DocDrew’s Swish Issue 1, Volume 20

Welcome to the first and only issue of volume twenty 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.

Last season, we were still in recovery mode from the devastating fires that happened earlier this year, but we made it through and continue to thrive as we had another successful season of youth basketball at the Santa Monica Family YMCA.

This Summer season, the Santa Monica Family YMCA had 5 divisions of youth basketball, with the Copper and Bronze having 6 teams each, the Silver division with 4 teams, the Gold division with 6 teams, and the Platinum division with 3 teams.

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, I went with a tribute to community colleges in California.  I was a student at Santa Monica College many years ago, before I transferred to USC, and I have the utmost respect for the community college system in California, and wish to make people more aware of the high quality education that can be received at any of the fine junior colleges in this state.  To learn more about about community colleges in California, please click here.

If you wish to register your child for the Fall 2025 season of youth basketball, then click here to sign your child up.

Scrimmage Weekend 7/26/25-7/27/25

Copper 

Scrimmages of two teams playing each other, and three teams playing a round robin.

Cougars

The first community college in the San Luis Obispo area was founded in 1916 as a San Luis Obispo High School division. It lasted until 1919 with the United States involved in World War I. Cal Poly had a junior college division from 1927 to 1932. Miramonte College of Atascadero filled the void as a private institution from 1933 to 1936. The county’s second public junior college was formed in 1936 as a part of San Luis Obispo High School District but ceased operation in June 1959. On April 16, 1963, voters in SLO County agreed to form a community college district, forming the San Luis Obispo County Junior College District. In 1964, a limited evening division began at Camp San Luis Obispo, a California National Guard facility located between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. On October 4, 1965, the college was officially named Cuesta College.Five years later, following the approval of a $5 million bond,Cuesta broke ground on its current main campus west of Camp San Luis Obispo to establish a 127-acre site including frontage property deeded to the college by the National Guard.

Rav Karwal and Johnny Hong have returned to the Copper division with their daughters Soraya and Sonia respectively, to continue to help kids enjoy the sport of basketball.

Wildcats

West Los Angeles College (West L.A. College or WLAC) is a public community college in Culver City, Los Angeles County, California.It is part of the California Community Colleges System and the Los Angeles Community College District. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.The school offers associate degrees including 18 vocational-oriented programs in addition to 25 transfer programs. The college awards more than 600 degrees and certificates annually in 39 fields. The college’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats. The teams were previously known as the Oilers. The Wildcats nickname was adopted in 2008.

Longtime coach Brayden Stoll starts the first of his triple duty of coaching three teams, he looks to guide the young men and women in the right direction.  Fortunately, Amir Yakira came in to take over, as he and his son Atlas our first timers with coaching and playing in our league.

Brahmas

Los Angeles Pierce College, shortened to Pierce College or simply Pierce, is a public community college in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Woodland Hills in Los Angeles, California. It is part of the Los Angeles Community College District and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. It serves 22,000 students each semester.The college began with 70 students and 18 faculty members on September 15, 1947. Originally known as the Clarence W. Pierce School of Agriculture, the institution’s initial focus was crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Nine years later, in 1956, the school was renamed to Los Angeles Pierce Junior College, retaining the name of its founder, Dr. Pierce, as well as his commitment to agricultural and veterinary study. (Pierce still maintains a 225-acre (91 ha) working farm for hands-on training.)

New coach Brody Davis has come to help our program, and with his son Lyle on the team, they look to have a lot of fun this summer.

Lobos

Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) is a public community college in Monterey, California. Established in 1947, it is a part of the California Community Colleges system. There are two additional MPC campuses located in Marina, CA, and Seaside, CA.  As of the 2022–23 school year, MPC offers 55 different associate degrees in fields such as health, business, and STEM with an additional 32 degrees designed for transferring to a University for a bachelor’s degree in the same field. California State University currently has an arrangement with MPC to guarantee acceptance for 14 of their transfer degrees.They also offer numerous certificates as well.

Coaches Ivan Gallegos with his son Aiden, and Joe Abrahams with his son Caleb have returned to defend their championship from last season in the Copper division.

Rams

Fresno City College (FCC or “Fresno City“) is a public community college in Fresno, California. It is part of the State Center Community College District within the California Community Colleges system. The process of starting Fresno City College began in 1907 with the superintendent of schools C. L. McLane advocating for higher education in the San Joaquin Valley. Fresno City College opened its doors in 1910 as Fresno Junior College with an inaugural class of 20 students and 3 instructors.At the time it was the first community college in the state of California and the second in the nation. It was located two miles south of today’s campus.

Scott Roberts returns to coaching in the division, with his son Bryce returning as a player in the league.

Bronze

Scrimmages of two teams playing each other, and three teams playing a round robin.

Monarchs

Los Angeles Valley College was founded on September 12, 1949, to meet the tremendous growth of the San Fernando Valley during the 1940s and early 1950s. The college was officially chartered by the Los Angeles Board of Education in June 1949 and was located on the campus of Van Nuys High School. In 1951 Valley College moved to its permanent 105-acre (42 ha) site on Fulton Avenue in Valley Glen.  In 1954, members of the faculty founded the Athenaeum which began to offer community programs that brought the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the campus. The campus also had internationally known speakers including Eustace St. James, Eleanor Roosevelt, Clement Attlee, Margaret Mead, and Louis Leakey.In 1969, the Los Angeles Community College District was formed and its nine colleges were separated from the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Ben Hsiang has returned to coach again in the Bronze division, and has his talented son Max to help lead the team.

Chargers

Cypress College is a public community college in Cypress, California. It is part of the California Community Colleges System and belongs to the North Orange County Community College District. It offers a variety of general education (55 associate degrees), transfer courses (58 transfer majors), and 145 vocational programs leading to associate degrees and certificates. The college opened on September 12, 1966, as Cypress Junior College. The campus, covering an area of 44 hectares (110 acres), was designed by architect Frank Lawyer of the Houston, Texas-based firm Caudill Rowlett Scott. It features several futuristic-looking buildings set around a central lake.

David Sharafi with his son David are back again to shine in the Bronze division.

Vikings

Long Beach City College (LBCC) is a public community college in Long Beach, California, United States. It was established in 1927 and is divided into two campuses, the Liberal Arts Campus (LAC) in Lakewood Village and the Trades, Technology, and Community Learning Campus (TTC) in central Long Beach on Pacific Coast Highway. It is the only college in the Long Beach Community College District. LBCC serves San Pedro, Catalina Island and the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood and Signal Hill. During the 2015–2016 academic year, the college had an enrollment of 33,818 students.Founded in 1927, Long Beach City College was initially housed at Wilson Classical High School in southeast Long Beach. The 1933 Long Beach earthquake resulted in classes being held at Recreation Park until 1935, when the college moved into its Liberal Arts Campus in Lakewood Village at Carson Street and Clark Avenue. During and after World War II, the college increased so rapidly that a new campus had to be established. This was realized in 1949 with the establishment of the Pacific Coast Campus, occupied on the former site of Hamilton Junior High School. As Long Beach City College grew in the 1970s, state law separated the college from the Long Beach Unified School District.

Brayden Stoll returns to the Bronze division to help influence the younger generation.

Dons

In 1915, Santa Ana Junior College opened its doors to 25 students as a department of Santa Ana High School. It was the second community college founded in Orange County, behind Fullerton College, and the fourth oldest in all of California. For a short time, the college was known as Rancho Santiago College, but the name changed back to Santa Ana College in the late 1990s. In 1985, a satellite campus, what is now called Santiago Canyon College, was established in Orange, California. Santiago Canyon has since grown in size to become a separate college from Santa Ana College, although both colleges are part of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.  The college has various programs that lead to the awarding of associate degrees in Arts and Sciences, as well as vocational certificates.

Coach Doug Bloom has returned to coaching with his son Zachary on the team, and has brought new coach Mike Begovich with his daughter Kyla as a player.

Raiders

Moorpark College is a public community college in Moorpark, California. It was established in 1967 with an enrollment of 2,500 students and enrolled 14,254 students in 2014.  The board of the Ventura County Community College District established Moorpark College in 1967. In addition to the land already owned by the District, Moorpark College expanded into a 134-acre (54 ha) parcel of land on Moorpark’s eastern boundary, donated by a local ranching family, the Strathearns.In 1965, the citizens of Ventura County passed a bond for 8 million dollars to build the first part of the college. Construction of the administration, science, technology, gymnasium, and Maintenance buildings, and the Library and Campus Center began in 1966. In 1973, the college started an Exotic Animal Training and Management program. In 2011, the college broke ground on a new center for the program to house over 200 animals on campus.

Faisal Rashid has returned to coach in the division, and his son Zayden has brought friends to play with him.

Silver

Two scrimmages featured the four teams in the division.

Tartars

Compton Community College was established in 1927 as a component of Compton Union High School.From 1932 to 1949, it operated as a four-year junior college, incorporating the last two years of high school as well as the first two years of college.The Compton Union campus shared by the high school and college was devastated by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake,leaving two buildings standing. In the 1940s, several thousand Compton College students entered the armed forces, and during World War II the campus housed a military unit and a defense plant. In 1950, voters approved a bond issue separating the college from the high school district. The new college campus was then constructed at the college’s present site, 1111 East Artesia Boulevard. Classes began on the new campus in the fall of 1953.In the 1960s, the composition of the student body changed dramatically from predominantly Caucasian to overwhelmingly African-American. As a result, it has sometimes been called “California’s historically black college.”

Coach Eugene Travnikoff with his daughter Cetine, have returned to coach again in the Silver division.

Renegades

Bakersfield College (BC) is a public community college in Bakersfield, California. BC serves about 31,000 students each semester or 46,500 annually, and offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and is one of fifteen California Community Colleges offering a baccalaureate degree. It is part of the Kern Community College District (KCCD), which is itself part of the California Community Colleges system.Founded in 1913 as Bakersfield Junior College, the school was initially housed on the campus of Bakersfield High School (then Kern County Union High School). In 1947, the school dropped “Junior” from its name. In 1956, Bakersfield College moved to its current location “on the hill” in northeast Bakersfield on the “Panorama Bluffs” that overlook the prolific Kern River Oil Field. 

Coach Jeremy Stanton has returned to coaching in our league, as he and his talented son River will help their team strive for success.

Griffins

Grossmont College is a public community college in El Cajon, California. Its name originated with the silent film actor and producer William J. Gross, who was enticed by Ed Fletcher to invest in the purchase of land, part of which was called Grossmont.^[2] The campus sits in the Fletcher Hills community of El Cajon and is bordered by the cities of San Diego and Santee. Grossmont College along with Cuyamaca College make up what is the Grossmont–Cuyamaca Community College District. Grossmont is part of the California Community Colleges system.  Established in 1961, the first incarnation of the completed campus was expected to hold 4,800 students. On October 18, 1965, a bond for $3.5 million was approved by area voters. This made it possible to complete the college’s initial master plan. By September 25, 1967, the new facilities were completed. Since that time, student enrollment increased dramatically and created the need for new and remodeled campus facilities.

Returning to the league, Phillip Cardona and Idan Geva have brought their sons Brooks and Sahar respectively to reach the top of the Silver division.

Knights

Shasta College is a public community college in Redding, California, with branch campuses in Burney, Weaverville, and Red Bluff.^[3] It was founded in 1950 and later moved to a much larger campus while the original campus became the new location of Shasta High School.  Shasta College has approximately 8,865 students of all ages,^[4] including traditional college students, concurrently-enrolled high school students, older, re-entry students, and continuing education students who are simply taking classes for fun. The college has a wide variety of transfer-level and pre-transfer-level classes and programs as well as vocational programs. Many recent high school graduates attend college in order to transfer to universities after two years. Though many students commute to the college from their homes, the college is one of the few California Community Colleges with a dormitory. Shasta College has a strong athletic program offering numerous sports programs. The school mascot is a Knight. Shasta College is perhaps best known for its music department, which includes a symphony orchestra, band, choir, music theory, piano, and guitar classes. It is home to a community band that with over 100 members is one of the largest in the United States.

Coaches Tom Casarella and Danny Bitar are back; Tom with sons Billy and Hugo, Danny with his son William.  They look to spread their wings and catch their opponents on the run.

Coach Noah Verleun with his son Soren, are back again to continue to help the players enjoy the league and improve their skills.

Gold 

6 teams had a scrimmage against one of their division rivals.

Jets

San Diego Miramar College (Miramar College or Miramar) is a public community college in San Diego, California. It is part of the San Diego Community College District and the California Community Colleges system. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).The college was established in 1969. It services 14,000 students annually and offers 70 associate degrees and 90 career technical education certificates. The college is home to the Southern California Biotechnology Center, Advanced Transportation and Energy Center and the San Diego Regional Public Safety Institute.

Coach Kelly Roberts has moved up a division with his daughter Alice, and has brought many of the players from his Silver team last season, as they look to fly high in the division.

Rustlers

Established in 1965, GWC is a public community college located in Huntington Beach, California. Together with Orange Coast College, and Coastline Community College, the three colleges make up the Coast Community College District (CCCD). The district is a regional organization providing administrative services and funding for post-secondary education. As a California Community College all that is required to attend GWC is a high school diploma or a GED.  The mission of GWC is to provide affordable education, providing an Associate of Art and Associate of Science degrees, as well as lower-division classes transferable to other colleges and universities, and degrees in licensed trades and skilled professions, including degrees in nursing, automotive technology, and cosmotology. Through the financial assistance provided by the California College Promise Grant, a large percentage of students at GWC are able to attend college and pay little to no tuition or fees.

Coaches Johnny Hong with his son Josiah, and Eugene Travnikoff with his son Auden are doing double duty with each coaching a second team in the Gold division.

Marauders

Established in 1929, Antelope Valley College (AVC) is a public community college in Lancaster, California. It is part of the California Community College system. It is operated by the Antelope Valley Community College District, with a primary service area of 1,945 square miles covering portions of Los Angeles and Kern counties. Instruction is offered at several sites, including Palmdale and Lancaster, and through online and instructional television courses. The college offers Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees in 71 fields as well as certificate programs in 59 vocational areas. The main campus in Lancaster hosts the satellite location of California State University, Bakersfield-Antelope Valley (CSUB-AV), where students can obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees in select subjects.

Coach Keith Muenze with his son Leon, and Coach Ben Ketai with his sons Jonas and Emet, look to take on all opponents in their division, as they instill good sportsmanship and teamwork with their players.

Vaqueros

The college was founded as Glendale Junior College in 1927, to serve the Glendale Union High School District which at the time included La Crescenta, Glendale, and Tujunga. From 1927 to 1929 classes were held in the buildings of Glendale Union High School at Broadway and Verdugo in the city of Glendale. In 1929 the junior college moved to the Harvard School plant of the Glendale Union High School District where it remained until 1937. In this year a new plant, part of the present one, was completed and occupied. The year before, in 1936, the Glendale Junior College District was dissolved as such and became a part of the new Glendale Unified School District. The name of the school was changed to Glendale College in 1944.

Coaches George Edelman and Noah Verleun have combined forces to take on the division.  George has his son Theodore, and Noah has his sons Soren and Linus.

Lancers

Pasadena City College was founded in 1924 as Pasadena Junior College. It originally operated on Pasadena High School‘s campus as an extended learning program of the high school.In 1928, PJC and Pasadena High School formally merged.From 1928 to 1953, it operated as a four-year junior college, combining the last two years of high school with the first two years of college.In 1946, John Muir College was founded due to PJC’s enlarged enrollment.The following year, Pasadena Junior College was renamed Pasadena City College. In 1954, John Muir and PCC merged, forming the modern Pasadena City College. The school attracts students from throughout Southern California, enrolling a large percentage of students from outside the bounds of the Pasadena Area Community College District, which was established in 1966.

Coach Jennifer Lynn has returned to the Gold division with her son Oliver, as they look to take off and fly high.

Pirates

Ventura College is a public community college in Ventura, California. Established in 1925, the college has a 112-acre (45 ha) campus with an enrollment of 13,763 students. It is part of the Ventura County Community College District. Ventura College serves a diverse student body through both credit and non-credit offerings. The college offers associate of arts or associate of science degrees in thirty-three majors. Students are also able to obtain an associate of arts degree in general studies, using one of three patterns to obtain the required units. In addition, the college offers certificates of achievement in thirty-five career and technical education fields, and proficiency awards in twenty-six fields. The college’s Community Education program offers hundreds of classes three times a year to those interested in learning about music, dance, writing, fitness, cooking, financial planning, languages and a myriad of other topics in a non-competitive, not-for-credit environment.

Arash Yaghoubzadeh returns to coach again with his talented sons Leo and Ocean on the team.

Platinum

3 teams played a round robin of scrimmages against each other.

Olympians

San Diego Mesa College (Mesa College or Mesa) is a public community college in San Diego, California. It is part of the San Diego Community College District and the California Community Colleges system. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The campus was officially opened in January 1964. It has since grown into one of the largest community colleges  in the City of San Diegoand the 11th largest community college in California.  In 2016, Mesa College became one of the first 15 California community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees. Courses are provided in general education, lower-division transfer programs, occupational and developmental education. As of February 2024, Mesa College offered almost 200 associate degree and certificate programs.

One of our all-time most popular coaches, Joe Tilley, is back in the Platinum division to help guide the players on and off the court.

Gladiators

Chabot College (Chabot or CC; /ʃəˈboʊ/ shə-BOH) is a public community college in Hayward, California. It is part of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.  Chabot College was the first college opened by the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. The formation of a “junior college district” was approved by the voters on January 10, 1961, and the first board of trustees elected on April 18, 1961. Chabot College opened for classes on September 11, 1961, on a 7.5-acre temporary site in San Leandro with an enrollment of 1,163 students. The 94-acre Chabot College site on Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward opened for its first day of classes on September 20, 1965. The college primarily serves residents of Alameda County in the East Bay area (generally the suburban region south of Oakland), including the district communities of Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Union City. The school is named for noted Bay Area entrepreneur Anthony Chabot.

There are not newcomers to coaching in our league, but are newcomers to the Platinum division, as we gladly welcome coach Johnny Hong and his son Judah, and coach Idan Geva and his son Lavi.

Corsairs

Santa Monica College (SMC) is a public community college in Santa Monica, California. Founded as a junior college in 1929, SMC enrolls over 30,000 students in more than 90 fields of study. The college initially served pre-college high school students, eventually expanding its enrollment to educate college-age and non-traditional students with the intention to transfer to a four-year university. The college has high transfer rates to four-year universities such as the University of California and California State University campuses, being a leader among state community colleges in transfers to the former.

Our most talented young coach, Brayden Stoll, will be leading these young players to attain new heights in their game.  He will be assisted by longtime coach and his father, Brent Stoll.

SAT 8/2/25  WEEKEND #1

Copper

Cougars vs Rams

The Cougars grabbed the early lead with a couple of baskets from Issa A, but the Rams fought back with points from Matthew M and Austin L to stay close at halftime.  In the second half, the Rams got rebounds from Arden C to stay close;  however, the Cougars pulled away in the end as strong defense from Lily O making steals led to Player of the Game-Nicolas L becoming the game assist leader as he found Cody G open for multiple points to hold onto the lead for the victory.

Lobos vs Wildcats

This match would be close from beginning to end as multiple lead changes occurred with the Wildcats getting points from Nicolas L and Cody G, along with rebounds from Atlas Y and steals from Andrew K.  The Lobos were led in scoring by Player of the Game-Ezra A who had Alex his team with 14 points.  In the final minutes of the match, with the back and forth action, the Lobos got late baskets from Aiden G and Miles H who had the game winner with only seconds to go that gave the Lobos the narrow victory.

Bronze

Raiders vs Chargers

The Chargers were a little shorthanded, so the Raiders were kind enough to have some of their players take turns playing for them.  The Raiders led throughout this game with scoring from Ellis L and Zayden R as they were assisted by Jack M, Sebbie E and Finn A.  The Chargers stayed close with points from Harper G, David S, and George B who was the co-leading scorer with 10 points which was the same amount of points that Player of the Game-Quentin D scored.  Quentin D had 6 points in the first half for his Raiders team, then as a sub for the Chargers in the second half, he scored 4 points to help keep the game close but still get the victory for his Raiders team.

Vikings vs Monarchs

This game was pretty much all Monarchs as Player of the Game-James G had 18 points, Max H had 4 points, Haruka Y made a free throw, and Hana T led the game in steals to help their team to the victory.  The Vikings had a free throw from Decker Z, a nice outside shot made by Marlowe G, and 8 points scored by Esme C on her power moves to the basket as they put up a good fight.

Silver

Tartars vs Griffins

Tight defense through the first half, as both teams tussled with each other for rebounds and loose balls.  The Tartars got the early lead with baskets from Cetine T and Riggan M who made multiple baskets with running floaters.  The Griffins would take the lead back before halftime as Player of the Game-Sahar G had 6 of his game high 12 points in the second quarter, and teammate Wyatt M also had 6 points in the second quarter.  The Tartars would make a run in the second half as Ari L and Tomas L would score off of assists from Kris P.  But just as the Tartars were closing in to get the lead back, the Griffins got key baskets from Brooks C and Beau K, as Landon W and Max A tightened up the defense with blocks and steals that helped the Griffins keep the lead to the end for the victory.

Gold

Pirates vs Marauders 

These two teams had multiple lead changes for the first three quarters.  The Marauders had 6 points each from Xavier S, Zayd S, and Archie L;  the Pirates had 7 points from Trevor S and a couple of baskets from Aton W.  The fourth quarter saw Marauders get a ‘3’ and free throws from their leading scorer, Rohan P, as he had 11 points for the game; the Pirates Player of the Game-Ezra E continued his inside dominance of getting rebounds to putback for points as he led all scorers with a game high 25 points that allowed his team to pull away for the victory.

Lancers vs Rustlers

The Lancers were a little shorthanded so they used the help of some of the Rustlers throughout the match.  The Lancers got the early lead on a trey from Nathan G and baskets from Everest F and Oliver L.  The Rustlers came back to take the lead by halftime as Mai Ly P, Josiah H, Jason D, and Sam W were nailing their outside shots.  In the second half, the Lancers got contributions from Oliver F with assists and help from Rustlers subs Finley P and Elliott C as they grabbed rebounds and scored points;  however, the Rustlers would continue to control the boards as Juliana H and Player of the Game-Auden T were rustling up the rebounds and turning them into points that let to the victory as they rode off in the sunset.

Platinum

Gladiators vs Olympians

The Olympians jumped all over the Gladiators, as they got a huge early lead with drives to the hoop from Jerald W and Brandon I were making shots from the inside and outside.  Even though down by a lot to start the second half, the Gladiators make a huge run in the second half as Ibrahim A had all of his 18 points in the second half, Judah H took the ball to rim for scores and dished out dimes to Matthew K for the open trey, and Henry M and Justin P also became dime dealers.  Before you knew it, the game was almost tied. So the Olympians did as the old phrase would say “Batten down the hatches” and tighten up the defense, as Kamden K and Elliot I snatched the rebounds, Dominic D did some master thievery, and they found Player of the Game-Matthew S for the drives to the hoop that led to his game high 15 points that pushed the Olympians back to a comfortable lead and on to the victory.

SUN 8/3/25

Copper

Wildcats vs Brahmas

Both teams were a little low on players but this is summer, and many players are on vacation.  The Brahmas first half scoring came from Joshua B as he was assisted by Delors S; the Wildcats had baskets from Nico L and Caleb L to take a narrow lead at halftime.  The second half saw the Brahmas get basket from Quetzali Z, and rebounds from Cam F; the Wildcats would have strong defense from Henry D that helped get the ball to Player of the Game-Nolan B who had 8 second half points to keep the Wildcats in front for good and onto the win.

Bronze

Dons vs Vikings

The Dons got the early lead with field goals from Kyla B and Benjamin B;  however, the Vikings would right their ship, and sail the high seas to take the lead by halftime as Esme C had a triplet of deuces, and Constance N would score her first basket ever.  In the second half, the Dons would get multiple baskets from Zachary C as he was assisted by Kiana S, as they got closer to the Vikings.  The Vikings would have a strong fourth quarter as Marlow G had nothing but net on two of his shots, and Player of the Game-Jaxon O would drive to the hoop to lay the ball up and in for his game high 13 points to give the Vikings the victory.

Silver

Renegades vs Knights

The Knights jousted to the early lead with strong inside play as Jake H and William H got rebounds down low to put back in for points.  The Renegades would spread the ball around as Saum S and Louis L found Sadie B and Mateo C open to get baskets to get closer to the Knights by halftime.  

In the second half, the Knights had long range missiles going in by Hugo C, and Maximus A making power drives to the hoop to try to extend their lead;  but, the Renegades continued to get other teammates involved in the scoring as Rome R made running floaters and Player of the Game-Oliver F made key outside shots and converted all his free throws to help propel his team to the victory.

Gold

Vaqueros vs Jets

The Jets took off to the early lead with free throws made by Bobby D, and baskets from Alice R and Keshav S.  The Vaqueros were able to lasso the lead before the end of the third quarter, as Theodore E made drives to the hoop, and Declan W and Keegan E made outside jumpers.  As the fourth quarter stayed close, the Jets got Sebastian A on the scoreboard with a free throw, and blocks from Griffin M;  the Vaqueros pulled away down the stretch as Player of the Game-Ray S not only made the only ‘3’ of the match, she also had the basket of the match as she put up a shot with her back to the basket and put it off the backboard, helping her team keep their lead till the end for the victory.

Platinum

Corsairs vs Olympians

The Olympians had a strong first quarter with a ‘3’ from Jerald W and drives down the middle by Max P.  The second quarter belonged to the Corsairs as Danny Z had his own drives to the basket for scores, but also had the long distance shot going in, as he made shots from downtown, and teammate Kay R also joined in with her downtown shot going in for ‘3’s, as they got the lead at halftime.  The Gladiators took the lead back in the third quarter as Dominic D made a nice scoop shot, Ryan Y made drives to the outside for makes, and Brandon I had shots made from the elbow of the free throw lane.  The Corsairs would save their best for last quarter, as Dashiell K made a floater, and Player of the Game-Alden W led his team in assists and nailed a long distance deuce and a trey to save the day to give the Corsairs the victory.

Gladiators vs All-Stars

This was the first of several invitational matches in which an All-Star team will play one of the Platinum teams.  The All-Stars won this match, but the Gladiators will get credit for a victory in the standings.  The All-Stars had baskets from Oliver H, Daniel F, and Cam P in the first half;  the Gladiators had a ‘3’ from Matthew K and Henry M, and a basket from Judah H.  In the second half, the Gladiators got multiple points from Ibrahim A and Player of the Game-Jarvis W;  the All-Stars had Co-Players of the Game, Chloe S and Sean D.  Sean D got the rebounds to get the ball to Chloe S for the scores to give the All-Stars the win.

SAT 8/9/25  WEEKEND #2

Copper

Rams vs Wildcats

The Wildcats got on the scoreboard first with multiple points from Nolen B and Atlas Y, thanks to great defense from Henry D who created turnovers to get them the ball.  The Rams would eventually get the lead before halftime as Matthew M and Bryce R had their one-two combo going for passes and scores.  In the second half, the Wildcats put on a great passing display with Caleb L having 3 assists;  however, the Rams had Player of the Game-Ronan S as the top dime dealer has he had 4 assists along with a couple of scores to help his team to the victory.

Brahmas vs Lobos

Mostly Lobos throughout this match as most of their scoring came from Ezra A, but also baskets were made by Mile H and Caleb A.  The Brahmas put up a good fight and had 10 points from Joshua B, and rebounds from Zadie S and Lyle D.  The Lobos held on for the win as Player of the Game-Desmond S scored and led his team in assists.

Bronze

Dons vs Monarchs

Tight defensive battle in the first half as the Dons had Kyla B controlling the boards as she grabbed multiple rebounds; the Monarchs used their triple threat of defensive traps with Sofia A, Haruka Y, and Hana T creating turnovers that eventually led to points from Harold J and Max H.  The second half saw the Monarchs get additional points from Jordan C; the Dons had multiple baskets from Zachary C and Henry C thanks to the hustle of Player of the Game-Kiana Soltani chasing down loose balls to score points and get her teammates involved in obtaining the victory.

Vikings vs Raiders

The Vikings controlled the first half as Esme C and Jaxon O scored most of their team’s points; the Raiders kept pace with baskets from Jack M and Sebbie E.  The Vikings got Marlow G on the scoreboard in the second half, as he was assisted by Leo R; but the Raiders went on a scoring explosion as Ellis L scored, and Player of the Game-Ezra A had 10 of his game high 17 points in the second half, as he made ‘3’a and drives to the hoop to give the Raiders the narrow victory as time expired.

Silver

Griffins vs Knights

The Griffins lead wire to wire in this match as they got multiple points from Auggie F, Landon W, and Colin C in the first half;  the Knights started their scoring in the second quarter with good outside shooting from Victor L and Hugo C as they made their midrange shots.  In the second half, the Knights had strong drives for points from Jake H and William B to get closer to catching the Griffins;  however, the Griffins would pull away in the final minutes as Brooks C and Sahar G would continually feed the ball to Player of the Game-Wyatt M as he had all 12 of his points in the second half to lead his team to the victory.

Gold

Rustlers vs Pirates

The Rustlers rounded up the early points with a ‘3’ from MaiLy P, and a ‘2’ each from Finley P.  The Pirates would take the lead by halftime with inside makes from Ezra E, a trey from Trevor S, and a bank shot from Naphat W.  In the second half, the Rustlers got Auden T and Josiah H on the scoreboard with the help of rebounds from Hoky B; the Pirates locked down on defense as Nawat W and Natcha W created turnovers to get the ball to Player of the Game-Jace H who was making buckets from downtown and uptown and all around, as he led the Pirates to the victory.

Marauders vs Vaqueros

The Marauders built a big lead through the first three quarters as Leon M and Luca T put rebounds back in for scores, and Rohan P converted the And1.  But the Vaqueros would not give up, and Theodore E would drive strong to the hole for scores, Keegan E and Declan W would score and assist, and silver division subs Sahar G and Brooks C came to play with scores on inside drives that got close enough to take the lead.  The Marauders would regroup in the final minutes, and had Zayd S take control of the boards to find Xavier S and Player of the Game-Beau Z for key scores down the stretch to give the Marauders the win.

Platinum

Gladiators vs Corsairs

The Corsairs controlled the first half with an And1 from Alden W, baskets from Kay R, and assists from Radin T.  The Gladiators stayed close with midrange makes from Henry M and Caleb S, as they were assisted by Krishna A, and brought their team from behind to tie up the match by the end of the third quarter.  The Corsairs got the lead back early in the fourth with baskets from Rohham T;  however, the Gladiators continued to apply the full court press, and Judah H and Matthew K would score off turnovers, and Player of the Game-Jarvis W would take over, and lay it up and in on several strong moves to the hoop that would give the Gladiators the come from behind victory.

SUN 8/10/25

Copper

Cougars vs Lobos

Mostly Lobos for this match as multiple

Points scored by Ezra A and Player of the Game-Caleb Abrahams.  The Cougars were able to get two buckets each from Issa A and Lily O, along with solid defense from Sindy B and Sonia H.  The Lobos had steals from Jack E and Gabe G, along with a basket from Desmond S, as they got the win.

Bronze

Monarchs vs Chargers

Defense rules the first half;  however, both teams had 3 points at halftime with the Chargers getting all their points from George B, and the Monarchs with a ‘3’ from Hank C.  In the second half, some solid rebounding from Devraj K and Max D helped their teammate David S score 4 points;  the Monarchs had points from Harold J and Jordan C, and Player of the Game-Hank C got locked in and found bottoms in the net as he added 9 points in the second half to help his team get the victory.

Silver

Renegades vs Tartars

The Tartars had a fine debut from Madeline J as she had multiple rebounds and points, helped by assists from Cetine K; the Renegades had first half baskets from Rome R and Louis L to have both teams knotted at sixes to end the first half.  In the second half, the Tartars had Kris P and Ari L make drives to the hoop for scores;  but, the Renegades would pull away in the fourth quarter as Sadie B controlled the boards, and Player of the Game-Saum S would baskets down the stretch and deal out the dimes to open teammates for scores, as the Renegades would go onto the victory.

Gold

Rustlers vs Marauders

The Marauders built a good lead in the first half as Jonas K, Beau Z, and Archie L would score as each player made their own version of a spin move to get their shot off;  the Rustlers kept pace with a basket each from Andy H and Juliana H.  In the second half, the Rustlers went on a run, and narrowed the gap with Juliana H and Auden T working hard in the lane to get the layups in, and were within a few points halfway through the fourth quarter.  The Marauders regrouped after a timeout, and relied on the strength of Zayd S getting rebounds and finding Player of the Game-Decker A open down court for key layups to give the Marauders the win with a big enough cushion to prevent the Rustlers from making a comeback.

Jets vs Lancers

The Lancers had a strong first half with Oliver L scoring 8 points, and Nathaniel W making ‘3”s;  The Jets didn’t get their scoring going til the second quarter, as Sebastian A and Keshav S got on the scoreboard.  In the second half, the Lancers had Saum S convert an And1, and Nathan G made a couple of assists;  however, the Jets poured on the fuel, and took off with scoring from baskets from Alice R and Bobby D, and Player of the Game-Nanda A was the high scorer for the match, as they lifted the Jets to the lead in the final minutes to get the narrow victory.

Platinum

Olympians vs All-Stars

A fun game for all, with the Olympians getting credit for the win regardless of the score.  The Olympians had Max P as their leading scorer with 23 points, followed by Matthew S with 9 points.  The Olympians had a trey and a deuce from Brandon I, and 6 points from Player of the Game-Quest D as he had 3 putback rebounds for scores.  The All-Stars had the 3-ball working well as Chloe S. Diego G, and Kay R were hitting them from beyond the arc.  Daniel F had a basket each quarter for the All-Stars, Co-Players of the Game-Cam P and Augie T ran wild with layups that would give the All-Stars the win, but everyone was a winner.

SAT 8/16/25 WEEKEND #3 

Copper

Wildcats vs Cougars

Wildcats roared to the early lead with baskets from Nolen B and Atlas Y.  The Cougars got their scoring going in the second half, as Lily O had a strong game performance with multiple rebounds and points, and teammates Alexis E and Rocco A got steals.  The Wildcats would hang onto their lead as sub player Quetzali Z was the leading scorer with 8 points, Andrew K scored his first basket ever, and Player of the Game-Caleb L made a basket and led his team in assists to give their team the victory.

Lobos vs Rams

The Lobos have a habit of making many of their matches close affairs, and this was no different today.  The Rams bucked out to the early lead with buckets from Matthew M and Bryce R;  however, the Lobos caught up before halftime as Caleb A and Ezra Azad had the long range shooting on target.  In the second half the Rams got back in front with Ronan S, Lorenzo A, and Sebastian P creating turnovers that the Lobos converted to points;  the Lobos would eventually save the best for last, as a strong fourth quarter with a basket each from Aiden G and Oliver W, along with key rebounds from Player of the Game-Jack E kept their undefeated record intact.

Bronze

Chargers vs Vikings

The Vikings had the better first half as Esme C scored, and teammate Jason G had his first two baskets ever.  The Chargers stayed close in the first half as most of their scoring came from sub player Russell D.  In the second half, the Vikings had assists from Leo R who found Jaxon O open for multiple makes;  the Chargers would have a scoring splurge in the half as Harper G and David S each made a field goal,  and Player of the Game-Ryder K led his team in points and assists including a great dime from the floor as he was lying on his back and threw the ball to open teammate Devraj K for the score to help their team get the victory.

Raiders vs Dons

Both teams were a little shorthanded, so we all agreed to share players, and give the victory to both sides.  Highlights from the game included the Raiders having Copper subs Ezra A and Caleb A score bucket, and Player of the Game-Quentin Dijols having 8 points; the Dons had a couple of baskets and a dozen rebounds from Kyla B, steals from Alyssa G and Liliana R, and 17 points from Player of the Game-Russell D who was also a perfect three for three from the free throw line.

Silver

Griffins vs Renegades

The Renegades ran out to the early lead with a ‘3’ from Oliver F, free throws from Eli P, and baskets from Mateo C;  however, the Griffins would get rolling in the second quarter as Auggie F was can’t miss from the charity stripe, Landon W would score, and Player of the Game-Milos T would have 8 of his game 15 points in quarter to get their team the lead by halftime.  The second half would have baskets from Rome R and Oscar F to help the Renegades cut into the opponent’s lead.  The Griffins would have a strong fourth quarter that saw Sahar G have five assists as he found Wyatt M and Nakai S open for scores that would keep the lead for good to give their team the victory.

Gold

Marauders vs Lancers

We would divide this matchup into two mini games.  The Marauders dominated the first game as ‘3’s were made by Rohan P, Emet K, and Player of the Game-Jonas K who put on a dribbling clinic with his snake like moves as he would slither to the hoop for scores.  So with the first game decided, we split up the teams evenly and had a nice close match ending in a tie.  The Lancers had Oscar F score a couple of baskets, and Player of the Game-Nathan G had a triplet of treys delivered from downtown;  the Marauders had rebounds and points from Archie L, Zayd S, and Leon M for a nice way to end the mini matches.

Pirates vs Jets

At first it looked as if the Pirates would sail away with the win, as Trevor S got their team the early lead with their inside game, as Nawat W and Natcha W used a half court double trap with perfection to create turnovers.  But all was not lost for the Jets, as they took off in the third quarter, as Keshav S and Bobby D found open lanes to the hoop for scores, and before you knew it, they were locked in on sinking that Pirates ship by getting within a point to end the third quarter.  But the Pirates righted their ship, and began to sail away, as a strong fourth quarter with rebounds from Nicholas J, Ezra E with inside makes, and Player of the Game-Ocean Y nailing it from  downtown and uptown, as the Pirates sailed to victory.

Platinum

Olympians vs Gladiators

The Olympians hurled to a huge first half lead as they scored the first ten points of the match as Max Paik and Branden I scored on drives to the hoop, and Quest D added a couple of baskets in the second quarter, and all looked good for the Olympians to cross the finish line with the gold medal.  However, there are four quarters in the game of basketball, and the Gladiators would begin to control the arena in the second half, as Krishna A would drive to the hoop for reverse layups, Henry M went on the attack as he made the outside floaters, and Jarvis W converted the And1.  The Olympians fought back, as Dominic D intercepted passes and found Rex S open for points.  In the final seconds, Player of the Game-Caleb S had two big baskets to give the Gladiators the one point lead.  After multiple attempts by the Olympians just before the final buzzer, the ball would not fall in, and the Gladiators held on for the comeback victory in the most exciting game of the day.

SUN 8/17/25

Copper

Brahmas vs Cougars

Mostly Brahmas as Quetzali Z had 8 points, Daniel W had a basket, Zadie S grabbed multiple rebounds, and Player of the Game-Lyle D had his long range shot working very well as he made multiple outside shots.  The Cougars got their scoring going in the second half, as Alexis E made her first ever basket, and Lily O had a couple of buckets.  The Cougars also had steals from Rocco A, and good defense from Soraya K and Sonia H.  The Brahmas went onto victory, as Zach S and Griffin R prevented their opponent from catching up.

Bronze

Monarchs vs Raiders

The Raiders controlled the first half as Copper sub Ezra A had several long range shots go in, and Titus A would grab rebounds to put back up for scores;  The Monarchs stayed within striking distance by getting a “3” from Hank C..  The Monarchs regrouped after halftime, and came out stronger in the second half, as Player of the Game-James G had 10 of his game high 12 points in the third quarter alone, as his team took the lead to end the third.  The Raiders made a comeback in the fourth quarter, as Copper sub player, Quetzali Z made a basket, and Quentin D created turnovers;  however, Jordan C and Harold J would add baskets with the help of passes from Max H took extend their lead in the final minutes to give the Monarchs the victory.

Silver

Knights vs Tartars

A fierce battle from start to finish.  The Tartars had first half scoring on a perfect 2 for 2 from the free throw line by Cetine T, a basket be Finn P, and drives to the hoop for scores by Ari L;  the Knights had William H and Bronze sub Esme C grabbing rebounds, and Maximus A scoring to take a narrow halftime lead.  The Tartars got the lead by the end of the third quarter, as Madeline J made a basket, and Riggan M had a deuce and a trey as the quarter wound down.  The fourth quarter belonged to the Knights, as Bronze sub Titus A not only blocked shots, but added a basket;  while Player of the Game-Victor L took over with a long range “3” and key steals, as they shutout their opponent in the final frame to earn their first victory of the season.

Gold

Vaqueros vs Rustlers

In the Gold division, the first half is half-court defense, and the second half is full-court defense, so why do I mention this?  Well, this was a game where those rules had a lot to do with the outcome.  The first quarter ended a dozen apiece for both teams, as the Vaqueros had 3-pointers from Declan W, and a basket and multiple assists from Soren V;  the Rustlers had 10 first quarter points from Auden T as he was the ruler of the rebound to put it back for buckets.  The second quarter belonged to the Rustlers as Josiah H had a basket, and Sam Warner had a triplet of deuces, as their team built a good lead going into halftime.  Then came the second half and the full-court press to which the Vaqueros used quite effectively as Max B created turnovers that led to Ray S making the nice long floaters, and Silver sub Cetine T getting a basket, and the Vaqueros grabbed a one point lead to end the third quarter.  The Rustlers came back to retake the lead at the start of the fourth quarter as Juliana H made a nice reverse layup;  however, the Vaqueros would continue to dominate and score as the full court press would continue to give them points of turnovers in which Player of the Game-Linus V would make layups and a “3” to put the game out of reach for the opponent, and give the Vaqueros the victory.

Lancers vs Pirates

The Pirates took advantage of the shorthanded Lancers and pretty much dominated on the strength of points and rebounds from Ezra E and Player of the Game-Naphat W with 6 points and many steals to win the match at halftime.  So we divided up the teams after halftime, and had a very competitive mini-game in which Lancer players Oliver L had 6 points, Matthew K finished the day with 13 points, Jonathan W and Oliver F each had a basket, and Oscar F played good defense.  The Pirates had multiple points from Leo Y and Ocean Y, and steals from Beni O and Nawat W, along with rebounds from Natcha W.

Platinum

Corsairs vs All-Stars

A very competitive match from start to finish, as everyone who participated on both teams made the scoreboard.  The first half featured a basket each by Sean D, Leo Y, and Ocean Y to get the lead for the Corsairs at halftime;  with the All-Stars keeping pace with first half baskets by 

Radin T and Quest D.  In the second half, the All-Stars closed the gap as Chloe S had three of her three-balls in period three, and Olivia R was perfect two for two from the charity stripe and two baskets for two points each to put their team within two by the end of the third quarter.  The match went back and forth through the fourth, with the Corsairs getting a bucket and two assists from Rohham T, and the All-Stars getting a plethora of made drives by Augie T.  As time wound down, Co-Player of the Game-Dashiell K had several late buckets to add to his game high 19 points, and found Co-Player of the Game-Benjamin B open as he put in the game winner with seconds to go, to give the Corsairs the narrow victory.

SAT 8/23/25 WEEKEND #4

Copper

Rams vs Brahmas

First half scoring for the Brahmas came Joshua B as he made outside sideline shots and free throws, with help from steals by Cam F and Ryan M;  the Rams had baskets from Matthew M, and rebounds from Austin L and Theodore A to take a narrow lead at halftime.  In the second half, the Brahmas were able to tie it up by the end of the third quarter, as Quetzali Z had a strong quarter with making drives to the hoop as she was assisted by Teddy M.  The Rams would have a strong fourth quarter and pull away for the victory in the final minutes as Ronan S made a basket, and Player of the Game-Bryce R finished the match as the high scorer with 16 points.

Wildcats vs Lobos

Both teams were neck to neck in the first half, as the Lobos got baskets from Caleb A and Miles H, and the Wildcats had points from Atlas Y and Nicolas L.  The Wildcats applied good defense from Reyan P who helped teammate Nolen B make a couple of baskets in the second half to take the lead early in the third quarter.  The Lobos would end up dominating the second half starting in the third quarter as Aiden G made a basket, Ezra A scored multiple points, and Player of the Game-Ethan C led his team in assists and made all his free throws, as their team pulled away to remain undefeated in the division.

Bronze

Chargers vs Dons

The Dons had first half scoring from Russel D, along with steals from Alyssa G and Kiana S;  the Chargers had a basket from George B, and multiple points from Ryder K to take the lead at halftime.  In the second half, the Dons got Zachary C on the scoreboard as he banked in off the backboard, and Henry C and Kyla B grabbed rebounds.  The Chargers would prevail to win the match on the strength of points from Devraj K and Player of the Game-Max D.

Monarchs vs Vikings

The Monarchs jumped out to the early lead as Hank C and Harold J had their long distance shots going in.  The Vikings kept pace as Jason G and Gianna S made baskets.  In the second half, the Monarchs built a good lead as Mateo V and Jordan C each had a basket, and it looked as if the Monarchs had it in the bag for the victory;  however, the Vikings woke up, and started to go on a run late in the fourth quarter which had Esme C getting rebounds and finding Player of the Game-Jaxon O open to drive to the hoop for scores, and scoring is what he did, as he had all 10 points for his team in the final minutes, including the game winner to get the victory by only one point.  It was an incredible performance by Jaxon O in which he put his team on his back, created steals and made blocks to win the match.

Silver

Knights vs Renegades

First half scoring for the Renegades came from Rome R, Mateo C, and Louis L;  the Knights had first half buckets from Billy C and William H as they had the lead at halftime.  In the second half, the Renegades got Knute H and Louis L on the scoreboard, with the help of strong rebounding from Landon S.  The Knights would joust their way to the win, as Jake H made layups, William B dominated the inside with a game high 22 points, and Player of the Game-Miles B would score, steal, and rebound for a quality overall performance that would give his team the win.

Griffins vs Tartars

Mostly Griffins in this match, as Player of the Game-Brooks C led all scorers, and teammates Auggie F, Liam H, and Beau K made the scoreboard.  The Tartars fought hard and had Madeline J convert an And1, Kris P making free throws and Cetine T leading the match in steals.  The Griffins would win as assists were made by Sahar G and Wyatt M.

Gold

Vaqueros vs Lancers

The Lancers were looking good as they got a big early lead with baskets from Harrison B, Jonathan W, and Harrison B with the help of good passes from Oliver L as he would hit teammates in stride to make easy layups.  The Vaqueros would get going in the second quarter with baskets from Max B and Soren V, and cut into the lead in the third quarter with an effective full court press that had Julian Z creating turnovers that led to points from Ray S and Linus V, and would take the lead as Player of the Game-Theodore E would make acrobatic drives to the hoop.  The Lancers didn’t give up, and Player of the Game-Saum S would nail big shots and convert a free throw to make the final a tie score.  A close battle with a nice result to make everyone happy.

Jets vs Marauders

The Jets took the early lead on drives and free throws from Bobby D, and a nice bucket from Liana E as she was the recipient of a long bomb pass from Alice R.  The Marauders would settle in, and start scoring later in the first half as Beau Z and Leon M would get passes from Emet K to score 15 footers and take the lead by halftime.  The Jets would have second half scoring from Keshav S and Alice R to get closer;  the Marauders would counter with Luca T and Jonas K making floaters in the lane, and Player of the Game-Rohan P would make the ‘3’s to help his team go onto the victory.

Platinum

Olympians vs Corsairs

Corsairs took charge early with inside makes from Dashiell K and Benjamin B, and outside bankers from Rohham T, as they controlled the first quarter.  The Olympians would grab the lead by halftime, as Dominic D would find Brandon I open beyond the arc for the ‘3’, Rex S would get scrappy in the lane and make the hook shots, and Matthew S would dribble drive for deuces down low.  In the second half, Oliver H made the scoreboard, Kay R converted many free throws, and Dashiell K made layups to get within a couple of points of the Olympians.  The Olympians would go for the gold, as the game wound down with Jerald W making a trey, and Player of the Game-Max P making nine free throws in a row to give their team the victory.

At halftime of our last match of the day, the award for the Santa Monica Family YMCA 2024-25 Player of the Year was given to Chloe Scofield, as she was presented the award from 2022-23 winner Kay Roberts, and 2023-24 winner Mia Kondratyeva 

SUN 8/24/25

Copper

Rams vs Cougars

Crazy eights to end the first half with a tie score of 8 to 8, or Kobe to Kobe.  The Cougars had first half baskets from Issa A and Sidney B;  the Rams had Bryce R make the scoreboard as good defense from Marcus S and Ronan S helped get the ball to him.  In the second half, the Cougars got baskets from Nicolas L who was assisted by Lily O;  however the Rams would have a strong second half with the scoring surge from Player of the Game-Matthew M would end the game with 18 points to help give his team the win.

Bronze

Chargers vs Raiders

Both teams were a little shorthanded;  however, all players played hard and contributed.  The Chargers had a basket each from Vivienne B, David S, and Nicolas L, along with steals from Harper G and rebounds from George B.  The Raiders would go on to win as Finn A led the game in assists, as he found Quentin D, Ellis M, and Player of the Game-Zayden R open to make scores, as they were on target with their shots.

Silver

Knights vs Griffins

Early lead for the Knights as William B was able to drive to the hoop for scores, and teammates Max A and Miles B would get onto the scoreboard early.  The Griffins would pass the ball around and find open players Auggie F, Wyatt M, and Beau K for scores to take the lead at halftime.  In the second half, the Knights attempted a valiant comeback as William H and Victor L made inside makes;  however, the Griffins would be too strong as Landon W and Player of the Game-Nakai S would control the boards and make putbacks for points to keep their team undefeated.

Gold

Pirates vs Vaqueros

The undefeated Pirates were looking to stay that way, and had their inside game going with Ezra E and Naphat A taking it to the rack for scores, as they built an early lead.  The Vaqueros would stay within striking distance as Linus V and Max B made multiple points.  The second half full court press would be challenging for the Pirates, as they needed the help of Nawat W, Angie W, and Nicholas J to advance to ball up the court, as the pressure from the Vaqueros was overwhelming at times, which saw Ray S steal the ball and find an open Player of the Game-Theodore E who not only made the ‘3’ but was fouled in the act of shooting, and made the free throw for the rare 4-point play to give their team the lead.  The Pirates would fight back, and had Player of the Game-Trevor S make critical drives and convert all his free throws to have the match end in a tie.  Ironically, it would be the second tie of the weekend for the Vaqueros, so there was a lot of “Kiss your Sister” going on this weekend for them.

Rustlers vs Marauders

Mostly Marauders for this matchup with multiple points from Buck J, Rohan P, and Luca T.  The Rustlers would have strong performances from Sam Warner with a basket, free throws from Andy H, and multiple ‘3’s from Juliana H.  The Marauders would have a basket from Xavier S, and Player of the Game-Zayd S would score and lead the match in rebounds to give his team the victory.

Platinum

Gladiators vs YouBall

We invited the YouBall basketball club to play the Gladiators.  The match featured our YMCA player Diego G making ‘3’s for his YouBall club, and Player of the Game-Gus W leading his team to the overall victory.  The Gladiators get credit for a win, and had points from Jarvis  W, Ibrahim A, and Henry M.  The Gladiators Zachary L was awarded Player of the Game for his hard work on defense as he led his team in steals.

SAT 9/6/25 Photo Day WEEKEND #5

Copper

Brahmas vs Wildcats

The Brahmas controlled the first quarter with a basket each from Quetzali Z, Cam F, and Teddy M.  The script was flipped for the second quarter, as the Wildcats they took over the second quarter and got the lead by halftime with baskets from Nolen B as he was assured by Andrew K and Caleb L.  In the second half, the Brahmas got baskets from Lyle D and Delora S as they were assisted by Zadie S, and got closer to taking the lead back;  but, the Wildcats were too strong down the final stretch, as Player of the Game-Atlas Y added late buckets to give his team the victory.

Lobos vs Cougars

The Cougars gave a good fight as Issa A and Lily O scored points for their team, and Sidney B and Lucas R got rebounds.  The Lobos were too strong and would win the match as Danny B played tough defense as he stole the ball and found Desmond S and Player of the Game-Aiden G open for scores that helped their team get the victory.

Bronze

Vikings vs Dons

The two teams ended up tied at 11 at halftime, as the Vikings had a basket from Esme C and multiple buckets from Jaxon O;  the Dons had points from Lyle D and Zachary C.  Both teams went back and forth in the second half, as the Vikings had the lead late in the fourth quarter, as Leo R made a crucial free throw.  The Dons found a way to get the lead in the final minutes as Player of the Game-Jones U took over as the game leading scorer with most of his game high 10 points coming late in the match, as his team would sneak out the victory.

Chargers vs Monarchs

Defense was the story of this game, as both teams played in lockdown mode.  In the first half, the Monarchs had Benjamin K and Mateo V creating turnovers that led to a basket each from Jordan C and Hank C;  the Chargers had Harper G and David S getting rebounds to get the ball to Ryder K for scores.  In the second half, the Monarchs had a small lead, as Max H converted free throws;  the Chargers were able to take a narrow lead late for good with a key basket and nice assist from Player of the Game-Devraj K and held on for the close win.

Silver

Tartars vs Knights

Close matches on this day continued as these two teams went wire to wire with neither team pulling ahead. The Tartars Cetine T was tenacious on D, as she was diving in loose balls, ripping the ball away from the opponents, gobbling up rebounds, and finding open players for scores with assists to Ari L and Tyler E.  The Knights had long range shots go in from Killian G and Miles B in the first half, and inside drives from Victor L and Player of the Game-William B to take a small lead at the end of the third quarter.  The Tartars almost caught up in the fourth quarter with free throws made by Rahm K, and Noah V blocking shots;  however, the Knights held on for the narrowest victory, in a well played game by both teams.

Renegades vs Griffins

The Griffins were looking to remain undefeated in the division, but the Renegades had something to say about that, and jumped out to the early lead as Mateo C and Saum S would score early off of assists from Oliver F, and for good measure, as the quarter wound down, Oscar F will nail a half court buzzer beater that got everyone off their seat cheering.  The Griffins brought the cavalry in the second half, as late players showed, and got their scoring going in the second half, as Auggie F, Landon W, and Beau K would get on the scoreboard;  however, other Renegades would get involved in the scoring, as Louis L, and River S made baskets, and Player of the Game-Rome R would be the leading scorer for the game with 10 points, as they would knock off the Griffins from the ranks of the undefeated.

Gold

Rustlers vs Jets

These two teams would go back and forth throughout this match.  The first quarter belonged to the Rustlers as they had points from Auden T, Andy H, and Sam W;  the Jets would grab the lead by halftime as Sebastian A, Liana E, Nanda A, and Alice R would all make drives down low for baskets.  The Jets built on their lead in the third quarter as Keshav S made 3 consecutive buckets, as he was assisted by Bobby D.  The Rustlers regrouped, and came out with high pressure full court press in the fourth quarter that created turnovers in which Mai L and Jason D not only scored by were able to find teammate and Player of the Game-Juliana H behind the arc for a pair of ‘3’s that would have their team come from behind and take the victory for themselves.

Marauders vs Pirates

The first half ended in an 11-11 tie, as the Pirates had a pair of deuces from Ocean Y, and the Marauders had buckets from Beau Z and Decker A.  The third quarter remained close as the Marauders got baskets down low from Zayd S and Buck J;  and the Pirates had a basket and an And1 conversion from Trevor S.  The Marauders to a brief lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, as Rohan P had a ‘3’;  however, the Pirates would put the defensive pressure on, and Leo Y made a couple of baskets on turnovers that he created, and Player of the Game-Ezra E would get most of his game high 16 points in the final minutes with his dominance in the paint, to get the Pirates the victory.

Platinum

Corsairs vs Gladiators

Gladiators took the early lead on drives made by Jarvis W and Krishna A.  The Corsairs would get the lead at halftime as Benjamin B was can’t miss in the second quarter as he was making midrange floaters, treys from downtown, and converting all his free throws, and the Corsairs would continue to build on their lead in the third quarter, as Kay R, Dashiell K, and Rohham T would get on the scoreboard.  The Gladiators would mount a comeback that included a ‘3’ and multiple midrange makes from Caleb S, and baskets from Jaden K and Henry M;  however, Player of the Game-Danny Z would take over with coast to coast drives with his aggressive dribbling that would keep the lead for good to give the Corsairs the victory.

SUN 9/7/25

Copper

Wildcats vs Rams

The Wildcats would be a little shorthanded to start the game, so Rams players Austin L and Clark W agreed to help out, until more Wildcats showed up.  The first half saw the Wildcats get baskets from Atlas Y and Nolen B;  the Rams got baskets from Bryce R and Matthew M, with the help of good defense from Marcus S.  In the second half, Quetzali Z made a couple of baskets for the Wildcats;  the Rams get Theodore A to make steals and find Player of the Game-Arden C who made the long shot for a score that would give her team enough points for the victory.

Bronze

Raiders vs Vikings

Tight contest throughout the game, as both teams played good basketball.  The first half saw the Raiders get a couple of baskets from Quentin D and Titus A;  the Vikings had multiple makes from Jaxon O, and a basket each from Esme C and Leo R.  The Raiders took a sizeable lead to end the third quarter as Zayden R was making nothing but net, and it looked as if they would cruise to the victory;  however, the Vikings put on a strong fourth quarter that saw Player of the Game-Gianna S take over, and go coast to coast for multiple layups as she had a double-double for the game with 10 points and 12 rebounds, and the Vikings took the victory away from the Raiders, and took in the spoils of the win.

Silver

Tartars vs Renegades

The Tartars came all so close to their first victory yesterday, and were looking to see if they could get that victory today.  The Renegades had a ‘3’ from Oliver F, and a basket from Saum S to take the early lead.  The Tartars got their scoring going in the second quarter with a basket each from Riggan M, Noah V, and Rahm K.  In the second half, the Renegades had a narrow lead to end the third quarter as Mateo C made a couple of midrange shots.  The Tartars would press hard in the fourth quarter, as Madeline J made key steals, Player of the Game-Finn P made a crucial basket, and Player of the Week-Cetine T led the game in assists, and her overall play the entire weekend was worthy of the honor, as the Tartar eked out the one point victory, and got their first win of the season.

Gold

Jets vs Vaqueros

The Jets took off early with scoring from Bobby D;  the Vaqueros struck back with baskets from Ray S and a trey from Declan W to take the lead by halftime.  In the second half, the Jets got a basket each from Connor V and Nanda A, and an And1 from Alice R to get closer.  The Vaqueros pulled away in the fourth quarter as Keegan E and Player of the Game-Julian Z made multiple drives to the hoop to give their team the win.

Rustlers vs Lancers

The Rustlers got on the scoreboard first with baskets from Juliana H and Jason D;  the Lancers would strike back as Harrison B and Matthew K hit multiple shots from 15 feet out, and Nathan G added a couple of baskets to give them the halftime lead.  In the second half, good defense from Hoky B steals helped get the ball to Sam W and Auden T for scores;  however, the Lancers had Player of the Game-Brady K continue his dominance as he had 15 points for the match, as he would make layups with either hand, and make a ‘3’ to give the Lancers the win.

Platinum

Gladiators vs Olympians

Strong first half by the Gladiators as they took over the arena, as points were made by Rex S, Brandon I, and Max P;  the Gladiators had first half scoring from Ibrahim A and Zachary L, as they were assisted by Krishna A and Lavi G.  In the second half, the Gladiators made a run, by creating turnovers with good defense from Jacob H and Henry M, which led to points by Jarvis W and Jaden K.  The Gladiators would go on to win as Jerald W and Player of the Game-Ryan Y would get on the scoreboard thanks to nice assists from Kamden K and Dominic D.

Corsairs vs YouBall

The Corsairs had the early lead as Benjamin B and Danny Z had twos and threes, and Player of the Game-Oliver H was making drives to the hoop.  YouBall eventually got their rhythm going as Gus W had five treys on the day, and Player of the Game-Jaoquin grabbed multiple rebounds.  Other YouBall players scored which were Duffy, Luke, Billy, Patrick, and Tristan.  The Corsairs got rebounds from Siddhant K, and a basket each from Kay R and Radin T, while Dashiel K made multiple putbacks.  Although YouBall won, both teams get credit for the victory.

SAT 9/13/25 WEEKEND #6

Copper

Cougars vs Wildcats 

All Cougars in the first quarter as Nicolas L and Lily O made buckets and free throws.  The Wildcats got their scoring going in the second quarter as Atlas Y made free throws, and Caleb L had a basket, and continued to catch up to the Wildcats in the third quarter, as Quetzali Z and Nolen B scored.  The Cougars would be too strong today, as good defense from Soraya K and Lucas R created turnovers that got the ball to Player of the Game-Issa A as he was the game high scorer with 10 points to help his team to the victory.

Lobos vs Brahmas

The Brahmas struck first with buckets from Quetzali Z and Lyle D;  however, the Lobos would get rolling, as Ezra A and Caleb A would make drives to the hoop to take the lead at halftime.  In the second half, the Brahmas would get three field goals from Joshua B with the help of assists from Zadie S to edge closer to the Lobos.  The Lobos would eventually pull away in the fourth quarter, as Aiden G had a rebound that he put back for a basket, and Player of the Game-Miles H would score and make multiple steals to help give his team the win.

Bronze

Raiders vs Monarchs

Both teams would end the first quarter with a devilish score of 6 to 6 that saw the Monarchs get a basket each from Max H and Jordan C.  The second quarter saw the Raiders get a basket from Ellis L, as they took the lead at halftime;  but, the Monarch would have a strong third quarter with a basket each from Hank C and Mateo V, and a couple of bankers that went in from Harold J as they were knocking on the door to take the lead.  The Raiders would be strong going down the final stretch of the match, as Aadi K and Zayden R each made 12 footers, and Player of the Game-Titus A would have a double-double of a lucky 13 in points and rebounds to propel his team to the win.

Dons vs Chargers

Mostly Chargers throughout this game as they took advantage of the shorthanded Dons.  The Chargers had baskets and assists from George B and Vivienne B, multiple points from Max D, Dev K, and Ryder K.  The Dons had points from all their players that included Benjamin B who also had a couple of nice assists, Zachary C with a couple of makes, a basket from Alyssa G, and a bucket each from Copper subs-Joshua B and Ethan C.  The Chargers Player of the Game-David S had 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals in an impressive performance to give his team the victory.

Silver

Tartars vs Griffins

The Griffins would dominate throughout this game, as Player of the Game-Auggie F got multiple points to give his team an early lead that they would not relinquish.  But the Tartar put up a good fight and got great performances from Riggan M would made the only ‘3’ of the game, multiple points from Madeline J and Ari L, and a nice shooting performance form Rahm K who would square up nicely to sink the outside shots with nothing but net.  The Griffins would win with strong inside rebounding with putbacks from Milos T, and assists and points from Sahar G and Wyatt M.

Renegades vs Knights

Close first half with the Renegades getting scores from Louis L, Rome R, and Oscar F with assists from Saum S;  the Knights getting a deuce and a trey from Miles B, and baskets and assists from Killian G and Jake H to take a narrow halftime lead.  In the second half, the Knights got a ‘3’ from Hugo C, and buckets from Maximus A;  however, the Renegades would surge ahead on a triplet of deuces from Oliver F and multiple makes from steals by Player of the Game-Mateo C, as their team would pull away for the victory.

Gold

Lancers vs Jets

These two teams exchanged leads multiple times throughout the first half, in which the Lancers had a couple of baskets each from Saum S and Player of the Game-Oscar F;  while the Jets had 8 points from Griffin M and 6 points from Nanda A, as they were both benefactors of master passer Alice R who had five assists for the match.  In the second half, the Jets would get Bobby D to convert drives to the hoop to take a small lead;  but, the Lancers would get Nathan G on the scoreboard, and Brady K would put on a clinic of making threes and frees to have his team go onto the victory.

Pirates vs Rustlers

Close, first half as the Rustlers got most of their points from Auden ,  and the Pirates got most of their points in the form of multiple threes from Ocean Y, and a basket from Naphat W.  In the second half, the Rustlers were able to get good defense from Hoku B and Finley P that helped lead to a basket from Sam W and a free-throw made by Josiah H.  I was keeping score, when at halftime, the coach of the Pirates, Arash, mentioned to me that his son Leo Y was wearing a number ‘3’ substitute jersey and he said to me: “I don’t know, ‘3’ is an unlucky number”, but I told him that he shouldn’t worry about that things will work out.  The Pirates were able to pull away in the fourth quarter as Beni O made a basket, and Player of the Game-Leo Y proved that his number ‘3’ jersey was really good luck as he scored multiple baskets to give his team the lead for good and on to the victory.  I wonder if Leo Y will wear ‘3’ again?

Platinum

Gladiators vs Corsairs

This battle between the two top teams in the division would be tight throughout the first half as the Gladiators got most of their points from Jarvis W and Henry M; the Corsairs had a parade of treys from Kay R and Radin T as they were assisted by Benjamin B.  The second half saw the Corsairs take a small lead in the third quarter, as Dashiell K and Alden W made floaters from the side.  The Gladiators would save their best for last, as They had a strong fourth quarter, with bank shot makes from Caleb S, multiple converted free throws from Jarvis W, and a game double-double performance of 10 points and 14 rebounds from Player of the Game-Ibrahim A to give their team the victory.

SUN 9/14/25

Copper

Rams vs Lobos

A matchup at the top two teams in the copper division saw the Lobos get a basket each from Caleb A and Oliver W in the first half,  and then the Rams got most of their scoring in the first half from Matthew M as he was assisted by Theodore A, as the score remained close at halftime.  In the second half, good defense from Clark W and Austin L helped lead to baskets by Bryce R, as the Rams took a small lead; but then, in the fourth quarter the Lobos would pull away on the strength of a basket from Aiden G and multiple steals from Jack E as he was able to find Player the Game-Ezra A who not only scored outside shots but converted all his free throws to keep the Lobos undefeated for the season.

Cougars vs Brahmas

This match would be mostly a defensive struggle which saw the Brahmas get steals from Ryan M and Griffin R; while the Cougars had Alexis E and Sidney B have a block party as they became shot rejectors.  All the scoring for the Brahmas came from Player of the Game-Quetzali Z; most of the points for the Cougars came from Nicolas L.  A couple of key steals at the end from Player of the Game-Lily O helped the Cougars to tie the Brahmas.  The final score was 8-8, Kobe Bryant would have been proud.

Bronze

Dons vs Raiders

All Raiders in the first half with baskets from Ellis L and Zayden R.  The Dons got their scoring going in the second half with Henry C calling “bank” as all his shots made were off the backboard(often referred to as a player’s best friend), and baskets made from Russell D and Kyla B.  The Raiders would go on to the victory as Player of the Game-Finn A would score and find and open Titus A who would hit a pair of ‘3’s from downtown, as their team would take sole possession of first place.

Silver

Griffins vs Renegades

The Griffins took a big early lead as Sahar G found Wyatt M open with his touchdown passes for scores, and Milos T and Player of the Game-Max A gobbled up rebounds to put back for points.  The Renegades would have first half scoring from Mateo C and Oliver F as they were assisted by Saum S.  In the second half, the Renegades had Eli P make all his free throws, and Oscar F hit a long range ‘3’;  the Griffins would go on to the victory with baskets from Brooks C and Auggie F, as they took sole control of first place in the division.

Gold

Vaqueros vs Pirates

First half scoring from the Vaqueros came from Max B, Ray S, and Linus V;  The Pirates had a triplet each of deuces from Ezra E, Leo Y, and Trevor S to take the halftime lead.  The Vaqueros would have a strong second half with Keegan E, Julian V, and Declan W found the bottom of the net, as their team got closer to taking the lead back.  In the final quarter, the Pirates took over as Natcha W played strong defense, Ocean Y made a ‘3’, and Player of the Game-Nawat W made a key bucket along with important steals to seal the victory, and keep their team in first place.

Platinum

Olympians vs All-Stars

The Olympians were a little short handed, so Cam P and Dylan K came over to help them out.  Cam P made an early impact as his long range shots were nothing but net, and teammate Jerald W had a pair of treys from way out there.  The All-Stars would battle back, as brothers Rohham T and Radin T got into a three party with Player of the Game-Kay R as she also made a pair of treys to stay even with the Olympians.  The All-Stars also had Krishna A, Brady K, Alden W, and Oliver W make the scoreboard with the help of passes from Augie T.  In the last quarter, the Olympians pulled away as brothers Brandon I and Elliot I got scores thanks to assists from dime dealer Dominic D, and Player of the Game-Rex S would score and have a dozen rebounds, as they went onto the victory.

SAT 9/20/25 WEEKEND #7 

Copper

Brahmas vs Rams

The  Rams controlled the first half with baskets from Arden C and Bryce R at they got out to a big lead in the first half;  however, the Brahmas would come out strong in the second half as Quetzali Z, Joshua B, and Teddy M would all get on the scoreboard, and before you knew it, the game was tied.  The Rams would lock it down on defense as Theodore A would get a couple of steals and find Player of the Game-Matthew M who was the game high scorer with 14 points that gave the Rams the victory.

Bronze

Monarchs vs Dons

The Monarchs came out strong in the first quarter as Hank C made three shots in a row, and Benjamin K had a pair of sideline shots go in.  The Dons would have a stronger second quarter as Henry C and Jones U made drives to the hoop, as they got closer to the Dons before halftime, and in the second half, the Dons got free throws made from Russell D and Zachary C as they looked to catch the Monarchs.  The Monarchs regrouped and had Harold J make a ‘3’, and got multiple makes from Player of the Game-Jordan C as he put on an “Air” show with down the lane drives(minus the tongue sticking out) to put the Monarchs up for good and onto the victory.

Vikings vs Chargers

The first half saw the Vikings get baskets from Esme C and Jaxon O; the Chargers had multiple baskets from Ryder K, Max D, and Vivienne B to give them a small lead into halftime.  The second half would be back and forth lead changes, as the Vikings had a plethora of points and rebounds from Gianna S as she put back multiple rebounds for points to give her team a small lead with a minute to go.  The Chargers would score in the final seconds as Player of the Game-George B made the perfect bank shot to give his team the lead back for good and onto the victory. 

Silver

Griffins vs Knights

The Knights took the early lead with baskets from Jake H, Aiden Y, and Victor L.  The Griffins would take the lead by halftime with scores from Auggie F and Nakai S.  In the third quarter, the Knights caught up with a triplet of deuces from Maximus A turnaround moves to the hoop for scores, and a trey from Hugo C.  The fourth quarter saw the Griffins use the full court press to their advantage as Milos T and Wyatt M each made a basket off turnovers, and Player of the Game-Brooks C had several of his game high 18 points in the final minutes that gave the Griffins the victory. 

Renegades vs Tartars

Diversified scoring helped the Renegades have a good first quarter with baskets from Mateo C, Oscar F, and River S.  The Tartars would get rolling in the second and third quarters with a triple each from Finn P and Riggan M, and a basket each from Rahm K and Tomas L, as they were on the heels of the Renegades.  The fourth quarter would belong to the Renegades as strong defense from Landon S and Knute H led to points from Player of the Game-Louis L as he also had multiple steals and rebounds to give his team the victory.

Gold

Vaqueros vs Marauders

The Marauders were too tough on this day, as they took a big lead early and never relented, as Jonas K was their leading scorer with a dozen points, and Zayd S and Decker A had multiple baskets off of assists from Archie L.  The Vaqueros would pick it up in the second half as they had treys and dishes with the 3-ball coming from Declan W, Linus V, and Theodore E;  assists coming from Keegan E and Ray S.  The Marauders would win with additional scoring from Player of the Game-Buck J.

Jets vs Rustlers

The Jets took off to the first half lead with a ‘3’ from Sebastian A, putbacks for scores from Griffin M, and hook shots from Keshav S.  The Rustlers would tie it up to end the third quarter, as Juliana H, Sam W, and Jason D would score with outside shots.  The Jets took the lead back early in the fourth quarter as Nanda A made strong drives to the hoop.  The Rustlers would take the lead back for good, as rebounds from Finley P helped to get the ball to Auden T as he was strong in the paint to muscle the ball up for scores, and convert free throws to give his team the win.

Pirates vs Lancers

The first half was close with the Lancers getting a ‘3’ from Saum S, Oliver L with the 12-footers, as each were assisted by Oscar F.  The Pirates relied heavily on their inside the paint performances from Ezra E and Trevor S to take the lead by the end of the third quarter.  The Lancers fought back in the fourth quarter as Harrison B made a pair of deuces, and Oliver F made a triple.  The Pirates were able to hold onto the victory as Naphat W had a pair of field goals, and Nawat W and Player of the Game-Natcha W were tough on defense and gave their team the W.

Platinum

Corsairs vs Olympians

The Corsairs played the entire match shorthanded, but played very well, as the game was neck and neck for the first three quarters.  The Corsairs had ‘3’s from Alden W, Dashiell K, and Benjamin B;  Kay R and Rohham T added assists and points for the Corsairs.  The Olympians had baskets from Dominic D, Quest D, and Brandon I in the first half;  Matthew S and Rex Scarpa added baskets for the Olympians in the second half;  and, Max P led all scorers with 28 points, and Player of the Game-Jerald W had multiple points and assists to give their team the victory.

SUN 9/21/25

Copper

#4 Cougars vs #5 Brahmas

The first play-in game of the day featured two teams with identical records in the Copper division.  Defense was the superior factor of the day as the Brahmas had Zadie S gobbling up all the rebounds;  the Cougars had multiple steals from Player of the Game-Sidney B.  The Cougars would go on to win to get a spot in the in-season tournament with the help of 10 points from Issa A;  the Brahmas had a basket from Teddy M and free throws made from Quetzali Z, and given an invitation to play an All-Star team in a couple of days.

Bronze

#4 Don vs #4 Vikings

Identical records for both these teams in our second play-in game of the day.  The Dons had the lead through the first three quarters, as Jones U did all their scoring with the help of rebounds from Kyla A and Alyssa G, and steals from sub player Nico L.  The Vikings stayed close through the first three quarters as Jaxon O would score 10 points, and Leo R and Jason G gathered rebounds.  The fourth quarter saw the Dons get four for four from the free throw line by Jones U;  the Vikings would pull away in the end, as Marlowe G made a couple steals, and got the ball to Player of the Game-Gianna S as she went coast to coast with several drives to score a game high 13 points with her 18 rebounds to give the Vikings the victory, and a date in the in-season tournament.  Valiant effort by the Dons who will play an All-Star team in a couple of days.

Silver

Knights vs Tartars

Teams fought hard in the first half that at times looked like a rugby match as there were multiple scrums, but when the ball popped out, the Tartars had baskets from Finn P and Cetine T; the Knights had baskets from William B and Victor L.  Scoring picked up in the second half, as the Knights got Maximus A and Jake H on the scoreboard.  The Tartars would put an all out press in the fourth quarter that would pay dividends as they converted turnovers into points, and Rahm K and Tomas L each had a pair of baskets, and Player of the Game-Madeline J took over the boards as she grabbed all the rebounds and scored multiple points on drives to the basket, as the Tartars pulled away for the victory.

Gold

Lancers vs Marauders

The Lancers struck first with a deuce and frees from Oliver L, and a pair of threes from Nathan G.  The Marauders were very dominant after the first quarter, as Beau Z had 20 points including a perfect four for four from the free throw line, Rohand P and Emet K were dual dime dealers with multiple assists served on a dish, and Player of the Game-Xavier S would shine with multiple makes from 15 feet out.  The Lancers had good performances from Harrison B and Saum S as they would score and get assists; but the Marauders would be too dominant in the end, and win with more points added by Leon M and Archie L.

Rustlers vs Vaqueros

The Rustlers would outscore the Vaqueros in the first half, as Auden T and Andy H made multiple shots from inside the paint.  The Vaqueros would pick up the pace in the second half, as Theodore E would come around the outside to get to the hoop and make his patented floater, and Ray S and Declan W had a trey party as they would make the ‘3’ from downtown, and Linus V would convert the And1, as they took the lead in the fourth quarter.  The Rustlers would mount a comeback with Juliana H making a ‘3’ and a couple of inside bankers;  but, the rally would fall short, as Player of the Game-Keegan E would add points and make keep stoppages late in the game, as he stole the ball, and helped his team keep the lead to the end for the victory.

Platinum

Olympians vs Gladiators

Early scoring from Max P, Jerald W, and Brandon I gave the Olympians a good lead.  The Gladiators were able to get the ball rolling in the second quarter as Krishna A and Zachary L would get on the scoreboard.  In the second half, the Gladiators got a ‘3’ each from Caleb S, Krishna A, and Ibrahim A as his ‘3’ would be a buzzer beater.  

The Olympians were too strong, and Rex S and Matthew S would score, and Player of the Game-Dominic D would also score, and lead the match in assists, as the their team went on to the victory to recapture first place in the division.

TUES 9/23/25

Copper

Brahmas vs Copper All-Stars

A fun match in which the Brahmas eked out the victory with baskets from Players of the Game, Teddy M and Joshua B.  The Brahmas also had Lyle D and Daniel W playing strong defense.  The All-Stars had points from Desmond S, and Player of the Game-Oliver W, rebounds from Gabe G, and steals from Lily O and Theo A.  A fun game for all.

Bronze

Dons vs Bronze All-Stars

The Dons caught fire early, as everything was going in, with Russel D, Jones U, and Henry C getting bottoms of the net.  The All-Stars had Jaxon O score most of their points, but he was aided by a basket each from Ellis L and Player of the Game-Bryce R, as they got closer to the Dons.  The Dons would eventually prevail as Esme C made a basket, Alyssa G made some steals, and Players of the Game, Kyla B and Benjamin B, would each score multiple points and have assists to give the Dons the victory.

SAT 9/27/25 WEEKEND #8

Copper

Lobos vs Cougars

The first semifinal of the in-season tournament would be close through the first half as the Cougars had a couple of baskets of each from Issa A and Nicolas L, and a bucket from Miles H who agreed to switch sides to play for the shorthanded Cougars;  the Lobos took a point lead into halftime as Caleb A and Aiden G were putting rebounds back in for points.  The third quarter saw the Cougars take the lead as Soraya K made steals to get the ball to Issa A and Lily O for multiple baskets.  The fourth quarter saw the Lobos Desmond S get key rebounds to find Player of the Game-Ezra A who scored 8 points in the quarter to take the lead back for good and get the invitation to the in-season tournament final tomorrow.

Rams vs Wildcats

The second semifinal of the in-season tournament featured a competitive close match.  The Wildcats got the scoring going with a basket each from Nolen B and Atlas Y;  the Rams would get going shortly after, as Matthew M and Bryce R started draining buckets as they were assisted by Ronan S to take the lead at halftime.  The Wildcats would bite back in the second half as Quetzali Z started making shots;  but, the Rams would have a big third quarter as turnovers created by Player of the Game-Austin L would lead to multiple fast break points for his teammates, as they went onto victory, and an invitation to tomorrow’s final.

Bronze

Raiders vs Vikings

The Raiders were a little shorthanded, and the Vikings Jason G agreed to switch sides to help them out, and made an immediate impact as he scored a basket for the Raiders, and other Raiders caught on and scored as well, as Zayden R and Titus A added baskets.  The Vikings would get a first half basket from Esme C as she was assured by Constance N.  The second half saw the Vikings get a fourth quarter surge as Jacob O and Gianna would make the most of going coast to coast, as they went the length of the floor to score, and all of a sudden the Vikings were on the heels of the Raiders.  The Raiders regrouped, and locked down the defense as Finn A grabbed rebounds, Co-Players of the Game, Jason G and Sebbie E made pickpocket steals to seal the deal and give their team the victory and a spot in the in-season tournament final tomorrow.

Chargers vs Monarchs

In the second semifinal of the in-season tournament, the Monarchs scored first, as Jordan C and Hank C made hook shots, as they were assisted by Benjamin K and Mateo V.  The Chargers took the lead back by the end of the third quarter with bankers made by Ryder K and George B.  The Monarchs would fight back in the beginning of the fourth quarter with Harold J making the scoreboard;  however, the Chargers got late buckets from Max D and Player of Game-Vivienne B that would get the Chargers the victory to move onto the final tomorrow.

Silver

Knights vs Griffins

The Knights had first half scoring from Max A and Killian G as they were assisted by William H and Kingston S.  First half scoring from the Tartars came from a triple of free throws by Rahm K, and a free throw from Tomas L.  The Knights had good defense in the second half as Aiden Y made several steals;  but, the Tartars took over the second half as Riggan M and Player of the Game-Ari L would score multiple baskets to give the Tartars the victory.

Gold

Marauders vs Rustlers

Defense would rule the first half as big in your face blocks were made by the Rustlers Elliot C and Auden T;  the Marauders had Player of the Game-Leon M plucking rebounds out of players hands, as if he had all the toys and wasn’t planning on sharing.  Scoring picked up in the second half as the Rustlers got Julianna H and Jason D on the scoreboard;  while the Marauders took over and had multiple points from Buck J and Rohan P, assists from Zayd S, and a ‘3’ from Xavier S as they would go into the victory.

Lancers vs Vaqueros

Big first half lead for the. Aquarian as Theo E had deuces and threes, and teammates Julian Z and Linus V made the scoreboard.  The Lancers would get going in the second and third quarter as Nathan G hit the long ball and Player of the Game-Oliver L would have a team high ten points in frames

2 and 3.  The Lancers got closer with Oliver F making baskets as he received the brotherly love from Oscar F with his dishes on a silver platter.  The Vaqueros would take over down the stretch as Keegan E had a couple of buckets, and Player of the Game-Declan W had double digit scoring in the fourth to give their team the win.  

Jets vs Pirates

Quick strikes by the Jets as Bobby D and Griffin M scored early and often.  The Pirates righted the ship, and Leo Y found his bro Ocean Y open for a pair of treys that helped get the lead by halftime. In the second half, Sebastian A and Nanda A were The A-team as they found Charlie K open, as he started making multiple ‘3’s to get closer to the Pirates.  But the Pirates were not going to let the Jets onboard, and Co-Players of the Game, Beni O stopped the Jets from bombing the basket, and Naphat A was the game high scorer as he controlled the boards and made key drives for scores to have their team finish undefeated for the season.

Platinum

Corsairs vs Gladiators

Four score and one quarter gone, as both teams were knotted at 4 to finish the first frame.  Scoring picked up in the second quarter, as the Gladiators got Justin P and Jarvis W on the scoreboard;  the Corsairs had a basket each from Oliver H and Radin T.  In the second half, the Gladiators had strong defense from Jaden K and Lavi G,  and ‘3’s from Krishna A and Caleb S;  however, the Corsairs said any ‘3’ you can do, we can do better, and began to have a trey party.  In the fourth quarter, the Corsairs started the trey party with ‘3’s from Benjamin B, Dashiell K, and Rohham T;  and, for good measure, Player of the Game-Kay R added a pair of treys and frees to help her team to the victory.

SUN 9/28/25

Copper

Wildcats vs Cougars

A devilish score to end the first half, as both teams had sixes going into the break, as the Cougars had points from Issa A, and multiple steals from Player of the Game-Sonia H;  the Wildcats had Nolen B and Quetzali Z score.  In the second half, the Wildcats had rebounds from Player of the Game-Reyan P, and a free throw made by Atlas Y;  but, the Cougars were able to edge out the Wildcats, as Nicolas L made a couple of late baskets to give his team the one point victory, and 3rd place in the in-season tournament.

Lobos vs Rams

The In-season tournament final would become an instant classic.  The Lobos built a small lead going into halftime as Caleb A and Player of the Game-Miles H would score, as Ethan C gave them assists;  the Rams kept pace baskets from Arden C and Bryce R.  It was a defensive struggle in the second half, and Player of the Game-Clark W helped the rams stay within striking distance with his steals, and on one of his steals late, he got the ball to teammate Ronan S who made the basket, and was fouled, and he converted the And1 free throw to have the game tied with seconds to go.  The Lobos had Ezra E dribble down to the right corner, and he launched the deep shot just before the buzzer sounded, and the shot was nothing but net.  Winner, winner, chicken dinner!  The Lobos win!  And became the only team this season in the entire league to go undefeated and untied.

Bronze

The 3rd place in-season tournament game started with the Monarchs scoring first as Hank C got the And1.  The Vikings would get the halftime lead as good defense from Player of the Game-Decker Z led to scores by Gianna S and Jaxon O.  In the second half Hank C had multiple points, and Benjamin k made a basket off of an assist from Mateo V;  however, the Vikings would extend their lead to get the win and 3rd place in the tournament, as Jason G scored a career high 6 points, and Player of the Game-Esme Chan scored and had the most rebounds.

1st place of the in-season tourney was at stake for this match.  The teams remained tight with each other through the first half as the Raiders got multiple points from Titus A and Zayden R; the Chargers had double digit scoring from Ryder K and George B.  In the second half, the Raiders were able to get points from Finn A, and solid defense from Player of the Game-Ellis L.  The Chargers pulled away in the fourth quarter with a couple of buckets from Max D, and blocks and steals from Player of the Game-Harper G to give their team 1st place in the in-season tournament.

Silver

Griffins vs Renegades

The Renegades took off running as the got a couple of And1’s from Saum S, baskets from Eli P and Oscar F to get an early lead.  The Griffins regrouped and got baskets from Brooks C and multiple assists from Wyatt M to stay close at halftime.  In the third quarter, both teams exchanged leads, as Oliver F and Mateo C got on the scoreboard for the Renegades;  Max A and Nakai S made putbacks for the Griffins.  Early in the fourth quarter, Mateo C made points to give the Renegades the lead.  The full court press by the Groffins would be overwhelming to the Renegades, and the Griffins created turnovers which Player of the Game-Liam H took advantage of to make multiple drives that would put his team ahead for good and into the win.

Gold

Marauders vs Jets

Mostly Marauders in this match, as Buck J and Beau Z made double digit points, and Rohan P had four ‘3’s.  The Jets had a couple of ‘3’s from Co-Player of the Game-Charlie K as he was assisted by Co-Player of the Game-Alice R.  The Marauders would win as Co-Player of the Game-Emet K led his team in assists, and Co-Player of the Game-Archie L led the game in rebounds. 

Platinum

Olympians vs Corsairs

Both teams had to feel each other out for the first quarter, the started to open it up in the second quarter, as the Corsairs got baskets from Dashiell K and Kay R; the Olympians had Max P and Matthew S driving to the hoop for scores.  In the third quarter, Kamden K made the 10 footer from the side, Dominic D made several steals, and Player of the Game-Quest D controlled the boards;  the Corsairs got points from Alex W and Radin T, and rebounds from Sean D to stay close, and took a small lead in fourth quarter as Player of the Game-Rohham T made a ‘3’.  The Olympians took charge down the stretch as Rex S made steals to find Jerald W for open shots and drives to the hoop, as the Olympians were able to go onto the victory.

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 the Hong family.  Patriarch Johnny performed a triple play this season as he co-coached three teams:  his daughter Sonia in the Copper division, his son Josiah in the Gold division, and his son Judah in the Platinum division.  Johnny always emphasizes a positive approach to his coaching , providing praise with constructive advice to help his players get better, but also to enjoy participating in the youth basketball program.  All his players listen and respect him.  Sonia, Josiah, and Judah are supportive teammates, and enjoy the game of basketball.  Often, the entire family comes to shoot around the gym during the evening hours, a true family affair.

I asked the Hong family a few questions for the Swish:

DocDrew:  What is your favorite thing about working at the Santa Monica YMCA?

Johnny: I enjoy seeing kids in the program grow and develop life skills in a team sport within a supportive (and oftentimes competitive!) community. I like witnessing kids grow more confident in their abilities, especially after struggling through something. The community here – parents, coaches, staff, and Paul – is pretty great!

Sonia:  My favorite thing about YMCA basketball is probably learning how to play in games, like doing screens and everything. That’s just so fun.

Josiah;  It’s nice that the jerseys have numbers of certain Lakers players. Like Kobe. I like playing with (and against) friends.

Judah:  I like the Santa Monica Family YMCA because it’s sponsored by the Lakers. I also enjoy playing with (and against) friends. I also like that parents are coaches, mainly because the parents are normally nicer… and less crazy.

DocDrew:  Who inspires you?

Johnny:  When I was younger, my favorite player was Charles Barkley (while he was part of the Phoenix Suns), aka the round mound of rebound. He’s such a character!

Sonia:  My favorite coach is my dad, because he’s the best coach ever about everything! Like, he’s a good teacher, a nice teacher, he’s the coolest guy ever! And he’s very supportive!

Josiah:  Steph Curry. And my dad because he is my dad. He also teaches me things on and off the court.

Judah:  My favorite coach is my dad, because he’s my dad and super and nice and cool and teaches us stuff. I have many favorite players. One of them is Steph Curry because he’s an underdog that proved everyone wrong, and he works hard. He also doesn’t trash talk.

DocDrew:  What hobbies or activities do you like to do?

Johnny:  Besides anything basketball-related, I love trying out different sports. Over the last 5 or so years, I’ve been working on my olympic lifts, toying around with crossfit WODs (“workout of the day”), and doing hyrox (hybrid-type) workouts. I also like stepping out for long runs along the beach path on the occasional early weekend morning (before the family is up). I also enjoy playing the piano, noodling on the guitar, and the process of songwriting. And lastly, doing any activity my kids are willing to let me do with them (board games, yoga, spontaneous dance parties, etc.) brings me lots of joy.

Sonia:  Oh, soccer! Definitely. Basketball, definitely! Arts and crafts, making blind bags, making a blanket and pillow forts, and playing with my brothers (that’s the best thing ever!)! I also like singing, dancing, and acting! That’s it.

Josiah;  Doing taekwondo. Playing piano, viola, and cello. And video games (NBA2K, Brawl Stars)

Judah:  I like playing violin, viola, and piano. I enjoy being a part of three orchestra programs. I also enjoy swimming and Taekwondo. I ran cross country for a couple years, but stopped because I got too busy.

We are very fortunate to have the Hong family to provide help and support for all of us at the Santa Monica Family YMCA.  Our youth basketball program would not be successful without their commitment and involvement to coaching and participation.  And most of all, they are a joy to be with and to watch their children grow and having fun.

Scores

SAT 8/2/25  WEEKEND #1

Copper

Cougars 23, Rams 12

Lobos 21, Wildcats 20

Bronze

Raiders 22, Chargers 17

Vikings 11, Monarchs 23

Silver

Tartars 18, Griffins 28

Gold

Pirates 36, Marauders 29

Lancers 22, Rustlers 39

Platinum

Gladiators 29, Olympians 37

SUN 8/3/25

Copper

Wildcats 25, Brahmas 8

Bronze

Dons 20, Vikings 27

Silver

Renegades 45, Knights 29

Gold

Vaqueros 28, Jets 21

Platinum

Corsairs 45, Olympians 40

Gladiators 28, All-Stars 50

(Gladiators get credit for win)

SAT 8/9/25  WEEKEND #2

Copper

Rams 31, Wildcats 22

Brahmas 14, Lobos 32

Bronze

Dons 15, Monarchs 11

Vikings 21, Raiders 23

Silver

Griffins 36, Knights 26

Gold

Rustlers 20, Pirates 45

Marauders 36, Vaqueros 28

Platinum

Gladiators 34, Corsairs 23

SUN 8/10/25

Copper

Cougars 8, Lobos 24

Bronze

Monarchs 18, Chargers 9

Silver

Renegades 21, Tartars 12

Gold

Rustlers 22, Marauders 28

Jets 21, Lancers 19

Platinum

Olympians 44, All-Stars 64

SAT 8/16/25 WEEKEND #3 

Copper

Wildcats 24, Cougars 7

Lobos 27, Rams 20

Bronze

Chargers 24, Vikings 18

Raiders 40, Dons 23

(Both teams get win, shared players)  

Silver

Griffins 51, Renegades 18  

Gold

Marauders 33 Lancers 5

Mini game: Gold 20, Black 13

(Lancers get tie)

Pirates 27, Jets 16

Platinum

Olympians 26, Gladiators 27

SUN 8/17/25

Copper

Brahmas 16, Cougars 6

Bronze

Monarchs 25, Raiders 17

Silver

Knights 21, Tartars 18

Gold

Vaqueros 44, Rustlers 36

Lancers 14, Pirates 45

Platinum

Corsairs 45, All-Stars 43

SAT 8/23/25 WEEKEND #4

Copper

Rams 22, Brahmas 16

Wildcats 13, Lobos 24

Bronze

Chargers 28, Dons 12

Monarchs 16, Vikings 17 

Silver

Knights 38, Renegades 25

Griffins 28, Tartars 5

Gold

Vaqueros 25, Lancers 25

Jets 12, Marauders 24

Platinum

Olympians 46, Corsairs 37 

SUN 8/24/25

Copper

Rams 19, Cougars 10

Bronze

Chargers 6, Raiders 15

Silver

Knights 18, Griffins 31

Gold

Pirates 32, Vaqueros 32

Rustlers 11, Marauders 34

Platinum

Gladiators 21, YouBall 52

SAT 9/6/25 WEEKEND #5

Copper

Brahmas 23, Wildcats 29

Lobos 15, Cougars 7

Bronze

Vikings 21, Dons 22

Chargers 12, Monarchs 10

Silver

Tartars 11, Knights 12

Renegades 33, Griffins 25

Gold

Rustlers 29, Jets 25

Marauders 22, Pirates 30

Platinum

Corsairs 59, Gladiators 48

SUN 9/7/25

Copper

Wildcats 14, Rams 18

Bronze

Raiders 25, Vikings 28

Silver

Tartars 16, Renegades 15

Gold

Jets 10, Vaqueros 19

Rustlers 22, Lancers 27

Platinum

Gladiators 21, Olympians 42

Corsairs 37, YouBall 62

SAT 9/13/25 WEEKEND #6

Copper

Cougars 26, Wildcats 12

Lobos 28, Brahmas 14

Bronze

Raiders 21, Monarchs 16

Dons 14, Chargers 44

Silver

Tartars 23, Griffins 49

Renegades 36, Knights 22

Gold

Lancers 34, Jets 26

Pirates 19, Rustlers 15

Platinum

Gladiators 40, Corsairs 32

SUN 9/14/25

Copper

Rams 14, Lobos 18

Cougars 8, Brahmas 8

Bronze

Dons 14, Raiders 32

Silver

Griffins 46, Renegades 28

Gold

Vaqueros 33, Pirates 46

Platinum

Olympians 46, All-Stars 31

SAT 9/20/25 WEEKEND #7 

Copper

Brahmas 19, Rams 23

Bronze

Monarchs 25, Dons 14

Vikings 31, Chargers 33

Silver

Griffins 34, Knights 27

Renegades 29, Tartars 18

Gold

Vaqueros 17, Marauders 46

Jets 21, Rustlers 27

Pirates 37, Lancers 18

Platinum

Corsairs 51, Olympians 60

SUN 9/21/25

Copper

#4 Cougars 12, #5 Brahmas 4

Bronze

#4 Dons 19, #4 Vikings 23 

Silver

Knights 19, Tartars 24

Gold

Lancers 22, Marauders 53

Rustlers 27, Vaqueros 32

Platinum

Olympians 35, Gladiators 24

TUES 9/23/25

Copper

Brahmas 8, All-Stars 6

Bronze

Dons 25, All-Stars 16

SAT 9/27/25 WEEKEND #8

Copper

Lobos 21, Cougars 17      

Rams 22, Wildcats 14

Bronze

Raiders 18, Vikings 12

Chargers 23, Monarchs 15

Silver

Knights 11, Tartars 18

(6-4-2 for W-T-L, seeding game)

Gold

Marauders 26, Rustlers 12

Lancers 23, Vaqueros 39

Jets 19, Pirates 32

Platinum

Corsairs 44, Gladiators 29

SUN 9/28/25

Copper

Wildcats 13, Cougars 14

(6-4-2 for W-T-L, 3rd place In-season tourney)

Lobos 12, Rams 10

(7-5-3 for W-T-L, 1st place In-season tourney)

Bronze

Vikings 22, Monarchs 11

(6-4-2 for W-T-L, 3rd place In-season tourney)

Raiders 20, Chargers 32

(7-5-3 for W-T-L, 1st place In-season tourney)

Silver

Griffins 39, Renegades 29

(7-5-3 for W-T-L, seeding game)

Gold

Marauders 43, Jets 19

Platinum

Olympians 33, Corsairs 26

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 and seeding games have greater point value.  Teams are listed in their place in the standings with W-L-T and team points.

Copper:  

Lobos 10-0-0, 52 points

*League Champions*

(In-season tourney champions)

Rams 6-4-0, 36 points

Cougars 3-6-1, 25 points

Wildcats 3-7-0, 23 points

Brahmas 2-7-1, 20 points

Bronze: 

Raiders 7-3-0, 40 points

*League Champions*

(2-1-0 vs Chargers)

Chargers 7-3-0, 40 points

(In-season tourney champions)

Vikings 4-6-0, 27 points

(2-1-0 vs Monarchs)

Monarchs 4-6-0, 27 points

Dons 4-6-0, 26 points

Silver:  

Griffins 9-1-0, 48 points

*League Champions*

Renegades 5-5-0 32 points

Knights 3-7-0, 23 points

Tartars 3-7-0, 23 points

(Knights vs Tartars, 2-2-0)

Gold:

Pirates 9-0-1, 48 points

*League Champions*

Marauders 8-2-0, 42 points

Vaqueros 5-3-2, 34 points

Rustlers 3-7-0, 22 points

Lancers 2-6-2, 22 points

(Rustlers vs Lancers, 1-1-0)

Jets 1-9-0, 14 points

Platinum:

Olympians 8-2-0, 42 points

*League Champions*

Gladiators 5-5-0, 30 points

Corsairs 5-5-0, 30 points

(Gladiators vs Corsairs 2-2-0, both 1-3-0 vs Olympians)

Summer Season Awards

Copper

Most Valuable Player

Ezra A-Lobos

Most Outstanding Player

Matthew M-Rams

Most Improved

Lily O-Cougars

Hustle award

Quetzali Z-Brahmas

Top Passer

Nolen B-Wildcats

All First Team

Ezra A-Lobos

Matthew M-Rams

Lily O-Cougars

Quetzali Z-Brahmas

Nolen B-Wildcats

Joshua B-Brahmas

Bryce R-Rams

Caleb A-Lobos

Issa A-Cougars

Nicolas L-Cougars

Atlas Y-Wildcats

Caleb L-Wildcats

Miles H-Lobos

Lyle D-Brahmas

All Second Team

Zadie S-Brahmas

Teddy M-Brahmas

Sidney B-Cougars

Alexis E-Cougars

Soraya K-Cougars

Sonia H-Cougars 

Ethan C-Lobos

Jack E-Lobos

Aiden G-Lobos

Desmond S-Lobos

Oliver W-Lobos

Theodore A-Rams

Arden C-Rams

Austin L-Rams

Ronan S-Rams

Clark W-Rams

Andrew K-Wildcats

Cam F-Brahmas

Daniel W-Brahmas

All Honorable Mention 

Lorenzo A-Rams

Sebastian P-Rams

Rocco A-Cougars

Zach S-Brahmas

Lucas R-Cougars

Ryan M-Brahmas

Griffin R-Brahmas 

Delors S-Brahmas

Danny B-Lobos

Gabe G-Lobos

Marcus S-Rams

Henry D-Wildcats

Cody G-Cougars

Bronze

Most Valuable Player

Titus A-Raiders

Most Outstanding Player

Hank C-Monarchs

Most Improved

Jason G-Vikings

Hustle Award

Kyla B-Dons

Top Passer

Ryder K-Chargers

All First Team

Titus A-Raiders

Hank C-Monarchs

Jason G-Vikings

Kyla B-Dons

Ryder K-Chargers

Jaxon O-Vikings 

Esme C-Vikings 

David S-Chargers

George B-Chargers

Russell D-Dons

Max H-Monarchs

Zayden R-Raiders

Jordan C-Monarchs

Harold J-Monarchs

Ellis L-Raiders

Quentin D-Raiders

Gianna S-Vikings

Max D-Chargers

All Second Team

Vivienne B-Chargers

Devraj K-Chargers

Nicolas L-Chargers

Marlowe G-Vikings

Jason G-Vikings

Constance N-Vikings

Decker Z-Vikings

Leo R-Vikings

Audi K-Raiders

Finn A-Raiders

Harper G-Chargers

Benjamin B-Dons

Zachary C-Dons

Alyssa G-Dons

Jones U-Dons

Henry C-Dons

Kiana S-Dons

Mateo V-Monarchs

Haruka Y-Monarchs

Benjamin K-Monarchs

Liliana R-Dons

All Honorable Mention 

Hana T-Monarchs

Sofia A-Monarchs

James G-Monarchs

Sebbie E-Raiders

Cody G-Vikings

Jack M-Raiders

Naomi B-Chargers

Silver

Most Valuable Player

Sahar G-Griffins

Most Outstanding Player

Mateo C-Renegades

Most Improved

Madeline J-Tartars

Hustle Award

Maximus A-Knights

Top Passer

Ari L-Tartars

All First Team

Sahar G-Griffins

Mateo C-Renegades

Madeline J-Tartars

Maximus A-Knights

Ari L-Tartars

Saum S-Renegades

Cetine T-Tartars

William B-Knights

Riggan M-Tartars

Jake H-Knights

Louis L-Renegades

Oliver F-Renegades

Brooks C-Griffins

Auggie F-Griffins

Wyatt M-Griffins

Rome R-Renegades

Rahm K-Tartars

All Second Team

Miles B-Knights

Aiden Y-Knights

Killian G-Knights

William H-Knights

Victor L-Knights

Sadie B-Renegades

Eli P-Renegades

Oscar F-Renegades

Liam H-Griffins

Beau K-Griffins

Nakai S-Griffins

Landon W-Griffins

Max A-Griffins

Milos T-Griffins

Billy C-Knights

Hugo C-Knights

Finn P-Tartars

Tyler E-Tartars

Kris P-Tartars

Landon S-Renegades

River S-Renegades

Knute H-Renegades

Noah V-Tartars

Tomas L-Tartars

All Honorable Mention

Marcel J-Tartars

Henry W-Tartars

Kingston S-Knights

Colin C-Griffins

Lukas B-Renegades

Gold

Most Valuable Player

Ezra E-Pirates

Most Outstanding Player

Julianna H-Rustlers

Most Improved

Nathan G-Lancers

Hustle Award

Keegan E-Vaqueros

Top Passer

Alice R-Jets

All First Team

Ezra E-Pirates

Julianna H-Rustlers

Nathan G-Lancers

Keegan E-Vaqueros

Alice R-Jets

Theodore E-Vaqueros

Keshav S-Jets

Ray S-Vaqueros

Trevor S-Pirates

Declan W-Vaqueros

Jonas K-Marauders

Leo Y-Pirates

Rohan P-Marauders

Naphat W-Pirates

Oliver L-Lancers

Linus V-Vaqueros

Jason D-Rustlers

Auden T-Rustlers

Beau Z-Marauders

Xavier S-Marauders

Sam W-Rustlers

Josiah H-Rustlers

Bobby D-Jets

Emet K-Marauders

Zayd S-Marauders 

All Second Team

Saum S-Lancers

Decker A-Marauders

Liana E-Jets

Beni O-Pirates

Buck J-Marauders

Julian Z-Vaqueros

Soren V-Vaqueros

Archie L-Marauders 

Charlie K-Jets

Griffin M-Jets

Ocean Y-Pirates

Luca T-Marauders

Niam P-Jets

Leon M-Marauders

Andy H-Rustlers

Elliot C-Rustlers

Finley P-Rustlers

Max B-Vaqueros

Natcha W-Pirates

Nawat W-Pirates

Sebastian A-Jets

Nanda A-Jets

Connor V-Jets

Oscar F-Lancers

Oliver F-Lancers 

Harrison B-Lancers

Hoky B-Rustlers

Mai Ly P-Rustlers

Honorable Mention

Jonathan W-Lancers

Nathanaiel W-Lancers 

Jace H-Pirates

Alexander M-Lancers

Krsna P-Vaqueros

Brady K-Lancers

Nicholas J-Pirates

Matthew K-Lancers

Platinum 

Most Valuable Player

Max P-Olympians

Most Outstanding Player 

Benjamin B-Corsairs

Most Improved 

Brandon I-Olympians 

Hustle Award

Jarvis Wakefield-Gladiators 

Top Passer

Kay R-Corsairs

All First Team

Max P-Olympians

Benjamin B-Corsairs

Brandon I-Olympians 

Jarvis Wakefield-Gladiators

Kay R-Corsairs

Dashiell K-Corsairs

Ibrahim A-Gladiators 

Radin T-Corsairs

Rohham T-Corsairs

Matthew S-Olympians

Jerald W-Olympians

Krishna A-Gladiators

Quest D-Olympians

All Second Team

Lavi G-Gladiators 

Rex S-Olympians

Elliot I-Olympians

Caleb S-Gladiators

Alden W-Corsairs

Kamden K-Olympians

Alden W-Corsairs

Zachary L-Gladiators

Oliver H-Corsairs

Matthew K-Gladiators 

Henry Mack-Gladiators

Honorable Mention

Liam A-Corsairs

Danny Z-Corsairs

Jaden K-Gladiators

Ryan Y-Olympians

Jacob H-Gladiators

Judah H-Gladiators

Justin P-Gladiators

Siddhant K-Corsairs

Sean D-Corsairs

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

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Paul Drew

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