Bringing the Heat: Mid-Week Special, Day 7

Back to back days of b-ball fever. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the paint. Ruffnex. Mayhem; Ruff start. The first basket wasn’t scored until 16:48 on a scoop-shot in the lane by Chris Roseboro. The Ruffnex pushed out to an early lead, but Mayhem controlled the boards and the usual suspect, Marcus “The Phenom” Mitchell did what he do-single handedly outscoring the Ruffnex 15-11 at the 9:20 mark.

He would finish with a game high (40 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal). The first basket by someone other than The Phenom for Mayhem came at the 6:47 mark of the 1st half by Stacey “The Human Eraser” Tyler. He would finish with (17 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 6 blocks) for a potent one-two punch for Mayhem who lead at the half by a score of 25-21.

The intensity picks up in the 2nd half, Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor gets involved after a mysteriously limited role in the Ruffnex offense. He finished with (16 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal). Rodney “Bucktown” Taylor bought a lot of energy with his (12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks) and a gutsy performance by Reche “Runny Ray” Smith grabbing 12 rebounds. The game was close throughout the 2nd half until The Phenom put it in overdrive and put the game out of reach – final 65-55. Same old story for the Ruffnex, who went 3 for 14 from the free throw line.

Game 2 – Gatlins vs Elixir. David “Big Shot Bo” Williams opens the show with two money balls from deep downtown, however, he lost his composure midway through the 1st half, which seemed to unsettle his team. The 1st half moved at a blistering pace. Phillip “Lil Magic” Davis (36 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals) had 16 of the Gatlins first 20 points. Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell (30 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block) is the go to man for the Elixir and he worked his magic early and often to boost his team to a surprising half time lead of 33-27.

J-Rock stayed hot into the 2nd half, but Lil Magic kept the pressure on, pushing the rock consistently with speed and precision. And, Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson (17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals) was all over the place with boundless energy and a will that seemed to zap the strength of team Elixir. Nasir “Nasty Nas) Siddiq came up huge today for the Gatlins playing Big-Boy Basketball. He finished with (8points, 12 rebounds and 1 block) and his game is improving from week to week. Keep in mind there are no great teams without great rebounds and big men that do the dirty work.

J-Rock kept it close last but overall team Elixir could not match the firepower or the depth of the Gatlins who would go on to win 70-55.

Player of the Week honors goes to Marcus “The Phenom” Mitchell. In two games this week his stat line is (81 points, 23 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals); Phenomenal! And, he has another game scheduled for tomorrow… See ya on the side line.

That’s the Blue-View from the sideline where the score is what you make it.

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2010 by Paul Brown

Bringing the Heat: Humidity Day 6

B-ballers,

At the top of our 3rd week, the flames are high and the intensity has risen beyond 500 degrees. Team Ruffnex is the first team in the history of our league to win and lose on the same day, crazy, right? Well, allow me to drop some actual factuals pertaining to this monumental event.

Last Wednesday’s meeting between team Ruffnex and Elixir resulted in a 39-37, upset win by team Elixir. Improving their record to 2-2 and dropping the Ruffnex to 1-3. Today, that changed before any whistles blew. The rec staff decided to forfeit team Elixir’s win because of the 3 minute rule, a rule, which states that every player must play at least 3 minutes per half. So, team Ruffnex improved their record to 2-2 before tip-off, but it was a different story when the final buzzer sounded.

The Realest got their 1st win of the season, improving their record to 1-4. Shawn “The General” Bonnett hit two clutch free throws with 5.4 seconds to play after being fouled by his fellow New Yorker, Rodney “Bucktown” Taylor. The General’s free throws sealed the deal for The Realest victory. The Realest were led by James “Silk Money” Little, III. He finished the day with 21 points (career best), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 8 thefts (career best), and 4 swats (career best). Monster numbers for a monster baller, in a monstrous win. Word is bond!!

Elrico “Concrete” Fowler gave The Realest another solid performance. Producing 12 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, The General contributed 7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks. Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor led team Ruffnex with 15points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 thefts and 2 blocks. He got some help from Bucktown and Terry “Geezy” Robinson. These two combined for 20 points, 12 boards, 3 assists, 4 thefts and 2 blocks. It just wasn’t enough.

The Realest got a 53-50 surreal victory. Ya heard? It appeared to be Poetic Justice for team Elixir as they stood on the sidelines cheering for The Realest. This could be the beginning of a much heated rivalry between team Elixir and the Ruffnex. Ahhhh! The beautiful smell of death row b-ball.

The second game between the Gatlins and team Mayhem resulted in a tie for 1st place. In overtime, team Mayhem improved to 4-1, snapping the 22game winning streak of Coach Ricky “Slick Rick” Cagle with a 63-60 win. Mayhem was led by Marcus “The Phenom” Mitchell. He tallied a season high, 41 points (8/11 from the stripe). He also contributed 11 boards, 1 assist and 2 steals to the cause. He scored 19 points in the first half and 7 of his team’s 9 points in overtime. Today’s output was his second double/double of the season. His teammate, Stacey “Scoop” Tyler, aka The Human Eraser, produced his 3rd double/double of the season. He tallied 19 points (7/10 from the stripe), 10 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal and 5 monster swats.

Team Gatlins got monster numbers from their HBO and Showtime. Phillip “Lil Magic” Davis tallied 25 points (7/10 from the stripe), 13 boards, 4 assists and 1 steal. Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson finished with 23 point (4/8 from the stripe), 11 boards, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. The Gatlins outrebounded Mayhem 47 to 35, but Mayhem’s 11 thefts and another phenomenal production by The Phenom, stole the show and pulled the plug on Lil Magic and Heart-N-Soul’s pay-per-view unbeaten streak. Na mean?

We’re scheduled to get it on for the next two days. You’ll be hearing the b-ball logistics from “The Blue View” tomorrow. I’ll get back at you on Day 8. Until then, Holla if ya hear me.

Be Easy,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy E. Mann

Bringing the Heat: Week 2, Rap Session

B-ballers,


What’s poppin? Welcome back to another dose of “Rap Session,” a segment that isn’t highlighted by my b-ball commentary. It’s more of a vehicle for the masses to get to know the ballers as individuals. Na mean?

This week, I’m politicking with two of our league’s better complementary players, Elrico “Concrete” Fowler and Paul “Pablo” Cummings, aka Lil’ Bison. They might not always score the most points, or grab the most rebounds, but they have the ability to change games, which makes their intangibles a commodity to any team they play on. Word is bond!


MannofStat: Pablo or should I call you, Lil Bison? I mean your squad did put the stampede down this week.

Pablo: (Laughs) True, but Pablo is cool for now. I’ll be Lil Bison at game time. Feel me?

MannofStat: Aight! Now that’s what I’m talking about, the ultimate warrior. Ya. Heard? (Laughs)

Pablo: (Laughs) For sure.
MannofStat: Your squad Elixir was 2-0 this week. How does it feel to be 500 after starting the season 0-2?

Pablo: Man, it feels great. I’m all smiles, yo. It’s like Nas said, “It’s good to win, but it’s better to hate to lose.”

MannofStat: True indeed, but on the flip side of that coin, I gotta ask my man Concrete about his squad, The Realest. Can you turn this season around after a 0-4 start?
Concrete: Personally, I refuse to believe in defeat, as long as I’m giving my everything.

MannofStat: Aight.

Concrete: As a team we have to reject our defeatist attitudes. My best friend always says, “Have a game dog mentality.” With that, we can definitely turn this season around.

MannofStat: You pride yourself on your defense, right?

Concrete: No doubt.

MannofStat: And, defense changes games. Explain your mindset when you’re matched up against some of the league’s top scores.

Concrete: You have to be able to change your defensive tactics. Everyone has a weakness in their game and oft times their weakness can be their strength. So, I attack their strengths by being faster, stronger or more aggressive and cerebral.

MannofStat: Yeah, I’m feeling that. My man Concrete spittin’ that real S.B.I. (Superior Ballers Intellect). Ya heard?

Pablo: (Laughs)

Concrete: (Laughs)

MannofStat: Aight. This last question is for the both of you. How has death row b-ball affected your life?

Pablo: Wow! That’s a good question homie. Let’s consider the circumstances. We’re considered “the worst of the worst,” amongst humanity, by an unjust system. Feel me? So, to be able to do something on a collective level proves to the masses what type of characters the judicial system has characterized as “the worse of the worst.”

What we’re doing on the row is a true characteristic of positivity. An unknown author once said, “Basketball doesn’t build character, it revels it.”I’ve witnessed these words manifest themselves on the row. I love this game, yo. This situation helps me understand that life is basketball, because if you lose or make a mistake, how you gather yourself reveals your character. Feel me?


MannofStat: Like the summer sun on the rec yard Dunn. Take us home Concrete.

Concrete: Ballin’ in this situation reminds me that I’m still alive, willing and able; and by this, my hunger is renewed to stay focused and to continue to struggle for relief and liberation.

MannofStat: That’s what’s good!

Keep it 100,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: Fuego, A Tribute

B-ballers,

What’s good? This holiday weekend is going to have your MannofStat in b-bal withdrawal. There are no games for me to break down on this idle Thursday (9/2/10). To some, the grilled hot dogs were priority. Na mean?
Since the ballers will be off until next week, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge my fellow point guard, “The Blueprint” of our league, Earl J. Richmond, aka E (D.O.E, 5/6/2005). Like me, E was a true basketball fiend. Our league was his brainchild. Real talk.

Chris Gregory, aka “Bigg Dogg” said it best: “Death row basketball is taken seriously. A lot of pride and enthusiasm has been integrated in this long process from day one. Earl J. Richmond, aka “The Blueprint,” put our b-ball tournament together in 2000. It has since expanded and evolved into an organized, bonafide event.”
I most definitely agree. This b-ball tournament is the real deal. It has been a template of positivity. A morale booster in the most trial some of times and it has also been a teaching mechanism, not only to the prisoners, but the prison administration as well. Death row b-ball has been good for all of us. Somehow, way, shape or form, it affects anyone who encounters the enthusiasm, the euphoria or the mere camaraderie of its existence. That’s what’s up!

Our league represents perseverance and improvement. The b-ball lingo, the team names and the player’s monikers are all characterized by how the ballers compete in the league. I mean, “Pistol” Pete Maravich earned his moniker because he was one of the deadliest shooters ever. Without a doubt, he was one the greatest to ever pick up a basketball, but the name “Pistol” was just that, a name. Feel me?

Julius “Dr. J” Erving earned his nickname for the way he operated on the court, not in the emergency room. Believe me when I say that death row basketball is the embodiment of positivity. The public shouldn’t be alarmed by death row basketball. The real concern is how the SBI’s allegiance to prosecutors rather than truth and justice is sending so many ballers to death row. Na mean?

Good look E. You’ve changed the lives of many in your short existence. R.I.P Dunn.

Nuff said,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: Mid-Week Special Day 5

The Heat is on. Team Mayhem vs The Realest. James “Silk Money” Little, III and Shawn “The General” Bonnett combined early to make beautiful b-ball music and take an early 7-0 lead. Enter one, Marcus “The Phenom” Mitchell. He was fuego for sure. Deuce-deuce, trey-trey; timeout, The Realest. Score: Phenom 8, The Realest 7. The Realest respond with Silk Money getting a trey the old fashioned was, going strong to the basket and drawing the foul.

The General nails a trey and The Realest got impassioned play in the post from Elrico “Concrete” Fowler. He finished with a respectable 7 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. However, as a team, The Realest failed to guard the 3 point line; it would cost them dearly. The proof, Mayhem prevailed, 70-46.

Stacey “Scoop” Tyler carried team Mayhem early. Known for his shot blocking ability, his offense was key in the 1st half. Launching and sinking long range treys, catapulting Mayhem to a 44-29 halftime lead. By the way, Scoop also does windows. LOL. He finished with 15 boards. His 1st half numbers were sick (22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks). Scoop and Phenom has 40 of team Mayhem’s 44 first half points. By the time the final buzzer sounded, this two- headed monster combined for 52 points, 21 rebounds 5 assist, 5 steals and 3 blocks.

Silk Money had another great performance in a losing cause, finishing with (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assist, 3 steals and 3 blocks). All-World numbers without a doubt, and his heart, determination and consistency are second to none. The Realest are a talented team that has played well in spurts, but has been unable to sustain that effort for 40 minutes, and that’s simply not hot enough and will not get it done.

Turn up the heat – game 2, Ruffnex vs Elixir. This will be remembered as the game nobody wanted to win. It was 4-0 at the 16:16 mark and 4-2 at 13:18. This was not a classic defensive struggle, it was offensive… to watch, with sloppy play and turnovers from both teams. The game found its rhythm late in the first half with Paul “Pablo” Cummings connecting on back to back treys for team Elixir. Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor and Rodney “Bucktown” Taylor (TNT) got more aggressive going to the hole for the Ruffnex. David “Big Bo” Williams found his range from downtown and Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell began to play like a man possessed. Flying in for rebounds, blocked shots and ending the half with a pull-up trey to give his team a 23-17 lead at the half.

The J-Rock show continued in the 2nd half and team Elixir opened the half with a 12-0 run and a commanding 35-17 lead, which was huge because as a team they would only hit 2-FG’s in the final 13:58. Bucktown ignited a 20-4 Ruffnex run, fueled in part by atrocious shot selection by team Elixir that would come up just short. A pivotal play down the stretch summed up this game and the season so far for the Ruffnex. A personal foul was called on David “Big Bo” Williams followed immediately by a technical foul, but the Ruffnex would only convert on 1 of 4 of those free throw attempts and go 9/23 for the game.

The Ruffnex could play for the championship or not win another game. The story-line for this team is at the charity stripe. They still have a chance in this game with 0:02.7 off of a missed free throw, but instead of using their final timeout to design a play, they decided to push the ball and failed to get off a shot, final 39-37 Elixir. Congratulations to coach Jamie “King Red” Smith and team Elixir on a gutty, deserving win; they brought the heat! That’s what it takes gentlemen, not coming lukewarm then crying to the refs – on this the blue-view is crystal clear: its lame. It’s not honorable. Leave it all on the floor and bring “the fire next time!”Props to Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell for earning player of the week honors with a line (50 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assist, 5 steals and 6 blocks) and leading his team to back to back wins for the week.

That’s the Blue-View from the sideline where the score is what you make it.

Mr. Blue
Copyright © 2010 by Paul Brown

Bringing the Heat: (Humidity), Day 4

B-ballers,

What it do? The first week is in the books. The temperature continues to rise as a new week of b-ball history begins. Feel me? It was unfortunate that I had to leave the table after the first game between the Gatlins and the Ruffnex. I missed the battle of the 0-2's, but Lil Magic was able to conjure some math on my behalf and Mr. Blue's b-ball notes are impeccable. So, while my mind was engaged in some serology actual factuals, my eyes were still on the court. Ya heard?

First team All-World selection, Eddie "E-Smoove" Taylor set the tone for the (1-2) Ruffnex. He scored the points (30), snatched the boards (15) and defended well (3 blocks). He dominated both ends of the floor, the way a first team All-World selection should.

Despite his valiant efforts, E-Smoove and team Ruffnex lost this game at the stripe. They shot 10/21 from the stripe as a team, missing 11 free throws for the 2nd straight game. Twenty-two missed free throws equals 2 losses by a total of 9 points. Na mean? E-Smoove's full line was: 30 points (career best), 15 boards (career best), 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 swats. Mitchell "Chubsta" Holmes contributed 9 points, 10 boards, 1 assist, 5 thefts, and 1 block.

Team Gatlins (4-0) proved that you can't leave money at the stripe if you plan on giving them their 1st L. Martin "Heart-N-Soul" Richardson picked up where he left off; proving that last week was no fluke. He tallied 18 points (4/6 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 thefts. In a tight game from start to finish, the Gatlins made their free throws, 10/16 and Ruffnex didn't. The final was 61-56.

Team Elixir and The Realest were both searching for their 1st wins of the season, but in this matchup only one team could come out on top. Na mean? First team All-World selection, Jeremy "J-Rock" Murrell is back in game shape. He led team Elixir with a career best, 30 points (3/8 from the stripe). He also tallied 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He got a healthy contribution from Chris "Bigg Dogg" Gregory, 14 points (2/4 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. As a team, Elixir outrebounded The Realest 36-25.

The Realest descended to 0-3. They were led by 2nd team All-World selection, Bryon "Scrappy" Bell's 18 points (5/11 from the stripe), 2 rebounds and 3 steals. James "Silk Money" Little filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 thefts and 2 blocks. Elrico "Concrete" Fowler was solid with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 1 block. The final was 63-55.

Neither of these teams shot well from the free throw line. Combined they shot 11/29. Missed free throws are like fish to me, it stinks! Repetition is the key to making free throws. You can't always have the best individual performance, but you can still win the game at the stripe. Word is bond.

Be Easy,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: Week 1 Rap Session

B-Ballers,

What's poppin’?

I’m still high on the fumes of our 1st week, which is why I’m coming at you with this special edition called “Rap Session.” I’m constantly in the ears of the masses, so my perspective is what it is. It’s mine, feel me?

This special edition is an opportunity to hear from the ballers on a personal level. This past weekend, I caught up with some of our “Monster Ballers.” Hear the love of this game in words from Rodney “Bucktown” Taylor, Chris “Bigg Dogg” Gregory, Darrell “Billy-Ho” Maness and Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson. Aight fellas, let’s do this.

MannofStat: Heart-N-Soul, you haven’t played with Lil’ Magic since we wrecked shop in 2006 with Team Dynasty. Is the formula the same?

Heart-N-Soul: I ain’t even gonna sugarcoat it, it’s like giving candy to a 2 year old!! HBO and Showtime! I’m not saying that we can’t be beat, but it’s hard to beat a stat stuffer and a prince of thieves; Heart-N-Soul and Lil’ Magic. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. Ya heard?

MannofStat: Aight, I can definitely hear that “Dynasty” swag, but I don’t want the masses to think this is a “Dynasty” reunion. My man Bigg Dogg coached team Set it Off last year. What’s it like to be back on the court as a player?

Bigg Dogg: I was thrilled to be back on the court amongst true warriors. Don’t get me wrong, coaching is about developing chemistry, intensity and camaraderie, but its still from a spectator’s view. Last year I caught myself itching to go in and help my team win some games. Mixing it up with the best in the league awakens my competitive nature! Big ups to all the gladiators! For iron sharpens iron.

Mannofstat: Wow! If that ain’t love, what is? My workout partner, Bucktown, is one half of the explosive b-ball combination TNT. You took a tough loss in last year’s playoffs. How do you overcome that?

Bucktown: The agony of defeat is a mean thing to deal with, especially when you’re a competitive person. Because of that, I can’t overcome the loss. I have to live with it and all the trash talking that comes with it. However, it motivates me to play better and harder.

MannofStat: I feel you Bucktown. Bring the pain this year Dunn. Ya heard? Now if you don’t already know, Billy Ho was the sidekick to Wesley Snipes in that 90’s b-ball flick, "White Men Can't Jump." The underestimated white cat whose game just crept up on everybody like bam!! Na mean? With that said, Billy Ho, tell us what death row b-ball means to you?

Billy Ho: It’s a number of things. It’s a means of escape beyond these prison walls. You can’t fully understand death row b-ball until you’ve experienced it. Words can only say so much. Being trapped behind these walls, then stepping on the court, the walls just disappear. Pure elation.

During the tournament games it’s even better. You’ve got a crowd of people watching and cheering you on. Sure, in reality they’re death row prisoners, but I don’t see that. I see myself playing in front of my mom and little sister and others that I don’t know, but they’re calling my name.

For the short time that I get to play b-ball every day I am released. No worries, no boundaries, just me and the game I love.

MannofStat: B-ballers, if you don’t know, now you know. I’m not the only ballaholic on the row. Stay tuned for more interviews. As for this session, like Kool G, it’s a rap.

Be Easy,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Mann

Bringing the Heat: (Fuego), Day3

B-Ballers,

What it do?

Your local ballaholic was back at the table for the 2nd day in a row. Third session this week and let me tell you, the b-ball intensity has got me higher than Rush Limbaugh, after a refilled prescription. Ya heard?

I hope you enjoyed the mid-week special, “The Blue View.” My man Mr. Blue will be showcasing his skills throughout this season. He offers another vantages point to the on court artistry we all witness. When my head is in the books, Mr. Blue’s eyes are on the court. He’s a much welcomed addition to the table and his b-ball logistics will only get better as the season progresses. That’s what’s up!

In game 1, coach Ricky “Slick Rick” Cagle was going for his 21st straight victory, dating back to the 2008 season of “Summer Madness.” His (2-0) Gatlins faced “The Realest” (0-1). The Gatlins started off tight. They trailed early, 5-2. After a timeout, Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson led a 8-0 surge that left “The Realest” in a state of quandary. There was no remedy to stop the bleeding. Phillip “Lil’ Magic” Davis, Darrell “Billy Ho” Maness and “Heart-N-Soul” all tallied 21 points each, which proved to be a good omen for coach Slick Rick. The 73-49 lashing of The Realest improved his squad’s record to 3-0. His winning streak now stands at 21. Real talk.

Lil’ Magic capped his week of b-ball wizardly with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 7 feeds and 4 thefts. Billy-Ho contributed 21 points (career high), 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals, but the unsung hero for team Gatlins was Linwood “Tool Man” Forte. This new addition to our b-ball fam brought the tool shed to the court. Resiliently inhaling 15 boards and tallying 2 assists, 2steals and 1 block. Understanding his role and giving maximum effort is what our tournament is all about, feel me?

The Realest got the realest effort from 2nd team All-World selection James “Silk Money” Little, III. He tallied 11points, 15 boards (career best), 6 feeds, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Shawn “The General” Bonnett added 13 points (3 treys), 4 rebounds, 4 dimes, 1 steal and 1 block. Bryan “Scrappy” Bell had 15 points .

In game 2, Marcus “Phenom” Mitchell blanked for 39 points (5/9 from the stripe), 13 boards and 2 steals. Capping his opening week with averages of 35 points, 3 steals and 7 rebounds. The league’s most prolific scorer has donned the royal #23 jersey his last 2 games. His efforts of 34 and 39 points is evidence that the “Royal Airness” has made an everlasting impression on our Doctor of b-ball surgery. Na mean?

Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell returned to the court for team Elixir. His contributions were 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Chris “Bigg Dogg” Gregory and Paul “Pablo” Cummings combined for 14 points, 12 boards, 6 dimes, 4 steals and 2 blocks, but it wasn’t enough as Phenom and Stacey “Scoop” Tyler proved to be too much, down the stretch, for team Elixir. Scoop finished with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Team Mayhem prevailed, 54-39.

Phenom, Lil’ Magic, E-Smoove and Bucktown made strong arguments for Player of the Week, but the unanimous choice at the table was none other than, Heart-N-Soul. In 3 games this week, he tallied 66 points, 10 feeds, 9 thefts and 2 blocks. His ever-so-crafty ability to get to the cup has been the difference maker for team Gatlins. Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson has come from behind the curtain, to bring the show to the people, the epitome of “Bringing the Heat.” Word is bond!

Keep it 100,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Lery Mann

Bringing the Heat: Mid-Week Special Day2

The game and matchup between team #2, Mayhem and team #3, Roughnex promised to be a barnburner – promise fulfilled! The season is just underway and yet playoff intensity is in the air. Both teams came out playing hard-nosed D and traded baskets early with Mayhem taking a slim early lead.

The Roughnex kept it close by dominating the boards with Mitchell “The Carpenter” Holmes pulling down 18, 8 in the 1st half and Reche “Runny Ray” Smith chipping in with 11 of his own, 6 in the 1st half.

They trailed because rebounds were scarce when Marcus “Phenom” Mitchell was pulling the trigger and he was lettin’ em fly from both barrels. A prolific scorer he had 16 points 7 minutes into the game, 23 points by the half and finishing with a game high 34 points. Mayhem went to the half up by one 28-27.

Eddie “E-Smoove Taylor began the 2nd half a man on a mission scoring seemingly at will. He led the Roughnex with (20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block). The intensity level picked up down the stretch. The Roughnex were up 2 with momentum at the 6:32 mark when Roger “The Blanket” Blakeney rose from Treyland and banked in an improbable shot to give Mayhem new life and a one point lead.

The Carpenter came back with a tip in, but the Roughnex seemed to tire and it showed at the free throw line where they went 7 of 18 as a team. Stacey “The Human Eraser” Tyler came up big for Mayhem with a deep money ball to put Mayhem up 2 at the 5 minute mark. E-Smoove rises above the crowd; Answers. Tyler comes back with 2 clutch free throws.

Down by 4 at the 2:13 mark, Rodney “Bucktown” Taylor hit 2 clutch free throws to bring the Roughnex to within 2. The Roughnex dominated the glass the whole game, however, when big boards were needed down the stretch they were got by Big John Williams who would finish with 3 points, 6 rebounds, none more important than the 2 money free throws with .33 left in the game. E-Smoove split a pair of free throws to make it 52-49.

Then Darrell “Diesel” Woods was ice swishing 2 in crunch time for a 54-49 lead with .16 to play. E-Smoove nails a trey at 11 seconds. Then Phenom was fouled and went to the line and finished it 56-62, bout something tells me this is only one chapter of an epic battle. The saga continues…
The game 2 matchup featuring team #5 Elixir and team #1 The Gatlins was actually close early on. David “Big Bo” Williams was on target hitting from mid-range and deep and finishing with (13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 5 blocks).

Chris “Big Dog” Gregory came off the porch and gave a spirited effort finishing with (4 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 1 block). Team Elixir sorely missed All-Star Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell who should be in the starting lineup next week. Team Elixir played with intensity at both ends of the court but simply could not match the fire power of the Gatlins.

Phillip “Lil’ Magic” Davis (24 points , 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 1 block) and Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson were like Dobermans in the passing lanes. They are predators who at the first sign of blood go in for the kill! The Gatlins also received solid contributions from Darrell “Dough Boy” Maness (12points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals) and Nasir “Nasty Nas” Siddiq (12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals).

They also got strong play off their bench. The final score was 77-42. The combination of Lil’ Magic and Heart-N-Soul is lethal. The scary part is that even in the blow out the intensity level of team leader Phillip “Lil’ Magic” Davis was 700 degrees. That hot enough for ya?

That’s the Blue-View from the sideline where the score is what you make it.

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2010 by Paul Brown

Bringing the Heat: (Humidity) Day 1

B-ballers,

What’s crackin’? Various forms of legal injustice have captivated the eyes and ears of the masses these last few weeks. The courts are in turmoil and the crime lab has gone under the microscope, but when the sun found its place in the sky today, your MannofStat was compelled to talk about some justice on the court. Na mean?

Coach Cagle’s, a.k.a “Slick Rick”, team Gatlins faced Coach Kenny “Bird Man” Neal’s team “Mayhem” for the 1st matchup of the day. The longest individual rivalry in the history of our league, between Marcus “Phenom” Mitchell and Phillip “Lil Magic” Davis has given us nothing less than another prolific chapter to record for the ages. But, the pulse of Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson is making a strong argument for a legacy of his own. Ya heard?

The “Gatlins” were led by “Lil Magic’s” 32 points (4treys), 9 rebounds, 4assists, 5thefts and 1 monster swat. His 10pts and 2stls in the final 1:30 turned a nail biter into a double digit win. Heart-N-Soul complemented this magical performance with 22 points (5/6 from the stripe), 11 boards, 1assist, 1steal and 1 block, including a clutch trey with 6:40 to play, that gave team Gatlins the lead for good.

This pairing of Lil Magic and Heart-N-Soul is guaranteed to generate some sick play from two of the league’s record holders. Lil’ Magic is the only player to record a triple/double (3) and Heart-N-Soul holds the record for most steals in a game (9). My diagnosis? They both suffer from SBI (Superior Baller’s Intellect). Feel Me?

Phenom led team Mayhem with 32 points (6/11 from the stripe), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. His teammate Stacey “Scoop” Tyler, chipped in with 13 points, 12 boards, 1assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. They owned a 28-25 lead going into the break, but Lil’ Magic’s 24 second half points proved to be too much for team Mayhem to overcome. The Gatlins prevailed 65-54.

Team Roughnex coached by Michael “Big Bank” Braxton had an impressive opening day. On the other side of the ball, it was a nightmare for Coach Terrence “T.C.” Campbell’s “The Realest” squad. Team Roughnex outrebounded The Realest, 46-33. Fifteen of those going to the Roughnex man in the middle, Mitchell “Chubsta” Holmes, a.k.a “The Carpenter.”

But, this game was all about the reunion of “TNT,” Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor and Rodney “Bucktown” Taylor. These two ballers were members of the winless 2007 “Foreclosure” squad. This 2010 season has already proved to be a new day for this explosive duo. Bucktown has plenty to say. His stat line spoke volumes: 17 point (11 in the 2nd half), 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block.

First team All-World selection, E-Smoove tallied 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block to lead the Roughnex to a lopsided, 73-36 victory. They outscored The Realest 47-18 in the 2nd half. TNT put it down like a D.A. with a tainted jury. The court was at their mercy. Ya heard?

The Realest were led by James “Silk Money” Little’s 13 points (5/10 from the stripe), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Warren “Pit Bull” Gregory tallied 10 boards, 3 assists, 5 steals and 1block.

Today’s events were calamine lotion to cure my b-ball itch. I’ll continue to keep your feet to the fire. So stay tuned for more of “Bringing the Heat.” I’ll see you at the table.

Nuff said,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Mann