Rookies- 49 VS. Knicks-47
The first game of the young season did not disappoint. Both new teams to Green Tree came amped to get their first W of the season. The Rookies set the tone early with solid inside play from Zach Benjamin dropping a massive double double (31 points and 21 rebounds). Zach also manned the middle impressively by altering the Knicks’ drives to the basket, along with 3 huge blocks.
The Rookies held a 20 point lead at one point before the half, although the Knicks first game jitters faded away and they chipped into the Rookies lead and made the game interesting. The Knicks used a team effort to cut the lead and eventually leading by 2 points. The Knicks were led by their big man in the middle Lou Thompson with a strong showing of 18 points and 14 rebounds.
The game was back and forth with 5 minutes left and each team trading baskets and defensive plays. The Knicks had a chance to tie the game but missed the first of two free throws. There were seconds remaining on the clock and game on the line-down 2, the Knicks had to miss the 2nd free throw. As the free throw attempt was shot, a lane violation occurred by the Knicks- resulting in their first loss in the young season.
Lavar’s Ballers-78 VS. The Process-31
The second game of the season showed a young team-The Process, working hard to create chemistry and finding their identity in Green Tree. The Process, young and determined has taken their talents versus a skilled team Lavar’s Ballers. From tip off, The Process was out matched as LB took it strong to the young team. LB was led by Dave Krmpotich with a strong double double of 31 points and 15 rebounds. Along with Dave, LB had a strong balanced attack from the rest of the team showing off a plethora of scoring weapons. Lavar’s Ballers routed The Process 78-31.
The Process was led by Takhir Williams with 10 points and 8 rebounds. The Process looks to bounce back in Week 2 versus the Rookies.
The Foundation-85 VS. Zero to One-55
The final game of the evening faced of the new look Foundation taking on the team formerly known as the Black Knights from Season 1 at Green Tree.
Zero to One had hopes, with the addition of scoring guard Justin Leamy from the Unmentionables (Green Tree Season 1 Team), to change their losing ways. From the beginning of the game, Zero to One was facing an uphill battle facing the Foundation’s big 3 of Nguyen, Rouse and Cruz. Point forward Darrius Rouse (16 points, 21 rebounds and 6 assists) set the tone early by setting up the offense, getting his team mates open shots and making big baskets. Cruz (22 points and 7 steals) and Nguyen (24 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals) did not disappoint and had multiple 3 point shots to keep the hard fighting Zero to One at bay. The Foundation also played the passing lanes forcing Zero to One over 10 turnovers for the game.
Zero to One had a strong showing as always with Murphy (17 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals and a block) and Leamy (12 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals) in the backcourt. Kostick had a strong game himself with 11 points and 16 rebounds. ZTO is showing promise, if they had their full team every night they could make a run at the playoffs this year.