Bringing the Heat: (Fuego) Day 8

B-ballers,

What’s poppin?

It’s been a productive week. Six games in 3 days has been a fulfilling experience, indeed. It’s been a week of lessons, lacerations and labor, legitimately induced by death row b-ball. Na mean?

Game 1, Gatlins vs The Realest.

Coach Terrance “T.C.” Campbell’s game plan was 2points shy of pure genius. His squad, The Realest, stayed true to double teaming the league’s reigning M.V.P, Phillip “Lil’ Magic” Davis throughout the game. Holding him to 6 first half points (10 total) and keeping the margin close, by only trailing 25-21 at the break.

Bryon “Scrappy” Bell brought the fire for The Realest. He finished with 19 points (11 in the 1st half), 2 rebounds and 2 steals. He also made 4 of 5 free throws. James “Silk Money” Little, III stuffed the stat sheet for Coach TC, finishing with 16 points (13 in the 2nd half), 11 boards, 5 dimes, 2 steals and 4 swats. They out rebounded team Gatlins, 35-30, but the clutch free throws by Lil Magic (4/4 in the 2nd half) and the 2nd half emergence of Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson proved to be the difference for the Gatlins.

Heart-N-Soul finished with 19 points (3/5 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Darrell “Billy Ho” Maness tallied 11 points (9 in the 2st half), 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Lil Magic showed how grueling 3 games in 3 days can be. He recorded a season low, 10 points, but he was 6/6 from the stripe. He also contributed 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 thefts, a prime example of how you don’t have to be the leading scorer to win the game. Feel me? The Gatlins improved to 6-1 with a 51-50 win.

Game 2, team Mayhem vs Elixir.

Marcus “The Phenom” Mitchell capped his week the same way he started it. In a true prolific scoring fashion, he helped put this game away early, for team Mayhem. They led 13-4 at the 17:15 mark of the 1st half. Team Elixir took a shot in the gut when 1st team All-World selection and last week’s Player of the Week, Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell suffered a laceration above his right eye. A nasty collision that took place at the 14:32 mark of the 1st half, J-Rock received 3 stitches but didn’t return. Elixir suffered a 26 point drubbing in a game that was never close. Mayhem gave Elixir the bizz, 75-39.

Phenom finished with 32 points (21 in the 1st half), 10 boards, 3 assists and 2 steals. Darrell “Diesel” Woods assisted with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Mayhem rookie, Andrew “Frost” Ramseur tallied 11 points (9 in the 2nd half), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Team Elixir got tremendous, selfless play from Chris “Bigg Dogg” Gregory. In the midst of being blown off the court, Bigg Dogg continued to facilitate his teammates. His valiant efforts revealed his true character in the form of 17 points (3/3 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 6 dimes, 3steals and 1 block.

Mayhem remains tied for 1st place with team Gatlins at 6-1. Elixir, at 1-5 is tied with The Realest for last place. They’re scheduled to meet in next week’s “Humidity” session. Weather permitting; I’ll most definitely be there. Ya heard?

Team Ruffnex was idle today. They’re scheduled to face the Gatlins next week. Hopefully they’ll have their big man Mitchell “Chubsta” Holmes, aka “The Carpenter,” back in his workshop, snatching boards. They’ll need him in order to pull off the upset. Real talk.

The summer is over b-ballers, but death row b-ball won’t Fall back. Na mean?

Peace,

Mannofstat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

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