KILLER CROSS
There's a certain archetype in basketball. We've all seen them or played against them. Really quick, loud, lots of flare and lots, and lots, of dribbling. In fact, so much dribbling that at times it hurts their team. They're a good ball handler, maybe even a great ball handler, but it's knowing when and how to employ their gift that's lacking. There's a time and a place for the double crossover, spin move, fake behind the back pass for a layup, then there's times when a simple jab step and go will do. I think the great Miyamoto Musashi quote applies here; "It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war." What a talent to have the ball handling skills of Kyrie or J-Crossover to attack the defense in a critical moment when you need it! But a smart player probes with fundamentals first. It's about being subtle, secure, and keeping the defense off balance. Well, I've come to realize, through these weekly newsletters, that writing is a lot like dribbling.
Weekly Recap:
Those sandals with socks wearing, cargo khaki shorts rockin', bar-b-q grillin', beer guzzling Dad Bods were handing out charred cheeseburgers, bad jokes and L's as they snatched a victory from IPS Tuesday night, 76-69. Jordan Duda was a one dad joke machine as he broke out for a 40 piece with a side of 3 boards and 3 dimes. For the all capped acronyms, Alex Gutierrez was REB (Ripping Every Board), as he kept the game close by collecting 23 rebs, 15 pts and a team high 4 dimes in the loss.
The adobe stucco was getting laid on thick, as the poncho and boot scootin' Santa Fe Style hit the century mark and then some, to take the battle of Northern New Mexico towns, toppling Team Nuevo, repping Taos, 113-99. Style's backcourt of TJ Sanchez (39/9/8) and Kody Garcia (27/18/8/3 thefts) proved potent as patchouli and overwhelmed Nuevo's senses. Max Suazo was big as the gorge with 28 pts, 7 rebs and 3 dimes but couldn't quite slow down the swag on this night.
Dial one and call your mom cause the area codes are still undefeated and untested. Killer Bees got blown out 105-83, as the dynamic duo of Lukas Turner (37/14/3) and Angel Parra (32/15/3/3 steals) played long distance operators, going a combined 12 of 25 from deep. Worker Bee PJ Lovato was trying to play the buzz kill with 23 pts, 14 rebs and 5 dimes, but there was not enough nectar on this night to block the call of 505.
We were down to the nail beds after this biting affair between Zia Elite and Goon Squad that ended 75-73 in favor of the Zias. Chava Chacon was the spark for Elite as he tallied 18 pts, 7 rebs, 2 dimes, a theft plus some tough D down the stretch. The Goonies went full Sloth in a Superman shirt in the second stanza to nearly complete the comeback of the week. Andres "Dre" Lovato led the treasure hunt with a 30 ball, plus 6 reb, 4 dimes and 2 thefts, just to fall short at the buzzer.
Heatwave stayed on their heater as they improved to 4-0 after methodically dismantling Blakes Lottabuckets to capture a 75-66 dub. Jeremiah "Reezy" Jacquez was surfing lava, erupting for 19 pts, 13 rebs, 3 dimes and 2 thefts to power the undefeated Waves. They had to overcome a supersized 37 pt, 10 reb, 2 dime, 2 steal effort from Blakes employee of the week, Isaac Shanley.
From Degenerates to Re-generates after a second win in a row thanks to a clutch all around game from Anthony Armijo and his 15 pts, 12 rebs, 5 dimes and 2 steals. Silent Storm suffered extreme drought conditions minus a 20 pt, 16 reb deluge from Jordan Kemp. Degenerates 75, Silent Storm 65.
TOURNEY TIME!!
The 35+ League was rocking into playoff mode with all eight teams competing to advance or go home Thursday night.
(1) Seed 505 Unit was tested early by (8) Vatos Locos before turning this contest into a formality and blowing out Meeklo and gang, 100-55. Rob CdeBaca was flexing in every aspect of the game with an impressive 15 pts, 10 reb, 7 dimes and 3 thefts while Steven Lovato was dialed in as he gathered 19 pts and 7 boards. For the boys in bandanas, Mark Cox managed 10 pts on just six shots in the loss. Great season Vatos!
The (4) (5) game is always an intriguing matchup and (5) Nothing But Net vs (4) Zia Elite did not disappoint, with NBN snatching the upset 68-58. Martin Ortiz lived at the line and only missed one shot from the field as he embodied the team title and led his squad with 29 pts. Zack Valencia went full moniker and was nothing but net from downtown as he hit 6-9 for 24 pts. Matt "Pass Me The Ball" Valdez was a bright spot in the upsetting loss as he nailed 7-14 from long distance en route to a 30 piece. But alas, the sun has set for the Zias this season, thanks for a great run gentlemen!
An undermanned (2) Mob squad came out of the gates disoriented and ice cold in the first half as (7) Santa Fe Elite played tough ball to keep it close, 26-28. But those merry Mobsters got the gang in line and shot the place up in the second stanza behind a punishing inside presence by Matt Jackson with 32 pts and 8 rebs. Eric Martinez was doing it all as he went for 16/13/6. The Elite played inspired ball behind 16 Thomas Aragon points and Ryan Romero added 13 pts with a team high 5 rebs in Elite's exit game. Good season fellas, thanks for the runs!
In the 8 o'clock contest, (3) IPS wore down (6) FAZO to advance with an 82-69 dub. David "Spider" Jaramillo hit 8 of 15 cheddar balls en route to a game high 27 pts. Greg Trujillo had an efficient 18/4/5 to help fell the mighty Air Force One rockers. Matt Brito was rocking some sick kicks and 26 pts to try and keep FAZO in the game but couldn't get the help he needed as they got sent home packing. Great season and great team name FAZO's!
That sets up our second round matchups this Thursday:
6pm (1) 505 Unit vs (5) Nothing But Net
7 pm (2) Mob vs (3) IPS
Good luck Unc's!
Respect the game, Santa Fe Swish
