03/13 - Ryboy's Friday Blog: Week 4

Friday 05th of September 2008

03/13 - Ryboy's Friday Blog: Week 4

RYBOY’S FRIDAY BLOG

March Madness has come upon us. It was one of the most exciting weeks as the playoff picture is appearing in the horizon. Let’s get straight to it. In addition, Mid season report cards have come out today.

Winner Black 51 Loser: Blue 41

Midseason Report Cards and Recaps:
Last week I rambled on about how one person can make or break a team…blah, blah, blah. I was right. Erik Chan returned to the lineup and Anthony Pineda returned with a strong game. Chan, relieved the backcourt pressure, helped out on the boards, and played the floor general, and led his team to a win. There are some people that need other people to thrive. Examples, Michael and Scottie, Nash and Marion, Michael Jackson and all his deadbeat brothers…you get the picture. Blue team had a myriad of turnovers and could not stop the balanced scoring attack led by Edgar Corcega, who opened up floor by hitting a few bombs from downtown. End result: Blue loses by 10.

Black Team Midseason Grade: A-/B+
Would be an A, but they do have a loss. Their interdependency relies heavily on the shoulders on Erik Chan. Looking at the roster in the beginning of the season, I did not predict they would go this far but they have proved everyone wrong. They are in the hunt for CEBC friendship league championship glory.

Blue Team Midseason Grade: C-/D+
Not as surprising as VCU beating Duke, but the surprise is ranked high up there on my list. Looking at the roster, I felt that a team led by Brian Chew could be at least .500 especially with their personnel. Reality, they could be winless, as they almost gave a game away in the last seconds. They need better guard play. However, with a lineup that includes Alan Lin, Sherman Low, and Kenton Wong, their fortunes could change in an instant.

Gray 57 White 45
The game had a playoff atmosphere and feel to it. Both teams tried and scratched to get their team out of abyss of mediocrity. The cagey veterans stepped up their game and made big play after big play. Daniel Quach and Calvin Lee, hit crucial shots and chased down key rebounds when the white team made their late push. For the other team, Darryl Greene (DG) contributed 12 pts, 6 rebs, 4 assists, and 4 stl. Kevin Mau chipped in with 14 pts.

Gray Team Midseason Grade: C/C-
Record does not show their toughness, but must be factored in. They have the potential to be there in the end. Matt Hedges has shown he has skills. Daniel Quach and Calvin Lee have been there before, returning Champions, winning with Ryan Susanto, Darryl Greene, and Andrew Chan a year ago. Peter Tam is a steady contributor that knows the game. Coleman Chung has battled injuries but remains a tremendous positive leader in the locker room and almost always is the quickest man on the floor.

White Team Midseason Grade: C-/D+
White team is still looking for their first win. Watching them, they are just a victim of bad shot selection. They have a tendency to fall into spells of bad shooting and lackadaisical defense, not a good combination. Everyone remembers how the Warriors two years ago stitched together a 12 to 15 game span of decent basketball, just missed the playoffs and gave us all a glimmer of hope going into next season. They traded for Baron Davis. Jason Richardson looked healthy, Pietrus and Biedrens were our “nice” young players. We had hope. If they string together some wins, they can build the franchise salvage the season, and create excitement for next season.

Winner: Green 53 Loser: Red 50
The green team controlled most of the game with almost everyone contributing in some way, shape or form. The green curtain had a tough time containing Greg Wong who scored almost at will. However, Sherman Low carried the load offensively and had enough in his tank to sink some free throws. The green team played a strong game collectively. The green team now moves to 3-1, same record as the red team who posted their first loss. When is the run coming? That was everyone’s question in the 2nd half when the green team had trouble scoring, but they held on to the lead and knocked down some important free throws in the end. Greg Wong had a good look at the end but could not convert to tie the game. game came down to the last few plays, but the red team kept the lead with Greg Wong’s timely offensive rebound after a missed free-throw.

Red Team Midseason Grade: B+/B
Greg Wong has taken his friendship to a whole new level. He has acquainted himself with the defense of every team and is the focal point for every defense. As long as the red team continues to work hard on both ends of the floor they will be right there. The red team is one of the best rebounding teams. Along with the green team, they demoralize their opponents by limiting their opponent to one shot, then getting multiple possessions with their offensive rebounding. High possibility they will be there in the end.

Green Team Midseason Grade: B+/B
The green team’s defense has been the story all season. They have been controlling both backboards with tenacious rebounding. Their lack of guards, forces Chris Wong to move to the guard spot, which he has filled in nicely. JC Chasez, no relation to the guy from Nsync, has just been downright beastly on the rebounds. Sherman, their offensive gun, has been solid and has come through in the clutch in a few games. Norm Siu, former Lowell High school standout, can guard anyone on the floor. Defense wins championships. They can secure a spot if they win the games on their remaining schedule.

Note to all from the front office: Our mission is to build friendships and communicate the friendship that is offered by God through Jesus. Please respect others, including the refs and keep the league in perspective.