Category: 3rd Division

Fall ’17 Playoff Previews (All Sunday Divisions)

(2) LACE’O MY ASO

  

VS

  

(4) YUNG NO FLY ZONE
SCOUTING REPORT

In a rematch of the last D1 Sunday final in the SPR ’17 season, LMA looks to replicate a dominant win over NFZ with aggressive perimeter defense and a similarly attacking offense. LMA’s strength can often be NFZ’s weakness. Their ability to pressure guards players defensively with (G) Chung Lee, (G) Mat Joshy and (F) Matt Birtwell can frustrate a Flyers team that likes to operate with space. On offense, LMA bigs (F) Mark Promax and (F) Kyle Jose are versatile, stretch players who can make NFZ’s often slow-footed defense pay from behind the 3-point arc. As match-ups go, this is a pretty favorable one for Lace’O.
LMA
6-2		 D1 SUN
CHIP
MLK HS
Sun, Dec 3
1:30pm
NFZ
5-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

NFZ could hardly have forgotten how they were humiliated in their last finals match-up vs LMA. But this is a Flyers team sorting out new personnel. Half their back court is gone, and though (G) Alex Tsay is a strong pick-up, he has been mostly sidelined with injuries. New add (F) Kieran Brennan has fit right in. He has helped to diversify NFZ’s offense. The Flyers can score, but their defense has been a slow starter, which has made every game a struggle. At full strength, NFZ has just as much depth as LMA, and more overall size, if not quite the speed. If they can dictate the tempo and control the ball, they can win this game.
Player Spotlight: Matt Birtwell

Birtwell is as tenacious as they come, and his defense and hustle is a catalyst for everything LMA does. His effort on that end can sometimes mean his jumper can get streaky, but he’ll keep attacking the basket as relentlessly as he does on D, keeping the pressure on opposing defenses.
Pos: F
14 ppg
5 rpg
5 spg
Pos: F
22.5 ppg
10 rpg
1.5 apg		 Player Spotlight: Michael Reding

With more balanced scoring this season, Reding hasn’t had to carry so much of the offensive load. Which is good for the Flyers, because he’s also the team’s most versatile defender, often has to defend the opposing team’s best offensive player. He’ll be put to the test here on both sides of the ball.

(1) TAIWAN NO. 1

  

VS

  

(4) RISE AGAIN
SCOUTING REPORT

Out of nowhere, Taiwan No. 1 has lived up to their moniker all season. They have simply found ways to win, and it’s not always pretty. But it’s the semifinals now, and every team left is a contender, and they’re now facing, as a newbie team, the most storied franchise in D3. They will come in with D3’s most balanced scoring attack. Nine players score between 4.8 to 8.7 ppg. And any one of them can get hot, as (G) Tim Yu did for 21 pts in the 1st rd. 
TW1
6-1		 D3 SUN
SEMIS
MLK HS
Sun, Dec 3
2:30pm
RIS
5-2		 SCOUTING REPORT

It’s always the same story with Rise Again. In many ways, they’re the most predictable team in the league. They come at you with the same guys, same strategy, season after season. And yet, you can’t really stop them. And this isn’t a team that overwhelms their opponents on either side of the ball. They can do that if they get hot from three. But typically, they just dissect you piece by piece until you don’t even realize it’s all over and they’ve won it.
Player Spotlight: Henry Lin

Lin is TW1’s most versatile player. He’s a big, physical forward who can handle the rock, find the open man, and shoot. With a roster full of attacking guards, he is often the point forward, setting up the offense. TW1 is a big team for D3, and Lin’s all-around skills make them seem even bigger.

 Pos: F
15 ppg
12 rpg
2 apg
Pos: G
20 ppg
3 rpg
3 apg		 Player Spotlight: Leuis Ng

What else is there to write? Multi-time reg season MVPs, championship MVPs, Ng does it all. Inside, outside, off the dribble, on the break, he dictates everything for RIS. Ng is the one guy you have to stop on this team, and if you have a strategy to do it, you’d be the first.

(1) NY ROCKITS

  

VS

  

(5) WOLVERINES
SCOUTING REPORT

Speed, speed & more speed. The Rockits come at you in waves, overwhelming you with guard after guard attacking, creating, and making layups or 3FGs. Every player on this roster is looking to make the extra pass, or the opportunistic defensive play. But TOs can be an issue. The Rockits have to make sure, especially against a bigger WOL team, that if the shots aren’t falling, they control the ball. Playoff games run much tighter, less margin for error.
ROC
5-1		 D2 SUN
SEMIS
MLK HS
Sun, Dec 3
3:30pm
WOL
3-4		 SCOUTING REPORT

More than anything, the Wolverines MUST dictate the pace in this game. The Rockits are younger and much faster overall. Which to the Wolverines possible advantage, also means ROC tends to play fast and loose with the ball. WOL cannot afford to do the same. If they control tempo, control the ball, keep their composure, and finish in the paint–all big IFs–they can steal this from a less experienced, smaller Rockits team by overwhelming them physically.
Player Spotlight: Ian Yu

The veteran Yu is the Rockit’s most senior player, and he orchestrates much of theor offense. He has shot well from the 3-pt line (38%) this season, but not so much from the FT line (39%). But with plenty of ROC players who can get to the stripe, the pressure isn’t on Yu to make many.
Pos: G
14.3 ppg
7.3 rpg
5 apg
Pos: F
23 ppg
9 rpg
3 apg		 Player Spotlight: Nick Liveris

Liveris and (C) Mike Meng can put together a solid two-man game against a zone D, but they have to be patient and let it develop. If ROC goes man, both players must punish them in the paint and finish layups. Missed layups give ROC a chance to beat WOL back in transition.

(2) LET IT FLY

  

VS

  

(3) NO FLY ZONE OG
SCOUTING REPORT

Let It Fly looked like the shoe-in #1 seed until a surprising loss to RIS exposed some of their weaknesses. But they didn’t have (C) Ola Oni in that game, and against a short-handed NFZ in the reg season, he simply man-handled the opposition. This is a very athletic team for this division, which gives them extra chances via the offensive glass and opportunistic defense, but the key for LIF, still very much a contender, will be execution down the stretch and finishing strong whether they have the lead or not.
LIF
6-1		 D3 SUN
SEMIS
MLK HS
Sun, Dec 3
4:30pm
NFZ
5-2		 SCOUTING REPORT

No Fly Zone won the D3 title in the spring, and looked poised to repeat in the summer until they somehow forfeited their semifinal game to the eventual champions. They were bodied in the paint in their reg season match-up, but that was without (F) Saleem Ahmed, arguably the league’s best shot blocker. His length will be key to patch up a weak interior defense with (C) Kevin Wong failing to qualify for the post-season. On offense, they have reliable veteran options in (F) Young Wang and (G) Ren Hsieh.
Player Spotlight: Daniel Mosley

Mosley was not available in LIF’s 1st rd win over BIL, which is a testament to the Flyers depth, but Mosley is their best option on the offensive end. Undersized, but crafty and physical in the paint, Mosley is a problem from point blank range to 15′ vs NFZ’s less physical lineup.

 Pos: F
16 ppg
7.8 rpg
1.2 spg
Pos: F
22 ppg
7 rpg
4 bpg		 Player Spotlight: Saleem Ahmed

The veteran paint protector is a stretch 4-5 on offense, and he’s about as streaky as they come in D3. In the 1st rd, he gave JPU a taste of what i’s like when he gets hot. His 6 1st half 3FGs set the tone in a blowout win. LIF cannot afford to let Ahmed get hot in the early going here.

(2) RAINING ROSEBUDS

  

VS

  

(3) BOMB SQUAD
SCOUTING REPORT

The Rosebuds have been holding strong as a contender all season, losing only to top seed ROC. They have a far more focused attack on offense this fall, led by speedy (G) Anthony Williams, and solid all-around play from up and down the roster. New adds have had a huge part. (G) Caleb Lui is as good a defender and set up man as you can find in D2, and (F) Burke Wise has low key been maybe the best big man in D2 this season. It’s their opponent, however, that has been where they’d like to be. BOM is an experienced former champ that will test everything RAR has.
RAR
6-1		 D2 SUN
SEMIS
MLK HS
Sun, Dec 3
5:30pm
BOM
5-2		 SCOUTING REPORT

They’ve been uneven this fall, but Bomb Squad is still a veteran roster with a deeper guard rotation than they’ve ever had. (G) James Han proved that point with 22 pts in BOM’s 1st rd win over NFZ. If the 3FGs are falling–and they will take a lot of them– this suddenly becomes a very difficult team to beat. But it all starts with the match-up problems (F) Sherwin Salar is able to force in and around the paint. Without this balance, BOM becomes far easier to defend. And though their defense is solid, it has shown some holes this season, particularly with an injured (G) Alex Tsay.
Player Spotlight: Anthony Williams

Even in his 30s now, Williams is the fastest guard in D2. His shot selection can be a bit questionable at times, perhaps taking more deep 3FGs than preferred by his team, but when he gets it going he is capable of carrying the RAR offense. And his speed in the passing lane leads to easy FGs.

 Pos: G
18 ppg
4 rpg
2 spg
Pos: F
16 ppg
20 rpg
6 apg		 Player Spotlight: Sherwin Salar

RAR doesn’t have the strongest interior D, so Salar should get plenty of opportunities. But BOM asks a lot of Salar as their only big man, undersized as he is already. So if he has the legs to score, BOM can thrive, but they can count on him to contribute across the board regardless.

Fall ’17 Playoff Previews (All Weeknight Divisions)

(1) D.A.W.

  

VS

  

(4) GUARD ME MAYBE
SCOUTING REPORT

N/A
DAW
6-1		 D2 WN
SEMIS
Fashion HS
Thu, Nov 30
8:00pm
GMM
4-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

At full strength, Guard Me Maybe rivals DPY in overall talent on the roster. This season (F) Stefan Chaplin raised play to a level that suggests GMM may have a Big 3 along with reigning MVP (F) Brian Law and (G) Tommy Wong. They’ve had bad luck in the playoffs with player availability, but if they have all their pieces, they’ll contend for the championship.
Player Spotlight: 

N/A

 N/A
Pos: F
21 ppg
10 rpg
8 apg		 Player Spotlight: Brian Law

Law does it all. Arguably D2’s most athletic player, he is just as capable of dominating on the defensive end, as he is on offense. DAW is a team with good speed and a physicality, so the Maybes will need a strong, sustained performance from Law. 

(3) NYC GRITTY COMMITTEE

  

VS

  

(7) NY DYNASTY
SCOUTING REPORT

As expected, Gritty was tested in their 1st rd match-up vs GA7. They got the W, thriving on the kind of clutch plays down the stretch that they’ll need to keep making here on out. This hasn’t been the most talented roster all season, but they do have the longest tenure together, and as long as they keep the faith they can win it all.
NGC
5-2		 D3 WN
SEMIS
Fashion HS
Thu, Nov 30
9:00pm
DYN
3-4		 SCOUTING REPORT

It wasn’t a pretty regular season for the NY Dynasty, but they pulled of a big upset win over a contender in the 1st rd by blowing out 30F. DYN finally started playing like they’d been expected to play all season. If that was the turnaround moment in their season then it was the perfect time for it, and really bad timing for everyone else.
Player Spotlight: Teddy Oh

Oh hasn’t had a great playoffs so far, but in the regular season, he gave DYN a team-high 18 points as the Dynasty back court struggled so stay in front of him. If he stays aggressive in this match-up, he’ll put NGC in a position to exploit DYN’s slow rotations on defense.

 Pos: G
15.6 ppg
2.4 rpg
2.4 apg
Pos: G
27 ppg
5 3pg
4 spg		 Player Spotlight: David Chu

After a down season, Chu finally broke out in the 1st rd, with 27 points on 11-16 FGs vs 30F. The effort came just when DYN needed it most, and hopefully for Dynasty, he can keep up the hot shooting against an NGC team that isn’t particularly good at closing out on the 3-pt line.

(1) RAW DOGS

  

VS

  

(4) HONEY BADGERS
SCOUTING REPORT

Raw Dogs come in with the most talented roster in D1. The Top 4 of their lineup, (F) Lenny McNeil, (F) Ronnie Bethea, (G) Robert Swift and (G) Sean Corley are all match-up problems. RAW seem to think they’re undersized, and it gives them a chip on the shoulder, but they’re actually middle of the pack in D1. And their overall strength and athleticism makes them seem even bigger, which is a problem for the Badgers who are perpetually undersized.
RAW
7-0		 D1 WN
SEMIS
MLK HS
Thu, Nov 30
8:00pm
HON
4-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

RAW hasn’t faced much defense since moving up to D1, but the Honey Badgers will give them all they could ask for. What the Badgers lack in size and scoring, they make up for with grit and toughness. No team grinds like HON, but they have a tendency to wear themselves out against more athletic teams. RAW isn’t particularly committed to sustained defense, so the Badgers will get shots. They just have to make a higher rate than they have so far this season to keep pace.
Player Spotlight: 

The Badgers struggle with tough, physical and crafty scorers in the paint. And that’s exactly McNeil is, plus he can shoot the 3 as well. With microwave oven shooting around him, McNeil should get plenty of 1-on-1 looks at the rim and he knows what to do with the ball when he gets space. Put it in the dang hole.

 Pos: F
30 ppg
10 rpg
2 spg
Pos: F
29 ppg
9 rpg
3 apg		 Player Spotlight: Adam Powell

You know what you’re gonna get from the Badgers’ core, but Powell is their x-factor. He gives them a strong open court finisher, and an additional 3-pt threat. The latter has been key with shooters (G) Jeff Syham and (G) Mike Bill missing so many games. Powell is an off-ball scorer but moves well to get open, just what HON needs.

(4) PEACE & LOVE

  

VS

  

(6) METTA WORLD WAR
SCOUTING REPORT

Peace & Love put on a clinic in their upset win over Showcase NYC last night. And it was a big upset. At times this fall, SHO looked unbeatable, but PNL dismantled SHO’s gilded defense and lit them up 66-44. They’re still not a great defense, but they’re tougher at every position on D, and they can grind out stops when needed. MWW can score, but they’re hardly the defensive behemoth of seasons past, so PNL will get opportunities. Depth is not a strength for either team, and as such, these are two well-matched teams.
PNL
4-3		 Premier
CHIP
MLK HS
Thu, Nov 30
9:00pm
MWW
3-4		 SCOUTING REPORT

Admittedly, this is not the title match-up we predicted. Metta is a 4-time champion, and should never be discounted, but they had their worst reg season in franchise histor. They’ve had some luck: Their 1st rd opponent forfeited, and last night, DYN played without (G) Shawn Delos Reyes. But never mind that, Metta looked good last night. (G) Pace Shaw finally looked like he fit in. And the 1-2 punch of (F) Nick Pelletier & (C) Stedford McCleod looked pretty much unstoppable. All of a sudden the Mettas look like the team to beat again, ready to hoist a 5th title. 
Player Spotlight: Seamus McKiernan

The veteran McKiernan’s presence in the paint as a scorer and defender has been key to PNL’s success. He is a crafty scorer around the basket, but MWW actually has a strong interior defense McKiernan will have to pick and choose his spots, but he has to stay aggressive.

 Pos: F
15.5 ppg
8.5 rpg
2.5 bpg
Pos: F
19 ppg
7 rpg
1 spg		 Player Spotlight: Nick Pelletier

Pelletier has long been Metta’s utility man and glue guy, making all the little plays that his team needs to win. He can also be their best shooter when called upon, and his 19 pts on 5 3FGs was huge in the win over DYN. In MWW’s current line-up he’ll get plenty of chances for a repeat performance.

Fall ’17 Week 9 Player Awards (All Sunday Divisions)

1ST DIVISION (SUNDAYS)

1st Division (Sun) Player of the Week

(F) KYLE JOSE (LACE’O MY ASO)

17 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Runner-up: (G/F) Jacob Leizman (DOR) 30 points, 4 3FGs, 8 rebounds, 1 steal

Wat Misaka Defensive Player of the Week

(G/F) MATT BIRTWELL (LACE’O MY ASO)

5 rebounds, 5 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (F) Mark Promax (LMA) 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

(G/F) MATT BIRTWELL (LACE’O MY ASO)

14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (F) Michael Reding (NFZ) 16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

(G) JACOB LEIZMAN (DORIS FROM REGO PARK)

30 points, 4 3FGs, 8 rebounds, 1 steal
Runner-up: N/A

The High-5 Club

Matt Birtwell (LMA) 14-5-3-5-1
Kyle Jose (LMA) 17-11-2-1-1
Mark Promax (LMA) 15-7-1-2-2

 

Weekly League Leaders 

PTS: Jacob Leizman (DOR) 30, Vegas Dave Wong (SKW) 24
3FG: Jacob Leizman (DOR) 4, Vegas Dave Wong (SKW) 3
REB: Rick Louis (SKW) 24, [2 players] 11
AST: David Rivera (LMA) 6, [3 players] 5
STL: Matt Birtwell (LMA) 5, Chung Lee (LMA) 3
BLK: Mark Promax (LMA), A.K. Tewary (SKW) 2

2ND DIVISION (SUNDAYS)

2nd Division (Sun) Player of the Week

(F) SHERWIN SALAR (BOMB SQUAD)

16 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists
Runner-up: (F) Jeff Meng (WOL) 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block

Wat Misaka Defensive Player of the Week

(C) MICHAEL MENG (WOLVERINES)

6 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 blocks
Runner-up: (G) Jon Jackson (NFP) 1 rebound, 2 steals

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

(F) LOUIS KONIG (TAP NY)

8 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks
Runner-up: (F) Sherwin Salar (BOM) 16 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

(F/C) BURKE WISE (RAINING ROSEBUDS)

15 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Runner-up: (F) Enoch Han (ZHU) 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

The High-5 Club

Nick Abrapour (WOL) 10-12-3-1-1
G Beaubrun (WOL) 2-10-8-1-1
Louis Konig (TAP) 8-17-5-1-2
Michael Meng (WOL) 8-6-3-2-3
Burke Wise (RAR) 15-14-4-1-1

Weekly League Leaders 

PTS: Nick Liveris (WOL) 23, James Han (BOM) 22
3FG: Ori Damari (NFP) 6, James Han (BOM) 4
REB: Sherwin Salar (BOM) 20, Louis Konig (TAP) 17
AST: G Beaubrun (WOL) 8, Ren Hsieh (NFP) 7
STL: Stephen Lok (TAP) 3, [8 players] 2
BLK: Michael Meng (WOL) 3, [2 players] 2

3RD DIVISION (SUNDAYS)

3rd Division (Sun) Player of the Week

(G) SEAN HE (BALL IS LIFE)

28 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals
Runner-up: (G) Robert Zhang (GOO) 28 points, 6 3FGs, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

Wat Misaka Defensive Player of the Week

(F) SALEEM AHMED (NO FLY ZONE OG)

7 rebounds, 1 steal, 4 blocks
Runner-up: (G) Dennis Hou (TW1) 2 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

(F) HENRY LIN (TAIWAN NO. 1)

15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (F) Vickram Kulkami (GOO) 4 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

(G) TIM YU (TAIWAN NO. 1)

21 points, 5 3FGs, 5 rebounds
Runner-up: (F) Henry Lin (TW1) 15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block

The High-5 Club

Kojo Achiampong (LAR) 8-6-1-2-1
Marvin Chu (NFZ) 2-8-5-1-1
Mark Hahn (RIS) 10-4-2-2-1
Dennis Hou (TW1) 2-2-4-4-1
Henry Lin (TW1) 15-12-2-2-1
Guannan Liu (CRO) 21-5-1-1-1
Rob Rodkey (LAR) 2-5-1-1-2
Eddie Tsao (LAR) 12-2-1-1-1

Weekly League Leaders 

PTS: Sean He (BIL), Robert Zhang (GOO) 28
3FG: Saleem Ahmed (NFZ), Robert Zhang (GOO) 6
REB: Vikram Kulkami (GOO) 14, Felix Zhang (GOO) 13
AST: Ren Hsieh (NFZ) 7, [7 players] 4
STL: Sean He (BIL), Dennis Hou (TW1) 4
BLK: Saleem Ahmed (NFZ) 4, Rob Rodkey (LAR) 2

Fall ’17 Week 8 Player Awards (All Weeknight Divisions)

PREMIER DIVISION (WEEKNIGHTS)

Premier Division Player of the Week

(F) JOE VINES (SHOWCASE NYC)

26 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
Runner-up: (G/F) Will Haile (DYN) 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 1 block

Wat Misaka Defensive Player of the Week

(G/F) WILL HAILE (NY DYNASTY)

11 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (C) Seamus McKiernan (PNL) 9 rebounds, 1 steal, 4 blocks

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

(C) JEREMY KAPLAN-LYMAN (WE HAD GAME)

9 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals
Runner-up: (F) Joe Vines (SHO) 26 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

(F) MIKE LIANDER (SHOWCASE NYC)

22 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist
Runner-up: (C) Dan Solomito (GA7) 21 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist

The High-5 Club

Will Haile (DYN) 17-11-4-4-1
Seamus McKiernan (PNL) 17-9-2-1-4
Joe Vines (SHO) 26-13-1-1-1

Weekly League Leaders 

PTS: Joe Vines (SHO) 26, Mike Liander (SHO) 22
3FG: Elliott Curtis (GA7) 5, Ren Hsieh (DYN) 4
REB: Jeremy Kaplan-Lyman (WHG) 14, Joe Vines (SHO) 13
AST: Elliott Curtis (GA7) 11, Gus Gauntlett (PNL) 9
STL: Jeremy Kaplan-Lyman (WHG) 5, [2 players] 4
BLK: Seamus McKiernan (PNL) 4, Martin Brusewitz (DYN) 2

1ST DIVISION (WEEKNIGHTS)

1st Division (WN) Player of the Week

(F) LENNY MCNEIL (RAW DOGS)

30 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (G) Chris Daley (CRV) 22 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists

Wat Misaka Defensive Player of the Week

(F) NATHANIEL SCHACHT (THE LIZARDS)

5 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 blocks
Runner-up: (G) Sean Corley (RAW) 8 rebounds, 4 steals

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

(G) TRAVIS BENJAMIN (CRAFTY VETS)

18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (G) Josh Foster (VIN) 15 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

(F) LENNY MCNEIL (RAW DOGS)

30 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (G/F) Robert Sweet (RAW) 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block

The High-5 Club

David Albright (VIN) 6-8-5-1-1
Matt Birtwell (YOL) 21-4-2-2-1
Lenny McNeil (RAW) 30-10-2-2-1
Nathaniel Schacht (LIZ) 6-5-1-2-4
Robert Sweet (RAW) 20-5-1-3-1
Ken Tobey (VIN) 5-7-2-1-1

Weekly League Leaders 

PTS: Lenny McNeil (RAW) 30, Joe Vines (HOO) 23
3FG: Robert Sweet (RAW) 6, [6 players] 3
REB: Samson Adelaja (YOL), Colin Desmond (LIZ) 13
AST: Sean Corley (RAW) 11, Warren Derevere (VIN) 7
STL: Sean Corley, Estevenson Jean-Charles (RAW) 4
BLK: Nathaniel Schacht (LIZ) 4, [7 players] 1

2ND DIVISION (WEEKNIGHTS)

2nd Division (WN) Player of the Week

(F) BRIAN LAW (GUARD ME MAYBE)

21 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (F) Jon Chen (TRI) 23 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal

Wat Misaka Defensive Player of the Week

(F) BRIAN LAW (GUARD ME MAYBE)

10 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (F) Young Yu (TRI) 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

(G/F) J.L. NOVOSAD (SPACE JAM)

16 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists
Runner-up: (F) Kyai Scott (DPY) 7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

(F) JACOB LEIZMAN (UNCLE BOUGHT A COW)

19 points, 4 3FGs, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
Runner-up: (G) Chris Lee (TRI) 14 points, 3 3FGs, 2 rebounds, 3 assists

The High-5 Club

David Hsiung (TRI) 2-7-2-2-1
Louis Konig (UBC) 6-2-2-1-1
Alvin Kong (GMM) 10-6-2-3-1
Toks Kono (TRI) 5-6-2-2-1
Brian Law (GMM) 21-10-8-4-1
Jacob Leizman (UBC) 19-4-2-2-1
Brandon Lee (GMM) 6-6-4-1-1
Tyler McFarlane (DPY) 20-5-3-1-2
Jomah Williams (DPY) 2-7-1-1-1
Tommy Wong (GMM) 20-6-3-1-1
Young Yu (TRI) 13-7-4-4-1

Weekly League Leaders 

PTS: Jjon Chen (TRI) 23, Brian Law (GMM) 21
3FG: Tommy Wong (GMM) 6, Jacob Leizman (UBC) 4
REB: J.L. Novosad (JAM) 19, [2 players] 12
AST: Brian Law (GMM) 8, Victor Chia (NGC) 5
STL: Bada Hong (NGC), Brian Law (GMM), Young Yu (TRI) 4 
BLK: Tyler McFarlane (DPY) 2, [15 players] 1

3RD DIVISION (WEEKNIGHTS)

3rd Division (WN) Player of the Week

(G) DAVID CHU (NY DYNASTY)

27 points, 5 3FGs, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals
Runner-up: (G) Julian Choi (FLA) 24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals

Wat Misaka Defensive Player of the Week

(G) ROBERT WOODWORTH (TBT)

8 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
Runner-up: (F) Timothy Chin (DYN) 5 rebounds, 6 steals

The Sam Lo Hustle Award

(G) STEVE SHIN (FLAT EARTHERS)

3 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Runner-up: (G) Robert Woodworth (TBT) 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks

Spot Dessert Bar Most Outstanding Rookie

(G) ROBERT WOODWORTH (TBT)

18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
Runner-up: (F) Joseph Han (30F) 20 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 6 steals

The High-5 Club

Garrett Brignoli (HAN) 5-8-2-3-1
Nat Casey (TBT) 9-4-3-4-1
Mike Klain (TBT) 11-5-3-5-1
Mark Lee (NGC) 9-4-9-1-1
Andrew Oberst (HAN) 7-5-2-3-1
Rob Woodworth (TBT) 18-8-1-3-3

Weekly League Leaders 

PTS: David Chu (DYN) 27, ChangHee Park (HAN) 24
3FG: Robert Woodworth (TBT) 6, [2 players] 5 
REB: Steve Shin (FLA) 12, Victor Chia (NGC) 11
AST: Mark Lee (NGC) 9, Ian Yu (DYN) 6
STL: Timothy Chin (DYN), Joseph Han (30F) 6
BLK: Sam Kang (FLA), Greg Sadowski (SNB) 2 

Fall ’17 Playoff Previews (D3 Sun @ HSFI)

(2) LET IT FLY

  

VS

  

(7) BALL IS LIFE
SCOUTING REPORT

Let It Fly is a big, physical team that looks to beat you inside-out. (F) Daniel Mosley is D3’s best 15′-and-in scorer. And when (C) Ola Oni gets it going on the low block, LIF is virtually unstoppable. But there are two weaknesses you can point to. 1) they’re not strong 3-pt shooters, which means you can crowd the paint and 2) they’re notorious front-runners. If they’re winning, and their confidence is soaring, it’s tough to come back. But if they find themselves in a hole, they often struggle to dig themselves out. If they sort that out, they’re contenders.
LIF
5-1		 D3 Sun
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Sun, Nov 19
11:30am
BIL
2-4		 SCOUTING REPORT

Defense wasn’t the problem when Ball Is Life played LIF in the regular season. They held the #2 seed to just 35 points. The problem was they could only score 22. That was a fall season low for any team across all divisions. But one thing you can count on is BIL will scrap and play as hard as they can to give themselves a chance. (G) Sean He is as good a guard as you’ll find in D3. They’ll just have to hope some shots are falling tomorrow to really give LIF a run for their money. But in a single-elimination game, you never know.
Player Spotlight: Daniel Mosley

Mosley is maybe 5-9, tops. But he plays like a power forward in the paint. Able to use his shiftiness and strength to score in traffic, he is a crafty scorer who can get to the line as well. And if the mid-range jumper is falling, he is cable of putting up big scoring #s.

 Pos: F
16 ppg
7.8 rpg
2 apg
Pos: G
12.8 ppg
8.5 rpg
2.2 apg		 Player Spotlight: Sean He

Nobody can say they play harder than He. At PG, he has put up 8.5 rpg or higher in every season he’s played. He’s a crafty scorer out in transition, and has a tendency to wear himself thin with his effort plays. But his team needs it. If he has a big game, BIL might have a chance.

(1) TAIWAN NO. 1

  

VS

  

(8) GOON SQUAD
SCOUTING REPORT

Taiwan No. 1 has been the surprise of D3 so far this season, earning the #1 seed in just their first season. They’ve done it with tough D, and balanced scoring up and down the roster. Nine players contribute about 5-9 ppg. They don’t score much, but they’re D3’s best defense, consistently holding opponents to their lowest offensive output of the season with physical bigs and scrappy guards. It’s a a good formula for a deep playoff run.
TW1
5-1		 D3 Sun
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Sun, Nov 19
12:30pm
GOO
2-5		 SCOUTING REPORT

A great effort by Goon Squad to get the play in game result they were looking for. (G) Charles Zheng didn’t heat up until the 2nd half, but (G) Robert Zhang was more than able to carry the load with a game-high 28 points. Their offense is basically a two-headed monster, what they’ll need to focus on is getting stops and securing possessions against a scrappy TW1 defense that likes to play physical and pressure the ball.
Player Spotlight: Alex Liu

TW1 doesn’t really feature one player on the offensive end, but (F) Alex Liu is their most versatile player and can run a sort of point forward position. He could probably get more shots up, but the whole team moves the ball well, and he fits in just fine.

 Pos: F
8.6 ppg
9.6 rpg
1.2 spg
Pos: G
28 ppg
3 rpg
2 spg		 Player Spotlight: Robert Zhang

The Goonies needed someone to step up on offense, and boy did Zhang fill the bill. The Crossbows had no answer for him as he hit ’em from all sides, including 6-11 from long distance. If he stays hot, Zhang can give TW1 some trouble out on the break.

(4) RISE AGAIN

  

VS

  

(5) LARRY THE CABLE GUY’S KIDS
SCOUTING REPORT

These days you can’t judge Rise’s playoff prospects with reg season performance. They’re just waiting for the post-season to start. When known as Spaghetti Ramen, this is a 5-time champion, and it’s virtually the same exact roster. Led by perennial MVP (and he could very well earn the honor again this season), (G) Leuis Ng will have Rise Again poised to win their 6th title. This is an aggressive defense led by (F) Mark Hahn with an opportunistic fast break offense.
RIS
4-2		 D3 Sun
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Sun, Nov 19
2:30pm
LAR
3-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

After a disappointing first appearance in the title game last season, all Larry’s Kids wanted to do was get back. But this is a tough draw. RIS is a playoff monster with pedigree to spare. Every dynasty must end, however, and for the Cable Guy’s Kids era to begin, they’ll have to beat Rise. They’re actually very similar teams. Both are physical and aggressive on D, hoping to force TOs and get out on the break. LAR, however, is the better 3-pt shooting team. That could be the difference.
Player Spotlight: Leuis Ng

It’s hard to argue with those numbers, and Ng does it season after season. Rise’s entire offense runs through Ng. He’s their best shooter, creator, passer, and open court finisher. He does so much on offense, however, it might be possible expose his D when he rests.

 Pos: G
23.5 ppg
5.5 rpg
4.3 apg
Pos: G
15 ppg
3.5 apg
2.8 apg		 Player Spotlight: Eddie Tsao

When Tsao first entered D3, he overtook Ng as the fastest player in the league out on the break. He’s scaled some of that back now, but he is still very capable of putting up 20-25 pts in this game. It all depends on whether the jumper is falling, when Tsao’s hitting 3’s he’s unguardable.

Fall ’17 Playoff Previews (D3 Sun)

(3) NO FLY ZONE OG

  

VS

  

(6) JAPAN UNITED
SCOUTING REPORT

No Fly Zone is just a season removed from a title but despite having the same core group, they’ve needed a bevy of players to fill in when short-handed. This game will be no different. (F) Young Yu, who led D3 in scoring this fall will again be out, and (C) Kevin Wong is out for playoffs. Luckily, they brought back (F) Saleem Ahmed to pick up slack. And veteran (G) Ren Hsieh, who’s having a strong offensive season, will still be there to man the reins. 
NFZ
4-2		 D3 Sun
1ST RD
MLK HS
Sat, Nov 18
3:30pm
JPU
3-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

After coming out to a roaring 3-0 start, the United has dropped three straight and is just barely limping into the playoffs. Both (G) Ryota Takahashi and (G) Maou Suzuki are having down seasons statistically, not to mention (F) Marc Lashly. Overall, scoring has gone down drastically, and it’s not exactly obvious as to why. But they do have better foot speed at the guard position, and at MLK, if they can open it up, they may be able to punish NFZ in transition. 
Player Spotlight: Marvin Chu

With Wong out, Chu is NFZ’s best and most versatile defender. He hasn’t shot very well this season, but NFZ will need him to pick it up on offense with Wang and (G) Steven Lee out, a combined 34.3 ppg. Either way, his lock down defense will be a major key to NFZ’s success. 

 Pos: F
10.3 ppg
10.8 rpg
1.5 bpg
Pos: F
12 ppg
6 rpg
2 spg		 Key Player: Marc Lashly

For whatever reason, the typically run & gun United haven’t been very run nor gun. But they have to find a way to get Lashly more involved. His ability to score in the paint will force NFZ’s trademark 2-3 zone to collapse into the paint, which will give JPU open 3s. But they have to make them.

(8) GOON SQUAD

  

VS

  

(9) CROSSBOWS
SCOUTING REPORT

The Goons started the fall season with an impressive effort vs Taiwan No. 1, which earned the #1 seed by season’s end. Then solid efforts vs JPU and LAR, followed by a win vs BIL. It’s not that much of a stretch to say GOO could have been 4-2 this season but that would easily be their best franchise record. Nevertheless, the team is coming in to the post-season on a win. Crossbows won’t be an easy out, though.
GOO
1-5		 D3 Sun
PLAY-IN
MLK HS
Sat, Nov 18
4:30pm
CRO
0-6		 SCOUTING REPORT

Like the Goons, the Crossbows put up some strong efforts this season, mostly early on. But they just never got over the hump to get that first win. The second half of the season hasn’t been kind. But this is as good a chance as any for CRO to pick up their first win. They have some solid pieces on this roster, it’s just a matter of developing the right chemistry, and making open shots.
Player Spotlight: Charles Zheng

This season has seen a slight uptick in scoring from Zheng, and he’s been slightly more efficient. The Goons don’t need a big day from Zheng, they just need him to his his averages, and that should help provide enough offense to beat CRO.

 Pos: G
16.6 ppg
4 rpg
1.6 apg
Pos: F
7.8 ppg
9.2 rpg
1.0 spg		 Player Spotlight: Guannan Liu

Liu isn’t the Crossbows top scorer, that honor goes to (G) Li Jiayuan. But Liu is CRO’s most efficient scorer, which stands to reason that perhaps they should get him the ball more. He shoots 50% from the field, 33% from 3.

TDL Fall ’17 || Playoff Previews (Fashion HS)

(3) NYC GRITTY COMMITTEE

  

VS

  

(6) GAME 7
SCOUTING REPORT

This match-up was an instant classic for each team’s final game of the regular season. NYC Gritty Committee narrowly lost, but also had to play without (C) Victor Chia. Assuming he is back in the lineup, he’ll be a major factor in this game, as NGC struggled to keep GA7 out of the paint in that loss. On offense, stand out (G) Teddy Oh showed some growing pains as well, unable to figure out GA7’s zone D. These are two very crafty teams so the veterans will have to step up and take control.
NGC
4-2		 D3 WN
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Thu, Nov 16
6:55pm
GA7
3-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

Veteran (G) Elliott Curtis posted a great all around game in their reg season match-up, particularly from behind the arc. But their success came from a healthy dose of Curtis, (G) Mike Hamane & (F) Jamerson Green attacking the paint and finding shooters. If NGC has Chia in the paint, he can erase a lot of those opportunities, which may force GA7 to convert more from mid-range. Still, Green and Hamane will have to stay in attack mode to get NGC’s defense moving.
Key Player: Mark Lee

The veteran Lee has won more than his share of big games, they’ll need another vintage outing from him tonight against a tough GA7 squad. Lee took a step back this season to let Oh to step up offensively, but come playoff time, it’s the most experienced champions who take the reins.

 Pos: G/F
14.7 ppg
6.2 rpg
4.3 apg
Pos: G
13.5 ppg
5.3 rpg
4.8 apg		 Key Player: Elliott Curtis

Much like Lee for NGC, as long as Curtis is on the floor, GA7 has a chance to win. He is the focal point on offense in both scoring and as the team’s orchestrator, basically a player coach. Curtis has been lights out from behind the arc lately so look for a big night from the veteran guard.

(1) D.A.W.

  

VS

  

(9) TRIBE
SCOUTING REPORT

After an opening season loss to a team that was eventually moved up to D1, D.A.W. has not lost another. This is a tough, physical team led by the dynamic duo of (G) Jason Meija and (C) Lou Nikki. There may not be a more formidable pair in D2. And they’re a tested team as well, winning close games all season long. They’re ready to compete for a title in their first season.
DAW
5-1		 D2 WN
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Thu, Nov 16
7:55pm
TRI
2-5		 SCOUTING REPORT

Tribe gets in by winning the play-in game, in which both teams played short-handed. So there is a possibility that TRI may be coming in with some tired legs. Still, there are key veteran players on this roster who have been here before, and won. If DAW sleeps on them, they certainly have the fortitude to pull off another upset and keep this run going.
Player Spotlight: Jason Meija

Meija may be the toughest guard to stay in front of in D2. With an array of moves, and tough finishes, he’s able to create plenty of scoring opportunities for himself and for his teammates. His only shortcoming may be shot selection, but TRI doesn’t really have a player who can match up with his speed.

 Pos: G
17.4 ppg
4.8 rpg
3.8 apg
Pos: F
23 ppg
9 rpg
2 apg		 Player Spotlight: Jonathan Chen

Chen is the kind of player that if you lose sight of him, he can hurt you. His game does not extend very far out on the perimeter, but he’s crafty, plays hard, and has a penchant for finding open spots on the floor. He should be a factor vs a DAW help D that occasionally falls asleep.

(2) DON’T EVER PLAY YOURSELF

  

VS

  

(7) UNCLE BOUGHT A COW
SCOUTING REPORT

The two-time defending champs are still the favorite to win it all despite a season full of players needing time off for injury and for personal reasons. Their two losses seemed to have two things in common, young legs that move well off the ball, and reliable 3-point shooting. DPY’s physical style of defense can be exploited with those two things, and UBC has both. But with a full roster ready for the playoffs, and now a healthy (G) Emery Clark, DPY should still be considered the favorite here.
DPY
4-2		 D2 WN
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Thu, Nov 16
8:55pm
UBC
2-4		 SCOUTING REPORT

UBC lost their first four games to start the season. It looked hopeless, but a mid-season add of (F) Jacob Leizman turned it all around. This team has always played hard, but it didn’t always get the consistent offense to back up their effort. Leizman bring in 27.7 ppg, and that’s been good enough to finish 2-1 and enter the post-season with momentum. But getting DPY in the 1st rd is just about as tough a match-up as they could pull, especially with DPY wanting revenge for a reg season loss.
Key Match-Up: Tyler McFarlane

With Clark out of the lineup for most of the season, McFarlane was unleashed this season posting a career-best 22 ppg. Which takes nothing away from his bread & butter defense. Though his defensive #s are down, there are few players that defend like he does at his position.

 Pos: F
22 ppg
5 rpg
2 spg
Pos: F
27.7 ppg
7.7 rpg
2.3 apg		 Key Match-Up: Jacob Leizman

Leizman is a natural scorer, finding any way to the put the ball in the bucket inside and out. The rookie gunner scored 34 on DPY in their reg season match-up, thanks to his tireless movement off the ball to get open and a knockdown jumper. DPY struggled to stay with him and paid the price.

(4) HONEY BADGERS

  

VS

  

(5) YOLO
SCOUTING REPORT

It was the best regular season finish for the Honey Badgers, but their only interest here is to get back to the chip and win it. It’s all the same usual suspects, but with notable addition (F) Adam Powell who provides added scoring from the wing. Which has been HON’s weakness in the playoffs due to the amount of energy they expend on defense. YOLO, which is trying overcome it’s own playoff hump, will be a good test.
HON
3-3		 D1 WN
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Thu, Nov 15
9:55pm
YOL
3-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

The addition of (F) Matt Birtwell and (G) Effie Klein, combined with the improved play of (F) Samson Adelaja has given YOL much more balanced scoring. And better overall rebounding and defense as well. YOLO isn’t one of D1’s flashier teams, so they could be poised for an upset here should teams want to sleep on them. But YOLO has not historically matched up very well with HON.
Player Spotlight: Zach Moretti

Zach Moretti’s nickname in this league is “Crash” because we can’t think of another player more willing to put his body on the line for every single play. Sometimes we worry about his health, but he makes for a great teammate–and a catalyst for HON–as no one is willing to let him crash alone.

 Pos: F
17.3 ppg
10.3 rpg
2.3 bpg
Pos: F
16 ppg
9 rpg
3.8 apg		 Player Spotlight: Mark Promax

The veteran Promax hasn’t shot efficiently this season, but if he can get it going early, it will challenge HON to focus their energy on defending him, which should open the lane up for Birtwell and Adelaja. Promax is the focal point, but will need to be crafty vs a tough defensive team.

TDL Fall ’17 || Playoff Previews (MLK HS)

(3) THE LIZARDS

  

VS

  

(6) UNITED NATIONS
SCOUTING REPORT

The Lizards started out the season looking like the consensus #1, but a couple of short handed losses mid-season dropped them to #3, which is probably where they prefer to be. This is D1’s tallest team in terms of their overall team height, but their offense comes predominantly from their back court (G) Joe Zenz and (G) Gianni Maratea. (F) Nat Schacht will also bring a versatile skill set, and there’s never any shortage of effort with (F) Colin Desmond on the floor.
LIZ
4-2		 D1 WN
1ST RD
MLK HS
Wed, Nov 15
7:00pm
UNN
3-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

After a tough summer, United Nations has been solid this fall. Posting impressive wins over HON & GA7. It’s a balanced offense, due to a very deep roster, but it’s worked okay so far. When they have kept games close, they have been able to collectively make the kind of clutch plays to close out games. They have also put up some duds as well, namely to the Lizards. They’ll have to get off to a better start this time around to have a chance.
Player Spotlight: Joe Zenz

The veteran point guard has long been the catalyst for this team. He can score off the bounce and with his jumper when needed, but his ability to orchestrate and set up his teammates is what puts him up there as one of the league’s top floor leaders. If both he and Maratea are available, watch out.

 Pos: G
12.8 ppg
5.5 rpg
5.0 apg
Pos: F
10.7 ppg
4.3 rpg
1.0 spg		 Player Spotlight: Jack Latta

Latta has been a more efficient scorer this season, but should United expect more out of him? He’s a great position defender, and is a lot stronger in the paint than he looks. So he’ll be an impact whether he scores or not, but maybe he needs to take more than 8 FGAs per game.

(2) NY DYNASTY

  

VS

  

(7) SKY
SCOUTING REPORT

This version of the Dynasty no longer has a dominant scorer, but this is the best defense the team has ever had. With a number of long versatile defenders, DYN can cover a lot of court, and they get balanced scoring on the other end, mostly from the perimeter. Which is what makes them somewhat tricky to match up with. Nobody dominates the ball, every player has guard skills from to bottom and you never know which player is going to step up offensively on a given night.
DYN
6-1		 PREMIER
1ST RD
MLK HS
Wed, Nov 15
8:00pm
SKY
1-5		 SCOUTING REPORT

When SKY played DYN in their opener, they took a little while to get acclimated. But when they did, they looked very good. This is a team that lives and dies by the 3. At 35.5 attempts per game, no team puts up more 3FGs. They’re not the tallest team in league, but they have a number of players with versatile skills, who are crafty around the basket, and two knockdown shooters in (G) Garrison Carr and capt (G) Ben Do. If they start out hot in this one, they can win it.
Player Spotlight: Michael Reding

The veteran Reding is their best and most willing shooter. He can get hot quickly, but he doesn’t really create his own shot. Luckily, his teammates do a great job of finding him. His legs can tire late, however, as he puts in just as much effort on defense as he does on offense. 

 Pos: F
15.0 ppg
4.7 rpg
1.3 spg
Pos: G
26.4 ppg
5.2 rpg
2.0 spg		 Player Spotlight: Garrison Carr

Carr is one of the best scorers in Premier this season, his 26.4 ppg is good for 3rd in the league, in a very high scoring fall. He attempted 16.6 3FGs per game during the regular season, and he will hit them in flurries. His range will test the length and speed of the DYN defense. 

(1) SHOWCASE NYC

  

VS

  

(8) GAME 7
SCOUTING REPORT

Showcase NYC has a pretty interesting approach. Whether they play man or zone, the guards are there to scrap on defense, and force their opponents challenge (F) Joe Vines in the paint. Vines has been masterful as the back line of the defense, looking quicker on his feet than he has in awhile. He’s a shoe-in for Defensive MVP this season. Then on the offensive end, they rely on arguably the toughest 1-on-1 match-up in Premier, (F) Mike Liander, who’s an easy 30 ppg.
SHO
5-1		 PREMIER
1ST RD
MLK HS
Wed, Nov 15
9:00pm
GA7
1-5		 SCOUTING REPORT

Game 7 is late season move up from D1, so you can’t blame them for needing time to get acclimated. But they definitely have the size and talent to compete. And if SHO is caught sleeping, they’re more than capable of pulling out a win here with a front-line that is big and versatile enough to give SHO some match up issues. If (C) Dan Solomito and (F) Noah Levine are both available and hitting their shots, they can force SHO’s defense to get out of their comfort zone.
Player Spotlight: Mike Liander

Liander is good for 30 ppg on a very efficient 54% FGs. Which means he could go for more if SHO should need it. He’s also not a bad defender when he needs to be, responsible for 2.3 bpg. At about 6-6, he’s a touch match-up, quicker than the bigs, bigger than the guards.

 Pos: F
30.0 ppg
8.8 rpg
2.3 bpg
Pos: F
13.5 ppg
8.5 rpg
2.0 apg		 Player Spotlight: Russ Braithwaite

GA7 needs Solomito, Levine and (G) Elliott Curtis to make 3s no matter what, but what could give them the advantage is who’s left to guard Braithwaite. Outside of Vines and Liander, SHO is undersized, so Braithwaite could be match-up nightmare. He is a strong finisher in the paint.

TDL Fall ’17 || Playoff Previews (Fashion HS)

(1) YIELDMO

  

VS

  

(9) TBT
SCOUTING REPORT

They have D3’s most dominant player on the roster in (F) Max Paynter. And two very  crafty guards in (G) Derek Lu and (G) Anthony Rocker, particularly on defense, averaging a whopping 7.8 spg combined. Yieldmo had one slip-up early in the season vs a very focused SNB team, but they have otherwise cruised to the #1 seed. This is a deep roster with good size in the front court, which is great for playoffs. they’re the team to beat. 
YIE
5-1		 D3 WN
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Wed, Nov 15
6:55pm
TBT
1-6		 SCOUTING REPORT

TBT finally got the offense they needed to get a result last night in the play-in game, their first win of the season. Three players scored in double figures including (G) Bobby Woodworth who had it going early from the 3-point line and kept it going for a team-high 18 points. (G/F) Mike Klain also made huge contributions, particularly on the defensive end of the ball. It will still take just about a miracle to beat YIE, but in single-elim, anything’s possible. 
Key Player: Max Paynter

Paynter is the Lebron of the D3 WN. Bigger and more athletic than most, with guard skills, but what makes him so dominant is his motor. Add those tools to a player that just never stops coming at you and good night. He’s a match-up nightmare for any team, but especially for undersized TBT.

 Pos: F
22.6 ppg
9.0 rpg
4.0 apg
Pos: G
18 ppg
8 rpg
3 spg		 Key Player: Bobby Woodworth

In his best game this season, the rookie was dominant on both sides of the court, leading his team in points, rebounds and blocked shots. Facing a much tougher defense in YIE, with a bigger front line, he’ll have to really be on point offensively in this one for TBT to stand a chance.

(4) SMASH N BOUNCE

  

VS

  

(5) FLAT EARTHERS
SCOUTING REPORT

At times, this has looked like Smash n Bounce’s best season. They’re the only team to have beaten YIE this fall. But when they have lost, they’ve lost badly. So, it’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde situation here. They’re not very balanced on offense, so they need (F) Nathan Kan to be on his game, but they’ll never had any shortage of hustle and D. Capt (G) Andrew Tu makes sure of that by leading the way.
SNB
4-2		 D3 WN
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Wed, Nov 15
7:55pm
FLA
3-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

As much as SNB has been hit or miss this season, so too are the Flat Earthers. So it’s fitting that they’re both in the 4 vs 5 match up. When the Earthers are playing well, they look like they can beat anyone. But there’s also the vice versa to this scenario. For some reason, sometimes, they stink. (G) Julian Choi will lead a very solid, deep back court, but somehow, they have to get (F) Sam Kang more involved.
Player Spotlight: Nathan Kan

Kan is on this team to provide offense, and he does so as well as anyone in D3, mostly by launching 3FGs (at rate of 11.8 per) . But he’s also the only player on SNB that scores in double-digits. If FLA decides to double him, the Smash will have to find someone else to step up.

 Pos: F
17.8 ppg
2.0 rpg
1.5 apg
Pos: G
21.8 ppg
4.5 apg
2.8 spg		 Player Spotlight: Julian Choi

In his 2nd season now, Choi is a dynamic scorer from the guard spot, able to hit the three, drive to the basket, and get to the FT line. But guarding the perimeter is one of SNB’s strengths. But Choi is an adept passer (4.5 apg) as well, he’ll still be the focal point here.

(8) SPACE JAM

  

VS

  

(9) TRIBE
SCOUTING REPORT

Space Jam has had its moments, losing 5 of 6 games by no more than 6 pts. But that means they’re still struggling to close out games in crunch time. Jam could have (maybe should have) been 4-2. With that said, they have a solid offense led by (F) J.L. Novosad and (G) Andrew Shih. And they have D2’s biggest front line. But they need to somehow get former MVP (F) Nick Liveris more involved.
JAM
4-2		 D2 WN
PLAY-IN
Fashion HS
Wed, Nov 15
8:55pm
TRI
2-4		 SCOUTING REPORT

This is Tribe’s first season, and even with veteran players on the roster, it can take awhile to get acclimated. With that said, they stomped an MLGB team that looked good to start the season and went toe-to-toe with 2-time defending champion DPY. So, that may very well mean if they can find a way to win this game, they might make a decent run. It’s a balanced offense with a solid defensive presence.
Key Match-Up: J.L. Novosad

Novosad has shot efficiently this season even if his scoring is slightly down. He is still a strong rebounder at his size and finished with a career-high 3.5 apg this season. He is a streaky shooter, and if he gets hot, it will be a 3-pt barrage, but he’s not a creator off the bounce.

 Pos: F
16.2 ppg
8.5 rpg
3.5 apg
Pos: F
14.0 ppg
5.2 rpg
3.8 apg		 Key Match-Up: Young Yu

Tribe gets consistent scoring from a number of positions, but if long-time veteran Yu can get hot from behind the arc, it can open up the offense even more for his team. The key is staying patient, this game will likely be a shootout, plenty of chances to get it going.

(4) GUARD ME MAYBE

  

VS

  

(5) MLGB
SCOUTING REPORT

There were times when the Maybes looked unbeatable. Then they hit a rough patch, losing 3 of their last 4. To be fair, they were missing key players in each of those L’s. At full strength, this roster is a beast. Led by the man-beast himself, reigning MVP (F) Brian Law. They have (G) Tommy Wong, who’s hot this season, and (F) Stefan Chaplin playing his best ball. This team may be the dark horse to sneak out a title.
GMM
3-3		 D2 WN
1ST RD
Fashion HS
Wed, Nov 15
9:55pm
MLG
3-3		 SCOUTING REPORT

Like GMM, MLGB looked poise to challenge for the title this season with a red hot 3-0 start. But then they finished the season 0-3, with a couple of bad losses on the tail end. They have to bounced back to salvage the season here, but pulling GMM as their 1st rd opponent is a tough way to do it. This is a scrappy, physical team that sacrifices a lot of its offense to be tenacious on D. Apparently it works about 50/50. 
Key Match-Up: Brian Law

Maybe the most athletic player in D2, Law is a like a force of nature, able to get it done on both sides of the court. Nobody goes harder than Law from start to finish, which can tire him out on occasion, taking him off the floor. But GMM needs him on the court as much as humanly possible.

 Pos: F
19.0 ppg
6.3 rpg
3.8 apg
Pos: G
14.3 ppg
2.3 apg
2.2 spg		 Key Match-Up: Jason Gu

In his second season, Gu has emerged as one of the toughest, most clutch guards in D2. The power guard does not back down from anyone, and has a penchant for knocking down clutch jumpers and game winning shots. If this one is close, watch him go to work.