Tallula and Lyon Talking

Associated Press

WINNETKA, ILL. -- After rumors that Walt Lyon was to be released from Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face, he showed up as a member of Barifinkle Wednesday. However, he left as a member of Tallula.

"Lyon was signed today for a one game contract with Tallula, and he really provided the leadership we previously lacked," Mac Tucker said after the game.

Tallula and Barifinkle were playing each other and as Tallula had only 4 players, Lyon decided to suit up for the opposition. When his loyalty to Tallula was questioned by Connor O'Halleran, Lyon responded that he really wanted to win because his true teammates never play him.

The rest is history as Tallula nearly pulled off the most shocking upset of all time, losing to Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face 40-33. Lyon played a key role in Tallula's loss, and Ryan Murningham thinks that Lyon will stay with Tallula permanently.

"Walt has been signed by Tallula for the rest of the season," Murningham said Friday. The validity of this statement can not be determined until we see Lyon play next week (Jan. 7), but look for Lyon to be playing as a member of Tallula, and look for Tallula to possibly go up in the ONL.




Rachel Nichols

ONL Poll Week 3

ONL Top 18
RANK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS	PVS
1.	Men (12)	3-0	283	1
2.	Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face (4)	3-0	276	2
3.	Globo Gym Purple Cobras	3-0	251	3
4.	AK-47	3-0	237	4
5.	Theo	1-2	218	8
6.	Oklahoma City Thunder	3-0	213	6
7.	AD	3-0	169	10
8.	Malkin	1-2	157	9
9.	Brown	1-2	154	7
10.	Ortega	1-2	152	5
11.	Boo Radley and Friends	2-1	146	13
12.	Attack the Rack	1-2	126	11
13.	Elect Judge Jim Wascher	1-2	99	12
14.	Tallula	0-3	87	14
15.	We Are Huge in Japan	1-2	62	15
16.	Hungry Unicorns	0-3	47	16
17.	Ba Dunk-A-Dunk	0-3	36	18
18.	Tuesday's With Morrie	0-3	24	17

Week 3 Recap

#1 Men 30 - #9 Malkin 26
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
Men erased a 4 point halftime deficit to go up 25-20. Then they just held the lead with slow, methodical possessions, and got the W.	Malkin's team strategist. Malkin was ready to play against the #1 team in the land, and came out and shut down Willy Moore, something they knew they needed to do. Although they lost, it was still a moral victory for Malkin.	"I decline a postgame interview" - Alex Hankin "I wont miss another Night League game" - TJ Keene
Up Next: Men vs. Elect Judge Jim Wascher (Jan. 7). Malkin vs. Ortega (Jan. 7).

#2 Barifinkle Please Sit on My Face 40 - #14 Tallula 33
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
Barifinkle went up 9 on a Charlie Gilvarg layup with 30 seconds left. That ended Tallula's upset dream.	Conor Healy. Healy dropped 14 for Barifinkle, leading them to a closer than predicted win. Healy's 14 included a 40 foot bomb in the second half.	"I had 14. Gilvarg had like 8. Chris and Murny had like 12. Berceau banked a few shots" - Conor Healy
Up Next: Barifinkle vs. We Are Huge in Japan (Jan. 7). Tallula vs. Globo Gym Purple Cobras (Jan. 7).

#3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras 51 - #16 Hungry Unicorns 23
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
The Cobras started the game up 8-0. They never looked back, and led the entire game.	Matt Haller. Matt overcame dirty playing by the Unicorns, and ended up with 18 of the Cobras 51 points, including 6 on the charity stripe.	"Cole Gaines isn't, like, a cool kid. He's not a cool guy"- Anonymous
Up Next: Globo Gym Purple Cobras vs Tallula (Jan. 7). Hungry Unicorns vs. Tuesday's With Morrie (Jan. 7).

#4 AK-47 34 - #11 Attack the Rack 32
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
David Mulford lost it, and the game was called. After 2 clutch Daniel Oraham jumpers, it was 32-32, but Kraz knocked down 2 free throws and the game was called. Mulford was throwing elbows, and tackled Gorodetsky.	Daniel Oraham. Although he was on the losing team, Oraham kept Attack the Rack in the game that was about to be upset of the year. He made back to back 17 footer swishes to bring Rack from down 2 to up 2, 32-30. They couldn't close the deal, but a great game.	"What the F*** is your problem you ADD child" - Robert Gorodetsky talking to David Mulford after a foul "It was unsportsman like of him to disrespect me and my team like that" - Mulford
Up Next: AK-47 vs. Theo (Jan. 7). Attack the Rack vs. AD (Jan. 7).

#13 Boo Radley and Friends 32 - #5 Ortega 25
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
Ortega's offense went cold. After leading by 1 at halftime, and at one point 5 in the second half, the Ortega offense stopped scoring leaving the door open for Spencer Levin and Boo Radley and Friends.	Spencer Levin. Spencer scored 18 points, and proved that last week's game was the aberration for Boo Radley, and they're now 2-1.	"I mean I know it's like the classic thing to blame it on the ref, but he did not call that game equally" - Ben Morton
Up Next: Boo Radley and Friends vs. Brown (Jan. 7). Ortega vs. Malkin (Jan. 7).

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder 40 - #15 We Are Huge in Japan 23
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
Japan's schedule was released in November, and it showed OKC Thunder in Week 3.	Jeff Dsida. Dsida is the reason why OKC can win (besides their weak schedule) and look for him to lead them to the A playoffs.	"The best team we play is Brown, and they suck" - Jeff Dsida, on his team's schedule.
Up Next: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Ba Dunk-A-Dunk (Jan. 7). We Are Huge in Japan vs. Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face (Jan. 7). #8 Theo 31 - #7 Brown 24 IT WAS OVER WHEN... GAME BALL GOES TO... QUOTE Joe Lankford and Harry Furse started to click after the first half. At the break, it seemed like the game could swing either way, with Brown up 1. Joe Lankford. Lankford is the player that makes Theo click. Without him in Week 2, a disappointing loss to Ortega. With him in Week 3, a redeeming win vs. Brown. "We're not that good" - Stu Brown, after the loss Up Next: Theo vs. AK-47 (Jan. 7). Brown vs. Boo Radley and Friends (Jan. 7). #10 AD 51 - #18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk 27 IT WAS OVER WHEN... GAME BALL GOES TO... QUOTE Brandon Batt fully recovered from last week's fake ankle injury. Batt is being advertised as the most underrated shooter in Night League. Brandon Batt. This kid has been doing special things all year for 3-0 AD. He helped his stats tonight with another 20 point game. In response to being asked who played the best tonight for AD: "Me. Put me as MVP of that shit" - Brandon Batt Up Next: AD vs. Attack the Rack (Jan. 7). Ba Dunk-A-Dunk vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Jan. 7). #12 Elect Judge Jim Wascher 32 - #17 Tuesday's With Morrie 16 IT WAS OVER WHEN... Judge Jim Wascher went on an 8-0 run at the end of the first half. They never looked back. GAME BALL GOES TO... Scott Gantner. Gantner led Wascher to a much needed win, and as team captain, will need to get his team better over the break if they, at 1-2, want a chance at the A playoffs. QUOTE "Game's over! Finally" - Matt Malareski, ref Up Next: Elect Judge Jim Wascher vs. Men (Jan. 7). Tuesday's With Morrie vs. Hungry Unicorns (Jan. 7).

Week 3 Picks

#1 Men (-19) vs. #9 Malkin

Pick: Men 41 - Malkin 25

#2 Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face (-34) vs. #14 Tallula

Pick: Barifinkle 64 - Tallula 23

#3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras (-27) vs. #16 Hungry Unicorns

Pick: Globo Gym 44 - Hungry Unicorns 19

#4 AK-47 (-20) vs. #11 Attack the Rack

Pick: AK-47 51 - Rack 26

#5 Ortega (-9) vs. #13 Boo Radley and Friends

Pick: Ortega 32 - Boo Radley 24

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder (-16) vs. #15 We Are Huge in Japan

Pick: OKC Thunder 41 - Japan 21

#7 Brown vs. #8 Theo (-11)

Pick: Theo 30 - Brown 27

#10 AD (-17) vs. #18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk

Pick: AD 38 - Ba Dunk-A-Dunk 25

#12 Elect Judge Jim Wascher (-11) vs. #17 Tuesday's With Morrie

Pick: Judge Jim Wascher 37 - TWM 24

AK-47 vs. Globo Gym Scrimmage

Although AK-47 was playing without star player Doug Lavey, and Globo Gym had Jeff Dsida and Matt Powell instead of Matt Haller and Kerby Hilardes, I think it's still relevant to report that Globo Gym won 21-14 in a game of 1's and 2's halfcourt in the stage gym in 5th period lunch. Playing for AK-47 was Robert Gorodetsky, Michael Kraznow, Henry Werner, Hank Besser, and Jared Sperling (only non-member that played for AK-47) while Mike Hermanson, John Haller, Ryan Rakocy, Jeff Dsida, and Matt Powell suited up for Globo Gym.

ONL Expanded to Include 1 Member from All Competitive Teams

The ONL will now include a member of each team except Tuesday's With Morrie (until Will Hrabe becomes a full-time member, then he'll be in) and Hungry Unicorns (cause I know nobody on that team). The members are now:

Peter Lind (Attack the Rack)
Gordie Campbell (Brown)
Adam Gutman (Barifinkle)
Connor O'Halleran (Tallula)
Cody Hines (Theo)
John Secaras (Ba Dunk-A-Dunk)
Michael McGarry (Malkin)
Ben Morton (Ortega)
Jeff Dsida (OKC Thunder)
Doug Lavey (AK-47)
Mike Hermanson (Globo Gym Purple Cobras)
Alex Terchek (We Are Huge in Japan)
Jared Sperling (Boo Radley and Friends)
Alex Hankin (Men)
Brandon Batt (AD)
Scott Gantner (Elect Judge Jim Wascher)

Will Hrabe is the next member in, then somebody from Hungry Unicorns, and maybe, if the ONL sees fit, we might expand to 2 members per team, but that's a long shot.

Week 3 Injury Report

TJ Keene, star center for Men, has sprained his knee, and is doubtful for Wednesday's game, team captain Alex Hankin said Tuesday.

"We're not trying to underplay this loss, but we can win without TJ, it's no big deal, we have two twin towers, and yes that means that Maley and Madej are starting," Hankin said in an interview.

We'll see if Men can handle the inside attack of Malkin Wednesday.

More to come...

Walt Lyon Released by Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face

Associated Press

WINNETKA, ILL. -- In a shocking new development, Walt Lyon (C) has been released by Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face, John Higgins said in an interview Monday.

"Walt is being released because he is a good-for-nothing, lazy piece of s**t". Higgins was obviously very frustrated in the interview, distraught over the fact that Walt hasn't lived up to the hype of his freshman sister, Maggie.

Although they bear a striking resemblance, Walt's skills on the hardwood can't measure up to Maggie's. "You know I tried my best to make the team and I did, but I was obviously disappointed I was cut", Lyon said after hearing the news.

"I was really just happy to be with the team for as long as I was," Lyon said, obviously surprised he hadn't already been cut. "It was really a good experience".

Lyon, who was on the Freshman B Team at New Trier, has seen his game slowly, but surely, progress in the downward direction, seeing his sister take the spotlight in his place.

With the loss of Lyon, and possibly Charlie Gilvarg and Ryan Murningham, Barifinkle may have trouble coming up with bench points, but Will Harris will try to provide that spark.

When asked about the weak bench team manager Adam Gutman took it in another direction and replied, "I think Men still lacks one more bigtime player. I don't think they have the depth that Finkel has. Who would you rather have coming off your bench: Will Harris (NTG laxman) or Joey Madej?"

As to the future of Lyon, look for him to be practicing at the Lyon household with Maggie, trying to make next year's squad.

Sal Paolantonio

ONL Poll Week 2

ONL Top 18
RANK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS	PVS
1	Men (6)	2-0	176	2
2	Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face (4)	2-0	174	1
3	Globo Gym Purple Cobras	2-0	156	3
4	AK-47	2-0	154	5
5	Ortega	1-1	136	7
6	Oklahoma City Thunder	2-0	125	9
7	Brown	1-1	121	5
8	Theo	0-2	116	4
9	Malkin	1-1	93	10
10	AD	2-0	91	12
11	Attack the Rack	1-1	79	11
12	Elect Judge Jim Wascher	0-2	65	13
13	Boo Radley and Friends	1-1	59	8
14	Tallula	0-2	44	15
15	We Are Huge in Japan	1-1	41	14
16	Hungry Unicorns	0-2	34	16
17	Tuesday's With Morrie	0-2	26	17
18	Ba Dunk-A-Dunk	0-2	21	18

Week 3 Schedule and Line

#1 Men (-19) vs. #9 Malkin

After winning by 58, what's next? Men's motivation will be there all game as Alex Hankin told me this is the game his team wants to win the most this year. UPDATE: After losing TJ Keene, Men are now just a 19 point favorite. However, if TJ plays, count this as a 26 point game still.

#2 Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face (-34) vs. #14 Tallula

Barifinkle won by 41 last week against a team similar to Tallula (Hungry Unicorns). Chris Sweitzer is on fire, and Barifinkle is looking to get the #1 ranking back.

#3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras (-27) vs. #16 Hungry Unicorns

Globo Gym won by 22 last week, and although the Unicorns will be stronger and tougher than Elect Judge Jim Wascher was, look for the Cobras to win big.

#4 AK-47 (-20) vs. #11 Attack the Rack

AK is on a roll, but they can't let their win streak get to their heads. Critics are questioning if Michael Kraznow can continue his terrific play, and we'll see how Robert Gorodetsky and Co. handle a quick team led by Peter Lind and Jared Hammernik.

#5 Ortega (-9) vs. #13 Boo Radley and Friends

Ortega is coming off one of the biggest wins of the year (upsetting Theo by 8), and Boo Radley and Friends are coming off the worst loss in the history of Night League (58 to Men). Look for Boo Radley to play Ortega tighter than some will expect. Boo Radley isn't a terrible team, and if they have Spencer Levin, look for this one to be an upset special.

#6 Oklahoma City Thunder (-16) vs. #15 We Are Huge in Japan

Jeff Dsida's team hasn't had a close game yet (15 and 21 point wins), and looks to continue this run against Nick Dronen and Co. Look for Dsida to take this one over and OKC to win big.

#7 Brown vs. #8 Theo (-11)

In our game of the week, Theo's size vs. Brown's speed should be an interesting matchup. Joe Lankford will be back for Theo, and they'll be very focused this week, knowing they've got to win this week, as the games only get harder for them (AK-47, Barifinkle, Globo Gym are their next 3 games).

#10 AD (-17) vs. #18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk

Ba Dunk-A-Dunk played Attack the Rack tight, which shows me they aren't quite as bad as everyone thinks. Alex Russel is keeping them in games, and John Secaras is a very good big man. However, the combo of Miles Lashley on the boards and Brandon Batt shooting makes AD favorites.

#12 Elect Judge Jim Wascher (-11) vs. #17 Tuesday's With Morrie

Tuesday's With Morrie got my vote as the 18th best team in Night League in the past ONL poll, and I'm just not confident they'll be able to do anything on offense ever. Gantner has some size with Scott Gantner at 6'1", Jack Wascher at 6'2", and Connor Smith at 6'3". Ben Burgess doesn't get enough credit as a rebounder, and Henry Perry can run with the best of them. Look for Judge Jim Wascher to get points off the fast break, led by Perry and Wascher, and this one shouldn't be close.

Week 2 Recap

#1 Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face 68 - #16 Hungry Unicorns 27
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
Barifinkle signed Sweitzer in the offseason. He's taken them from a good team, to a great team.	Chris Sweitzer. Sweitzer put up 25 on the Unicorns, and showed why he's a first team All-American.	"Mizel, I've got you down as anti-breast cancer. Can I quote you on that?" - Adam Gutman
Up Next: No. 1 Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face vs. No. 15 Tallula (Dec. 17). No. 16 Hungry Unicorns vs. No. 3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras (Dec. 17).

#2 Men 80 - #8 Boo Radley and Friends 22
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
TJ Keene and Willy Moore declined to try out for the varsity team.	Men played like a team and spread the wealth, with all 5 starters going for double digits	"It was just a lay-up line out there" - Alex Hankin
Up Next: No. 2 Men vs. No. 10 Malkin (Dec. 17). No. 8 Boo Radley and Friends vs No. 7 Ortega (Dec. 17).

#3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras 45 - #13 Elect Judge Jim Wascher 23
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
The Cobra's went on a 6-0 run, to go up 27-11, at the beginning of the second half to end any possibility of a Wascher comeback.	John Haller. John was up to the challenge of having Henry Perry guard him, having his way with Perry all over the court. John was able to draw double teams, finding Matt for open buckets, and scoring a lot himself.	"Guys, we have to cover the spread" - Brantner Jones
Up Next: No. 3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras vs No. 16 Hungry Unicorns (Dec. 17). No. 13 Elect Judge Jim Wascher vs. No. 17 Tuesday's With Morrie (Dec. 17).

#7 Ortega 23 -#4 Theo 15
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
Theo was limited to 2 points in the second half. Can't win many games like that.	Ben Morton. Morton carried his team to an upset of a top 5 team.	"They [Theo] said they were going to kill him [Morton] in the parking lot, so that might be bad for them..." - Walt Lyon
Up Next: No. 7 Ortega vs. No. 8 Boo Radley and Friends (Dec. 17). No. 4 Theo vs. No. 5 Brown (Dec. 17).

#5 AK-47 45 - #5 Brown 26
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
AK-47 saw my prediction of them losing by 1. It was all the motivation their squad needed.	AK-47's shooting coach. AK-47 missed 3 shots during the whole game, with Kraznow going 100%, and Gorodetsky at near perfect.	"Robert Gorodetsky is the real deal" - Stu Brown
Up Next: No. 5 AK-47 vs. No. 11 Attack the Rack (Dec. 17). No. 5 Brown vs. No. 4 Theo (Dec. 17).

#9 Oklahoma City Thunder 34 - #15 Tallula 13
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
The Thunder picked up Michael Schroeder this week... and when Jeff Dsida decided to play Night League.	Jeff Dsida. Dsida ran the OKC Thunder offense as he will most every week, and took over this game.	"Jeff Dsida played out of his tree" - Connor O'Halleran
Up Next: No. 9 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 14 We Are Huge in Japan (Dec. 17). No. 15 Tallula vs. No. 1 Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face (Dec. 17).

#10 Malkin 46 - #17 Tuesday's With Morrie 26
IT WAS OVER WHEN...	GAME BALL GOES TO...	QUOTE
Rosy returned to Malkin's starting line-up, seeking redemption after last week's loss.	Alex "Rosy" Rosenberg. Rosy's shutdown D allowed Malkin to build a comfortable lead	"We all played like a team and we all scored a decent amount of points" - Danny Douaire
Up Next: No. 10 Malkin vs. No. 2 Men (Dec. 17). No 17 Tuesday's With Morrie vs. No. 13 Elect Judge Jim Wascher (Dec. 17). #12 AD 56 - #14 We Are Huge in Japan 36 IT WAS OVER WHEN... Brandon Batt played after claiming he had an injury and was "doubtful" for the game. GAME BALL GOES TO... Brandon Batt. The kid played possibly the game of his life, with an injury too. QUOTE "Did you see me out there? I'm playing hurt too, that's heroic" - Brandon Batt Up Next: No. 12 AD vs. No. 18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk (Dec. 17). No. 14 We Are Huge in Japan vs. No. 8 Oklahoma City Thunder (Dec. 17). #11 Attack the Rack 32 - #18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk 24 IT WAS OVER WHEN... Mulford got busy down low, collecting 21 boards. GAME BALL GOES TO... Jared Hammernik. Point guard for Pete Lind and Co. knew he needed a big game tonight and delivered. QUOTE "This game's a must-win" -Fred Jorgensen, before the game Up Next: No. 11 Attack the Rack vs. No. 5 AK-47 (Dec. 17). No. 18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk vs. No 12 AD (Dec. 17).

Night League Week 2 Results

#1 Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face 68 - #16 Hungry Unicorns 27

#2 Men 80 - #8 Boo Radley and Friends 22

#3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras 45 - #13 Elect Judge Jim Wascher 23

#7 Ortega 23 - #4 Theo 15

#5 AK-47 45 - #5 Brown 26

#9 Oklahoma City Thunder 34 - #15 Tallula 13

#10 Malkin 46 #17 Tuesday's With Morrie 26

#12 AD 56 #14 We Are Huge in Japan 36

#11 Attack the Rack 32 #18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk 24

Week 2 Predictions

#1 Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face (-19) vs. #16 Hungry Unicorns

Star point guard and preseason first team All-America Ryan Murningham's status is doubtful as is Charlie Gilvarg's (honorable mention All-America). Barifinkle is by far the best team in the land right now, but without those key players, I'm not sure how well they'll be able to perform. Even without Murningham and Gilvarg, I like Team Sit on My Face to win, but I've got a gut feeling that they won't cover.

Pick: Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face 36 - Hungry Unicorns 20

#2 Men (-9) vs. #8 Boo Radley and Friends

The Twin Towers (Willy Moore and TJ Keene) are arguably the best duo in all of Night League. However, Men's guard play has been questioned by critics and "defensive All-American" Ryan Lumley (given the title by Justin Horowitz) will look to take advantage of that. Having said that, Men still has the advantage at guard with Hankin and Sopko being better than Sperling and Nic Boury (even though both dropped upwards of 15 in last week's win. Look for Men to wear down Boo Radley down low with the Twin Towers, and I'm picking Men to have a big win.

Pick: Men 37 - Boo Radley and Friends 23

#3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras (-12) vs. #13 Elect Judge Jim Wascher

The Purple Cobras haven't received any credit from anybody yet, and still need to make a believer out of the ONL pollers if they want to get into the ONL championship at the end of the season. The big question mark for the Cobras is an inside presence. Kerby Hilardes' talent has been questioned, and same with Brantner Jones. However, the Cobras will have at least one more week to figure out that problem as Connor Smith and Scott Gantner down low shouldn't cause much of a problem. Henry Perry claims he's going to man up (and shut down) John Haller on defense, and we'll see if he can live up to that promise. I personally am really liking this 12 point spread, and think this could swing either way, but I'm gonna go with the Judge due to Henry Perry's heart.

Pick: Globo Gym Purple Cobras 39 - Elect Judge Jim Wascher 28

#4 Theo (-8) vs. #7 Ortega

Anger and redemption are the thoughts going through the minds of the members of team Theo, and trust me, they will deliver. Theo wants to prove their position as a top 3 team after a defeat to Men in Week 1, and dropping from 2 to 4 in the polls. Look for Theo to dump it inside to Nykaza and Stringer, while also penetrating with Furse, which in turn should generate kickouts to Lankford for open 3's. I don't think Ben Morton can do everything, and I like Theo to win. Big.

Pick: Theo 33 - Morton 17

#5 AK-47 (-5) vs. #5 Brown

Team AK-47 is also known as Team Robert Gorodetsky and Team Doug Lavey. The big question is whether or not Mr. Gorodetsky and Lavey will be able to seize control of a quick, and intimidating Brown defense. Word on the street is that Stu Brown (Sophomore B-Ball stud) will be manning up on Gorodetsky, and Team Brown will be implementing a Box and 1 defense. I think this defense has the potential to shut down the inside attack of Lavey and Michael Kraznow, and this game will come down to the one-on-one matchup of Brown vs. Gorodetsky. Personally, I think Brown can shut down Gorodetsky, and my upset special for this week is Brown to beat AK-47.

Pick: Brown 31 - AK-47 30

Week 2 Line

#1 Barifinkel/Team Sit on My Face (-19) vs #16 Hungry Unicorns

#2 Men (-9) vs #8 Boo Radley and Friends

#3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras (-12) vs. #13 Elect Judge Jim Wascher

#4 Theo (-8) vs. #7 Ortega

#5 AK-47 (-5) vs. #5 Brown

#9 Oklahoma City Thunder (-7) vs. #15 Tallula

#10 Malkin (-9) vs. #17 Tuesday's With Morrie

#12 AD (-7) vs. #14 We Are Huge in Japan

#11 Attack the Rack (-9) vs. #18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk

ONL Poll- Week 1

1. Barifinkle/Team Sit on My Face (6) [1-0] 176
2. Men (4) [1-0] 172
3. Globo Gym Purple Cobras [1-0] 157
4. Theo [0-1] 150
5. AK-47 [1-0] 133
5. Brown [1-0] 133
7. Ortega [0-1] 106
8. Boo Radley and Friends [1-0] 104
9. Oklahoma City Thunder [1-0] 100
10. Malkin [0-1] 82
11. Attack the Rack [0-1] 80
12. AD [1-0] 72
13. Elect Judge Jim Wascher [0-1] 60
14. We Are Huge in Japan [1-0] 56
15. Tallula [0-1] 52
16. Hungry Unicorns [0-1] 34
17. Tuesday's With Morrie [0-1] 33
18. Ba Dunk-A-Dunk [0-1] 10

Others Receiving Votes: Best Practice 4

Week 2 Schedule

#1 Barifinkel/Team Sit on My Face (1-0) vs #16 Hungry Unicorns (0-1)

#2 Men (1-0) vs #8 Boo Radley and Friends (1-0)

#3 Globo Gym Purple Cobras (1-0) vs #13 Elect Judge Jim Wascher (0-1)

#4 Theo (0-1) vs. #7 Ortega (0-1)

#5 AK-47 (1-0) vs. #5 Brown (1-0) {Game of the Week}

#9 Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0) vs. #15 Tallula (0-1)

#10 Malkin (0-1) vs. #17 Tuesday's With Morrie (0-1)

#12 AD (1-0) vs. #14 We Are Huge in Japan (1-0)

#11 Attack the Rack (0-1) vs. #18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk (0-1)

Preseason Awards

Preseason All-America Teams

First Team:
C- Willy Moore
F-Robert Gorodetsky
F- Chris Sweitzer
G- Jeff Dsida
G- Ryan Murningham

Second Team:
C- TJ Keene
F- Stu Brown
F- Joe Lankford
G- John Haller
G- Ben Morton

Honorable Mention
F- Jeremy Rosenfeld, Nick Nykaza, Doug Lavey, Matt Haller, Charlie Gilvarg, Stu Voit,
G- Nick Dronen, Harry Furse, Alex Hankin, Connor Healy


Preseason MVP

Robert Gorodetsky: As much as you hate to say it, Gorodetsky is the most valuable player to his team in the league. His team is top 5 in the polls right now, and are legitimate title contenders. You have to wonder where his team would be without him.


Tyler Sugiyama Best "Hustle" Player

Ben Morton: I know he's not the most liked kid in the league, but you can't deny that Morton "never takes a play off" (Dicky V). It rubs some people the wrong way, and they call him a flopper, but when Morton hits the lane he somehow finds a way to put points on the board, whether its making the lay-up, or hitting the charity stripe. Morton, being on a weak team where he can pad stats, has the ability and opportunity to end up a First Team All-America Selection by the end of the year.

Best Shooter

John Haller: For all you skeptics out there, John Haller makes more shots when he's on than anybody. I have a little bias as he's on my team, but this award is legit. I play basketbally almost every day at lunch with John, and he goes on streaks where he swishes, not just makes but swishes, absolutely everything he throws up. His shooting is going to be key if the Globo Gym Purple Cobras want to make a run come February.

Best Rebounder

Willy Moore: Moore would've had a solid chance at making the Varsity squad this year, but he declined to try out in order to pursue the Shoe. He plays center on Men, who came out of the gate quick with a win over Theo (defending champions), and Moore played a key role in their victory.

Best Ball-Handler

Ryan Murningham: Many people will be upset that Gorodetsky is MVP, and will say Murningham is the best player in the league. I completely agree with that statement, but I think that Gorodetsky's team would be nothing without him, while Bari Finkel could still be pretty good without Murningham. Murningham carries the point for the top team in the league, Barifinkel/Team Sit on My Face. He's got a lot of skill at point guard, and is going to have an instrumental role in Barifinkel's run towards the Golden Shoe.

Week 1 Results

#3 Haller 31 - #10 Malkin 18

#1 Barifinkle/Team Sit On My Face 33 - #13 Gantner 18

#2 Men 25 - #4 Theo 21

#5 AK-47 29 - #9 Ortega 24

#6 Brown 20 - #12 Attack the Rack 19

#7 Boo Radley and Friends 47 - #16 Tuesday's With Morrie 31

#8 Oklahoma City Thunder 33 - #17 Hungry Unicorns 19

#11 AD 30 - #15 Tallula 28

#14 We Are Huge in Japan 28 - #18 Ba Dunk-A-Dunk 26

Preseason/Week 1 Rankings

These are my rankings after a little week 1 action. This is just to set up a basis for us to vote on for the next few weeks.

1. Bari Finkel Sit on My Face (1-0)
2. Men (1-0)
3. Globo Gym Purple Cobras (Haller) (1-0)
4. Theo (0-1)
5. AK-47 (Gorodetsky) (1-0)
6. Brown (1-0)
7. Boo Radley and Friends (1-0)
8. Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0)
9. Ortega (0-1)
10. Malkin (0-1)
11. AD (Coan) (1-0)
12. Attack the Rack (0-1)
13. Elect Judge Jim Wascher (Gantner) (0-1)
14. We Are Huge in Japan (1-0)
15. Tallula (0-1)
16. Tuesdays With Morrie (0-1)
17. Hungry Unicorns (0-1)
18. Ba Dunk-A-Dunk (0-1)

These are not that accurate, because we don't have all the information from week 1, but the first official ONL poll will be posted Friday or Saturday

Creation of Overtime Night League poll

This year, in order to have an up-to-date ranking of all teams in night league (junior boys), New Trier Night League the website will be creating the Overtime Night League poll (ONL). This poll will consist of 11 members of Night League (all from different teams), who will rank all 18 teams in night league, and we will combine the rankings to form a poll. 18 points will be for a first place ranking, 17 for 2nd, all the way down to 1 point for 18th. The members of this poll are:

Alex Hankin
Gordie Campbell
Mike Hermanson
Jeff Dsida
Stevie Nelson
Doug Lavey
Scott Gantner
Mike McGarry
Adam Gutman
Alex Terchek
Cody Hines

If anybody wants to be a member of the poll, then just contact me saying you would want to be a member.

Team-by-Team Breakdown

Here are all 18 teams in Junior Boys Night League. The number next to their team name is their team number, not their ranking which will come out later in the Overtime Night League standings (ONL).

1. Attack the Rack

Center- Dan Gill
Power Forward- David Mulford
Small Forward- Ryan Karnes
Shooting Guard- Peter Lind
Point Guard- Jared Hammernik
Reserves: Sam Shapiro, Chip Potter, Chris Paik

2. Brown

C- Christian Sarkisian
F- Casey Wood
F- Tobey Wood
F- Stu Brown
PG- Gordie Campbell
Reserves: Hugh Harper

3. Bari Finkel/Team Sit On My Face

C- Stu Voit
PF- Charlie Gilvarg
SF- Connor Healy
SG- Chris Sweitzer
PG- Ryan Murningham
Reserves: John Higgins

4. Tallula

F- Joey Bartzis
F- Alex Wetzel
F- Connor O'Halleran
SG- Mac Tucker
PG- Teddy Challenger

5. Theo

C- Nick Nykaza
PF- Tim Stringer
SF- Charlie Polan
SG- Joe Lankford
PG- Harry Furse
Reserves: Cody Hines, Dylan Sklare

6. Tuesdays With Morrie

C- Jack Russell
PF- Hayden McClain
SF- Joe Boehrer
SG- Mike Ahern
PG- Johnny Round
Reserves: Bobby Mayfield

7. Ba Dunk-A-Dunk

C- John Secaras
F- Alex Russell
F- Brian Baik
F- Andrew Heisler
G- Dylan Kerr

8. Malkin

C- Jeremy Rosenfeld
PF- Alex Rosenberg
SF- Danny Douaire
SG- Michael McGarry
PG- Danny Malkin
Reserves: Matt Hickey, Scott Gumbiner/Coach Negro, Mills Rendell

9. Ortega

C- Dillon Oberlin
PF- Ben Hareza
SF- Ryan Musgjerd
SG- Will Elliot
PG- Ben Morton
Reserve: Reid Berry

10. Oklahoma City Thunder

C- John Doran
PF- JP Harvey
SF- Ari Economou
SG- Mengistab Wolf
PG- Jeff Dsida

11. Hungry Unicorns

F- Andrew Roche
F- Zach Pinaire
F- Alex Nadolna
F- Alex Porter
G- Cole Gaines

12. AK-47

C- Michael Krasnow
PF- Doug Lavey
SF- Hank Besser
SG- Robert Gorodetsky
PG- Henry Werner
Reserves: Noah Graboys, Dr. Ben Levine (Team Doctor)

13. Haller

C- Kerby Hillardes
PF- Matt Haller
SF- Mike Hermanson
SG- Ryan Rakocy
PG- John Haller
Reserves: Brantner Jones

14. We Are Huge in Japan (Terchek)

C- Matt Larkin
F- Cole Currin
F- Matt Burns
G- Alex Terchek
G- Nick Dronen
Reserves: Chris Williams

15. Boo Radley and Friends

C-Justin Horowitz
F- Ryan Lumley
F- Nic Boury
G- Jared Sperling
G- Alex Rosen
Preserves: David Winter

16. Men

C- TJ Keene
PF- Willy Moore
SF- Mike Sopko
SG- Mike Maley
PG- Alex Hankin
Reserves: Joey Madej

17. AD (Matt Coan)

C- Matt Coan
F- Nik Appelt
F- Nick Wagner
F- Miles Lashely
G- Brandon Batt
Reserves: Alex Dellva

18. Gantner

C- Connor Smith
PF- Scott Gantner
SF- Ben Burgess
G- Jack Wascher
G- Henry Perry
Reserves: Calvin Mang (?)