Edelman and Player of the Game-Linus Verleun to drive to the hoop for scores and take the lead in the final minutes to claim victory and earn a spot in the tourney final.
#1 Stumpers vs #5 Stumpers
Photo by Sarah Williams
First quarter belonged to the Spaniards as Decker Amos and Jaxon Silverstein had multiple points with the help of good defense from Adeline Smith and Knute Haglund. But the switch would be flipped in the second quarter as the Stumpers had baskets from Saum Safavi and Henry Fyda with an assist from Ryder Range, and steals from Alison Lyons. With a close match starting the third quarter, the Stumpers got rebounds from Sadie Bellavia and Max Ambriz to get the ball to Beau Ellis Farr for his hot shooting from the outside with multiple “3”s and driving layups to the hole to tie the match at 22 to end the third quarter. However, the Spaniards would own the fourth frame, as Beau Bigler and Ilya Zaria each had a basket, and Decker Amos and Player of the Game-Jaxon Silverstein would each score 6 points to pull away and pull off the upset to earn a spot in the tourney final.
Platinum
#2 Worthy vs #3 Logos
The Worthy showed that they were more than worthy to be in the in-season tourney final as they had good ball movement in finding open players in the transition game with assists by Loukang “Danny” Zhou and Leo Mooney as they found Cam Pariser, Jarvis Wakefield, and Amir Enayati for easy baskets. The Logos kept pace to get closer by halftime as Rayan Chibane scored with assist from Shai Painter, and then got more points on the scoreboard in the third quarter with Koa Entsminger and Kingston Andes making driving layups, and Dylan Kravitz making a “3”, and continued to put pressure on the full court press as Chloe Scofield stole the ball to find Radin Taherian for a basket down low, and Gabriel Chibane had 12 fourth quarter points to get within striking distance of the Worthy. The Worthy relied on a big “3” from Diego Gonzalez, driving layups from Rowan Booher and Ezra Mooney, and the solid play of game assist leader and Player of the Game-Leo Mooney to hold off the surging Logos, and claim the victory, earning a spot in the tourney final.
#1 Captains vs #5 Diesels
The Diesels started with the first points of the match with a trey each from Amensisa Alemayehu and Aayan Lakhani; however, the Captains would control the first half and had a fifteen point lead halfway through the second quarter as Keean Stoll, Lucien Fong, and Sam McGowan had a “3” party as they each made a trey from downtown. The Captains then got Sean Limpisvasti, Ibrahim Ally, Liam Adams, and Abdullah Jooma on the scoreboard as they made their shots. But the Diesels regrouped at halftime, and began to mount a comeback in the third quarter with a huge run led by “3”s from Olana Alemayehu, baskets from Isaac Lynn, Misha Lakhani and Yisaac Tariku as they were beneficiaries of assists from Yafet Desta. And before you knew it, the Diesels had the lead to end the third quarter. The Captains grabbed the lead back in the fourth quarter as Danilo Samardzija controlled the boards and made drives to the hole. But the Diesels would not be denied, as Player of the Game-Adonyinas Yonas took over and made shots from the inside and the outside, and put on NBA moves to score down low, and completed the match with a 20-20 in rebounds and points to put his team ahead and give them the close win to earn a spot in the tourney final on Championship Sunday next week
SAT 9/28/24 WEEKEND #9
Copper
#3 Foxes vs #4 Kangaroos
The Kangaroos Rasmus Wolfgang got the scoring going as he got the first basket of the match; then the Foxes were able to catch up and get six first quarter points from Charley Amos as she got assists from Sophie Ogawa to take the lead at the end of the quarter. The Kangaroos Jake Johnson made a couple buckets to get the scoring started in the second quarter, teammate Rhys Amis stole the ball and found an open Rasmus Wolfgang for another score. The Foxes were able to hold onto a narrow halftime lead as Ethan Buehl made a bucket off of an assist from Raffaele Giordana. In the third quarter, the Foxes had Isla Haglund making steals to get the ball up the court for Sophie Ogawa and Charley Amos to score; the Kangaroos were able to tie it up at the end of the third when Caleb Abrahams scored four points as he received the ball from Aiden Gallegos. The fourth quarter was a nail biter as they got a small lead from a basket by Rasmus Wolfgang. In the final minutes of the match, Player of the Game-Raffaele Giordana made a couple of steals to get the ball to Sophie Ogawa for a couple of baskets to give the Foxes the narrow victory. Many thanks to coach Chris Janka of the Foxes and coaches Ivan Gallegos and Joe Abrahams for successful seasons of developing their players.
Bronze
Monsters vs Slaters
Photo by Dean Georgaris
Even though this match was for third place in the in-season tournament, the implications would be that based on the results of this match, the league champion would be determined for the bronze division. The Monsters scored the first points of the match as Oliver Williams made a driving layup. The Slaters came back to take the lead by the end of the first quarter, as Killian Georgaris twice found an open Bodhi Kothari for him to sink a couple 12 footers. In the second quarter, the Monsters had Zayend Rashid make an outside shot; and, the Slaters had William Holt make a shot from the elbow as he was assisted by Anthony Berumen Alliyani. The Monsters tied up the score in the third quarter as Player of the Game-Riggan Marder had two baskets on coast to coast drives. Going into the fourth quarter, the defense for the Monsters with Canasia Backrien grabbing rebounds, and steals by Cole Lyle, were able to get the ball to Julian Garcia who found an open Zayden Rashid who nailed
Another outside shot to take a narrow lead. With time winding down, Anthony Berumen Alliyani made the long cross court pass to Player of the Game-Killian Georgaris who made the shot to tie the match. Both teams win 3rd place for the in-season tournament; and the Slaters win the league championship for the Bronze division based on highest number of total points in league standings in which teams receive points for wins, ties, and losses; with tournament games having greater point value. Many thanks to coaches Misbah Morten and Faisal Rashid for coaching the Monsters. Congratulations to the Slaters and their coach Brody Patterson.
Silver
Godfathers vs Stumpers
Photo by Hayley Farrar
As in the previous match, even though this match was for third place in the in-season tournament, the implications would be that based on the results of this match, the league champion would be determined for the silver division. The Godfathers had diversified scoring in the first quarter as Alex Blondheim, Mateo Chan, Lucas Alemayehu, and Oscar Farrar made field goals; while the Stumpers kept pace with baskets Dylan Read and Beau Ellis Farr.
Photo by Brian Read
The second quarter saw the Stumpers get Pablo Gonzalez on the scoreboard off of an assist from Max Ambriz, and Josiah Hong created turnovers to get the ball to teammates for more scores to get their team the lead at halftime.
Photo by Carol Chan
In the third quarter, the Godfathers had Krsna Pathak and Rocco Tomas creating a half court trap that allowed Jonas Ketai to pickpocket the ball and take it down the court for scores, and teammates Oliver Farrar and Alex Blondheim had multiple rebounds; the Stumpers would save their best for the last quarter as Sadie Bellavia and Alison Lyons used full court pressure that enabled Oakley Entsminger and Henry Fyda to make transition layups, and Player of the Game-Ryder Range played the big man’s game, as he got rebounds for putbacks to give the Stumpers the lead for good and the Silver division title. A great season for the Godfathers and coach Ben Ketai. Congratulations to the Stumpers and coach Ali Safavi for winning the league championship.
Gold
Magicians vs Great Danes
The first of two Gold division matches to determine the seeding matches for the next day. The Magicians had first half scoring from Oliver Harris, Diego Gonzalez, and Zachary Law; the Great Danes had first half scoring from Auden Travnikoff, Henry Mack and Oliver Lynn to take a narrow halftime lead. The third quarter saw the Magicians take the lead back by the end of the frame as Matthew Klass hit a “3” to lead the scoring surge. The Great Danes regrouped, and took over in the fourth quarter as Lucia Kraus had a key basket from an assist by Redeat Gebeyehu, and Player of the Game-Ryan Yousefi took over eight points in the final minutes to come from behind and win by a single point.
Goliaths vs Zenmasters
Photo by Rachel Ruiz
The Goliaths jumped out to a big lead to start the match, which was aided by three baskets from Olivia Ruiz, two buckets from Andrey Sterlyagov, and multiple threes from Ocean Yaghoubzadeh. The Zenmasters got it going with the scoring in the second quarter as Emet Ketai had a basket, and Buck Jacobs had 12 first half points. The third second half saw the Zenmasters Ethan Chang and Beau Zaczepinski get onto the scoreboard with assists from Harrison Bond, to help the team stay close; the Goliaths took over with the full court press as Teo Escalante got steals to get the ball to Alexander Melamed and Player of the Game-Mateo Chan to pull away for the victory and set up the rematch for the division title the next day.
Photo by Rachel Ruiz
Platinum
Logos vs Captains
The 3rd place in-season tournament match would go back and forth in the first half with the Captains getting scoring from Sam McGowan and Danilo Samardzija who made several “3”s as he was assisted by Nicholas Mirich; the Logos were able to get the halftime lead with baskets from Kingston Andes, Rayan Chibane, Koa Entsminger, and three “3”s from Dylan Kravitz. The Captains would do their best to cut into the Logis lead, as rebounds from Liam Adams and Ibrahim Ally led to more points by Danilo Samardzija and a basket by Leonardo Garcia; however, the Logos had strong second half performances with tenacious defense from Shai Painter, scoring down low by Kai Halpert and Player of the Game-Gabriel Chibane making drives to the hoop and converting free throws to pull away for the 3rd place victory in the in-season tournament and runner-up for the league championship. Congratulations to coaches Brayden and Brent Stoll of the Captains, and the Logos Bill Kravitz with assistant Lucia Chibane for a successful season with their teams.
Worthy vs Diesels
Although the Worthy had locked up the division title, they still wanted more by winning the in-season tournament. Coach Armando Gonzalez had his team ready to prove their team name as they were Worthy to the task of accomplishing the double. The Diesels struck first with “3”s from Azariah Gebeyehu and Olana Alemayehu as he got an assist from Misha Lakhani; but the Worthy got it going with their transition game of quick ball movement as everyone was dishing dimes all over the floor, as Cam Pariser and Cassius Taylor were giving out gifts of easy transition layups Jarvis Wakefield, Rowan Booher, and Luokang “Danny” Zhou. And with Louis Meehan Smith hitting his patented 12 footer from the right side shot, the Worthy took a big halftime lead. But the Diesels wouldn’t give up and went on a scoring run led by Aayan Lakhani and Amensisa Alemayehu making outside shots, and Brandon Israels and Isaac Lynn creating turnovers with their pressure defense. But the Worthy would not be denied the double(In-season tournament and League champion), as Diego Gonzalez made a basket, Ezra Mooney and Leo Mooney put the clamps on the lockdown defense, and Player of the Game-Jarvis Wakefield controlled the boards as he gobbled up the rebounds and put several back in for points. Congratulations to the Worthy and coach Armando Gonzalez for winning the League Championship and the In-season tournament. Congratulations to the Diesels and coach Joe Tilly for an excellent season that saw all his players improve and become one of the hottest teams to finish the season.
SUN 9/29/24 Championship Day
Copper
#1 Fish vs # 2 Rabbits
Photo by Dean Georgaris
The Fish locked up the League Championship, but were looking to complete the double by winning the seeding championship. This was a match where defense would reign supreme, as both teams were aggressive and tough. The only scoring in the first half for the Fish came from Player of the Game-Matthew Alemayehu as he made two baskets; the Rabbits had a bucket from Harper Gaines. The second half picked up(slightly, lol) with the scoring as Vivienne Bond and Kiki Moncher each made a basket, and the Fish had a basket each from Grayson Wells and Marlowe Georgaris to take a small lead with a few minutes left. The Rabbits tied it up in the final minute as Player of the Game-Jones Updegrove made an assist to Josephine Carey to tie the score, and that is how the game ended. Both teams are winners of the seeding tourney, and the Fish are the Copper league champions. Congratulations to Coach David Sharafi and the Fish for completing the double of seeding game champions and the league championship, and congratulations to the Rabbits and coaches Olivia Duarte and Priya Mevasse for being champions of the seeding tournament.
Bronze
Roughhousers vs Ironmen
The first place match of the in-tournament featured two teams that were on a hot streak towards the end of the season as they had both upset higher seeds in the semifinals. The Roughhousers controlled the first half as they had baskets from George Couvreur, Aiden Yousefi, and Loren Garner. The Ironmen were able to get their scoring going in the second half, as Gianna Sabine, Rohan Henderson, and Phoenix Volken each had a basket, and multiple baskets from Kris Peddi and Victor Lima Lopes to get closer. The Roughhousers eventually won the match as Hugo Casarella added a “3”, and Ashley Neff and Theodore Rattner each had a basket as they were assisted by Player of the Game-Lukas Bellodi. Congratulations to the Roughhousers and coach Tom Casarella for winning the in-season tournament, and congratulations to coach Phil Volken of the Ironmen, for a successful season that saw all his players improve.
Silver
Big Shots vs Spaniards
Photo by Dean Georgaris
The in-season tournament championship featured two teams that upset the top seeds in the semifinals. The Spaniards took the halftime lead on points from Naphat Wattanalaowit, Jaxon Silverstein, Ilya Zaria, and Killian Georgaris. The Big Shots kept pace baskets from Linus Verleun, Soren Verleun, and Theodore Edelman. In the third quarter, the Spaniards got a field goal from Beau Bigler, and free throws from Decker Amos; while the caught up with a basket each from Keegan Ellice Paul, Charlie Koch, Bodhi Petitti, and Ellington Litvin, as teammate Aiden Schneider assisted on several scores. The fourth quarter had full court press which both teams used effectively in creating turnovers. The Big Shots had steals from Qiao Ren and Amarveer Gupta; the Spaniards had rebounds from Knute Haglund and Adeline Smith, and blocks from Rahm Kapgan. In the final moments of the match, Player of the Game-Theodore Edelman scored a driving layup to put his team ahead; but the Spaniards were able to tie up the match as the clock wound down, when Player of the Game Otis Smith banked a shot in. Congratulations to the Spaniards and Big Shots as they share the In-season tournament championship. Congrats to the coaches, Peter Bigler with assistant Justin Amos of the Spaniards, and coaches Noah Verleun and George Edelman of the Big Shots on having the hottest teams in the division to finish the season.
Gold
#3 Magicians vs #4 Great Danes
Déjà vu, as the same opponents as yesterday were at it again, this time in a seeding matchup. The Great Danes had diversified scoring in the first half as Henry Mack and Ryan Yousefi were making shots down low, and Rohan Peddi was making shots up high as he was swishing them from beyond the arc. The Magicians kept pace with good rebounding and blocks from Quest Dixon and Sean Dobbs, and points from Elliot Israels and Diego Gonzalez. The second half saw the Magicians kick up the defense a notch with Ross Nelson and Spencer Nelson double trapping dribblers, and Judah Hong and Zachary Law pickpocketing the ball from the opponent to get transition points. The Great Danes were able to break the press and get points from Player of the Game-Oliver Lynn and Krishna Aysola to get the victory. Congratulations to the Magicians head coach Justin Nelson and his assistant Armando Gonzalez for a successful season, and congratulations to the Great Danes coaches Jennifer Lynn and Nicholas Walker for finishing runner-up in the Gold division.
#1 Zenmasters vs #2 Goliaths
Double Déjà vu, as for the second time in a row, two teams squared off that played against each other yesterday; but this time, the stakes were higher as the league championship was to be determined at the end of regulation. In this championship seeding match, the Goliaths needed a victory to claim the league title, whereas the Zenmasters needed a win or a tie for the title. Prior to the match, referee Markhum Stansbury told me if I ever had two ties on the same day, because two of the previous matches had ended in draws. I told him once before, but never had three draws in the same day. As I have learned through the years of running this program, expect the unexpected.
The first quarter ended in a perfect ten for both teams, as the Goliaths had a basket from Andrew Sterlyagov, floating jumpers from Ocean Yaghoubzadeh, and free throws from Olivia Ruiz; the Zenmasters had baskets from Niam Pahwa and Beau Zaczepinski. In the second quarter, the Zenmasters got Harrison Bond into the scoring column with a bucket, and Leon Muenze and Myles Shaw controlled the boards as they grabbed rebounds; the Goliaths had Teo Escalante and Nicholas Chan stealing the ball. The Zenmasters had a small halftime lead that would be overcome by the Goliaths as their full court pressure created turnovers in the third quarter to which Olivia Ruiz had three baskets and Leo Yaghoubzadeh nailed a “3”, as the Zenmasters kept pace with a “3” from Buck Jacobs, a basket from Emet Ketai, and assists from Archie Lewis. The Goliaths extended their lead in the fourth quarter as Player of the Game-Ocean Yaghoubzadeh made three field goals in the final minutes. The Zenmasters had Buck Jacobs and Emet Ketai get closer with baskets to get within three points in the final seconds of the match. Following a timeout with only seconds left in the match, the ball was inbounded down low near the Zenmasters basket, and the Zenmasters got the steal, and with a mad scramble that ensued, the ball worked itself to the deep left corner to the open Ethan Chang of the Zenmasters. Ethan was able to grab the ball and launch his shot from beyond the arc, and as the buzzer sounded, the ball went through the net! Tie game! Ethan Chang was not only Player of the Game, but his Zenmasters are the champions of the Gold division. Congratulations to coaches DJ Jacobs and Keith Muenze on a fairy tale season in which many games ended on buzzer beaters, league champions, and seeding game champions. Congratulations to coach Arash Yaghoubzadeh and the Goliaths on a successful season and as seeding game champions.
A truly exciting way to finish the regular season, and yes Markhum, we now had three draws in one day!
SAT 10/5/24 WEEKEND #10 All-Star Day
Copper
Copper All-Star vs Kangaroos
Both teams received a victory for participating in a fun match to watch. The Copper All-Stars were led by the hot over the head shooting by Player of the Game-Jones Updegrove who had 18 points. The Kangaroos kept pace with12 points from Player of the Game-Jake Johnson, and 4 points from Player of the Game-Rasmus Wolfgang, as Teo Quesada and William Kim had many steals and rebounds to get the ball to them. Isla Haglund and Mack Sherman played good defense for the All-Stars, and Issa Ally added a basket.
Copper/Bronze
Scoops vs Copper All-Stars
Photo by Carol Chan
The Scoops got a big lead early with baskets from Beau Bigler, Louis Liu, and Landon Schmidt; but, the Copper All-Stars showed grit, as Player of the Game-Matthew Alemayehu had 9 points in the second quarter to get his team close at halftime. In the second half, the All-Stars had Kosmos Kavalakis and Marlowe Georgaris get into the scoring column. The Scoops got Greysen Lovett and Inez Napoli into the scoring column; and Players of the Game: Esme Chan had multiple baskets and rebounds, and Claire Magic had the most assists, as the Scoops went into the victory.
Bronze/Silver
Skyscrapers vs Bronze All-Stars
Photo by Dean Georgaris
The Skyscrapers got out to a running start with baskets from Player of the Game-Alice Roberts, Ray Song, and Olivia Wu. The Bronze All-Stars got their scoring going in the second half as William Holt, Hugo Casarella, Billy Casarella, and Aide Yousefi each had a basket, and Player of the Game-George Couvreur had a couple of buckets. The Skyscrapers went onto the victory as Bronze subs Killian Georgaris, Rahm Kapgan, and Oliver Williams added points for the Skyscrapers, and Player of the Game-Emma Escoto became
The only player to have a field goal in each quarter.
Silver
Gold All-Stars vs Purple All-Stars
A fun game for all participants as the Purple All-Stars had scoring from all six player: Anthony Berumen Alliyani, Rahm Kapgan, Killian Geogaris, Phoenix Volken, and their two players of the Game: Ray Song and Oliver Farrar. The Gold All-Stars had scoring from Player of the Game-Soren Verleun, Oscar Farrar, and Naphat Wattanlaowit. The Gold All-Stars had Max Ambriz lead the match in assists as he found Player of the Game-Charlie Kalmbach who made four 3-pointers.
Silver/Gold
Silver All-Stars vs Gold All-Stars
Photo by Hayley Farrar
First half scoring for the Gold All-Stars came from Logan Christenson and Leon Muenze; the Silver All-Stars took the halftime lead on basket each from Saum Safavi, Ray Song, and Declan Wong; while teammates and Player of the Game Lucas Alemayehu had three inside shots go in on drives to the hoop. In the second half, the Gold All-Stars had a basket from Teo Escalante, and multiple points and assists from Player of the Game-Lucia Kraus. The Silver All-Stars pulled away as Jonas Ketai and Linus Verleun scored, and Player of the Game-Alex Blondheim made shots down low and from beyond the arc to give their team the victory.
Gold/Platinum
Gold All-Stars vs Mambas
First half scoring from the Gold All-Stars came from Jack Meyer, Ethan Chang, and Oliver Lynn with deuces; and, Rohan Peddi and Ovean Yaghoubzadeh with treys. The Mambas had first half scoring from Mohamed Dia and Player of the Game-Alden Wong who had two “3”s. The Mambas also got baskets from Gold subs Kamden King, Elliot Israels, and Brendan Still. In the second half, the Gold All-Stars had a “3” from Emet Ketai, and baskets from Alexander Melamed, Buck Jacobs, and Andrey Sterlyagov. The Mambas went onto victory as Ryan Chambers, Dominic Drew, and Player of the Game-Joshua Edwards scored multiple points.
Platinum All-Star match
Gold vs Purple
The summer season ended with a doozy of a game where we split up both sides of platinum players to make it as even as possible. The Gold got a big first half lead with points from Kingston Andes, Brandon Israels, and Koa Entsminger; however, in the second quarter, the Purple were able to tie it up with baskets from Gabriel Chibane, Ibrahim Ally, and Ryan Chambers. The second half saw the Gold get ahead with “3”s from Alden Wong and Aayan Lakhani, as Oliver Harris and Joshua Edwards got the assists. In the final minutes of the match, the Gold had Rayan Chibane and Cassius Taylor dishing dimes to Cam Pariser and Dylan Kravitz who decided to have a “three party!” as they threw it in from downtown, and pulled ahead in the final minute to claim the victory.
Last match in the program for Ryan Chambers #7 and Gabriel Chibane #31. Also pictured are Nicholas Walker, Mohammed Dia, Paul Drew, Aayan Lakhani. Photo by Tom Chambers
This Issue’s Profile
Each issue, 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 coach Phil Volken and his son Phoenix. Phil has been coaching for a couple of seasons, and has quickly become one of our most popular coaches for he gives positive encouragement to all his players as well as players on the opposing team. He is well loved by his players and their parents. Furthermore, his son Phoenix is not only an exceptional player, he is also an exceptional teammate who plays a team first style of basketball that obviously comes from good coaching. Although they are relatively new to our program, they already have made a lasting impact with their enthusiasm and vigor for all participants to succeed.
I asked the Phil and Phoenix a few questions for the Swish:
DocDrew: What is your favorite thing about youth basketball at the Santa Monica YMCA?
Phil: It’s like Disneyland! There’s a lot going on at the same time – lots of kids and lots of fun!
Phoenix: it is really fun
DocDrew: Who is your favorite player or coach, and why?
Phil: Kobe. Mamba mentality.
Phoenix:my favorite player is kobe bryant
DocDrew: What hobbies, activities, or other sports do you like to do?
Phil: Biking, swimming, skiing.
Phoenix: sometimes i play soccer my hobby is collecting hot wheels
Phoenix and Phil Volken
The Volkens help to make our youth basketball program great, by their teaching and motivation to make every player better. They are true Lakers fans and instill the Mamba Mentality , and those are big reasons that they enjoy our youth basketball program so much. The Santa Monica Family YMCA thanks the Volkens for all that they contribute to help our youth basketball program.
Scores
SAT 9/7/24 WEEKEND #6
Copper
Foxes 16, Rabbits 14
Bronze
Monsters 20, Roughhousers 18
Scoops 14, Slaters 32
Silver
Big Shots 22, Stumpers 32
Spaniards 16, Skyscrapers 22
Gold
Zenmasters 29, Goliaths 28
Platinum
Worthy 38, Mambas 48
Logos 31, Diesels 34
SUN 9/8/24
Copper
Kangaroos 6, Fish 20
Bronze
Roughhousers 18, Slaters 39
Ironmen 3, Monsters 18
Silver
Skyscrapers 28, Godfathers 31
Gold
Great Danes 36, Magicians 27
Platinum
Captains 41, Worthy 59
SAT 9/14/24 WEEKEND #7
Copper
Kangaroos 8, Foxes 17
Fish 16, Rabbits 18
Bronze
Roughhousers 36, Ironmen 17
Silver
Spaniards 26, Big Shots 32
Gold
Great Danes 25, Goliaths 29
Zenmasters 32, Magicians 45
Platinum
Mambas 34, Captains 48
SUN 9/15/24
Copper
Foxes 12, Fish 34
Rabbits 19, Kangaroos 5
Bronze
Slaters 10, Roughhousers 8
Silver
Godfathers 47, Spaniards 20
Platinum
Mambas 41, Logos 35
SAT 9/21/24 WEEKEND #8
Copper
Rabbits 25, Foxes 10
Fish 40, Kangaroos 17
Bronze
#4 Ironmen 21, #5 Scoops 12
Silver
#4 Skyscrapers 19, #5 Spaniards 28
Gold
Goliaths 49, Magicians 27
Great Danes 19, Zenmasters 24
Platinum
#4 Mambas 30, #5 Diesels 50
SUN 9/22/24
Bronze
#2 Monsters 15, #3 Roughhousers 20
(Tourney semi-final)
#1 Slaters 15, #4 Ironmen 18
(Tourney semi-final)
Silver
#2 Godfathers 22, #3 Big Shots 27
(Tourney semi-final)
#1 Stumpers 26, #5 Spaniards 38
(Tourney semi-final)
Platinum
#2 Worthy 45, #3 Logos 42
(Tourney semi-final)
#1 Captains 45, #5 Diesels 47
(Tourney semi-final)
SAT 9/28/24 WEEKEND #9
Copper
#3 Foxes 22, #4 Kangaroos 22
(6-4-2 for W-T-L, seeding game)
Bronze
Monsters 10, Slaters 10
(6-4-2 for W-T-L, 3rd place tourney game)
Silver
Godfathers 24, Stumpers 37
(6-4-2 for W-T-L, 3rd place tourney game)
Gold
Magicians 25, Great Danes 26
Goliaths 43, Zenmasters 29
Platinum
Logos 39, Captains 32
(6-4-2 for W-T-L, 3rd place tourney game)
Worthy 48, Diesels 21
(7-5-3 for W-T-L, 1st place tourney game)
SUN 9/29/24 Championship Day
Copper
#1 Fish 8, #2 Rabbits 8
(7-5-3 for W-T-L, seeding game)
Bronze
Roughhousers 34, Ironmen 18
(7-5-3 for W-T-L, 1st place tourney game)
Silver
Big Shots 23, Spaniards 23
(7-5-3 for W-T-L, 1st place tourney game)
Gold
#3 Magicians 16, #4 Great Danes 34
(6-4-2 for W-T-L, seeding game)
#1 Zenmasters 31, #2 Goliaths 31
(7-5-3 for W-T-L, seeding game)
SAT 10/5/24 All-Star Day
Copper
Kangaroos 16, Copper All-Stars 20
(Both teams split the victory)
Copper/Bronze
Scoops 26, Copper All-Stars 14
Bronze/Silver
Skyscrapers 35. Bronze All-Stars 15
Silver
Gold All-Stars 27, Purple All-Stars 42
Silver/Gold
Silver All-Stars 33, Gold All-Stars 15
Gold/Platinum
Gold All-Stars 29, Mambas 57
Platinum
Gold All-Stars 63, Purple All-Stars 60
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 8-1-1, 46 points
*League Champions*
#Seeding match co-champions#
Rabbits 6-3-1, 38 points
#Seeding match co-champions#
Foxes 5-5-0, 31 points
Kangaroos 1-10-0, 16 points
Bronze:
Slaters 7-2-1, 41 points
*League Champions*
Monsters 6-3-1, 37 points
Roughhousers 5-5-0, 32 points
#In-season tourney champions#
Ironmen 5-6-0, 28 points
Note:winner of #4 vs #5, does not receive points
Scoops 2-8-0, 18 points
Silver:
Stumpers 7-3-0, 39 points
*League Champions*
Godfathers 6-4-0, 35 points
Big Shots 5-4-1, 34 points
#In-season tourney co-champs#
Skyscrapers 4-6-0, 26 points
Spaniards 4-7-0, 23 points
#In-season tourney co-champs#
Note:winner of #4 vs #5, does not receive points
Gold:
Zenmasters 5-4-1, 34 points
*League Champions*
#Seeding match co-champions#
Great Danes 5-4-1, 33 points
Goliaths 4-4-2, 32 points
#Seeding match co-champions#
Magicians 4-6-0, 27 points
Platinum:
Worthy 7-3-0, 40 points
*League Champions*
#In-season tourney champions#
Logos 5-5-0, 31 points
(2-1-0 vs Captains)
Captains 5-5-0, 31 points
Diesels 4-6-0, 27 points
Note:winner of #4 vs #5, does not receive points
Mambas 4-6-0, 26 points
Summer Season Awards
Copper
Most Valuable Player
Matthew Alemayehu-Fish
Most Outstanding Player
Galiel Sarfati-Kangaroos
Most Improved
Jake Jackson-Kangaroos
Hustle award
Harper Gaines-Rabbits
Top Passer
Sophie Ogawa-Foxes
All First Team
Matthew Alemayehu-Fish
Jake Jackson-Kangaroos
Rasmus Wolfgang-Kangaroos
Galiel Sarfati-Kangaroos
Grayson Wells-Fish
Sophie Ogawa-Foxes
Harper Gaines-Rabbits
Marlowe Geogaris-Fish
Brooks Carey-Foxes
David Sharafi-Skyforce
Vivienne Bond-Rabbits
Kiki Moncher-Rabbits
Benjamin Kapgan-Foxes
Ruby Sherman-Foxes
Charley Amos-Foxes
All Second Team
Kosmos Kavalakis-Fish
Ethan Buehl-Foxes
Issa Ally-Rabbits
Quentin Dijols-Fish
Issa Ally-Rabbits
Decker Zaczepinski-Fish
Sebastian Janka-Foxes
Clara Cowan-Rabbits
James Wasson-Kangaroos
Aiden Gallegos-Kangaroos
Josephine Carey-Rabbits
Jones Updegrove-Rabbits
All Honorable Mention
Joseph Ackermann-Rabbits
Kian Kellener-Kangaroos
Teo Quesada-Kangaroos
Theo Keller-Kangaroos
William Kim-Kangaroos
Raffaele Giordana-Foxes
Rhys Amis-Kangaroos
Caleb Abrahams-Kangaroos
Olivia Couvreur-Fish
Soraya Karwal-Fish
Benjamin Vaisburd-Fish
Levi Carey-Foxes
Ethan Cohen-Foxes
Raffaele Giordana-Foxes
Mack Sherman-Foxes
Isla Haglund-Goxes
Joseph Ackermann-Rabbits
Ashley Harvey-Rabbits
Mason Heim-Rabbits
Lorenzo Anis Billimani-Rabbits
Reyan Parekh-Rabbits
Bronze
Most Valuable Player
Killian Georgaris-Slaters
Most Outstanding Player
Oliver Williams-Monsters
Most Improved
Loren Garner-Roughhousers
Hustle Award
Louis Liu-Scoops
Top Passer
Rocco de Tray-Ironmen
All First Team
Killian Georgaris-Slaters
Oliver Williams-Monsters
Louis Liu-Scoops
Loren Garner-Roughhousers
Rocco de Tray-Ironmen
George Couvreur-Roughhousers
Phoenix Volken-Ironmen
Victor Lima Lopes-Ironmen
Rahm Kapgan-Slaters
Gianna Sabine-Ironmen
Beau Bigler-Scoops
William Holt-Slaters
Inez Napoli-Scoops
Aiden Yousefi-Roughhousers
Julian Garcia-Monsters
Anthony Berumen Alliyani-Slaters
Bodhi Kothari-Slaters
Riggan Marder-Monsters
Canasia Backrien-Monsters
Zayden Rashid-Monsters
All Second Team
Lukas Bellodi-Roughhousers
Landon Schmidt-Scoops
Alexander Wolf-Scoops
Claire Magid-Scoops
Cole Lyle-Monsters
Sora Nomoto-Monsters
Tyler Enayati-Ironmen
Jaxon Oxendine-Slaters
Lior Vaisburd-Roughhousers
Ashley Neff-Roughhousers
Theodore Rattner-Roughhousers
Ray Lyons-Ironmen
Nathan Stafford-Ironmen
Kris Peddi-Ironmen
Rohan Henderson-Ironmen
Billy Casarella-Roughhousers
Hugo Casarella-Roughhousers
Greysen Lovett-Scoops
Esme Chan-Scoops
Lukas Bellodi-Roughhousers
Benjamin Bloom-Slaters
Hudson Hoff-Slaters
All Honorable Mention
Grace Parry-Ironmen
Delilah Shaw-Scoops
Maline Anderson-Scoops
Felix Chavira-Roughhousers
Devraj Karwal-Roughhousers
Zachary Cohen-Slaters
Hana Tagami-Monsters
Sophia Vasquez-Monsters
Haruka Yagi-Monsters
Adam Farghaly-Monsters
Silver
Most Valuable Player
Beau Ellis Farr-Stumpers
Most Outstanding Player
Theodore Edelman-Big Shots
Most Improved
Adeline and Otis Smith- Spaniards
Hustle Award
Jonas Ketai-Godfathers
Top Passer
Ray Song-Skyscrapers
All First Team
Linus Verleun-Big Shots
Lucas Alemayehu-Godfathers
Alex Blondheim-Godfathers
Decker Amos-Spaniards
Mateo Chan-Godfathers
Oscar Farrar-Godfathers
Beau Ellis Farr-Stumpers
Theodore Edelman-Big Shots
Jonas Ketai-Godfathers
Ray Song-Skyscrapers
Declan Wong-Skyscrapers
Olivia Wu-Skyscrapers
Ryder Range-Bandits
Jaxon Silverstein-Spaniards
Mateo Chan-Godfathers
Oakley Entsminger-Stumpers
Henry Fyda-Stumpers
Soren Verleun-Big Shots
Saum Safavi-Stumpers
Alice Roberts-Skyscrapers
Emma Escoto-Skyscrapers
Ryder Range-Stumpers
Killian Georgaris-Spaniards
All Second Team
Pablo Gonzalez-Stumpers
Knute Haglund-Spaniards
Rahm Kapgan-Spaniards
Beau Bigler-Spaniards
Gavin Geary-Spaniards
Josiah Hong-Stumpers
Oliver Farrar-Godfathers
Alison Lyons-Stumpers
Miles Wasson-Skyscrapers
Milena Zewdie-Skyscrapers
Adeline Smith- Spaniards
Cetine Travnikoff-Skyscrapers
Charlie Koch-Big Shots
Teddy Millman-Big Shots
Bodhi Petitti-Big Shots
Qiao Ren-Big Shots
Charlie Kalmbach-Big Shots
Aiden Schneider-Big Shots
Rocco Tomas-Godfathers
Dylan Read-Stumpers
Keegan Ellice Paul-Big Shots
Otis Smith- Spaniards
Krsna Pathak-Godfathers
Rodrigo Padron-Skyscrapers
Sadie Bellavia-Stumpers
Naphat Wattanalaowit-Spaniards
Ilya Zaric-Spaniards
All Honorable Mention
Theo Amis-Skyscrapers
Mariella Belew-Skyscrapers
Selby Scott-Spaniards
Nicholas Jones-Godfathers
Amarveer Gupta-Big Shots
Liana Enayati-Skyscrapers
Max Ambriz-Stumpers
Gold
Most Valuable Player
Buck Jacobs-Zenmasters
Most Outstanding Player
Rohan Peddi-Great Danes
Most Improved
Quest Dixon-Magicians
Hustle Award
Olivia Ruiz-Goliaths
Top Passer
Emet Ketai-Zenmasters
All First Team
Buck Jacobs-Zenmasters
Rohan Peddi-Great Danes
Olivia Ruiz-Goliaths
Emet Ketai-Zenmasters
Ocean Yaghoubzadeh-Goliaths
Henry Mack-Great Danes
Ryan Yousefi-Great Danes
Beau Zaczepinski-Great Danes
Matthew Klass-Magicians
Oliver Harris-Magicians
Diego Gonzalez-Magicians
Andrey Sterlyagov-Goliaths
Alexander Melamed-Goliaths
Leo Yaghoubzadeh-Goliaths
Oliver Lynn-Great Danes
Ethan Chang-Zenmasters
Leon Muenze-Zenmasters
All Second Team
Ethan Chang-Zenmasters
Mai Ly Pariser-Great Danes
Auden Travnikoff-Great Danes
Harrison Bond-Zenmasters
Archie Lewis-Zenmasters
Nicholas Chan-Goliaths
Jack Meyer-Zenmasters
Niam Pahwa-Zenmasters
David Yonatan-Goliaths
Logan Christenson-Zenmasters
Lucia Kraus-Great Danes
Azumi Nomoto-Goliaths
Ava Katz-Goliaths
Teo Escalante-Goliaths
Quest Dixon-Magicians
Sean Dobbs-Magicians
Judah Hong-Magicians
Elliot Israels-Magicians
Brendan Still-Magicians
Spencer Nelson-Magicians
Krishna Aysola-Great Danes
Ross Nelson-Magicians
Honorable Mention
Mariama Belew-Goliaths
Felix Carpenter-Goliaths
Redeat Gebeyehu-Great Danes
Myles Shaw-Zenmasters
Hunter Tito-Great Danes
Zachary Law-Magicians
Finley Provencher-Great Danes
Platinum
Most Valuable Player
Luokang Zhou-Worthy
Most Outstanding Player
Adonyinas Yonas-Diesels
Most Improved
Chloe Scofield-Logos
Hustle Award
Liam Adams-Captains
Top Passer
Ryan Chambers-Mambas
All First Team
Ryan Chambers-Mambas
Luokang Zhou-Worthy
Sam McGowan-Captains
Danilo Samardzija-Captains
Keean Stoll-Captains
Liam Adams-Captains
Lucien Fong-Captains
Adonyinas Yonas-Diesels
Gabriel Chibane-Logos
Koa Entsminger-Logos
Rowan Booher-Worthy
Cam Pariser-Worthy
Cassius Taylor-Worthy
Alden Wong-Mambas
Dominic Drew-Mambas
Lucien Fong-Captains
Kai Halpert-Logos
Diego Gonzalez-Worthy
Ryan Chambers-Mambas
Joshua Edwards-Mambas
Kingston Andes-Logos
Rohham Taherian-Mambas
Dylan Kravitz-Logos
Aayan Lakhani-Diesels
All Second Team
Louis Meehan Smith-Worthy
Isaac Lynn-Diesels
Yisaac Tariku-Diesels
Yafet Desta-Diesels
Ezra Mooney-Worthy
Leo Mooney-Worthy
Jarvis Wakefield-Worthy
Amensisa Alemayehu-Diesels
Olana Alemayehu-Diesels
Azariah Gebeyehu-Diesels
Brandon Israels-Diesels
Misha Lakhani-Diesels
Abdullah Jooma-Captains
Chloe Scofield-Logos
Shai Painter-Logos
Kay Roberts-Logos
Rayan Chibane-Logos
Radin Taherian-Logos
Augie Tucker Maxcy-Logos
Leonardo Garcia-Captains
Oliver Harris-Captains
Louis Meehan Smith-Worthy
Dagmawi Ayele-Mambas
Max Greenberg-Mambas
Mohamed Dia-Mambass
Aiden Lin-Mambas
Honorable Mention
Andrew Farca-Diesels
Julian Veckerelli-Diesels
Ethan Schwartz-Mambas
Joseph Doherty-Mambas
Maryck Booher-Worthy
Jarec Garibay-Captains
Sean Limpisvasti-Captains
Amir Enayati-Worthy
Alex Providas-Captains
Kamden King-Captains
Ibrahim Ally-Captains
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
