After completing our first playoff game we sat around watching the rest of the league go to work and immediately before we returned to the court we watched the other semi final game which featured "Dynasty" against the # 1 seeded "Team Rock". I was unsure how this game was going to play out since it appeared as if "Dynasty" might have been a little tired and "Team Rock" was fresh coming in to play only one game. I thought the game would be a closely contested game with a finals berth on the line in the division but I was completely wrong about that as "Dynasty" jumped out early and never looked back easily winning. "Dynasty" is making another appearance in the division finals and they did not stick around to found out who their opponent was going to be.
The second semi-final game of the night featured the main event A.K.A The Clip Joint defending their three straight titles against the upstart "Beltway Ballers". We knew this was going to be a difficult game since the first time we faced them we handed them their only legitimate loss of the season and we only had 5 players that night. Revenge was on their mind and they came prepared to eliminate us from playoff contention. Early on the game went back and forth but eventually they managed an early 11 point lead about halfway through the first half. Without panicking we were able to make some adjustments and during one stretch we cut that defecit right before halftime to only a couple of points. Feeling the momentum we came out in the second half and erased the lead completely and actually had a 6 point lead with about 13 1/2 minutes to play when things got a little crazy.
Throughout the entire game things were quite chippy, as every basket was contested and every call or non-call for that matter was challenged. Honestly, we may have said a couple of things to the referee but for the most part it was the "Beltway Ballers" doing a lot of campaigning. So much so, that I dubbed them Obama & McCain they were doing so much politicking. they had already picked up one technical foul leading up to this point in the game and the notorius complainer ( a 6-3 lanky, athletic guy_) who thinks he is better than he really is...started in on the referee after feeling that he was fouled during an illegal screen and expressed he was afraid he might get injured if the play would be allowed to continue. In my humble opinion he is not a bad guy, he talks more than he should and I guess his NBA career went astray somewhere but overall I think he was just frusterated. Needless to say I made a remark from the bench to the team that we needed to "just play ball". Well, I guess he thought I was talking to him so he approached me on the bench while he was still in the game. We made some small talk back and forth and everything seemed fine until he brushed me with his elbow. Again, if he wanted to connect he could of, the guy is not dumb. I think it was more of a warning shot to chill out on my part, but the referee felt otherwise and called the game right there and then forfeiting the "Beltway Ballers" from the playoffs.
Trust me when i tell you that it is a chaper way of advancing to the finals in our division but do not think for a second I was going to try and get them to play the rest of the game out. Not because we could not hold on to the lead and win because we had just hit our stride but that team is very dangerous and any opportunity to use a spark could have led to a comeback and a loss for your boys. Therefore, you can punch our ticket for the division finals and another rivalry game against "Dynasty". We have beaten them twice this season already but they give us trouble especially if they use both big guys in the middle. I predict a tough game but if we run and play at our speed, I think we should be able to escape to the title game.
A preview will be available later in the week...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Summer Session #8 - Playoff Game #1
The opening game of the North Division playoffs featured the Clip Joint against a revamped "Tenatious Teabaggers" team that looked to pull the first round upset. Featuring a new point guard at the helm the "Teabaggers" tried to follow the recipe for success that "O'Donnel" used one week prior. A focused Clip Joint came out of the gate on a mission to get out early and not look back. Once again shorthanded the Clip Joint jumped out to a big lead early leading 14-0 before the game was 5 minutes old. This of course is a stark contrast to what had been going on all season but with the big lead the Clip Joint was able to cruise to a solid 19 point victory. In an earlier post I predicted a 15 point victory (59-45) so I was not too far off in my vision. Overall, we played fairly well and only suffered through a couple of tough stretches where they were able to cut the double digit lead down to 8 or 9 but we never really felt threatened. Due to the poor schedule we were forced to endure a 2-3 wait before our next game so a few of us decided to go home and come back and a couple of us chose to stick around to watch the rest of the action.
Some brief recaps and information about the other games that caught my attention from the opening round.
"Yo Momma" squared off against "Dynasty" who was looking to assert themselves as the dominant team they once were before the injuries and roster issues. "Dynasty" was still without their point guard and without the starting power forward who has been out for quite a while now. Returning to action was one of their two stud centers giving them back that deep inside presence that makes them very difficult to play against. It was close for the first half but in the end "Dynasty" was able to wear them out using their inside players and advanced to the second round. One thing I noticed was that their fitness upfront was not where it could be and I think they could have been exploited if "Yo Momma" had pushed the tempo more aned made some of their shots.
In the final Round 1 game, Cinderella team "O'Donnel" faced off against "Beltway Ballers", but before the game started there was already controversy as the "Beltway Ballers" arrived late to the party causing a delay in the starting time. It was difficult to figure out exactly what was going on but we later found out that "O'Donnel" had the option of taking a forfeit win but were coerced into actually playing the game after several of their players were ruled ineligible and not on their original roster. Despite all of this they managed to hang close and actually led the game down the stretch before finally bowing out ending their mini run.
Up next Round 2.....
Some brief recaps and information about the other games that caught my attention from the opening round.
"Yo Momma" squared off against "Dynasty" who was looking to assert themselves as the dominant team they once were before the injuries and roster issues. "Dynasty" was still without their point guard and without the starting power forward who has been out for quite a while now. Returning to action was one of their two stud centers giving them back that deep inside presence that makes them very difficult to play against. It was close for the first half but in the end "Dynasty" was able to wear them out using their inside players and advanced to the second round. One thing I noticed was that their fitness upfront was not where it could be and I think they could have been exploited if "Yo Momma" had pushed the tempo more aned made some of their shots.
In the final Round 1 game, Cinderella team "O'Donnel" faced off against "Beltway Ballers", but before the game started there was already controversy as the "Beltway Ballers" arrived late to the party causing a delay in the starting time. It was difficult to figure out exactly what was going on but we later found out that "O'Donnel" had the option of taking a forfeit win but were coerced into actually playing the game after several of their players were ruled ineligible and not on their original roster. Despite all of this they managed to hang close and actually led the game down the stretch before finally bowing out ending their mini run.
Up next Round 2.....
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Playoff Preview - Round #1
As we approach the playoffs this weekend, it is time once again for the preview of all previews that trumps the coverage provided by ESPN, CNNSI etc.
North Division:
#1 "Team Rock" - Bye
This team should be re-named Houdini because the way they win games is like a magician working his magic on stage with smoke and mirrors. They finished the campaign with only 1 loss which is impressive on paper. Any time you only lose once during the season you must be doing something right even if their lone defeat came by 20 points to the #3 seeded "Beltway Ballers". Looking into the numbers they have scored 415 points for an average of 51.8 per game and have given up 384 points for an average of 48 points per game. The easy analysis is simple. They play close games and manage to pull it out when they have to. Their winning margins this season have been 10,3,8,6,4,10 & 10 for an average of 8.7 per win. They play in the 2nd round vs. the winner of the 4-5 match-up which features "Yo Momma" vs. "Dynasty".
#2 The Clip Joint vs. #7 "Tenacious Teabaggers"
Coming into this match-up most people would not even consider this a game that could be close but after losing to the previous basement team the week prior Clip Joint has its work cut out for them trying to get back on track. Listen, 3 straight championships means something regardless of what anyone might want to say so the favorite has to be the Clip Joint no matter how you look at it. In their regular season game they defeated the Teabaggers by 43 points which was their largest margin of victory all season. Can they repeat that feat? Well, I highly doubt the margin will be that wide but I think playing with a huge monkey on their back after being embarassed last week will factor into the outcome. This game is all about what Clip Joint does and not about what the Teabaggers can do or will do, they are a non-factor. If Clip Joint falters it will be their own doing.
Final Score prediction: Clip Joint 59 "Tenacious Teabaggers" 45
#3 "Beltway Ballers" vs. #6 "O'Donnel"
Before last week i would have said there is no chance that this game would be close and on most levels I still believe that the "Ballers" should win by double digits but there is a small part of me that now believes in this cinderella team labeled "O'Donnel" after their shocking upset of heavily favored Clip Joint. The "Beltway Ballers" record is a bit deceptive too since 2 of their 3 recorded losses were due to forfeits on their part. When they have shown up to play they have only 1 defeat aand that was to the previously mentioned Clip Joint. Adding two new players to their lineup helped "O'Donnel" last week and i think they should help this week too. In the end I do not think it will be enough because they will have to repeat their perfect performance again for a second straight game against a quality opponenent and I do not see it happening. This one stays close early but in the end I predict the "Beltway Ballers" will win 64-48.
#4 "Dynasty" vs. #5 "Yo Momma"
During the regular season "Dynasty" won by 10 points 58-48. This "Dynasty" team is not the same team that started the season as they have struggled through injury after injury forcing them to re-arrange their line-up from week to week. 4-4 during the regular season I still would not be shocked if they made a run to the conference finals if they get healthy and organized. I have little confidence in "Yo Momma" as they were a decent opponent but never really challenged the upper echelon teams in the league. There are a lot of "ifs" for "Dynasty" but if they have the players available I like their chances in the long run to compete in every game they play in. They never blow teams out but I expect a solid victory in Round 1. Final score will be "Dynasty" 51 "Yo Momma" 42
That is it for Round 1. Round 2 is taking place on the same day as Round 1 so that preview will be available Friday. Until then, stay tuned to the latest Clip Joint news.
North Division:
#1 "Team Rock" - Bye
This team should be re-named Houdini because the way they win games is like a magician working his magic on stage with smoke and mirrors. They finished the campaign with only 1 loss which is impressive on paper. Any time you only lose once during the season you must be doing something right even if their lone defeat came by 20 points to the #3 seeded "Beltway Ballers". Looking into the numbers they have scored 415 points for an average of 51.8 per game and have given up 384 points for an average of 48 points per game. The easy analysis is simple. They play close games and manage to pull it out when they have to. Their winning margins this season have been 10,3,8,6,4,10 & 10 for an average of 8.7 per win. They play in the 2nd round vs. the winner of the 4-5 match-up which features "Yo Momma" vs. "Dynasty".
#2 The Clip Joint vs. #7 "Tenacious Teabaggers"
Coming into this match-up most people would not even consider this a game that could be close but after losing to the previous basement team the week prior Clip Joint has its work cut out for them trying to get back on track. Listen, 3 straight championships means something regardless of what anyone might want to say so the favorite has to be the Clip Joint no matter how you look at it. In their regular season game they defeated the Teabaggers by 43 points which was their largest margin of victory all season. Can they repeat that feat? Well, I highly doubt the margin will be that wide but I think playing with a huge monkey on their back after being embarassed last week will factor into the outcome. This game is all about what Clip Joint does and not about what the Teabaggers can do or will do, they are a non-factor. If Clip Joint falters it will be their own doing.
Final Score prediction: Clip Joint 59 "Tenacious Teabaggers" 45
#3 "Beltway Ballers" vs. #6 "O'Donnel"
Before last week i would have said there is no chance that this game would be close and on most levels I still believe that the "Ballers" should win by double digits but there is a small part of me that now believes in this cinderella team labeled "O'Donnel" after their shocking upset of heavily favored Clip Joint. The "Beltway Ballers" record is a bit deceptive too since 2 of their 3 recorded losses were due to forfeits on their part. When they have shown up to play they have only 1 defeat aand that was to the previously mentioned Clip Joint. Adding two new players to their lineup helped "O'Donnel" last week and i think they should help this week too. In the end I do not think it will be enough because they will have to repeat their perfect performance again for a second straight game against a quality opponenent and I do not see it happening. This one stays close early but in the end I predict the "Beltway Ballers" will win 64-48.
#4 "Dynasty" vs. #5 "Yo Momma"
During the regular season "Dynasty" won by 10 points 58-48. This "Dynasty" team is not the same team that started the season as they have struggled through injury after injury forcing them to re-arrange their line-up from week to week. 4-4 during the regular season I still would not be shocked if they made a run to the conference finals if they get healthy and organized. I have little confidence in "Yo Momma" as they were a decent opponent but never really challenged the upper echelon teams in the league. There are a lot of "ifs" for "Dynasty" but if they have the players available I like their chances in the long run to compete in every game they play in. They never blow teams out but I expect a solid victory in Round 1. Final score will be "Dynasty" 51 "Yo Momma" 42
That is it for Round 1. Round 2 is taking place on the same day as Round 1 so that preview will be available Friday. Until then, stay tuned to the latest Clip Joint news.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Summer Session 08' - Game #8
Just when you thought you had the Clip Joint figured out.....
This session has been played in a way that is unlike any other season in a long time for the orange and black. It started like every other season, high expectations, lofty goals, one more tune-up before making the jump to play with the elite etc. As things progressed we lost the "big man" we signed who has been missing in action for the past 4 weeks. (Not that anyone is complaining). We lost A.H. to injury for all but 1 game. (Rumor is he might be making a return beginning next week for the playoffs) We beat teams but not because we were blowing them out, we were trailing early in pretty much every game we have played and then we would come back and squeak out a win agains the good teams. Then we would beat the teams close to the bottom of the league by 10-15 points when in the past we would win by 30+. Last night the switch never turned on for us and we fell to the second worst team in the league.
Before I go off the deep end like I have been known to do every once in awhile, let me just say that the game was meaningless. In the sense that win or lose we were cemented in the #2 spot regardless of the outcome so we really weren't playing for anything other than exercise and the opportunity to go into the playoffs on a positive note. However, the other team had everything to gain since they were tied for the worst record and needed a win to avoid us again next week in the opening round of the playoffs. Yeah, so the script went ahead and played itself out like it has all season long. Start off SLOW , trail by 7 points and eventually tie the game and take a brief lead in the second half. Except this time, we could not recover once they regained the lead. Too many turnovers and not enough shot attempts as we were held to under 50 points. That alone tells the story because if we score less than 50 the odds are that we probably are going to lose the game.
Delving a little deeper into things, we decided to start the game playing a 1-2-2 full court trap just to show them a little something different since we were aware from playing them before that they could be rattled rather easily. Shocker, after only a couple of possessions we were all mixed up and all it takes is one player to be out of position for that defense to fail and of course it did. Keep in mind this team went ahead and recruited a point guard and a big man for the playoff push. Neither was super talented but both were the keys to their victory without a doubt in my mind.
Needless to say for whatever reason we let these two destroy us and the role players for them all managed to make some shots when we though they could do nothing but stand there and take up space on the court. I suppose you could say we overlooked them because we did, no question. We beat them earlier in the season with no problem and not one of us felt we would have any trouble doing the exact same thing this time. They had other plans and simply wanted it more than we did when the game was on the line. We did beat ourselves though because we probably had something like 20 turnovers give or take a few. Hell, I would not be shocked if someone had been keeping track and told me we turned it over 30 times because a few of them were during key possessions when we had to get a basket, and we simply frittered those chances away.
So, here we are finishing the season 6-2 as the #2 seed. Oh by the way, the next time a team wants to act arrogant during a game and disrespectful as if they were the better team I promise you that will not go down without a confrontation. There was potential yesterday for that to happen and a few times late in the game there were some harder fouls issued. Expect more of the same, although it is a shame that we will not get the chance to play them again. Assuming we are able to dispose of the "Tenatious Teabaggers" and the "Beltway Ballers" do not suffer the same fate in Round 1 , there will be no re-match unfortunately.
I think I might be done making predictions here but at least mine was realistic unlike a few of my Clip Joint breatheren who went off the deep end and thought we would win by 20+...I;m not sure what orange and black team they have been watching all season because it certainly is not the same one that took an L last night in possible the worst loss in Clip Joint history.
Until next time when we look at the playoff preview. Adios Amigos. Nighty Night.
This session has been played in a way that is unlike any other season in a long time for the orange and black. It started like every other season, high expectations, lofty goals, one more tune-up before making the jump to play with the elite etc. As things progressed we lost the "big man" we signed who has been missing in action for the past 4 weeks. (Not that anyone is complaining). We lost A.H. to injury for all but 1 game. (Rumor is he might be making a return beginning next week for the playoffs) We beat teams but not because we were blowing them out, we were trailing early in pretty much every game we have played and then we would come back and squeak out a win agains the good teams. Then we would beat the teams close to the bottom of the league by 10-15 points when in the past we would win by 30+. Last night the switch never turned on for us and we fell to the second worst team in the league.
Before I go off the deep end like I have been known to do every once in awhile, let me just say that the game was meaningless. In the sense that win or lose we were cemented in the #2 spot regardless of the outcome so we really weren't playing for anything other than exercise and the opportunity to go into the playoffs on a positive note. However, the other team had everything to gain since they were tied for the worst record and needed a win to avoid us again next week in the opening round of the playoffs. Yeah, so the script went ahead and played itself out like it has all season long. Start off SLOW , trail by 7 points and eventually tie the game and take a brief lead in the second half. Except this time, we could not recover once they regained the lead. Too many turnovers and not enough shot attempts as we were held to under 50 points. That alone tells the story because if we score less than 50 the odds are that we probably are going to lose the game.
Delving a little deeper into things, we decided to start the game playing a 1-2-2 full court trap just to show them a little something different since we were aware from playing them before that they could be rattled rather easily. Shocker, after only a couple of possessions we were all mixed up and all it takes is one player to be out of position for that defense to fail and of course it did. Keep in mind this team went ahead and recruited a point guard and a big man for the playoff push. Neither was super talented but both were the keys to their victory without a doubt in my mind.
Needless to say for whatever reason we let these two destroy us and the role players for them all managed to make some shots when we though they could do nothing but stand there and take up space on the court. I suppose you could say we overlooked them because we did, no question. We beat them earlier in the season with no problem and not one of us felt we would have any trouble doing the exact same thing this time. They had other plans and simply wanted it more than we did when the game was on the line. We did beat ourselves though because we probably had something like 20 turnovers give or take a few. Hell, I would not be shocked if someone had been keeping track and told me we turned it over 30 times because a few of them were during key possessions when we had to get a basket, and we simply frittered those chances away.
So, here we are finishing the season 6-2 as the #2 seed. Oh by the way, the next time a team wants to act arrogant during a game and disrespectful as if they were the better team I promise you that will not go down without a confrontation. There was potential yesterday for that to happen and a few times late in the game there were some harder fouls issued. Expect more of the same, although it is a shame that we will not get the chance to play them again. Assuming we are able to dispose of the "Tenatious Teabaggers" and the "Beltway Ballers" do not suffer the same fate in Round 1 , there will be no re-match unfortunately.
I think I might be done making predictions here but at least mine was realistic unlike a few of my Clip Joint breatheren who went off the deep end and thought we would win by 20+...I;m not sure what orange and black team they have been watching all season because it certainly is not the same one that took an L last night in possible the worst loss in Clip Joint history.
Until next time when we look at the playoff preview. Adios Amigos. Nighty Night.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Exclusive Interview!!
We would like to bring you another exclusive interview with one of Clip Joint's most popular players. He has always been coy with the media and shied away from the spotlight, until now. I bring you a short interview with #21 B.A. while finishing up another round of golf at N.W. Park. I arrived early as I was told to do by the President of the team J.W. Once or twice a week J.W. and B.A. enjoy knocking around the golf course and therefore I was lucky enough to gain access if I came by early before the duo hit the clubhouse for a few cold ones.
I was carted to the 14th tee where J.W. had just drove his tee shot down the right side on the short par 3. B.A. gave me this look like he wanted no part of the interview so I waited until he took his tee shot and then I made my move. (Keep in mind he had just put the ball 10 feet from the pin and three-putted for a bogey so he wasn't exactly thrilled at this point)
Interviewer:
Describe what it was like when you first heard that the Clip Joint was interested in signing you to a free agent contract?
B.A.
Ahh, I mean I was nervous at first because J.W. talked a lot and uh and he liked to slap at the ball so I was kind of scared of him. Once J.D. came in I was calmer because I knew that he had only been on the team for a couple of seasons. The bar was set high for me but at the time the team was not playing on the high level that the fans are now accustomed to so it was an easy transition from the courts of White Oak.
Interviewer:
Do you recall your first game playing for the Clip Joint?
B.A.
I do not remember the last game I played so, no.
Interviewer:
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
B.A.
You mean other than the championships? The four trophies that sit atop of my television. A close second to that would be the game a few years back against the Indian team when A.H. went for like 40 and I went for 25.
Interviewer:
What has been the lowlight of your career so far?
B.A.
Probably when Dave uh, I believe the quote was “If your not gonna f----n hustle, get off the f----n court”. That was my lowlight even though I had just suffered a death in my family and the comment wasn’t directed right at me, I knew who he was talking about because, in all honesty I wasn't hustling back on defense.
Interviewer:
What skills or attributes do you think B.A. brings to the team every game?
B.A.
Uh, efficient offensive player, uhh versatility and selflessness.
Interviewer:
Are you mentally and physically prepared for the jump to Elite?
B.A.
No and No. I'm not sure any of us are prepared for that just yet.
Interviewer:
Can you think of a player who has given you and/or the team a difficult time?
B.A.
Opposing player?
Interviewer: Yes.
B.A.
Wow good question, let me think about this..hold up, hold up, hold the phone. Peja Mendez from "Dynasty", uhh Jesus, I'm trying to think back. G.C. but luckily he is on our team now. Vlade from the Greek team was tough to handle in the middle.
Interviewer:
Is there a team in the league who you think has given the Clip Joint trouble now or in the past?
B.A.
Yes, I can name a few. The all brotha team we lost in the finals to a few seasons back that prevented us from having 5 straight titles. JP’s team gave us fits because of their style, uhh that’s about it.
Interviewer:
What does the future hold for The Clip Joint?
B.A.
I mean, obviously it is going to be difficult next season moving up and if we struggle and go 1-8 we might not be able to come back from that type of letdown, so only time will tell.
Interviewer:
What are your thoughts on the upcoming documentary?
B.A.
I have been waiting for this since half a year ago when I first heard about it and I cannot wait, it should be brilliant.
Word Association:
Purest Shooter - A.H.
Winning - Clip Joint
Losing - Eigen Vectors
Hustle - J.W.
Dynasty - Not really a dynasty
Interviewer:
Any final words?
B.A.
Nope, that will do it.
Interviewer:
Thanks for your time, I know your stance on the media and I really appreciate it.
After the brief back and forth i was quickly carted off into the sunset as B.A. and J.W. were about to take on the vaunted Par 3 17th. I realized what an opportunity it was to spend some time with a couple players from the greatest program and franchise this area has seen in a long time. I look forward to my next assignment covering the team and I only imagine where it might take place next.
I was carted to the 14th tee where J.W. had just drove his tee shot down the right side on the short par 3. B.A. gave me this look like he wanted no part of the interview so I waited until he took his tee shot and then I made my move. (Keep in mind he had just put the ball 10 feet from the pin and three-putted for a bogey so he wasn't exactly thrilled at this point)
Interviewer:
Describe what it was like when you first heard that the Clip Joint was interested in signing you to a free agent contract?
B.A.
Ahh, I mean I was nervous at first because J.W. talked a lot and uh and he liked to slap at the ball so I was kind of scared of him. Once J.D. came in I was calmer because I knew that he had only been on the team for a couple of seasons. The bar was set high for me but at the time the team was not playing on the high level that the fans are now accustomed to so it was an easy transition from the courts of White Oak.
Interviewer:
Do you recall your first game playing for the Clip Joint?
B.A.
I do not remember the last game I played so, no.
Interviewer:
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
B.A.
You mean other than the championships? The four trophies that sit atop of my television. A close second to that would be the game a few years back against the Indian team when A.H. went for like 40 and I went for 25.
Interviewer:
What has been the lowlight of your career so far?
B.A.
Probably when Dave uh, I believe the quote was “If your not gonna f----n hustle, get off the f----n court”. That was my lowlight even though I had just suffered a death in my family and the comment wasn’t directed right at me, I knew who he was talking about because, in all honesty I wasn't hustling back on defense.
Interviewer:
What skills or attributes do you think B.A. brings to the team every game?
B.A.
Uh, efficient offensive player, uhh versatility and selflessness.
Interviewer:
Are you mentally and physically prepared for the jump to Elite?
B.A.
No and No. I'm not sure any of us are prepared for that just yet.
Interviewer:
Can you think of a player who has given you and/or the team a difficult time?
B.A.
Opposing player?
Interviewer: Yes.
B.A.
Wow good question, let me think about this..hold up, hold up, hold the phone. Peja Mendez from "Dynasty", uhh Jesus, I'm trying to think back. G.C. but luckily he is on our team now. Vlade from the Greek team was tough to handle in the middle.
Interviewer:
Is there a team in the league who you think has given the Clip Joint trouble now or in the past?
B.A.
Yes, I can name a few. The all brotha team we lost in the finals to a few seasons back that prevented us from having 5 straight titles. JP’s team gave us fits because of their style, uhh that’s about it.
Interviewer:
What does the future hold for The Clip Joint?
B.A.
I mean, obviously it is going to be difficult next season moving up and if we struggle and go 1-8 we might not be able to come back from that type of letdown, so only time will tell.
Interviewer:
What are your thoughts on the upcoming documentary?
B.A.
I have been waiting for this since half a year ago when I first heard about it and I cannot wait, it should be brilliant.
Word Association:
Purest Shooter - A.H.
Winning - Clip Joint
Losing - Eigen Vectors
Hustle - J.W.
Dynasty - Not really a dynasty
Interviewer:
Any final words?
B.A.
Nope, that will do it.
Interviewer:
Thanks for your time, I know your stance on the media and I really appreciate it.
After the brief back and forth i was quickly carted off into the sunset as B.A. and J.W. were about to take on the vaunted Par 3 17th. I realized what an opportunity it was to spend some time with a couple players from the greatest program and franchise this area has seen in a long time. I look forward to my next assignment covering the team and I only imagine where it might take place next.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Summer Session 08' - Game #7
I think it is time for me to stop predicting the final outcomes every week because I have not been close in a long time. Heading into the game I figured we would be in for a difficult rivalry matchup with our nemesis "Dynasty". Little did I know that they would be missing "Peja" and their point guard who sat courtside with crutches. Still missing in action were their big man and they were without their two asian hustle guys who always give us a hard time. In their place was the other big man who killed us in the tournament game we lost to them and a couple of other fill ins who were less talented than the guys they were replacing. Needless to say things got off to another wonderful start as we quickly trailed 7-0, 3 minutes into the game. The 2-3 zone was tooe asy to penetrate and they were getting easy looks at the bucket. As the half wore on we started to impose our will and they began to tire a little bit. Before I knew it, we were leading at halftime by 4 points 26-22. Their big man who had been a key for them was missing easy shots and was having a hard time keeping his hands on the ball. Defense was key for us as we poked, stripped, swatted balls and were scrappy getting steals all night long. J.W. had another stellar defensive effort and continues to lead the league in charges taken. D.T. was back at it with the swipes underneath and M.D. and B.A. had a field day getting some easy break away lay ins. J.D. also got in front of some passes that led to easy opportunities for the team. In the second half our starters put the game out of reach and the lead bloated to 20 points. J.P made a nice hook shot and played another very solid game inside for us despite giving up 6 inches to the man he was covering. G.C. ran the show nicely and maintained the tempo for us while playing the full 40 minutes at the point position. Overall, we did leave some points on the floor like usual as we had a couple of bad stretches where we were held without a basket for a few minutes here and there. At the end though we were too much and the defecit was too much to come back from and we won going away 51-37. giving up under 40 points is very strong even if we were not facing the "A" team that "Dynasty" usually brings to the table. Next week we get "O'Donnell" who is coming off their first win of the season and is looking to improve on their 1 game winning streak going into the playoffs. If we win, we would face them again in the first round most likely. This will be a good chance for us to use some pressure. J.M was out again this week and is supposed to return next week. Rumor has it that A.H. might also return giving the team a huge boost headed into the playoff season. My prediction regardless of who we have is Clip Joint 64 and O'Donnell 48.
Teaser Trailer - Part 1
The teaser trailer with the full length trailer to come in the next couple of weeks....
Friday, August 8, 2008
Movie Clip
Just a little taste of what's to come in the Spring of 09'....
Previewing the game against "Dynasty" this weekend I would predict that it will be a very close game and if I had to be honest I would give them the edge. Coming off such an emotional victory last weekend I am not sure we can keep the same energy level and we might suffer a letdown of sorts. Combine that with a short bench and we could be in for a tough task. Win or lose it will be within 5 points, that's my prediction. Final score Clip Joint 57 Dynasty 54 in a close one. Until next week with a recap of the game...
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Bug That Keeps On Biting
That would be the injury bug , native to the Clip Joint which ravages the players and takes its toll on the roster. A.H. has a slight partial tear in his knee which has prevented him from being an active participant for much of this season. Thankfully, the team doctor has cleared him to play despite the injury even though he did recommend about 6 months of full rest to recover 100%. We all know that there is no way possible A.H. is going to sit out that long but he has decided to shut it down for now until further notice.
James also has been hit with some sort of back ailment which prevented him from playing this past week and will possibly keep him out of the rotation for another 2 weeks. As for the rest of us, we are all dealing with minor aches, pains , bumps and bruises per usual. Looks like we will be a bit shorthanded the rest of the way heading into the home stretch of the regular season and in to the playoff run for the title.
James also has been hit with some sort of back ailment which prevented him from playing this past week and will possibly keep him out of the rotation for another 2 weeks. As for the rest of us, we are all dealing with minor aches, pains , bumps and bruises per usual. Looks like we will be a bit shorthanded the rest of the way heading into the home stretch of the regular season and in to the playoff run for the title.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Summer Session 08' - Game #6
Just when I thought I had seen it all, I arrived to the game last night expecting that we would be prepared to face one of the better teams in our league. What I got was D.T. and I chatting it up for ten minutes realizing that nobody else was in the building. No G.C, No A.H. not even James our newest player was anywhere to be found. I know B.A. was busy at home enjoying the Redskins and Colt Brennan leading the Skins to a comeback PRE-SEASON win and M.D. was probably running suicides in the parking lot or jogging from his house to the game to warm-up. Finally, J.D. was busy working hard in hopes of getting out on time. So there we were the two of us, warming up watching the clock slowly tick down when all of the sudden B.A. rolled in, weary and blurry eyed, then M.D. with his canvas bag full of jellybeans and his gear. The 4 of us took the court hoping that the beating would be painless and quick since it was late and all and we really did not want to be a part of the slaughter that was to come.
Except, something happened and there would be no beatdown. Starting the game 4 against 5 is never fun, especially since the other team featured some very athletic players and they decided that they would trap whomever had the ball. Brilliant plan obviously and they forced us into a couple mistakes early on but we did enough to hang close for the first 4 minutes when J.D. sauntered into the arena. Down 10-5 at that point we were in an early hole (as usual) and we had a lot of work ahead of us if we were going to get back into this game.
Facing a team that had beaten "Team Rock" by nearly 20, that is right the same "Team Rock" that handed us our first loss of the season last week, they were primed for taking us out and earning sole possession of second place. I recognized their point guard from back in the early days of our program, he was very good and I knew he would be a handful. Combine that with a long big man and a thick big man who had a nice touch from the outside and a couple uber athletic guards and swingmen we were going to struggle to put up any consistent offense. Somehow we managed to hang around enough to tie the score and eventually take a 3 point lead going into the second half.
The five of us were certainly tired and we used every timeout made available to us to catch our breath and to their credit, the "Beltway Ballers" were offensively running like a machine. They were able to pretty much get any shot they wanted against our soft zone. The point guard I mentioned a bit earlier must have hit 6 or 7 triples alone, not to mention another 5 or 6 by various other teammates. We scratched and clawed our way to baskets. B.A. was agressive, the most agressive in fact he has been all season and it paid off big dividends for us. He got to the rack at ease and even looked like he was starting to get his touch back from the outside too burying a couple trifectas. D.T. looked like vintage D.T. canning a half dozen threes of his own from all parts of the floor. Before I could look up there were a couple minutes left in th egame and we were up 5. A few poor turnovers later on our part, including a couple bad ones by me it was super tight down to only a 2 point lead with the enemies on the free throw line and 20 seconds to go. The plan was to call a timeout if he made both and hold the ball for the final shot.
At this point they were pressing us man to man as soon as the ball was inbounded so we knew it would be a tough task to get it done. I was fearing the worst and when they made the front end of the two shots I knew we were headed for a tie game. Everyone was holding out hope that he would miss the second shot somehow and we could secure the rebound and get out of there with a win. I knew I was tired and I could see the rest of the guys were down to reserves in the tank as well. Second shot went up and he missed it!! The guy who talked the most and complained the most all night missed it and J.D. got the rebound and was fouled immediately. He calmly sank a couple of free throws giving us our 3 point lead back with a little less than 20 seconds to go. Down they came looking to tie with one shot and the guy who had killed us all game long missed a three from at least 3 feet behind the arc. The rebound came loose off a couple sets of hands and I tried to bat it further up court after realizing I could not grab it. Deja then batted it further and then managed to secure the ball and toss it ahead to M.D. for the easy lay-up as time expired. A 5 point victory for the team that came out fallter than a month old soda last week. The core group of guys who have been through the battles together before got it done against a really good team.
Everything went according to plan.....up next week a rematch vs. our number one rival "Dynasty"
Except, something happened and there would be no beatdown. Starting the game 4 against 5 is never fun, especially since the other team featured some very athletic players and they decided that they would trap whomever had the ball. Brilliant plan obviously and they forced us into a couple mistakes early on but we did enough to hang close for the first 4 minutes when J.D. sauntered into the arena. Down 10-5 at that point we were in an early hole (as usual) and we had a lot of work ahead of us if we were going to get back into this game.
Facing a team that had beaten "Team Rock" by nearly 20, that is right the same "Team Rock" that handed us our first loss of the season last week, they were primed for taking us out and earning sole possession of second place. I recognized their point guard from back in the early days of our program, he was very good and I knew he would be a handful. Combine that with a long big man and a thick big man who had a nice touch from the outside and a couple uber athletic guards and swingmen we were going to struggle to put up any consistent offense. Somehow we managed to hang around enough to tie the score and eventually take a 3 point lead going into the second half.
The five of us were certainly tired and we used every timeout made available to us to catch our breath and to their credit, the "Beltway Ballers" were offensively running like a machine. They were able to pretty much get any shot they wanted against our soft zone. The point guard I mentioned a bit earlier must have hit 6 or 7 triples alone, not to mention another 5 or 6 by various other teammates. We scratched and clawed our way to baskets. B.A. was agressive, the most agressive in fact he has been all season and it paid off big dividends for us. He got to the rack at ease and even looked like he was starting to get his touch back from the outside too burying a couple trifectas. D.T. looked like vintage D.T. canning a half dozen threes of his own from all parts of the floor. Before I could look up there were a couple minutes left in th egame and we were up 5. A few poor turnovers later on our part, including a couple bad ones by me it was super tight down to only a 2 point lead with the enemies on the free throw line and 20 seconds to go. The plan was to call a timeout if he made both and hold the ball for the final shot.
At this point they were pressing us man to man as soon as the ball was inbounded so we knew it would be a tough task to get it done. I was fearing the worst and when they made the front end of the two shots I knew we were headed for a tie game. Everyone was holding out hope that he would miss the second shot somehow and we could secure the rebound and get out of there with a win. I knew I was tired and I could see the rest of the guys were down to reserves in the tank as well. Second shot went up and he missed it!! The guy who talked the most and complained the most all night missed it and J.D. got the rebound and was fouled immediately. He calmly sank a couple of free throws giving us our 3 point lead back with a little less than 20 seconds to go. Down they came looking to tie with one shot and the guy who had killed us all game long missed a three from at least 3 feet behind the arc. The rebound came loose off a couple sets of hands and I tried to bat it further up court after realizing I could not grab it. Deja then batted it further and then managed to secure the ball and toss it ahead to M.D. for the easy lay-up as time expired. A 5 point victory for the team that came out fallter than a month old soda last week. The core group of guys who have been through the battles together before got it done against a really good team.
Everything went according to plan.....up next week a rematch vs. our number one rival "Dynasty"
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