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

Bringing the Heat: Draft Day Review

B-ballers,


What’s poppin? We’ve nearly reached the end of the summer, but the madness is just beginning. Once again, your MannofStat has come back like a tax return to spill some b-ball logistics of how we ball on the row. Na mean?

Much has transpired since the last time I was in your ear. Death row b-ball is officially on the map and not just the 50 states. We have ears in Canada, Israel and Denmark. Real talk. Without a doubt we are international players. If your peoples would like to get on board, they can ride with us at: http://www.balltilwefall.blogspot.com/. It will most definitely be the ride of a lifetime. The 2008 season of Summer Madness is occupying computer screens as I write this. That’s what’s up!

In saying that, I’ve been advised by my peoples to reduce my b-ball commentary to 750 words or less. Now, it’s no secret that I’m madly passionate about this game. Working with a lesser amount of words will definitely be a challenge for me, but in the words of the late, great Ray Charles, “I’m a make it do what it do baby,” for sure.

For the second straight year, my man Paul Brown, aka “Mr. Blue” will be assisting me at the table to handle the game clock responsibilities. Also joining us will be the newly retired, crafty sharpshooter, Danny “Shoot em up” Frogg. He’ll be helping me with the stats.

The addition of a 30 second shot clock brings to the table another first time spotter, Johnny Hyde, aka “El Indio.” The math will be so complex this season, that Mr. Blue will be sharing some ink on the mid-week special. Don’t sleep b-ballers, this cat is nice with the pen. Word is bond!

Now, allow me to briefly spit some actual factual about today’s long awaited draft. The number one pick in the 2010 Death Row B-ball Draft went to the league’s top coach, Ricky Cagle, aka “Slick Rick.” It’s been a three year ritual because his #1 pick remains the same every year. Last season’s MVP, Phillip “Lil’Magic” Davis. In 2008 it was, “Dark Cloud.” Last season is was, “Locked and Loaded.” This year, their union will be called “The Gatlins.” As coach and player, they have produced a 30-3 record and two championships in the last two years. Is another chip on the horizon? We will see.

Also, like last season, the #2 pick was last year’s scoring champ and all time scoring leader, Marcus “Do Holiday” Mitchell. He’ll be playing for first time coach, Kenny “Bird Man” Neal on a squad known as “Mayhem.”

The #3 pick went to last season’s champion and first time coach Michael “Big Bank” Braxton. His choice, the 3rd first team All-World selection, to go in as many picks. Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor will lead team “Ruffneckz.”

Breaking the trend of selecting 1st team All-World ballers, coach Terrence “TC” Campbell chose 2nd team All-World selection and last season’s top rookie/best 6th man, James “Silk Money” Little to lead his squad known as “The Realest.” Aight?!

Team “Elixir” will be coached by Jamie “Red” Smith. He had the 5th and final pick of the 1st round. His top choice was 1st team All-World selection, Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell, but due to some unfortunate circumstances, J-Rock may not be available for the August 23rd scheduled tip-off. I guess the name Elixir is appropriate. Let’s see if coach Red has the proper formula to keep his squad alive in the absence of his first team All-World baller.

On that note, I gotta do the Lebron. I’m gone.

Be Easy,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Mann

North Carolina Death Row B-Ball is ‘Bringing the Heat”

B-ballers,


What’s crackin?

If you’re reading this, then you already know what time it is. March was a disappointing month for your MannofStat. Watching Temple get sent home in the first round of the NCAA tournament, by Cornell, was a shock indeed. But, when my Villanova Wildcats were eliminated in the second round by Omar Samhan and St. Mary’s, I was floored. Real Talk.

But now, the pollen is in the air and Death Row B-ball is pounding in my chest. The last time we spit b-ball logistics, it was a cold winter day in mid December. A wintry battle for the tournament chip between “Locked and Loaded” and the “Thunder Warriors” featuring the likes of Phillip ‘Lil Magic’ Davis (multiple tournament MVP), Eddie ‘E-Smoove’ Taylor (2 time sportsmanship Award winner), Mitchell ‘Chubsta’ Holmes (record holder for most rebounds in a game, 22) and Stacey ‘Scoop’ Tyler, aka, ‘The Human Erase (last year’s Defensive Player of the Year).

As you should already know, team Locked and Loaded gave the Thunder Warriors the bizness, 56-33, finishing the season at 15-0. Last year’s ‘Wet Season’ is still winning rave reviews, but a new season is on the horizon. In these last four months, I could sense the temperature rising. Throughout the cold winter months, these cats have been ballin outdoors as if the tournament never ended. And, as expected, the ice cold concrete makes injuries inevitable, na mean?

The cornerstones of our league, Lil Magic and Marcus ‘Doc Holiday’ Mitchell both spent time on crutches this past February. The league’s most notable ‘glue guy’, Michael ‘Big Bank’ Braxton sustained several shoulder injuries that required some offseason physical therapy. But, once again, all three are back on the court, stompin the yard like Columbus Short. Ya heard?

This season will probably be the deepest crop of talent we’ve had since 2006. That’s right, 2006, the reign of the great ‘Team Dynasty.’ C’mon now, you know your MannofStat can’t talk b-ball without spittin some history. But, it’s only right, because former Team Dynasty member, Jeremy ‘J-Rock’ Murrell is returning to the mix this season. After taking last season off, this ‘chip chaser’ has regained his desire for b-ball supremacy. But, the mayor of Treysville, Doc Holiday and the stat sheet stuffer, Lil’ Magic, will be colossal-like barricades blocking J-Rock’s road back to glory.

Check this math:

In the last two seasons, Doc Holiday has tallied 986pts., in 32 games and he shot a staggering 159/196 from the stripe. Lil Magic has conjured 26 double/doubles in his last 33games (3 triple/doubles). Any questions?

Without a doubt, these cats are the top guns in our league, but allow me to introduce you to the rest of the ‘Monster Ballers’ of the Death Row B-Ball League. Remember these names, because I’m sure you’ll be hearing them again throughout this upcoming season. I assure you, when the temperature rises, these ballers rise with it, because this year, Death Row will be “Bringing the Heat.” Word is bond!!

Nuff Said,

MannofStat
Copyright © by Leroy Mann

“2010 All-World Squad”

1st Team

Phillip ‘Lil Magic’ Davis

Marcus ‘Doc Holiday’ Mitchell

Stacey ‘Scoop’ Tyler

Eddie ‘E-Smoove’ Taylor

Jeremy ‘J-Rock’ Murrell

2nd Team

Martin ‘Heart-N-Soul’ Richardson

James ‘Silk Money’ Little

Paul ‘Pablo’ Cummings

Brian ‘Scrappy’ Bell

Mitchell ‘Chubsta’ Holmes

3rd Team

Darrell ‘Baby D’ Mannes

Rodney ‘Bucktown’ Taylor

Terry ‘Geezy’ Robinson

Jeffrey ‘The Gem’ Barrett

Michael ‘Big Bank’ Braxton

Honorable Mentions:

Shawn ‘The General’ Bonnett, Elrico ‘Concrete’ Fowler, Roger ‘The Blanket’ Blakeney, Reche ‘Runny Ray’ Smith, Nasir Al-din Siddiq, aka ‘Nasty Nas.’