Round 7 of Regular Season

There were just 7 rounds played in Regular Season of TBL and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

First defeat of league's leader Timberjacks (2-1) against third ranked Bobcats (3-1) 139-103 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Timberjacks. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Kokomo B. outrebounded Medora T. 66-49 including a 41-28 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kokomo B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kokomo B. made 8 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Brandon Wood (188-1989, college: Michigan St., agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Johnny Griffin Jr (197-1995, college: Loyola, LA) contributed with 13 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Guard Derek Hawthorne Jr (192-1997, college: UT Martin) answered with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for Medora T.The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kokomo B. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Medora T. at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Frederick FC. Medora T. will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Kokomo B. will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Lebanon on the road.
Undefeated Volcanoes (3-1) recorded its first loss in Vancouver. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Capitals (1-2) 116-113. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Volcanoes. It was a great evening for point guard Joseph Billinger (180-1997, college: Drury) who led his team to a victory scoring 27 points and 4 assists. Isaiah Gentry helped adding 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side guard Thomas Miles (190, college: WPU) responded with 25 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws). Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Capitals left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams. Vancouver at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
A very close game took place in Winchester between Vipers and Admirals. Third ranked Vipers (3-1) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Admirals (1-3). Vipers managed to escape with a 1-point win 102-101 on Sunday evening. It was an exceptional evening for Quentin Scott who led the winners and scored 24 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Austin Mofunanya came up with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds for Tri-State A. in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Virginia VV keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Admirals keeps the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Connecticut C.. Virginia VV will meet at home Rhode Island K. (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Tri-State A. will have a break next round.

Other games in round 7 were not that significant. Winless Bakersfield M. was smashed by Long Beach BV on the road 126-100. Wenatchee B. lost to Seattle on its own court 107-111. Texas 7ers unfortunately lost to Shreveport M. in Louisiana 95-113. Raleigh F. managed to beat 95ers at home 127-120. Albany P. crushed Rhode Island K. on the opponent's court 128-89. Frederick beat WV Grind in a home game 104-88.
The most impressive performance of 7th round was 16 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals by Tevin Foster of Frederick FC.



Long Beach BV - Bakersfield M. 126-100

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Blue Waves' (2-1) home victory over 4th placed Majestics (0-3) in Long Beach 126-100 on Sunday. Long Beach BV well out of reach of Bakersfield M. shooting 92.9 percent from the field. It was an exceptional evening for guard Bonard Johnson (188-2002, college: Long Beach CC) who led the winners and scored 25 points (perfect from the field making all ten shots !!!). Forward Mark Carter (198-1997, college: Alcorn St.) accounted for 18 points (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winning side. Forward Brandon Yates (198-1998, college: Chemeketa) came up with 30 points (perfect from the field making all twelve shots !!!) and forward Jiair Winfrey (197-1996) added 14 points respectively for Bakersfield M. in the defeat. Five Long Beach BV and four Bakersfield M. players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Long Beach BV moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Majestics still closes the standings with three games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Long Beach BV will meet league's leader Los Angeles Ignite on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Bakersfield M. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Long Beach BV: B.Johnson 25+1reb, M.Carter 18+1reb+2ast, M.James 17+2ast, A.Patterson 12+1reb+2ast, P.Rittmon 11+1ast, D.Johnson 9+1ast
Bakersfield M.: B.Yates 30+1reb, W.Jiair 14+2reb, A.Avila 12+1reb, C.Johnson 12, W.Adams 7+1reb, C.Turner 6

Vancouver V. - Salem C. 113-116

Undefeated Volcanoes (3-1) recorded its first loss in Vancouver. Hosts were edged by fifth ranked Capitals (1-2) 116-113. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Volcanoes. Strangely Vancouver outrebounded Salem C. 57-40 including a 20-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. Vancouver was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for point guard Joseph Billinger (180-1997, college: Drury) who led his team to a victory scoring 27 points and 4 assists. Guard Isaiah Gentry (193-1998, college: Vanguard) helped adding 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side guard Thomas Miles (190, college: WPU) responded with 25 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) and forward Tyshon Pickett (201-1991, college: Bradley) scored 20 points and 9 rebounds. Five Salem C. and four Vancouver players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Capitals left bottom position moving up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams. Vancouver at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Salem C.: J.Billinger 27+4reb+4ast, D.Cleveland 19+3reb+5ast, I.Gentry 16+7reb+4ast, D.Lawrence 15+7reb+1ast, T.Price 12+3reb+2ast, P.Hafford 12+2reb
Vancouver V.: T.Miles 25+7reb+1ast, T.Pickett 20+9reb+3ast, M.Golder 20+7reb, E.Ford 17+7reb+2ast, D.Bolton 12+3reb+1ast, R.Coleman 8+4reb+2ast

Wenatchee B. - Seattle SH 107-111

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 3rd placed Bighorns' (1-2) home loss to second ranked Super Hawks (4-1) in Wenatchee 107-111 on Sunday. Seattle forced 19 Wenatchee B. turnovers. Strangely Wenatchee B. outrebounded Seattle 44-32 including 32 on the defensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for Goodnews Kpegrol who led the winners and scored 29 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Guard Nahziah Carter (198-1999, college: Washington, agency: BMS Sport Agency) accounted for 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Rodarious Washington (-1998) came up with 28 points and 8 rebounds and guard Tremont Robinson-White (185-1997, college: ECU) added 12 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Wenatchee B. in the defeat. Five Seattle and four Wenatchee B. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Seattle keeps a position of league leader. Loser Bighorns keeps the third place with two games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Seattle SH: K.Goodnews 29+1ast, N.Carter 21+8reb, E.Hardy 14+2reb+5ast, E.Wells 12+4reb+4ast, M.Doucoure 10+7reb+1ast, M.Montoya 10+2reb+1ast
Wenatchee B.: W.Rodarious 28+8reb+1ast, K.Houston 19+2reb+3ast, O.Baker 15+5reb+1ast, T.Robinson-White 12+13reb+6ast, D.Green 8+3reb, P.Brandon 8+4reb

Kokomo B. - Medora T. 139-103

First defeat of league's leader Timberjacks (2-1) against third ranked Bobcats (3-1) 139-103 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Timberjacks. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Kokomo B. outrebounded Medora T. 66-49 including a 41-28 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kokomo B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kokomo B. made 8 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Brandon Wood (188-1989, college: Michigan St., agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Johnny Griffin Jr (197-1995, college: Loyola, LA) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Guard Derek Hawthorne Jr (192-1997, college: UT Martin) answered with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and Davon Dillard (196-1996, college: Shaw) added 16 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Medora T.Five Kokomo B. and four Medora T. players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kokomo B. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Medora T. at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Frederick FC. Medora T. will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Kokomo B. will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Lebanon on the road.
Top scorers:
Kokomo B.: L.Plummer 20+2reb+4ast, B.Wood 17+6reb+5ast, T.Henderson 16+3reb+2ast, O.Little Jr. 14+7reb+1ast, J.Griffin Jr. 13+13reb, D.Paul 12+7reb+1ast
Medora T.: D.Hawthorne Jr. 25+5reb+5ast, D.Dillard 16+8reb+1ast, M.Cook-Stroupe 15+2ast, J.Tuoyo 13+7reb+1ast, D.Haynes 9+9reb, P.Paul 9+4reb+2ast

Shreveport M. - Texas 7ers 113-95

Rather predictable result when second ranked Mavericks (3-1) won against 4th placed 7ers (1-2) in Louisiana 113-95 on Sunday. Shreveport M. outrebounded Texas 7ers 61-46 including 21 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Shreveport M. made 7 blocks. It was an exceptional evening for guard Joshua Montgomery (196-1991, college: SSU) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds. Forward Winford Ross-Holmes (201-1998, college: Mississippi Coll.) accounted for 19 points, 19 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winning side. Center Franklin Aguanne (-1998) came up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 20 rebounds and Devin Reed (189-1996, college: Clark St. CC) added 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Texas 7ers in the defeat. Four Shreveport M. and five Texas 7ers players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shreveport M. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser 7ers dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shreveport M.: J.Montgomery 33+11reb, W.Ross-Holmes 19+19reb+1ast, M.Hood 14+5reb+1ast, J.Boyd 14+6reb+3ast, D.Waters Jr. 10+4reb+1ast, P.Meyers 8+4reb+9ast
Texas 7ers: D.Reed 26+5reb+6ast, A.Franklin 19+20reb, C.Chase 17+3reb+1ast, J.Milligan 13+3reb+4ast, S.Gardner 11+5reb+3ast, I.Ellis 6+7reb+1ast

Raleigh F. - 95ers 127-120

The game between closely ranked teams ended with their biggest opponent 95ers' (1-1) road loss to leader Firebirds (3-0) in Raleigh 120-127 on Sunday. Raleigh F. made 40-of-53 free shots (75.5 percent) during the game, while 95ers only scored twenty one points from the stripe. Raleigh F. forced 19 95ers turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Raleigh F. made 8 blocks. It was an exceptional evening for forward Jerome Cunningham (203-1997, college: Nichols) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. Point guard Ahmad Abdullah (185-1993, college: NC A&T) accounted for 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. Point guard Deangelo Stephens-Bell (188-1995, college: Shaw) came up with 24 points and South African forward Osayi Osifo (203-2000, college: Jacksonville) added 15 points and 13 rebounds respectively for 95ers in the defeat. Four Raleigh F. and five 95ers players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Firebirds have a solid series of three victories in a row. Raleigh F. maintains first place with 3-0 record, which they share with Potawatomi F. Loser 95ers keep the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Raleigh F. will meet at home league's leader Frederick in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. 95ers will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Raleigh F.: A.Abdullah 23+6reb+5ast, J.Cunningham 22+16reb+4ast, S.Dance 14+7reb, W.Vedder 13+5reb+2ast, D.Leonard 13+1reb, D.Tatum 11+2reb+1ast
95ers: D.Stephens-Bell 24+4reb+3ast, E.Harden 20+6reb+2ast, A.Bowen 18+10reb+1ast, J.Beane 16+5reb+1ast, O.Osifo 15+13reb+2ast, T.Broyles 8+8reb+2ast

Rhode Island K. - Albany P. 89-128

Everything went according to plan when first ranked Patroons (3-1) outplayed bottom-ranked Kraken (0-3) in Providence 128-89 on Sunday. Albany P. dominated down low during the game scoring 96 of its points in the paint compared to Kraken's 50. Albany P. forced 22 Rhode Island K. turnovers and had a 46-27 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was an exceptional evening for guard Derrick Rowland Jr. (190-1998, college: New Haven) who led the winners and scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Joshua Williams (200-1994, college: ESU, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 12 points and 15 rebounds for the winning side. Guard Jamaurie Coakley (190-1998, college: Quincy) came up with 17 points and center Rodney Simon (206-1997, college: Clark Atlanta) added 10 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Rhode Island K. in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Albany P. maintains first place with 3-1 record, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Kraken still closes the standings with three games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Albany P. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Rhode Island K. will play against the league's second-placed Virginia VV (#2) in Winchester and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Albany P.: T.Wyche 18+2reb+4ast, D.Rowland Jr. 18+8reb+5ast, J.Hood Jr. 17+2reb+1ast, A.Arrington 16+6reb+2ast, G.Kenny 13+4reb, E.Dyson III 13+4reb+2ast
Rhode Island K.: J.Coakley 17+4reb+3ast, J.Santos 16+1reb+1ast, Z.Veiga 14+3reb, E.Lewis 11+2reb+1ast, T.Rowe 11+4reb+2ast, R.Simon 10+10reb

Virginia VV - Tri-State A. 102-101

A very close game took place in Winchester between Vipers and Admirals. Third ranked Vipers (3-1) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Admirals (1-3). Vipers managed to escape with a 1-point win 102-101 on Sunday evening. Virginia VV made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Tri-State A. turnovers. It was an exceptional evening for forward Quentin Scott (201-1998, college: Tulane) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Michael Brown (-2000) accounted for 15 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists for the winning side. Nigerian-American center Austin Mofunanya (198-1994, college: Pace) came up with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds and Chris Miller (-1993) added 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Tri-State A. in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Virginia VV keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Admirals keeps the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Connecticut C.. Virginia VV will meet at home Rhode Island K. (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Tri-State A. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Virginia VV: Q.Scott 24+9reb+1ast, J.Reed 23+4reb+1ast, M.Roper 18+5reb+1ast, B.Michael 15+6reb+9ast, J.Melvin 6+2reb, M.Jones 5+2reb+2ast
Tri-State A.: A.Mofunanya 34+14reb, M.Chris 20+5reb+5ast, M.Blair 15+8reb+2ast, J.Coston 10+4reb+2ast, J.Iton 7+6reb, V.Nyanway 5+1reb+1ast

Frederick FC - WV Grind 104-88

There was no surprise when 5th ranked Grind (1-1) lost to leader Flying Cows (4-0) in Frederick 88-104 on Sunday. Frederick dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Grind's 40. Frederick forced 21 WV Grind turnovers and outrebounded them 53-39 including 17 on the offensive glass. Frederick looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by WV Grind's players. It was an exceptional evening for forward Tavares Sledge (203-1992, college: USC Aiken) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Tevin Foster (180-1994, college: ACU) accounted for 16 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals for the winning side. Five Flying Cows players scored in double figures. Guard Jordan Reid (185-1998, college: Wheeling) came up with 16 points and 4 assists and Phillip Bledsoe (-1997) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively for WV Grind in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Flying Cows have a solid series of four victories in a row. Frederick maintains first place with 4-0 record. Loser Grind dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Frederick will meet league's leader Raleigh F. on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. WV Grind will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Frederick FC: C.Marquardt 20+3reb+2ast, T.Foster 16+9reb+8ast, T.Sledge 16+14reb+4ast, M.Traore 16+6reb+5ast, K.Steward 15+5reb+1ast, D.Daniels 8+1reb+3ast
WV Grind: J.Reid 16+3reb+4ast, C.Johnson 15+4reb+1ast, B.Phillip 12+9reb+1ast, T.Dominique 9+5reb+1ast, T.Bentley 7+5reb, S.McGee 6+4reb