ABBA Round 7 of Regular Season

Jermaine Bolden

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

ABBA round 7 caused change at the leadership position. First defeat of league's leader Baldwin Braves (5-1) against third ranked Cutie Ovals Ojays (6-1) 95-72 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Baldwin Braves. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Cutie Ovals Ojays dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Baldwin Braves' 30. Cutie Ovals Ojays forced 20 Baldwin Braves turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Cutie Ovals Ojays made 8 blocks. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Jermaine Bolden (178-86, college: Morgan St.) who helped to win the game recording 31 points, 6 assists and 7 steals. Guard Joshua Minner (198-90, college: MidAmerica Ch.) contributed with 26 points and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Roger Hood (196-96, college: Kalamazoo) answered with 24 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) for Baldwin Braves. Baldwin Braves' coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Cutie Ovals Ojays have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Flyers. Baldwin Braves at the other side dropped to the third place with one game lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Flyers. Baldwin Braves will play next round against Stingerz trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Cutie Ovals Ojays will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Ottos at home.
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Potters S. (4-1) on the court of first ranked Flyers. Visitors were defeated by Flyers 78-73. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Potters S.. It was a great evening for Canadian center Torey Fassett (198) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Selassie Brathwaite helped adding 16 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side American forward Benny Iko (201, college: Winnipeg) responded with 9 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists. Flyers (6-1) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place, which they share with Cutie Ovals Ojays. Potters S. at the other side dropped to the fifth position with one game lost. Flyers will play against HS Outlaws (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Potters S. will play against Ottos (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between 6th ranked Yorks Crushers (3-5) and seventh ranked Stingerz (3-2) in on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from outscored Yorks Crushers 91-53. It was a quality performance for Vivian Destin who led the winners and scored 16 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Cohen Desouza came up with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds for Yorks Crushers in the defeat. Stingerz moved-up to sixth place. Loser Yorks Crushers dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. Stingerz will meet higher ranked Baldwin Braves (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yorks Crushers will play against Rebels (#10) and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 7 were not that significant. Ottos beat Rebels on the road 82-74. HS Outlaws lost to Yorks Crushers on its own court 74-87. Freetown T. unfortunately lost to Cutie Ovals Ojays in a road game 72-87.