The Buzz in the Sports Sciences academy gym was much more noticeable as the second game of the night began. Former Uconn players Tony Robertson and Johnny Selvie were on the sideline taking in the anticipated match-up of the night. Next Level Training (NLT), led by Jerome Dyson, Doug Wiggins, and Kyle Wright was taking on the Doc Hurley All Stars, led by Edmund Saunders and Tyson Weeler.
The talent and athleticism was at a different level from the first game, as was displayed early on when the teams finished with alley-oops on back to back possessions. It was an interesting matchup with NFT using their youth, quickness, and athleticism against Doc Hurley's size, experience, and intelligence on the basketball court. Tyson Weeler, former guard at University of Rhode Island, and Mark Jones, a Norwich free Academy Alum, ran the backcourt for Doc Hurley as former husky Edmund Saunders and Mickell Gladness, of Alabama A&M, used their size and athleticism inside to dominate the boards and finish around the basket.
Kyle Wright, of Hartford, and newly signed Providence Friar, came out firing from the outside, after leading all of Junior College in three point shooting the past season. It was common in the first half for NLT to settle for perimeter jumpers which led to their deficit at halftime.
Dyson, who limped off the court near the end of the first half after a miniscus tear during the college basketball season, had just been cleared to play by his Doctor a week ago. Apparently he was feeling more than fine as he came out firing and dominating in the second half when he scored 32 points, finishing the game with 38.
It takes a close game and great talent to get the tough defense and intensity displayed by the players on Monday night. Even with Dyson's strong second half effort, The Doc Hurley All Stars were able to hold off Next Level Training, 116-112, in front of a crowd pushed to the edge of their seats throughout the game.
Other notable players include: Mike Evanovich (Fairfield University), and Kareem Brown (Coppin State)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Past, Present, Future vs. Cambyland 7/13
It was like a boxing line-up with the headliner coming later in the night. The crowd was sparse and quiet as Past, Present, Future(PPF) took on Cambyland in the early game of the night. Most of the fans were awaiting the highlighting game coming up second. But, the early game did not disappoint.
Cambyland, who reached the finals of the Greater Hartford Pro-Am last year, came out slow, as the have so often done in the past. Run by the two quick brothers in the back court, Jorelle and Corey Jernigan, Cambyland can score the basketball at will. With help from Charles "the beast" Easterling and Ben Grate, they got into the lane consistently penetrating and slashing to the basket all game. Easterling and Grate were vitually unstoppable as their size and strength on the wings could not be matched by the much smaller PPF.
Early on, PPF was able to go out to a quick lead using their energy and quickness to beat the Cambyland players up and down the court. Randy Hite, a small quick guard out of Elms College in Western Mass, came out firing early from the perimeter, knocking down a few jumpers. He was joined by two other teammates who kept the the game close early on
With only one sub on the bench, it didn't take long in the second half for Cambyland to go on a run. They came out with more energy and displayed tougher defense than in the first half. Ben Grate took over the game in the second half for Cambyland and finished with 30 points, leading all scorers along with Randy Hite of PPF. Hite was able to sustain his energy throughout the entire second half but could only pull PPF within 5 points after being down 17. It was a valiant effort by PPF, a new team to the Greater Hartford Pro-Am, that seemed outmatched physically and athletically from the start of the game. Cambyland won 106-101.
Cambyland, who reached the finals of the Greater Hartford Pro-Am last year, came out slow, as the have so often done in the past. Run by the two quick brothers in the back court, Jorelle and Corey Jernigan, Cambyland can score the basketball at will. With help from Charles "the beast" Easterling and Ben Grate, they got into the lane consistently penetrating and slashing to the basket all game. Easterling and Grate were vitually unstoppable as their size and strength on the wings could not be matched by the much smaller PPF.
Early on, PPF was able to go out to a quick lead using their energy and quickness to beat the Cambyland players up and down the court. Randy Hite, a small quick guard out of Elms College in Western Mass, came out firing early from the perimeter, knocking down a few jumpers. He was joined by two other teammates who kept the the game close early on
With only one sub on the bench, it didn't take long in the second half for Cambyland to go on a run. They came out with more energy and displayed tougher defense than in the first half. Ben Grate took over the game in the second half for Cambyland and finished with 30 points, leading all scorers along with Randy Hite of PPF. Hite was able to sustain his energy throughout the entire second half but could only pull PPF within 5 points after being down 17. It was a valiant effort by PPF, a new team to the Greater Hartford Pro-Am, that seemed outmatched physically and athletically from the start of the game. Cambyland won 106-101.
Monday, July 13, 2009
GHPA preview
This past weekend, The Greater Hartford Pro-Am summer basketball league commenced at the newly built Sports and Medical Sciences Academy. Local professional and college basketball players gather for one month, competing vigorously for the GHPA championship. Most of these players have other teams that will be relying on them to make runs to the NBA playoffs or a shot at the final four. Some are out there competing for their love of basketball. Something that the fans can always count on, is an intense, hard fought game. Athletes of this caliber do not know what it means to take a play off, or to not dive for a loose ball. It is basketball in its purest form And its fun to watch every single time.
The games are played 3 nights during the week, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, as well as both weekend days. For fans, there are attractions beyond just the games themselves. There are free youth clinics, halftime entertainment, and free giveaways. For you youngsters, it is a great way to see your role models play basketball the way it is supposed to be played; tough defense, hard work, hard screens, teamwork, team chemistry, and fun. Having witnessed many games myself last summer, I do not expect anything less from these intense competitors.
The league is highlighted once again by a number of great college and professional players as it was last summer. Local legend Jared Jordan is expected to compete in between his time playing in the NBA summer leagues in Las Vegas. Uconn star Jerome Dyson will return along with his final four teammates Charkes Okwandu and Kemba Walker, as well as new teammate and potential young star Ater Majok. Ryan Gomes, from Waterbury, and Minnesota Timberwolves player has returned home to Connecticut for the summer to compete in the GHPA. These players along with numerous other local known ballers will battle from July 11th until August 14th for the coveted GHPA championship.
The games are played 3 nights during the week, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, as well as both weekend days. For fans, there are attractions beyond just the games themselves. There are free youth clinics, halftime entertainment, and free giveaways. For you youngsters, it is a great way to see your role models play basketball the way it is supposed to be played; tough defense, hard work, hard screens, teamwork, team chemistry, and fun. Having witnessed many games myself last summer, I do not expect anything less from these intense competitors.
The league is highlighted once again by a number of great college and professional players as it was last summer. Local legend Jared Jordan is expected to compete in between his time playing in the NBA summer leagues in Las Vegas. Uconn star Jerome Dyson will return along with his final four teammates Charkes Okwandu and Kemba Walker, as well as new teammate and potential young star Ater Majok. Ryan Gomes, from Waterbury, and Minnesota Timberwolves player has returned home to Connecticut for the summer to compete in the GHPA. These players along with numerous other local known ballers will battle from July 11th until August 14th for the coveted GHPA championship.
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