2011 Spring Season Recap by Mr. Squirrel, Austin Han!

2011 Spring Season Recap

Congrats to Team NYCE on winning the Chip.  OTers it was a hell of season.  A lot more dramatic and exciting then I thought it would be.  Everyone showcased their talents and all the teams were competitive.  The competition level jumped a great deal from the previous season and I’m sure it will jump again in the upcoming season.  Hope everyone is getting ready to make another run.  Big shout out to the CK Sports, Mark Lee, Refs, Staff, and all the players for making it a great season and we look forward to seeing everyone again next season.

2011 Spring Season Champs

NYCE 

Season MVP

James Choi, DB Isonation - 19.9 ppg (2nd) 4.1 made 3pg (1st) 87.5% Free Throw (4th)

• James Choi was pivotal to helping ISO finish as the top seed and runner up in the Chip.  He is one of the league’s biggest scoring threats, the attention he receives opens up his teammates.

Finals MVP

Mike Kim, NYCE - 12 ppg 2.4 spg (3rd) 3 apg (7th)

• Mike Kim came up big for champions Team NYCE in the finals and the throughout the playoffs for that matter.  He was a lockdown defender even when playing out of position and contributed in all aspects.

Rookie of the Year

Eddie Wang, NYCE - 19.9 ppg (2nd) 52.2% (4th) 5.9 rpg

• Eddie Wang took the league by storm, as a rookie he was also in the running for MVP.  A great scorer who makes his teammates better all while shooting a ridiculous 52.2% from the field.

Defensive Player of the Season

Steve Hong, Elite 8 - 9.6 ppg 9.2 rpg 2.8 bpg (1st)

• Steve Hong is a game changer in the paint.  He averaged a near 3 blks per game including an 8 blk game performance.  Even if he didn’t get the block, he made you alter your shot or think twice about entering the paint.

Most Improved Player of the Season

Mike Song, United Nations - 16.7 ppg (6th) 10.7 rpg (1st)

• Mike Song was a beast this season, he might not have had a bad year last year but the jump in his numbers this season was too large to ignore. 17 and 11 are near MVP numbers.

First Team All-OverTime

G – James Choi, DB Isonation - 19.9 ppg (2nd) 4.1 made 3pg (1st) 87.5% Free Throw (4th)

-He probably had the most well rounded numbers and did it all for one of the top teams, that equals MVP.

G – Mark Lee, Royal Flush - 24.2 ppg (1st)  43.9% FG

-While his team may have struggled, he was the scoring champ and only player to average over 20 ppg.

F – Eddie Wang, NYCE - 19.9 ppg (2nd) 52.2% (4th) 5.9 rpg

-Carried NYCE early in the season while they were missing key pieces from their lineup and helped them finish with the 2^nd seed.

F – Chris Youn, DB Isonation - 12.8 ppg 9.1 rpg (5th)

-Always one of the most versatile players in the league and while his numbers may be down he was able to keep his teammates involved and do whatever his team needed.

C – George Chan, Hung Lo - 16.3 ppg 7.9 rpg

-An absolute monster with a soft touch and almost impossible to keep out of the paint.  His inside presence made HLO a lot tougher to guard and created foul problems for opposing bigs. 

Second Team All-OverTime

G – Mike Kim, NYCE - 12 ppg 2.4 spg (3rd) 3 apg (7th)

G – Jake Choi, Elite 8 - 17.2 ppg (5th) 4.1 apg (1st)

F – Mike Song, United Nations - 16.7 ppg (6th) 10.7 rpg (1st)

F – Steve Hong, Elite 8 - 9.6 ppg 2.8 bpg (1st) 9.2 rpg

C – Moon Yun, Hot Brothers - 10.6 ppg 8.9 rpg 1.9 bpg (2nd)

All Defense Team

G - Rommel Dolar, DB Isonation - 4.4 spg (1st)

G - Mike Kim, NYCE - 2.4 spg (3rd) .7 bpg

F - Steve Hong, Elite 8 - 2.8 bpg (1st)

F - Peter Park, DB Isonation - 1.8 bpg (3rd)

C - Moon Yun, Hot Brothers - 1.9 bpg (2nd)

SEMI-FINALS RECAP by SQ!

2nd Round Playoffs Recaps

DB Iso is heading to the chip once again, but will they win or stay runner up for two seasons in a row?

ISO vs HLO(50-43)  ISO had cruised in the first round versus an overmatched SMP team and had the making of possibly a let up this game.  HLO had just been through a tough game versus an undersized and scrappy RF team but also showed that they belonged in the top tier.ISO started out hot in this game building a lead but it didn’t last long as HLO would come back and always stay within reach.  Both teams would get clutch basket after clutch basket going down to the wire.  However, HLO would lose their composure with the game on the line and only down 3 pts with under 2 minutes to go.  A lane violation would lead to a technical foul and would lead to a 5 pt swing which would put ISO up by 7 and HLO having to foul.  Call it bad timing but HLO lost their composure at the wrong time.  ISO closes it out to make their 2nd OT Finals in a row.HLO, if not for some injuries and maybe the need for a few more guards could’ve made the chip and possibly won it all.  They’re just missing a few pieces and they could be right up there in the elite.

Top Performers

ISO – James Choi 19 pts 3 ast 3 stl Chris Youn 12 pts 9 reb Austen Park 14 pts

HLO – George Chan 16 pts 15 reb James Choi 8 pts 6 reb 4 ast 

NYCE vs EL8(40-33) NYCE struggled in their first round game versus a surprising UN team that took them down to the wire and expended a lot of energy in the process.  EL8 was in a dog fight with an inconsistent HTB team but had enough veterans to pull out the W and pull away at the end of the game.This game was all about defense as both teams found tough sledding for baskets.  NYCE was without their leading scorer and only had 5 guys which should’ve been good for a deep EL8 squad.  The 5 NYCE had were able to really gut out a hard fought win.  In a back and forth affair and probably the best game so far of the playoffs. NYCE was able to steal the momentum and put the game on ice in the final 3 minutes of the game.  With the chip game in reach NYCE seemed to be able to smell the trophy while EL8 looked somewhat spent.  NYCE moves on.EL8 is an elite team on paper and it’s tough to say what they’re missing, maybe it’s chemistry but they have enough talent to compete for a chip but they’ll need to figure where they went wrong if they want to make another run at it next season

Top Performers

NYCE – Ace Wan 15 pts 3 ast Mike Kim 12 pts 10 reb 

EL8 – Jake Choi 13 pts 3 reb Steve Hong 7 pts 8 reb 2 blk

2011 SPR Regular Season TOP 5 Dead or Alive

PLAYOFF TIME : WIN or CRY !!! By Mr. Squirrel

Playoff Preview

Fun and games are over tonight.  It’s playoff time where true competition comes out.  All the numbers are reset back to zero and the only numbers that matter now are wins.  It’s one and done time, there is no next week and no more chances to get the chemistry right, fix your offense\defense. While the regular season was fun and exciting the road to the chip begins now!

(1)ISO vs (8)SMP

Previous Matchup:

• ISO won regular season matchup 71-35
• ISO lead by James Choi, Dan Kim, Chris Youn
• SMP lead by Andrew Park

A David and Goliath matchup with ISO being the top seed and SMP being the last seed.  SMP was beat badly in a somewhat recent matchup as they just looked overmatched.  If they want to win this game they need to use that loss as motivation and try to will themselves to an upset over ISO.  If ISO can stay focused and not take SMP lightly we might see the same result as the previous matchup.

(3)NYCE vs (6)UN

Previous Matchup:

• NYCE won regular season matchup 53-52
• NYCE lead by Eddie Wang, Mike Kim, and Elitar Kim
• UN lead by Mike Song and Kenny Jang

On paper NYCE should take care of UN easily, however in their previous matchup it took a buzzer beater from Eddie Wang to put UN away.  This could be an upset special as Vick Manocha was not there for the previous matchup if he is there he will make a difference for UN on both ends of the floor.  UN will have to maintain their composure and try to limit NYCEs’ runs.  If NYCE can get their full roster there and on the same page then UN could be in trouble.

(2)EL8 vs (7)HTB

Previous Matchup:

• EL8 won regular season matchup 56-47
• EL8 lead by Jake Choi and Jack Ma
• HTB lead by Dave Ri and Peter Song

HTB if not due to a poor start to the season could’ve been a higher seed so EL8 shouldn’t view them as a 7 seed.  EL8 has been good for most of the season but haven’t been dominant, they have plenty of talent.  If they can get their bigs involved along with their guard play, they will dominate.    HTB after a rough first half of the season seem to be making progress and are playing better as of late.  They need to gang rebound and shoot a little better from the 3pt line and FT line than they did in their regular season matchup to have a chance at upsetting EL8.

(4)RF vs (5)HLO

Previous Matchup:

• RF won regular season matchup 45-43
• RF lead by Mark Lee
• HLO lead by George Chan

Possibly the most even matchup of the first round.  Both teams have contrasting styles.  RF is a guard oriented fastbreak team and tend to play outside in while HLO tends to play inside out with their strength and size inside.  Both teams have key losses due to injuries and will need players to step up.  If it’s a fast paced game the advantage goes to RF, if HLO is able to use their size they have the advantage.  It comes down to which team is able to control the game.

2011 SPR Season Week 5 Recap by Mr. Squirrel

Week 5 Recaps

Sorry for the delay on the recaps fellas but Mr. Squirrel has been busy these days. I will try to get everything up ASAP. The league has ridiculously close throughout, no one has really been dominant to the point where they seem unbeatable. I’ve been in a lot of leagues and I haven’t seen a season with some many close games coming down to the wire. I’ve said it from the start anyone can beat anyone in this league. So everybody better keep bringing their A game every week.

EL8 vs HLO(59 – 69)

EL8 has one of the deepest and most talented rosters but has been somewhat inconsistent and they have a tendency to let up with big leads. HLO has also shown flashes of what they can do when there full roster is there but due to attendance they have yet to build that chemistry.

For most of the first half it seemed like EL8 was in control as they got out to a small lead but that wouldn’t last long as HLO would start to pick up their defense and get out in transition. HLO would begin to find easy baskets, can’t shoot 60.4% from the field unless you’re getting some wide open looks or layups. EL8 on paper should’ve won this game but HLO all season have shown what they can do with a full roster and when they keep their composure.

Top Performers

EL8 – Jake Choi 23 pts 8 ast Steve Hong 11 pts 17 reb 2 blk 3 stl Jack Ma 11 pts

HLO – James Choi 23 pts 4 ast Michael Chin 14 pts 4 ast 4 reb Chris Choi 10 pts


NYCE vs RF(63 – 64)

Team NYCE came in looking to keep their perfect record in tact. They would however be trying to do it without any of their bigs and Ace who has been MIA most of the season. RF has been winning games but it hasn’t been easy as they’ve struggled to close out teams or to get out to big leads.

The first half was a back and forth close game throughout until the end of the first half when RF would make a run and get out to a double digit lead. Halftime however couldn’t have come at a better time as NYCE would come out in the second and answer right back with a run of their own to erase the deficit just as quickly as RF built it. RF would end up down 2 with 3 sec left and Mark Lee at the line shooting 2. He would however miss the 1st FT and while attempting to miss the 2nd, he would actually make it. NYCE would look to throw the long pass off the inbound and it would however hit the bottom of the backboard giving the ball back to RF down 1. Ray Lee would catch the ball on the low block and make a move across the middle and float the ball through the net as the buzzer would sound. Ball game, buzzer beater.


Top Performers

NYCE – Eddie Wang 19 pts 10 reb Mike Kim 19 pts 6 stl 5 reb John Park 15 pts

RF – Mark Lee 35 pts 6 reb 4 ast Ray Lee 10 pts 12 reb


UN vs HTB(58 – 55)

UN has been a surprise this year as their talent has gelled together nicely and brought them some wins. They have however shown flashes of not being on the same page and disorganized in their losses. HTB has been playing better lately but have still been making mistakes due to inexperience but the talent is def there.

This was another close game in a back and forth affair as both teams would play out even throughout the game. This game much like the NYCE vs RF game would come down to the buzzer. HTB would have the ball with almost 10 sec left and down by 3 pts but instead of calling timeout and drawing up a play to get them a good look, they would choose to play it out and in a scramble would end up with taking a contested 3 that was off the mark and UN would escape with the W.

Top Performers

UN – Mike Song 15 pts 10 reb Vick Manocha 13 pts 5 reb 5 stl Mike Lee 12 pts

HTB – Peter Song 18 pts 3 ast Moon-Hwan Yun 16 pts 10 reb David Ri 12 pts


ISO vs SMP(71 – 35)

ISO is one of the premier teams in the league and while they haven’t been dominant they’ve been winning and some of their struggles have been due to attendance. SMP has struggled all year, they play hard and hustle but need some kind of strategy to close the talent gap on some of the other more established teams in the league.

ISO ran away with this game from start to finish. SMP would struggle on defense to contain ISO’s players as they were on fire but most teams would have that same problem. SMP actually did a better job at taking care of the ball but they need to finish in order to stay in games. They would allow ISO to shoot 47.1% from the field while only shooting 29.6% from the field themselves. ISO never let their foot of the gas like good teams should do while SMP needs to change their strategy to find them some way to one.

Top Performers

ISO – James Choi 26 pts 4 ast Chris Youn 14 pts 7 reb 6 ast Daniel Kim 16 pts

SMP – Andrew Park 16 pts 7 reb David Yoo 4 pts 6 reb 4 ast

All Star Game - 3 Point Contest ! Mike Kim wins it all !

WEEK 6 OVERTIME HIGHLIGHTS

SPRING SEASON WEEK 3 RECAPS by Mr. SQUIRREL

Week 3 Recaps

To those that showed up Thursday, again we apologize for the confusion but it’s the school’s fault.  Anyway, we’re into Week 3 and some teams are starting to position themselves as the cream of the crop.  3 teams remain undefeated although two of them have not had games this week.  Even those teams at the bottom have upset potential, think VCU and previously Butler.  The league has been great so far and will probably only get better as teams start to build chemistry.  Can’t wait to see how the rest of the season shapes up.

Chris Youn (Melo) vs. Jake Choi (Ai)

ISO vs EL8(ISO 57 – EL8 62)

Probably two of the more talent teams in the league as both are in the top half went head to head to see which teams’ stars would come through.  Both teams coming off losses and looking to get back on track with EL8 dropping its’ last two after an impressive start and ISO dropping a close one to RF.

ISO would receive good games from its’ two main scorers in James Choi 19 pts 4 reb 3 stl and Chris Youn 16 pts 8 reb 5 ast.

EL8 were led by Jake Choi 19 pts 6 ast and Sean Zhang 17 pts 9 reb.  Steve Hong also hit the double digits with 12 pts and 5 ast.

This was a hard fought competitive game with both teams not wanting to lose another consecutive game.  Both teams made runs of their own to keep their teams in it.  EL8 was getting easy looks and getting to the line vs ISO’s zone as they were slow to recover while ISO chose to live outside the paint.  EL8 would shoot 32 FTs while ISO would shoot 23 3s, this was the difference in the game along with ISO’s reluctance to break out of their zone.  Both teams would make big shots down the stretch however EL8 made good decisions while ISO didn’t, possibly a direct result of them missing PG Rommel Dolar which hurt them this game.

NYCE vs HTB(NYCE 70 – HTB 50)

This game features two teams going in opposite directions with NYCE at 2-0 with a revamped roster and HTB starting out 0-2 as a new team.  Both teams were looking to make a statement nearing the midway point of the season.

NYCE was paced by early MVP candidate Eddie Wang with 31 pts 8 reb, he was helped by Elitar Kim who picked up the slack with 13 pts.

David Ri of HTB came back with a answer of his own with 29 pts 7 reb 5 ast in one of his best games to date.  Moon-Hwan Yun had a decent all around game with 8 pts 4 reb 3 ast.

Eddie Wang got off to a hot start for NYCE and that helped carry over to the rest of the team as NYCE pretty much had control of this game from start to finish.  NYCE’s team chemistry seems to be a thing of the past with their new additions.  HTB on the other hand has shown their lack of chemistry and youth.  There are talented individually but they need to come together as a team and learn to play off each other.  NYCE shot 48.4% from the field and 50% from 3, and while they were on fire they were also getting a lot of open looks on blown defensive assignments, 70 pts is way too much to give up.  If David Ri can kept pace scoring with Eddie Wang, the difference is going to be everyone else as NYCE had 3 players score in double digits and HTB only had 1.   NYCE continues to roll and stay perfect as HTB drops to 0-3 and is left searching for answers.

HLO vs SMP(HLO 52 – SMP 23)

A battle of two teams searching for their first wins and looking to not fall to the cellar of the standings.  Both teams have shown inconsistency this season and this game may be a tale of which side of each team shows up.

HLO was led again by George Chan with 12 pts 7 reb but this game was a little more of a balanced attack as Tony Chang 10 pts 5 reb and James Choi 11 pts 5 ast 4 stl also both chipped in double digits.

SMP was once again led in scoring by Walter Ro with 7 pts and 3 reb and John Kim was next on the totem pole with 6 pts.

HLO put their foot on the pedal and never let off while the SMP’s offense was stuck in neutral.  HLO jumped out to a 15-0 lead from the tip and SMP just never seemed to recover.  HLO was sparked by SMP’s 17 TOs as they got out in transition for easy buckets and open looks as they shot 51.4% from the field.  SMP lacked a creator and it showed as they had a total 2 ast for the game.  The ball seemed to sit still on offense and frustration started to come out.  That kind of combo will always result in a loss.  Looks like we still may not have seen HLO’s full potential while SMP needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new game plan

RF vs UN(RF 53 – UN 55)

Two middle of the pack teams competing to keep pace with the elite teams in the league.  Both teams however have been competitive even in losses.  UN has been somewhat of a surprise as a free agent team that plays with hustle and grit.  RF has struggled somewhat this season while adding new components.

RF was led by Mark Lee who was a one man wrecking crew with 32 pts 2 ast.  Ray Lee controlled the paint with 9 reb and 2 blk.

UN featured a balanced attack with Mike Song leading the way with 16 pts 11 reb while Vick Manocha and Mike Lee both chipped in 10 pts.

RF would start this game with only 3 roster players as they were forced to pick up two subs to hold down the fort while the rest of their team was on the way.  UN would take full advantage and jump out to a big lead against the undermanned RF team.  As 3 more RF members showed up they would start the half down 20 pts.  The 2nd half was a different story as RF with its’ own 5 started out on a tear thanks to their pressure defense they would cut the lead to tie at the end of the game while fouling and coming up with big baskets.  With the game tied RF would foul Kenny Jang not realizing that the game had been tied up.  He would coolly and calmly sink two FTs to put UN up by 2, RF would have one last chance at it as their jumper at the buzzer would fall short.  Either UN took their foot off the gas with a big lead or RF would’ve have won had all their players should up on time.  Guess we’ll never know unless they meet in the playoffs.

-Mr. Squirrel-