Damon "Dino" Jones, Lonnie Brooks, Gotti's Mom, Gotti, and BiBi. Pic taken at Northlake Days 2005, tryin to turn on the youngin' to the Blues

Ballers, feel free to call...847-692-3676

EVOLUTION Are LBA RAW 1 Champions. They beat Dip-Set 50 -48 (without Sampson). We wish his grandmother (the one that raised him)a speedy recovery. She is 75 or so.

This is Evolution. Bottom Row L to R, Juan Crespo, Eddie Superman Torres , Sampson McWherter, Zed. Top row, CHEEZE, Brandon Rodriguez, Neshawn Ayers, Edgar Rodriguez, (Ron Benton not pictured)

Week # 1 L.B.A. Raw II

Week 2 Match-ups (so far)

Dip-Set..vs..Hypnozis ..(7pm)

All-Stars..vs..Evolution..(8pm)

Bye…Squad em’ UP

I know things have changes since earlier in the evening but The second game was set and I couldn’t play Squade em up againt Dip set 2 weeks in a row . Squad em up will play the 6th team at 9 pm if we get one, (the 6th team could be the Roamers, The Claudes, The Brandons, The Scrub 3.0 or almost anyone that guarantees to pay the refs). I gotta get on the horn. As a matter of fact, If you have 5 guys and are willing to commit I’ll create a Roamers roster, but come with $5 a guy each Tuesday night.

The following week

Squad em’ UP.. vs.. All Stars

Dip Set ..vs..Evolution

Hypnozis..bye (6th team)

After that week the commissioners will decide if we should drop a team or keep the slot open. The commissioners are heavily weighed by the refs pay . Those that are paid can join other teams. Bring your cash fellas,

The only guarantees are sent out to Dip-Set, Damon “Dino” Jones, Ubi Ramos, and Hypnozis , tonight cost me $100 all funds will be garnered appropriately. Each and every one of you signed a type of contract.

We have 5 teams , looking for a sixth. Evolution is back to defend their title, The Dunkers are back with a new name, Hypnozis (gotta check the spelling on that one). Hypnozis, hypnotized Evolution and won a nail bitter 76 – 73. Hypnozis lead at half time 41-36. Marcus Nard had a Triple Double 11 points, 18 rebounds, and an even 10 assists. Bobby Cannan did Marcus right by putting it in and putting Marcus over the hump. Looks like Bobby Cannan had 31 points tonight. Sampson Mcwertner had 33, both Bobby and Sam were 3 of 4 from the line, but Sam was 0 fer 6 from 3 point land and Bobby was 2 of 7. Bobby grabbed 8 boards (twice as many as Sam. Evoution shot much better from the line 11 of 15, Hypnozis was only 50% , 8 of 16. I believe Bobby and David Vasser sunk theirs with less than a minute left to seal the deal.

It was a close game throughout, This is gona be an exciting season.

The first game had the New Squad em’ Up with Damon Dino Jones , a touch of The H.I.U. Champs, High Octane, Congo Astec Warriors, The Click, and D.F.W.U. playing against Dip-Squad.

If you disregard the first half, the score would be tied 34 all. Fact is Squad em’ up started out slow, very slow, but that’s ok. Dip-Set lead 11 – 0 in the first 5 minutes, big props to Dip-Set. In the next 4 minutes and 10 seconds, Squad closed the gap to 5 points (15 – 10), but for the next 10 minutes and 10 seconds Squad em’ Up could only muster 5 points to end the half down by 14 (29 – 15)

Like I said the second half was tied, both teams scored 34. within 4 minutes they cut the lead to 9 and with 9:20 left they took the lead 34 – 32. With 8 minutes left Dip-Set was up by 2 (38 – 36) in the next 2 minutes Dip – Set was up by 7 (47 – 40), but with only 2 minutes remaining Squad em’ Up came storming back to close the gap to 3 points (52 – 49). That would be as many points as they got on the evening, they didn’t score after that. The game ended 63 – 49 with Dip-Set winning by 14. (3 more point than their 11 point lead to start it off. Squad em’ up will get the bye next week.

The All Stars got the bye this week. I’m trying to get a 6th team

The Dog is out for now, but here is next weeks schedule. Dip-Set .vs. Hyponzis(the early game 7:00pm)………Bye = Squad em’ up………All-Stars .vs. Evolution (the late game 8:00pm).

Bring some money… (Thanks for the $300 or so tonight) we only have $1700 left to go. Thanks to Willie, Deno, Bobby, Eddie, Ubi Ramos, The defending champs are the only ones not to kick in any dough.

I guess while I’m on the Subject, The defending Champions,

Evolution just about walked over every team last season. Ya’ll gotta give them their props. The core of this team, Meshawn Ayers, Edgar Rodriguez, and Eddie “Superman” Torres, were all Streetball 5 All-Stars, and in this years All-Star game came back and won the stuff. Zed Thomas said, “whats up with the site only one small blurd”. Edgar “Springs” Rodriguez said, “It’s because we’re from Chicago”. I said basically, “You guys, My computer was down, I have to write for the Blues magazines, new blues records to review and write about, and blues interviews and articles”. I told Edgar, “I don’t care where ya’ll are from I’ll write the stuff as long as I have the time and ya’ll give me something to write about”.

ya know the players that played with the Evolution all star team came back at half time and won by like 30 points. While I’m at it just relax man. There was a moment where a LBA RAW I champion and All Star lost his cool about the refs. I’ll tell you what right fucking now, Do not mess with my refs, (do not be to much of an asshole).

A shout out to each and every player……….every one of us are human beings…….we are all created equally…….we all have flaws………no one is perfect……refs and balers are also equal……..in live CHARMA means much…….What you dish out you shall also receive…………….Be considerate to those you encounter……..compete with competitors…….respect judges…(shape them you will, but always remember they are judges)…….Life will be good.

See ya next Tuesday for Chicago lands best Tuesday Night Limited Basketball league ( Its now 1:34am 8/10/5)

8/5/5

The computor is up and running again, I fixed it on my own, but I still can't spell all that good. The dad-gum typing box (computor) was absolutely fried so I appologize for the lack of up-dates

Next Season starts NOW ! LBA RAW 2 starts this Tuesday the 9th. There is some talk about who is joining the league, I have no $ in hand yet but here is the low down so far. Evolution will be back, Willie "C-Ya" Martinez and Steve "Humor" Burke (both of Dip-Set) say they are bringing a team. The Dunkers with Bobby Cannan and Nick Conteduca are bringing a team. Damon "Dino" Jones is bringing Squad em' Up and Manny and Brandon say they are bringing a team. Ubi Ramos says The All Stars will be back to reclaim their championship crown. Looks like 7 teams, but Money talks and bullshit walks. Everyone must pay soon.

I have to pay the refs and ya'll need to know upfront that if I don't get the full fee within the first 3 weeks your team will be eliminated and no refunds will be issued. No team will be allowed to take the court without having a significant amount of the fee ($400). There are really no excuses, ya'll have known the start date of the league and the fee.

Start times I suggest that teams show up at sometime between 6pm and 7pm. We need to do the paperwork and collect the $. I do not have a schedule yet because well why go through the effort if no one has paid yet. The first game will be at 6:30 - 7:00pm and we will go from there. Once I have the teams I cam make a schedule for ya'll. I should have it by the 2nd week.

Depending on the # of teams, the first game should start around 6:30. These refs are about business and getting it done. There is not gonna be alot of waiting around for the 1st game to start like there was with Streetball. If you have the early game you'd better get here.

Good luck to everyone, have fun, love one another, and remember treat others the way you want to be treated. Each and everyone of us are human, we all make mistakes, its only a game and just for fun. Be the first one to appologize.

C-Ya Tuesday, say Cheeze and career LBA stats should be up by week 3 or 4

Oh Yeah, Keep The BLUES Alive (God bless the soul of Little Milton, died yesterday age 70, blues man,) "Hay Hay The Blues are alright"

7/24/05

Some folk and peoples want me to up date my web site, so I will. Are they paying me ?? I doubt it but we all like the publicity. The only thing new right now is the ”Squad em’ Up” team that is ready for all balers including the “Dunkers” (all talk, no money yet) and that team called “Eveloution”. Eric Daddy “Teegs” Ortega had a baby shower for his second child. We should all feel some sort of love for this family.

Dino’s Mom came over (Mrs Wells) and later she was heading off to Wallaces’ Catfish Corner for some blues on the corner of Madison & California (in Chicago).

Dip-Set beat the SCRUB 2.0 by a score of 87 – 33. Toney Caffey Trench Warrior was over seas, (knee brace) and Lance was suppose to show. Jason Judy messed up his anckle about 3 minutes into the game. The SCRUB 2.0 (with Brian Bloomer) played Dip-Set 4 on 5. Nuff said !

L.B.A. Raw has nothin on Javier Lazcano. I think the cat is in like the 8th grade. He will absolutely walk all over anyone else his age. That is the 3 0n 3 we got goin on. Sammy Moya is the best 6th Grader in the State of Illinois.

with-in perspective, who has game ?

All Stars face Dip Set 7pm……..This Tuesday…..the winner faces Evolution for the championship. The all-Star Game is that week of the Championship. The new league starts the next week.

New League starts August 9th

Round 3…..07/12/05, playoffs

Dip-Set walked off with a victory by forfeit over Next Generation.

That game does not end there. Joey Truijillo played a fantastic game for the make-shift scrimmage we put on for Dip-Set. Joey had 14 points and 4 rebounds. The only difference between “Fa-Q” and Joey, is that joey got them in on the first chance. Joey was 7 of 8 and instrumental for his team.

Dip-Set won it in the last second by Steve “Humor” Burke. Steve had 15 points and 8 boards. Peter “Dreds” Vaides had a 10 points and 9 assists. While “C-Ya” had 15 and 2 assists. Dip-Set wins (with 4 players) 50-48.

The Game of the evening lived up to its billing. The All-Stars brought it to Evolution to claim the bid to the Championship Game. It was a very intense game, almost totally unexpected but not unbelievable. The All-Stars were up by 10 points at half time with some excellent 3 point shooting from Ubi Ramos The score was 35 – 25.

The All Stars had 4 players in double digits, Rich, (from Fenton H.S.)(14 pts), Mario Anchonodo (12), Romulo (11) and Ubi with 13. It was a well-balanced scoring attack that took Evolution by surprise. The defense on cheese for those monster dunks were stopped These All Stars played good disciplined D and I saw them draw out their defenders for easy baskets.

Samson McWherter, League M.V.P. was not gonna loose this game. He scored 34 points and was nearly flawless in his teams’ victory. Sam was 12 of 15 (1 of 3 on tre’s) and 7 of 8 from the free throw line. Sam even had 9 robounds to lead his team in that category as well. Juan ad 7 points in very limited time and cheese added 11 going 5 of 6 from the charity stripe. Free Throws won it for Evolution shooting 70%, while the All Stars shot only 30%. The All Stars had a chance to win it in regulation but took to much time to make it happen. The game ended tied at 61. and Eveloution won it 67-61.

Catch you next week at 7pm when Dip-Set takes on SCRUB 2.0 for the shot at the All Stars the following week.

Keep it Real

For those that need a reminder, The new season begins August 9th. The Championship and All Star game will be August 2nd. Captains pick your all stars and a few subs. I have not checked with the refs yet, but I like our current All-Star game format of 3 20 minute periods.

If ya’ll guarantee me a next season, (with some up front cash), It can happen. Who ever wins the winners bracket will get two weeks off. After this weeks games there will only be one game each following Tuesday Night because more teams will be eliminated. I wanna see the place packed. This has been such a good season that 3 on 3 for the youngsters is gonna be back. And everyone is excited about the double elimination for LBA RAW and our new refs..

I don’t have a medal but there is a Little Doodle D award named after Sergio that Jesus Cuevas deserved from Next Generation. I’d bet that two fans from Dip-Set would also get the ”Sergio” Little Doodle D award. Sergio would get one because its named after him.

Round # 2…… 7/5/5

We saw two upsets tonight. SCRUB 2.0 defeated High Octane in overtime 61 – 56. The All Stars defeated Dip-Set 52 – 47. We had the new referees and guess what, only one team had a hard time with them. Guess Who it was ? That’s right, Dip Set. On man what a game that was; ended with 2 “T ’s” and about 10 free throws and continued possession by the All-Stars. SCRUB 2.0 just plain won it, kept their composure

The Fans were fantastic. Thanks everybody for showing up at the LTCC.

Bobby Cannan and Lance Schrader both had 20 points and lead their respective teams. High Octane had 4 players in double didgets, Claude Roberts(joining the SCRUB next season) had 12, Marcus and Damon had 11.

Lance on the other hand had Toney Caffey with 17 points. Tony a trench warrior all season long and Lance really had some terrific moves to the basket tonight and grabbed rebounds. The SCRUB 2.0 out-rebounded with a margin of 28 – 22 (and I kept stats for H.O.). The game went down to the wire with an intentional foul called on Claude and Mitch Silva hit 1 of 2 with 8 seconds left. 4 seconds later Claude was at the line to tie the game with 3 free throws. That is where regulation ended 52 all. The Scrub out scored High Octane 8-4 in the 5 minute overtime period. A very very close game. Shout out to each and every player and fan, staff and referee that were involved. Tonight there was one of the 6 teams eliminated tonight, that team was High Octane. As Damon “Dino” Jones would say, ”Much LOVE”.

{Its getting late (7/6/05)}Next Week Dip-Set takes on Next Generation at 7 pm . The looser of that game goes home. Evolution takes on The All Stars at 8 pm for the right to the Championship Game. Scrub 2.0 have the week off. I believe the winner of that game has the next week off.

Game # 2 was a wazza doodle. (Don’t Ask). I thought, and kinda hoping, the second game would be a walk off because the ALL STARS did not have their money.

Ya’ll better start bringing in your money now, with your name on it for next season. It runs at least till November, Its 400 bucks and no dad gum Cash prize. This is RAW after all.

Game # 2 again. Dip-Set lost total composure. They kind-of pulled a High Octane. Willie “C-Ya” Martinez played a very good game as did Noel “Fa-Q” Velasquez but the attitude of the team was way wrong. Noel showed his ass tonight. That was fine with me but not really the refs. marvins dad (yes I will “dis” you back like that ) showed his ass, and other asses in the crowed. I will not go beyond that as much as I would like to at this very moment. I think Marvin Muhammad should be a Rookie of The Year, and I know Dad gum well, “Fa-Q” is the Trench Warrior of the year. And Willie “C-Ya” Martinez gets the only Leadership award given out this year.

Now I’m just rambling. (It’s almost 1am)Adrian Lazcano is Rookie of The Year. And Dhereck Of the All Stars is also a Trench Warrior Award winner.

I’ll ramble on a bit longer seeing as how this is my web site. Rich played a Championship game against Dip-Set. Did you see the smile on his face the whole time? Rich out scored and out rebounded every baler on the court tonight. No joke this man has got the skills to school you. With Mario Anchonodo The All Stars can win. We have some real talent at the Leyden Township Community Center. I’d say we have the best (limited) basketball League in the Chicago Land Area. (limited in the # of teams allowed). BRING YOUR MONEY

C-Ya next week ! Damon says “much love” and I say “Bring it if ya got it to bring” (sounds a little like the blues)! But bring it on home.

Round One , 6/28/05 (David “Honey boy” Edwards 90th birthday)

Evolution enjoyed themselves tonight. The game ended 63 – 34, Sam McWherter had 18 points and 4 steals. Cheeze added 16 with 10 boards and some very cool monster dunks. Next Generation only had 5 guys and threw in the towel on the refs. There were some pretty bad and or non calls. I mean Jesus Cuevas from Next Gen threw his body into guys when making a pick. That’s just not smart, and a foul every time. The refs did not call that either. Other than that I think Danny Juarez with 14 and Rich Cardona 5 of 6 from the charity stripe, played a very good game despite the score. Both of these teams have the week off. With their opponents being determined next week.

The match up of the night was All Stars..vs.. High Octane. It was a close game all the way through. The margin was not more than 5 points. I know it was tied at 20 with 6:30 left in the first ,and at 26 with 3:16 left. At half, High Octane lead 31-28. Many players did not show from both squads but High Octane had no substitutes.

Alan “A-Train” Thomas lead his team in rebounds in the first half. Alan grabbed 9 rebounds in total. Brandon Grabbed 12 and bobby got 3 in the second half. I see Claude “can I get a ride home” Roberts had 7 and Dino with a big goose ege on rebounds. Damon went for the steal getting 7 of those big bad boys.

It was a very close and it should have gone into overtime, but it did not. Bobby Cannan lead all scorers on the evening with 24 points, Rich from the All-Stars, was 2nd with 19. His team walked away with the victory. The All Stars scored 24 points in tre’s . Rumolo hit 4, Adrian Lazcano hit 2, (shyt Adrian scored 12 and was a real tough defender for his team. He created turnovers and High Octane didn’t know how to deal with him) Adrian played an excellent game he is very fast.) and Rich hit 2. Rich Rich, hit the free throws (2 clutch ones) with ½ a second left that won the game for the All Stars. Final, 60 – 58.

I could go on but it’s getting late

Dip-Set got a victory over SCRUB 2.0 but just barely. The final was 39-41. Scrub 2.0 did not want to play 4 on 5 and Dan Silva, Oak Park Cop, had to get to work. SCRUB 2.0 wanted Claude Roberts on the team so the team took the forfeit and played 12 minute halves (Claude is rumored to join the Scrub next season, an excellent addition). It was a very good game with Steve Humor Burke basically winning it at half time with a 3 pointer from half court. Not to be out done, The SCRUB 2.0’s Tony Caffee sunk one himself !

Thank You to all the Fan’s that came out tonight

Match-ups

High Octane…vs…Scrub 2.0….7pm

All Stars…vs…Dip-Set….8pm

catch ya next track, Diggity Dog

6/21/05……Week # 10

The regular season is in the books and the playoff picture is crystal clear. Tonight’s games (and lack of a game) spoke volumes about the season. Dip-Set beat High Octane 56 to 51. and SCRUB 2.0 defeated Next Generation 48 to 34. The All Stars protested tonight’s game against Evolution because of the Referees.

SCRUB 2.0 played a great game that was called real well. I wish the refs had called all the games that way. Tony Caffey had 25 points and 16 rebounds, a truly outstanding game. The SCRUB 2.0 only lead by 2 points at half. With 8:12 left in the first ½ the game was tied at 8, with 5:43 left the Scrub called a time out down by 1, with 9 seconds left Next Generation called time-out and got a free throw out of it with a 19-17 ½ time score.

The Scrub would walk off with the game by 14 points and the 5th seed. These guys have some game. I hear they will be without Jason Judy next week for their playoff match-up with Dip-Set. Danny Juarez of Next Generation played an impressive game and matched up well. Danny lead Next Gen with 16 points, made it to the line and lead with about 7 boards. Next Week Next Gen. takes on Evolution at 7:00 pm.

A piece of the second place was on the line tonight. High Octane was going at it with Dip-Set and Willie “C-Ya” Martinez didn’t even play the first half. (Practically) . Noel (Fa-Q) pronounced something like Fa as in a longer way to run and Q as in saying the letter. had another double double like a true trench warrior and Bobby Cannan lead all scorers, in that game, with 19. He was on tonight with some very nice moves.

Here is the playoff Match-ups

7 pm…Evolution…….vs…Next Generation

8 pm…High Octane…vs…All Stars

9 pm…Dip-Set………vs…SCRUB 2.0

For the rookie baler, double elimination tournament. Some teams may be required to play twice in one night. Bring your full squad. This is L.B.A. Raw after all.

See ya next week !

WEEK # 8 June 6th, 2005

Ballers, this was one of the best weeks of basketball in terms of talent and sportsmanship. The best game of the evening was probably SCRUB 2.0 ..vs.. Evolution. It was the first time Jason Judy, Toney Caffey, Lance, Mitch Silva, and Jeff Prahm were there all on the floor at once. That was my suggesting starting line-up. The Scrub 2.0 were leading with 5 minutes left in the first half. That was when Evolution put in Ron Benton, dude scored 3 consecutive baskets, put on the defensive clamp, and Evolution never looked back.

Evolution had the Sampson & “Cheeze” show as they do almost every week. Monster dunks (Benton got in on that show this week) precision cuts, passes and what seems like hang gliding without wings when Sampson brings it to the hole. But they are still missing “lil B” Brandon Rodriguez. (Last week Cheeze had at least 30 points, and Sampson about 22.)

As almost a side note, SCRUB 2.0 put on a 3-point clinic at the end of the game last night. They drained a flurry of shots in the last 2 minutes. I think they drained 7 of 8 3-pointers. Mitch Silva gave a genuine Michael Jordan shrug after one of his tre’s, looking back toward his bench family and friends. (Next season, if they’ll come back, their record will be much better)

Dip-Set took on the All Stars. Dip-Set won but it was a close game. Roberto, of the All Stars, twisted his ankle early in the 1st half and could not play the rest of the game. Mario Anchonado had another standout game, but could not do it all on his own.

Noel ”Fa-Q” had a very good game. Noel is officially ”Trench Warrior” of L.B.A. RAW season 1. This guy constantly goes out and gets a double double almost every single week. From what I can see, he plays clean as well. He does not blow his top or loose his cool. Willie “C-ya” Martinez had his usual stand out game, and floor leadership. Willie often splits the defenders when going to the hole. Sometimes the space between the defenders is smaller than a frogs hair split in two by a thick axe. Just FYI, that is an offensive foul each and every time. When I called a time-out last night, I brought out the NCAA Rule book to show that to the refs. Willie is not the only one, plenty of the guys do that, guys watch the offensive fouls. Rob “ # 8” played a good game.

High Octane played a good team game and actually passed the ball around quite a bit. I don’t remember the final score, but they handled Next Generation fairly easily. Marcus Nard played a stand out game. Marcus was a trench warrior tonight scoring a double double with ease. Damon “Dino” Jones played tough D. Maybe Damon should be known as “Tough” D. Jones?.

This is the morning edition ya’ll, I gotta head off to work early this morning. Stats will be updated at the center today before I take Chicago Blues Fest Vacation. I want to thank you guys for bringing in most of your money. I really get to be a dick when I have to chase you guys down for it.

Check out “ Blues News ” for Blues Fest updates. See ya next week.

The Dawg

Week # 7

I'm left with very few options. Two teams will be allowed in the playoffs. Evolution & Dip set. Two teams will be cut from the league. The players that have paid their full amount will be allowed to be put together to form two other teams. The All Stars, High Octane, Next Generation, and SCRUB 2.0 (they only owe $75) will be combined to make 2 teams.

You all leave me very few choices. This is my choice for now. You've made me wait to long for the $

LBA Raw Week # 6 05/24/05

Guys, Thanks for bringing in some money. Bring in more next week cause ya’ll still owe.

The 1st game saw High Octane play some really good ball. They had over a twenty point lead in the 2nd half but only lead by 12 at half time. They played so well, High Octane started out on a 12 – 0 run, but SCRUB 2.0 (It’s an update ya know) called time out with 7:21 only down by 11 (22 – 11) and called another with 5:28 only down by single digits (7).

The second half would see High Octane take this one over. These guys were runnin and gunnin. Both teams showed some good runs. Marcus Nard played an impressive game. At first Glance, Bobby Cannan lead all scorers with about 33 points. Bobby is still off on his 3’s this season but he is in Dunkers form. Tony Caffey had 30 points !!! That guy from the SCRUB 2.0 can really bring it. Mitch Silva sunk some key 3’s to keep the team respectable. The final score was 72 – 59 only a 13 point loss.

The 2nd Game featured a very heated battle and some very talented ballers. It did get physical there were two ejections and I’m torn on a double suspension, but I support the referees. Dip-Set was out to revenge their earlier 6 point loss to Evolution in the season. Willie “C-Ya” Martinez was hard to stop going to the hole, Noel Fa-Q picked up the slack. Marvin (another under 18 baller playin wit us) had a stand out game. He was the dude goin old school with the Indiana State Larry Bird #33 jersey in powder blue. This was a bust out game for him and I was glad to see it. Dip-Set had to win by 7 and take sole position of 1st place, that was not going to happen.

Evolution stands alone in first place with a record of 5 – 1 winning the rematch 73 – 65 . They only lost to The All Stars but without Samson McWherter Samson also had at least 30 points tonight and was 5 of 6 from the charity stripe. I believe Edgar Rodrigues played a stellar defensive game with 3 blocks, 50% free throws 8 rebounds and a clutch tre’. He was also good at keeping the rest of his guys in line.

Hey, are ya’ll going to Blues Fest ? June 9 – 12 in Grant Park Down Town Chicago

The Last game of the night pitted the All Stars against Next Generation. Mike Washington was the high scorer of that game with 18 points. On the other hand Ubi Ramos had about 6, but lead his team to another victory, matching the largest margin of the night (13 points) 57 – 43.

For some liner notes, The referees finally got paid tonight. Thank You Eric and Sal. The players need to realize the pressure these two guys and myself are under. We hear it from every team every game and even when it is not game night. We have jobs to do. I have to hold the place down and I have to live with my choices. We all have to live with the choices we make as individuals.

Think about that for a minute

Personally, I could think about my self in the eyes of God, and brother and sister, I could think for days about the bad decisions I have made. That is hind sight of course. That is thinking about things behind you. I don’t care if it’s spelled wrong but you get the point (I hope). Lets make better decisions ! Lets do the right thing.

Some guys need to be more expressive in life about the things that bother them. It is basketball, but don’t push a guy in the back because you think he is making a moving pick down the court. Take your aggression out on a punching bag or something. Some of ya’ll need practice. The Leyden Township Boxing Club offers boxing and open Gym from 6:30 – 8:30 at the center as long as you do some boxing work-outs and get sanctioned by U.S.A. Boxing

Some of ya’ll think you are tough, the boxing Ring is where you should show it. We are putting on a boxing show August 13th any bad boys wanna box someone in their category with matching weight and experience ? Call me at the Center 1pm - 9pm Closed Sunday off Mondays, 847-451-5144. and Gone for Blues Fest!

Dig The Blues and see ya next week.

Shout Out to Joey Trujillo and Adrian Lazcano who proudly represent Leyden East High School as Freshmen. (and Damon “Dino” Jones)( Oh and Salty, Manny Guzman, or was I suppose to feel salty?)

Week 5……MID-SEASON…….

5/18/5

Everyone is getting to realize that this season and league is just getting started. This is only be the 2nd full year of adult basketball at the Leyden Township Community Center, but our 6th Season (7 really). And things are going to get much different. We may see one or two teams dropped out of this league.

HIGH OCTANE.bring your money or leave. And you are the ones that complain all the time…..You cut people (from your roster) and say “Hey they are here”. Marcus Nard, Manny Guzman and Bobby Cannan can not play and will not be allowed to play unless We get some money from you crybabies. Wa Wa Boo Hoo ! Its been 5 weeks and you guys have not even paid your referee fees. Brandon Paid 20 Chris paid 20, Dino paid 20 Stonecutter paid 20, Claude even paid $5 and you shyt heads wont even give him a ride home. Marcus , driving a caddy with all types of Jordan stuff has paid 4 dollars total. And is gonna let disrespectfull Bobby Cannan blame pushing the door thing on him. High Octane needs to be Men and not crybabies. While Im at it. That goes for the rest of Next Generation that owes like $150 and S.C.R.U.B. 2.0 that owes about $100 and The AllStars that owes about $70 less than High Octane

I read parts of the college rule book today concerning technical fouls, 5 second rules, un-sportsmen like conduct and taunting. That type of behavior is not allowed. Superman of Evolution is suspended for 1 game. Eddie is a Heart & Hustle type of guy. He will be missed with the team facing Dip-Set for 1st place. Point differential does make a difference in seeding. Either way # 1 & # 2 are on opposite ends of the bracket. (Double elimination unless I cut you now)

The refs are doing much better. All teams have complained equally. I do think the All Stars have gotten somewhat of the raw end of the stick and Dip-Set getting the better end of it. Eric the Ref made the correct call on that 5 second rule. The defense of Superman was right however I also came across the foul of pushing which is something Eddie did plenty of on Rumalo of the All Stars. Eddie was also clearly taunting. I would have called that foul. I should actually have a whistle to call that type of shit in my (our) house. I’m glad Sal the Ref booted Bobby Cannan. I will boot some next week if I see unsportsman like conduct.

Willie “C-Ya” Martinez Your Team is tough, but plays good on the court under your leadership. Your # 1 fan is also suspended for one game. You know who he is, he knows who he is. He behaved better this week, I appreciate that from him, but I don’t want him in the house next week.

That brings me to The Games

Dip-Set defeats High Octane. Ha Ha ! TFKA High Octane shot 3 of 18 from 3 point range (16%) Dip-Set 50% (2 of 4). Brandon Nard had 14 points & 7 boards. His Cousin had 10 points and did not beat Brandon in Rebounds. I will say Dino was 1 of 5 from 3 point land, BUT his shot selection was more productive for his team. I believe almost every miss was directly put back by a teammate.

Noel F-aQ Velasquez had 16 points and almost lead all of tonight’s balers in points. Noel wound up with 6 boards but his team’s shots were mush more favorable. {(Mike Washington of Next Gen lead with 18, ( he paid $35 in his second game)}. High Octane lead out of the gate 11-5 after a7:15 of play. Over the next 7 minutes and twenty four seconds, Dip-Set takes the lead 19-17 and ends the half 25 – 18 with High Octane being out scored 20 to 11 in the last 8:12 of the game. A 26 to 19 second half was not enough for TFKA High Octane to get it back. It was Dave Sotelo with 38 seconds left sinking both of his free throws or his 1 of 1 that won it 46 – 44 for Dip-Set. Nice game guys. Next week: Evolution for 1st place: you have to win by 6 or more to take it over.

Speaking of Evolution they lost to The All-Stars this week. Its getting late so I’ll finish up

I haven’t gaven props to Mario Anchonodo yet. PROPS to Mario. I also need to give props to The Team Leadership of Ubi Ramos. Ubi has a championship (or 2) in his blood. Last week and this week was a battle for the first half of the season. The All Stars beat Evolution minus Sampson but ”CHEEZE” was ineffective on Mario. (both Cheeze & Mario had 17 pts) (Mario only missed 2 of 12 shots, where as Cheeze missed 13 of 24 shots.) Eveloution took 66 shots total and only made 26, All Stars took 46 and made 23) (almost 50% free throw shooting)

note to the refs, Evolution got 23 free throws and All Stars only 11. Eveloution Superman really showed something being so un-sportsman like, I will not tolerate that shyt from anybody. .

S.C.R.U.B.2.0 beats Next Generation 44-40. Jason Judy and Tony Caffey both had a Double Double. (Edgar Rodrigues also had a 2X2). Jason Judy leads the league with 16 blocked shots. That’s at least 2.3 per game. Joey Trujillo was 3 of 3 with 3 boards and very good defense for the SCRUB 2.0 (Joey is also a freshman).

Gotta give a shout out to Adrian Lazcano the other high school freshman with poise. These two kids have really stepped up their game. That is great to see as is the play of Sampson & Cheeze and Jason Judy & Toney Caffee. ( Noel & Willy and Mario) Sampson is the M.V.P. of the first half of L.B.A. RAW.

Catch ya next week, BRING YOUR MONEY, or Go Home

Week # 4…… 5/14/5

Game 1 featured Dip – Set against Scrub 2.0. The game was close in about the first 7 minutes, The Scrub called a time out at 10:10 in the first half down 7 – 15. It only got worse. At 6:51 They called another with the score 8 – 20. The Scrub 2.0 were down 33 – 10 at half time. (No Tony Caffee). They lost the game 66 to 31. Lance had 15 points and 7 boards. Mitch “Heart & Hustle” Silva had 6 points and 5 boards. Jason Judy, Leading the league in blocks had 4 against Dip – Set.

Dip Set played a very good team game. It was mostly scoring by F-aQ Noel (12 pts , 6 boards) and Willie “C-ya” Martinez (16 pts and 8 assists) This Dip – Set really can rebound. They had 33 as a team, that’s 2 more than their opponent had in points. Dip- Set scored 14 points at the free throw line going 14 of 20 (70%) . Rob Corda (# 8) was 6 of 7 at the line , 1 of 7 from the field, grabbed 7 rebounds and blocked 2 shots. Great game Rob ! Dave Stoleo went 3 of 4 . Marvin was 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Beltzer missed 4 tre’s but was 3 of 3 at the line and added a field goal and 5 boards.

Game 2 was a rematch of the Streetball 5 Championship Game between the All Stars and High Octane. High Octane has been waiting for this one for a long time and they won by 7 points. Brandon Nard ..UM..Brandon Nard.. dude had no points….but 6 rebounds…..shyt Brandon… The STONECUTTER now there is a baler with C.O’D., they got together for 17 points, 11 boards, 7 steals.

The whole team has some defence. Bobby Cannan was off tonight he had 3 steals but as a team High Octane needs to shoot better from the 3 point line, they were 3 of 16 with open looks. Damon “Dino” Jones had 8 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists & 4 steals.

The All Stars with Adrian Lazcano may be in a rebuilding phase this season. Their future this season looks bright with Adrian. At the end of the game the ball went into his hand almost every time. He is a high school freshman playing against men. Adrain has got lots of skills and could beat a mens’ team with his 4th grade cousin Sammy Moya.

Fernando Lazcano got into balling mode with 8 points and 7 boards. Roberto Maldonado lead the team with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 of 7 from the line. Funny thing about this game and the referees, Roberto was the only one fouled when shooting ? The only one to go to the line for the All Stars ? Come on ! If that is the case they have to bring it to the hole more. They are waiting the return of Mario Anchonodo. In my opinion he may be ineffective if he does not get a few games under his belt before the play offs.

The 3rd Game. Blow out …EVELOUTION…….

let me post this and I can tell of the results of other things. Guys I’m doing lots of writing these days. I apologize for my lacking in attention. Hey guys , pay up!

Games are free, bring your families, remember it is a Family place, keep it clean. Say a prayer once in a while and don’t litter.

WEEK # 3

Ok folks, Its been a long week and a half and you are waiting for your updates.

Well, what can I say ? Evolution has got it goin on ! Exclamation point ! High Octane trimmed their roster, and I say those guys join,…..drum roll please…(Evan)….Next Generation. High Octane cut Claude Roberts along with Patrick and Terrell. As Damon “Dino” Jones would say, (it’s a race thang…….aaahhhhhhaaaaaa) and tell me to (look out for my brothers because it is all about LOVE.) If Rich Cardona will take the guys, I’ll ask them for some money and see if they wanna continue playin ……L.B.A. RAW

Evolution put on a fantastic show for the crowed, CHEEZE out dunked and blocked more than any baller in the short history of The Leyden Township Community Center. Sampson had the most assists and is a major floor major. The SCRUB 2.0 played a very good game. Anybody on Evolution can tell you that it was a close game in the beginning. There was almost any point where the SCRUB 2.0 could have gotten back into the game. It was not to be.

High Octane had an easy victory over Next Generation. Next Gen. Needs some players guys. Listen unless you all want a bye every 3rd Tuesday, I suggest that you all get some guys on this team. Head my earlier advice about players cut from rosters. Im telling those cut guys to show up and play for next generation. Rich Cardona deserves better then the defection of the team, (Evolution). It had to be said (their bench is not that deep) (last week to add to rosters before free agency).

I’m gonna say right now, The referees better get their stuff in gear. The last game of the night was a disgrace. This was my first night actually watching all the games and observing the games up close. There is plenty to be said. Sal Esparza is the guy I’m looking to for leadership on the court. I trust Sal and saw him hustle tonight. He arrived early tonight and we reviewed the games. Sal played in Streetball 4 and refereed Streetball 5.

Let this message get out, Willy, to our referee friends, Do Not be late, Be alert, hustle and call everything, hustle, and be ready to call all the fouls……..I’d rather you put Eric on the roster and made Anthony Beltzer a ref ? I think he’d work better with Sal, hustle more, and make more calls. These guys are paying $350 to be in a league with no cash prize. Most of that money goes to the refs. Sal deserves it and he works for it. There is thin ice in Minnessota in May, heed the message.

Dip-Set defeats the All Stars loosing by 13 at half time. I must….must ……must….. give proper respects (That is the origin of the term PROPS) to Noel “F-aQ”. He is the “Trench Warrior” that actually made Dip-Set win the game. He didn’t even show till the second half with numberous rebounds and put backs. Noel had 14 points, but Willie “C-Ya” Martines lead his team in scoring with 15, 75% from the charity strip (3 of 4) and made a difference. I could talk about this for hours but you know I have the Blues !

Bobby Cannan was the high scorer tonight with at least 25 points. Roberto had 24 from the All Stars, and Samson has 24 of Evelotion.

See Ya next week

L.B.A. Raw………Week 1

The inaugural game featured the 2 time Streetball Champs , All Stars taking on the first L.B.A. team , Next Generation. The All Stars got off to an 18 – 2 lead and capped off the first half dominating 25 – 11. It looked as if Ubi had his guys ready to reclaim their spot as champs.

The second half was a different story. Next Generation out scored the All Stars 27 – 11, and with 12 seconds left in the game tied it up at 36. With 3.6 seconds left, Daronell Moore went to the hole and was fouled by Roberto. Next Gen. Was at the line and Moore had ice water running through his veins as he sunk both free throws to win the game.

Game 2 was a rough and tumble game. The refs need to remember to call all the fouls. Although I did not see much of the game, it seemed more like full court streetball. Evolution had a 12 point lead at ½ 37 – 25. Dip-Set, with Willie “C-Ya” Martinez out scored their opponent 29 – 23 in the second but it still wasn’t enough. Evolution was triumphant 60 – 54. It seems like Evolution could be the team to beat this season. Their bench could be the weakness, but I bet they have some ringers waiting in the wings.

Game 3, (yes we have 6 teams) saw the return of Brandon Nard with his revamped team, High Octane. The other team, SCRUB 2.0 have a vastly improved team and have upgraded. This was a very close game. The SCRUB 2.0 was leading at ½ 29 – 27. At some time in the second half a new comer for High Octane, (one of Damon “Dino” Jones recruits) got the ball on a fast break and dunked the ball which set off the crowed and allowed High Octane to get on a run and win the game. After that dunk, SCRUB 2.0 was unable to get back in the game. High Octane wins it 60 – 51

Standings

Evolution………........11……..1……

All Stars………….......6……..7……

SCRUB 2.0.…….......3……..8……

Dip-Set…………........9……..3……

Next Generation…..1……..11..(out)……

High Octane……......6……..6..(out)……

This is free lance

Samson McWherter...points... 230

jason Judy............................blocks........29

Fa-Q and Tony Caffey....rebounds

...........................................100 & 99 respectively..

Damon Jones & Willie.....assists......(tied). 57

..Jason Judy..............fouls....... 30.

Damon "Dino" Jones....Steals .... 40

.Fa-Q .............Attempts.(2's)......153....

.Jesus Cuevas...Attempts.(3's)......54

...percentage ??

.3's..Meshawn Ayers.........................55%

.2's.Willie "C-Ya" Martinez...65%

..MVP's ..? ..Samson?,, Caffey?, Lance? Willie ? Rich ?

..

Be good Ya'll Its now 12:59 am 7/10/5

The L.B.A. begins now ! The first games will be played Tuesday Night April 12th . L.B.A. Eagle Feeder begins with Halloween ! (4th-5th graders)

L.B.A. is the Leyden Basketball Association and we have formed it. We play 5 0n 5, full court, college rules, 2 refs, $350 per team, just like planned. The first 8 teams in with money will be given priority. The first 8 teams in with the full registration fee will be guaranteed a spot in the 15-week (or so) Inaugural Season. Get your money together!

Who has game now ?

The rest is old News

Streetball 5 ALL STAR GAME….Feb 18th 2005 (2:15 am)

What a fantastic All Star game we had tonight at the Leyden Township Community Center. It featured New Era Plus and Next Generation with Bobby Cannan of the Dunkers ..vs..The All stars, Play Makers, and ?TFK?. We handed out awards and prizes. Just about everybody (including spectators) walked away with a hat or some thing.

The game was tied at the end of the 1st period at 18 . The 2nd period ended 33 – 32 with Ubi and Manny’s team in the lead. This was a great game because, There was a 3rd period and all the players did so well.

The Vice Commissioner and myself picked the All Stars of the ALL SRAR GAME. There were some that did very well but did not get the Award. Ubi Ramoslead his team in scoring and had a career high 13 points. Meshaun Ayers of Next Generation, lead all balers with 14 points on 18 shots and 3 steals. Damon “Dino” Jones he only had 6 points and 9 rebounds but he was the Captain of his team and made his team what it is. Fernando Lazcano gets an honorable mention for leading rebounder with 14.

The All Stars of the Streetball 5 (un refed) All Star game are Willie “C-Ya” Martinez of New Era Plus with 9 points, each and every time to the trench. This guy had some twists and hop’s into the paint for some great lay-ups. (he could call that special delivery as in U.P.S.) and 10 boards to go along with it. Need I remind you that each only counts as 1 point (unless it’s a two from the arch)

Manny Guzman of ?TFK? , was The toll keeper for his team. If you went into the trench against Manny, you had to Pay the Guzman Toll. The main reason we had Streetball is because of Manny Guzman. He had at least 11 points 5 rebounds and his efforts lead to many second chance points for his team that kept them in the game for the first two periods.

Edgar Rodrigues of Next Generation. Edgar was awarded Mr. Defense for Streetball 5 had at least 5 blocks, 3 steals, countless forced turnovers and was 4 of 7 in the 3rd period with 5 points.

New Era Plus & Next Generation just proved to be to much in the 3rd period winning it 54 .. to .. 42.

Jimmy Darling hit 2 of 2 deuces and took one to the hole. Jimmy Rookie of The Year and Jr. Street M.V.P. of 2004 came out of no where in 3 minutes max playing time to seal the deal for Next Gen and New Era Plus.

Tonight I awarded the Most Improved Player Award. That award has only been given twice ever in the history of Leyden Township Streetball. That choice is made by me and does not go out easily. Last year Mario Anchonodo won that award. He won it without expectation and has lived up to it by helping his team to a repeat championship. This Years winner can not make the same claim but was in it for the running in Street 4.

Demetrious Adams…. “Lil Michi” Is the Most Improved player award winner for Streetball 2005. I remember when he played for the Congo Astec Warriors in Streetball 1. I remember his return and improvement and his outstanding play this season. D routinely scored in double figures and rarely missed a double double. He came a long way from the shoeless guy in the first championship game.

STONECUTTER

HEART & HUSTLE

Tonight There were 3 very memorable individuals to recognize over the last 5 streetball seasons. I will give a $1000 plug to Crown Awards so you all know you are appreciated. Damon Jones, Bobby Cannan and Chris Runge. These three guys define Leyden Streetball as we knew it. In Streetball 1 Chris Runge made his stance with The Klinger Dynasty against the Dunkers to be and the default streetball stats sheet player Brian Jacobs Brian is about 6’ 8” and Chris is about a foot shorter. The Stonecutter tore him up and has not looked back since. For all the Tough Guys in Streetball, The Stone Cutter is for you

Heart & Hustle For Street 5 winners of the DJ/BC H&H Award you received a Heart and Hustle award named after Damon Jones and Bobby Cannan. These two guys have exhibited real talent over the life of “Streetball”. The award symbolizes pride, hustle, determination and will to win.

Stay tuned for The Leyden Basketball Association aka: LBA Raw coming late March or April.

02/11/05.....ALL STARS repeat as Champions 24 ..to..22

02/11/05.....ALL STARS repeat as Champions 24 ..to..22

Game tied at half time 15 all, and the All Stars win it by two. Truth be told, because we keep track of it, ?TFK? only got 3 and 1's They kept their cool, 3 and ones ????????????? Holy Cow! (as Harry Cary would say). Those guys got screwed. All Stars got 7 and 1's

After reading that stat, I wish Sal Esparza would have had a different referee with him tonight. Sal and the guys at the table do a great job but the last two second referees did kind of suck with great inhaling proficiency

The All Star Game Is this coming Friday. This will be the last "Street Ball Game" as we currently know it at LTCC.

The up coming Friday Night Hoop it up will be for people under the age of 18. For the older guys, who used to play on Friday Nights, Look forward to Tuesday Nights! I'd like to announce, with the Help of Joe Jenkins and Andy Torres of the Urban Legends, The L.B.A. , That stands for the Leyden Basketball Association.

The L.B.A. is in its infancy. I will shoot for Tuesday Nights Starting in March, April or most likely MAY. We can follow an N.B.A. or College rulebook. Street ball is over after 5 seasons. We'll continue to have adult Basketball for our residents. All residents are members of The L.B.A., non residents must have a $10 membership to the L.B.A. . If you want to attend or participate in an L.B.A. event you must pay the $10 registration fee for each season. (Other daily fees may occur)

02/04/05….Semi-Finals

?TFK? makes it to the championship game again ! This is Streetball 5 and these guys have been there every season.

All Stars make it to the championship game to defend their title of Street 4 champ.

This is a rematch of the last championship game. This will be a tough one to call. The All Stars bring back their whole team with the addition of Rumalo. Tim Studamire is in championship form and Mario Anchonodo is back. ?TFK? has a new look with Steve Kaidan and Chris Stonecutter Rungie.

The big difference in this game is going to be attitude and temper. If ?TFK? can keep their emotions in check they have a chance, otherwise The All Stars will beat them by 3 in regulation.

The games tonight were very good. New Era Plus was tied at half time with ?TFK? 16 all. New Era Plus walked off the court loosing by only 9 points. It was a pretty close game all the way. There were about 5 minutes left and TFK was up by only 5 points. That is the match up they wanted.

The Dunkers were up by 6 points at half time (16 – 22) and wound up loosing to The All Stars 38 – 35. The Dunkers have no bench, and no big guy to go with Mario. The All Stars have some shooters. Anthony Dean put up 7 deuces and made exactly no points. That is when you need a bench. Bobby Cannan is a Heard and Hustle namesake, but he is the career leader in Crying out for Mamma. {he just over came Manny Guzman, but Manny has one more game to play, (The Championship Game)}.

The All Stars tonight were all about Mario, Rumolo, and RRROOOOBBBEEERTOOOOOO (Roberto). ?TFK? was all about Marcus Nard and a well balanced scoring attack across the board

See ya at the finals, Feb 11th, All Star Game Feb 18th.

ground Hogs Day (2-2-5)

The top 4 seeds match up. Next generatin picked their playoff stars in a match up of 21 on the night of the 1st round of the playoffs. “Superman”, Eddie Torres, Meshay Ayers, and Mr Defense Edgar Rodriguez, made the all star team

All Stars..vs..Dunkers……….it’s a toss up. Dunkers have no bench……..Howie Long was still at Villanova University when Philadelphia was last in the Super Bowl against Oakland.

TFK..vs..New Era Plus………..The Damon Jones factor ………..The Marcus, Manny, C.O.D, and the overwhelming Stonecutter factor……..The “Willie C-Ya Martinez” factor…….The Jay Rubin…..Teegs….P.J. Joshi….. and DFWU factor………? What is your Streetball History ?

TFK makes it to the championship again

WEEK 11 1/21/2005

The Playoffs are set.

The Ramons play ?TFK? in the first game of the evening.

The All Stars are the # 1 seed and will be playing the Play Makers in the 2nd game at 7:15

New Era Plus is the 2 and plays The Urban Legends at 8:00 pm the 3rd game of the evening

The Dunkers (The first place team) took the 4th seed and will be playing Next Generation in the last game of the evening.

The Chairman, vice Chairman and second vice Chairman all agreed that if The Dunkers beat The All Stars, The Dunkers would be the top seed. The Dunkers did beat the All Stars (by forfeit, All Stars thought they played last). That is not how the match-ups turned out basically due to most of the other commissioners disagreeing. Jay Rubin, Manny Guzman and Nick Conteduca (Ubi Ramos was in the Bulls Sky Box) all wished for games at different times.

This season has found the top four teams all with 2 losses. The seeding decision was a very tough call. The Dunkers are the superior team however they did loose to New Era Plus. ?TFK? blew out New Era but lost to both the All Stars and The Dunkers. The All Stars lost its only game on the court to New Era Plus by 3 points but beat them earlier in the season by 7 points. The Dunkers lost to New Era Plus by 2 points and lost once to Next Generation and blew them out after Thanksgiving in the second meeting between the two teams.

I think you will agree that the semi-final match-ups should prove to be impressive. If the top 4 seeds advance we will see Dunkers .vs.All Stars and ?TFK? .vs.New Era Plus

Check the standings to see my official placements. But scroll back to the top to check your game time and opponent.

1/20/05..(League Leaders updated also)

Awards Time. What should we give out ?

Seems the staff like the Heart & Hustle Awards. I’d like to call them the DJ Heart & Hustle awards after Damon Jones. The first H & H awards, sparked by the play of Damon back in “Street 1-3”, were co named for 3 players. Bobby Cannan and believe it or not, Mitch “goggles” Silva and naturally Damon. (By the way, Willie “C-Ya” Martinez has plenty of heart and hustle to go around).

Engraving permitting, I’d like to name them the DJ/BC H & H award

I’d like to give out some Leadership awards to those who have not received them before. Some of our Streetball players are leaders for so many different reasons. Tim Stodlemeyer (if I can spell his name right) is a Streetball Champion, father of 5, almost 40 years old, and helping to be a mentor to the youth in the workplace. Damon Jones is full of Love. Who else would invite Jimmy and John Darling to their team and still have such a good record? Damon is a fixture of the Leyden Township Community Center and often organizes a game with everyone in the gym. Dino also deserves it for his efforts on the court. Menards should get an employee award named after Ray Sanchez. This particular award, to a local employer, is for giving jobs to our Streetballers and named after Ray because he is an employee and has brought some significant revenue to the Community Center.

Sportsmanship

Most Improved Player from Streetball 1 and the Congo Astec Warriors to New Era Plus and Streetball 5, there is One Baller that sticks out. Do You know who it is ?

We will get the awards that the budget allows, thank you all for playin and Street 6 starts March 4th. Get your rosters in cause I have opening day (Cubs) on April 8th and blues fest June 10th.

1/14/05

Week 10

?TFK? smoked the Urban Legends tonight. Jose Hernadezgot some action in this game. It was his 3rd game of the season. Brandon Nard missed his bus, and Manny Guzman suffered a hard foul in the second half. I wish I had more time to actually watch the games. Marcus nard was looking sharp in his 45 Jordan.

New Era Plus defeated the Dunkers by two this evening. That puts a real interesting twist on the entire playoff picture. The Dunkers should move into 4th seed behind ?TFK?. New Era Plus has two losses this season, All Stars (by 7) and ?TFK? (by 10), however, they have beaten the two teams that ?TFK? lost to, The Dunkers by 2, and the all Stars (rematch) by 3. Head to head I suppose ?TFK? would wind up in 2nd place, plus they have the most wins, and the same amount of losses as New Era and the Dunkers.

The Playmakers (lost by forfeit) defeated the All Stars tonight. Ubi had Tim Stodlemier and Mario Anchonodo but some of the rest of the players left early and there was no ref calling the and ones, Still a pretty bad game with 15 minutes half’s the final was 19 to 18. Go figure.

1/11/05...League leaders up dated...Bobby Cannan of the Dunkers rules in scoring.

1/8/05...The standings are up dated, scroll down

The Ramons picked up a victory over the PlayMakers by forefit. Hey guys, gotta show on time. The final was 22 - 18. The Dunkers smoked the Urban Legends by 15, 50 to 35. The Legends brought Family and friends. Andy Torres showed for the first time in a while. Next Generation got the victory of the defunct Chi-Alumni.

The game of the night featured ?TFK? vs New Era Plus. The game started early and ?TFK? strutted away with a 10 point victory 48 to 38. That moved New Erea into 4th place behind ?TFK? and The Dunkers. ?TFK? have the most victories in the league (7) but they have 2 losses.

The Dunkers face New Era Plus next week, then the All Stars in the regular season finally. The playoff picture should be clear by then.

01/07/05

Streetball commission: Update

I openly discussed it with the boss so we have some room to make a good thing even better. Hopefully I can facilitate this thing, and we all will learn something about running a league. I will be commissioner and Ray Soch will be Vice Commissioner, Manny Guzman will be the Players President and Damingo Ramerize, 2nd vice commissioner (small caps on purpose). Ubi Ramos, Jason Rubin, Nick Conteduca, Damon Jones are also on the board as 5 season reps, and Leadership award winners and Captians most of the time. Sal Esparza The Ref is a member and that makes us 9 (nine). Sal will also be The Ref next season. "Street 6" (that holds a suprize for Menards and Home Depot and all out of Dist roster members)

A new Brand for Out of District Open Gym Passes for members of Streetball. For Street 6 - 9 (or so) for $10 a season you can have an open Gym Pass durring the season if you are on a streetball roster and paid the fee.

We have been given an opportunity to do something very good here. We can come together, make decisions, have them approved and run our league accordingly. Maybe we can take a proceeds of league and put them in a separate account for a wooden floor ? There is no telling what we can do…

The boss has the final veto of anything and The Township has the ultimate say about the use of their facilities. So regardless of what we say or want, The Town board has the ultimate say. But we are not proposing anything radical or unfeasible with me at the helm.

And for laughs, traveling team, wood floor, and All State Arena………………….It is possible………I know government……………….We, Leyden Township Streetball set the trend in Streetball.

Week 7……12/11/04

Week 8….12/17/04..

The All Stars finally lost a game to New Era Plus 43 – 41. This was the second meeting of the season for these teams. Both teams tied with 6 wins and 1 loss. The All Stars hold the tiebreaker with a previously larger margin of victory. That seems to be ok with both squads for the time being, they figure they will meet again.

Willie “C-ya” Martinez was in this game for New Era, but so was, Mario Anchondo for the All Stars.

The Urban Legends moved up on the Playmakers with a 10 Point win, 44 – 34. I’d like to give a brief Plug to MENARDS because they employ the ballers from the Urban Legends. If you can, please shop at Menards. The Legends wrote us this recap in the dance shuffling stylings of , Leroy Moore of Maywood, (possible relation of ‘Gene’)

The Urban Legends played a strong team game against the playmakers. They were off and running thanks to the pick and roll offence, led by J Legend & Rodney Anderson. The game was won in the first half (23 – 15). Everyone on the team was in double figures. Turn-overs were cut down and all around basketball precision was displayed. If they keep playing like this they will never loose again. Stay Tuned

Editors note here. They have won 2 of their last 3 games. I have seen these guys in the LTCC over their last few weeks. They have contributed almost another $20 to the center. When these guys are in the gym others show up. They have really come together as a team. Ray Sanchez (a Menards employee), from a team that is the team formerly knows and High Octane, and the Congo Astec Wariors, has assembled an impressive team. Ray deserves a free 2005 Gym Pass

The Dunkers Slaughtered the Chi-Town, Old, Mike Crispin, team, grudge holdin, Streetball 4 loosing in the playoffs, Mad Dog reffin, some poker game with Rory O’Kray’s Daddy postin , read the Guest book , Alumni

BY 40 POINTS. This is a new Streetball Record Largest Margin of Victory

Holy muching pish, the game was only 24 or 30 minutes long and the score was 58 – 18. For first time readers, WE ONLY SCORE BY ONES.

Another good game was Next Generation against ?TFKas?. This game was tied 24 – 24 at half. From the little bit of the game I did see, Chris “StoneCutter” Runge deserves his “props”. Both teams deserve “props” because this was a game that the billing lived up to. Manny Guzman had 12, Steve Kadin 10, and Clyde Roberts (had to give his ass a ride home tonight) with 9 of 10 shooting.

Richard Cardona

The Scorekeepers and the Ref, Sal Esparza did a great job working together tonight. The Ballers will always complain about any ref, but I know I can always count on these guys to feel a passion and responsibility for the Streetball League @ Leyden Township and the responsibility that falls upon our shoulders.

We are all moving into 2005. We are only in our 2nd full year. We begun Streetball around the 1st Aniversary of the Leyden Township Community Center, (Summer 2003).

I think we really have something going here. This season and the next will be very interesting. Streetball 7 will find our scorekeepers in college and hopefully earning a few bucks for Friday Night Hoop It Up . The Ref will be back next season.

Lee Harden stopped in for Week 8. Lee was the first Streetball Ref and co-originator, of our league. I feel a need to create a board of commissioners of our Streetball league. But who should be a member?

If that were to happen, rignt now, I should be commissioner, and Ray Soch, vice-comissioner. We would have Domingo as Second Vice-Chair. The elected board might consist of Chris O’Donnell & Manny Guzman along with maybe 7 total board members. My boss would hold the tie breaker.

So Ubi Ramos & Damon Jones would hopefully be offered a seat as would Nick Conteduca and Anthony Dean. The final seat should go to an elected member from all new players. (regardless of their playing status).

It would be good if the players, amongst themselves created some sort of players union or board to review exceptions to the rules and make appeals to the Streetball Board of Commissioners.

Time for bed, 2am on 12/18/04.

Good Luck to our boxers in The Silver Gloves this weekend. They are going to kick some ass! They are fighting in Rockford in the Midwest Regionals, and could go on to Olympic Champions. Tina and Biancia are fighting and representing Leyden Township. Leyden Township Boxing (beware of “Chillo”)

its now 3:11 am Saturday 12/18/04, (two days from my birthday), I'll have the next 3 days off. (hey its my and Tom's web site after all.) We share to right to all this amongst ourselves and those that helped create this league including Leyden Township and those mentioned above.

The board seems to want a hard wood floor and I think we should sell my book to raise funds to buy such floor. All proceeds from the book would go into buying a hardwood floor for the Leyden Township Community Center.

Just because your vcisits are becoming political issuyes

Ok Ballers its Saturday 8:44 pm

The Urban Legends lost to new Era Plus 37 to 44 but The Legands had the lead with 3 minutes left in the first half. They showed up early and played as a team. These guys are comming together and bringing some of their friends. the Crew from MENARDS (free plug for a company that employes our Streetballers) that promise to get it together by "Street 6".

?TFK? won by forfeit , but lost the game to an Unlikely Group. Brandon Nard got to play in this game and added to his career stats, he had a double Double(as usual). Brandon teamed up with Bobby Cannan of the Dunkers, Ray Sanchez of the Urban Legends, Sal Esparza The ref, and Jimmy Darling of New Era Plus. The score was 40 to 35

Do not be alarmed, ?TFK? took it easy on these guys. I mean The Stonecutter would not have taken it so easy. He still got a nasty foul though, and should maybe have an award named after him. (No Dis to the “Dino” Heart medal) (the 1st named medal).

Next Generation scored a victory over a depleted Play Makers team. Rich Cardona said "I don't wanna get a cheap victory". Superman Eddie with his new shoes agreed. Then they passed the ball to Mikey Cardona to test his shot. (Mikey was 3 of 4) and we were ready to Ball. Edgar Rodriguez has hot been around for a few games, But Mishawn sank 13 of his teams 42. Dino Damon Jones played the second half for thePlaymakers. He sank at least 8 in that game. The Playmakers were down by 9 at half and only lost by 5.

The Dunkers beat up on the Ramons The final was 59 to 43. the Dunkers were without Nick Conteducia and move on to 4 – 1. Bobby Cannan scored 41 points tonight in 2 games, (and we only score by Ones), and " Dino " scored 21

league Leaders to follow

.Joe Jenkins................. blocks....15...Urban Legends

...Marcus Nard ............rebounds...96....?TFK?

.Bobby Cannan..........scoring......143....Dunkers

Damon Dino Jones...steals..40...New Era Plus

Chirog Patel..cried 4 momma..9..Chi-Town Alumni

..Stonecutter Rungie.......nasty fouls........6...?TFK?

Claude Roberts.........assists........54......?TFK?

Bobby Cannan.........shots taken.....212......Dunkers

.Jimmy Darling & Damon Dino Jones....games played.....14...New Era Plus

.Jimmy & John Darling.....Rookies of the Year....New Era Plus

STANDINGS

Dunkers.........7...&....2

All Stars........7...&....2

?TFK?...........8...&....2

New Era Plus..8....&...2

Next Generation....5...&....5

Ramons........5.....&....5....place....6

Urban Legends...2.....&....9............place....7

Playmakers......2.... &....9*

Chi-Town Alumni...o....fer...10

The Blues has a hold of the Streetball League

Week 6 12/3/04

We lost a Mother and God Mother of some Streetballers past and present players. If you remember streetball 3 and The H.I.U. Champs, you remember, Victor “Veto” Ballard , please pay proper respects for his mother. Damon “Dino” Jones, Lil Michi, and Big Michi ”Bi Bi” were Godchildren and on the same team.

Actually, we are all Gods children. This is my web site and I can say that.

A moment or two of silence for our fellow humans. And another 4 for Victor. And another 6 for the God kids. And some more for yourself to feel the tale of this story.

11/24/04

Hey, Maybe Ron Artest and the guys want to join Streetball

Happy Thanksgiving

Week 5

The Urban Legends finally won a game ! It went into overtime on a buzzer beater (20 footer) by Leroy Moore

here is how they wrote the story by: Joe Jenkins

“Joe had 10, Andy had 12, Ray Sanchez with 2, Leroy with 5, Lavell with 3, and Rodney with 5

Urban Legends were down by 1 with 30 seconds left in the 4th. Leroy Moore hit a 20 foot shot to send it into overtime, with 9 seconds left in overtime Joseph Jenkins sealed it with a baseline jumper from 15 feet. The crowed went into frenzy.”

The Chi-Town Alumni showed with 2 volunteers, Bobby Thompson, Javier Lopez, Nick Donato , who lead all scorers with 15, and the second generation player Genero Lazcano Jr.. Smokie Robinson showed off his skills in the second half. The Legends won it 39 – 38.

The Dunkers now hold the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th highest scoring games in Leyden Streetball history They scored 60 tonight by 1’s (no free throws) and their opponant, The Playmakers, according to Captian Ray, didn’t make the plays !” The combined total did not exceed 100, 60 – 39, Dunkers

The All Stars beat The Ramons 38 – 36. The All Stars were up 8 to 1 to start the game, then The Ramons came backing the second half to make a gas guzzler out of this game.

Its getting late, and I had to give Mr. Double Double Claude Roberts a ride home tonight. Speaking for Claude, I want to say that his team moved into a tie for second place with a victory tonight. TFK ? beat Next generation by a score or 32 – 27

Jimmy Darling & New Era Plus had a bye this evening. Shout Outs to……..Damon “Dino” Jones Streetball……Torch “makin a move for most improved player” Jay Rubin……….The Leyden Ballers all my love……..Lil, Big, and “Daddy Teges”…….and TaWanda

…….Shout out to Superman……..Rich & The family………..Mishaw…Mr Defense, Edgar Rodriguez and all of you all from next generation..and..the playmakers, from out of district that make this league/tournament possible.

It is now 1:20am, 11/20/04 (one month from my 42nd birthday)

11/12/09

Brandon Nard was the ref tonight. I could not think of anyone better to ref the game while Esparza is gone (Skip).

11/14/04

Week 4 finally got under way. The first game went into overtime with Streetball Dino Damon Jones and his “New Era Plus” going into overtime with the “Ramons”. New Era Plus a.k.a., KLUTCH ,and that they were, pulled it out 56 – 54. Just FYI, overtime is only 3 minutes and they were tied at 51. Great Game.

The next two games were blowouts with one team not even showing up. The Playmakers were able to defeat Marcus Nard, Damon Jones, Claude Roberts, Javier Diaz and his friend. They played without a ref and the Playmakers won 31 – 24. Oh yea, to save on time we played only 15 minute halves. In the other game TFA ? with The Stonecutter had their way with The Urban Legends. I did not see the game but it was almost a walk-off victory (by 13) at half-time. In Local News, (ha ), TFK ?, added another Leyden Township Local in Ricky Rigalato Ricky played on the Dynasty with the Klingers and The Stonecutter. The Dynasty need to make a return trip to the Community Center with either Donato or the Urban Legends. The Legends only have 4 guys.

The last game of the