Gotta Have It 54 (W 1-0)
Hard 2 Guard 31 2 OT (L 0-1)
Gotta Have It:
Alyssa Gratein 24 pts 9 rebs (Tie-Game High Scorer)
Shalisa Jackson: 18 pts 11 rebs
Hard 2 Guard:
Emily Durr 24 pts (Tie-Game High Scorer)
Barrie Brooks 5 pts 10 rebs
Rim Rockers 43 (L 0-1)
So Appalled 57 (W 1-0)
Rim Rockers: Ayana Bradley 12 pts 9 rebs
Zephrah Pam 9 pts 9 rebs
So Appalled:
Tyler Ash 15 pts 9 rebs (Game High Scorer)
Quiessence Price 10 pts
Emia Willingham 9 pts 7 rebs 5 stls
Upstate Ballers 42 (L 0-1)
Utica Select 44 (W 1-0)
Upstate Ballers:
Sophronia Sallard 13 pts
Jamia Martin 10 pts
Utica Select:
Molly Hourigan 14 pts 7 rebs (Game High Scorer)
Iasiah Hemingway 13 pts 10 rebs 3 ast
Up Next:
Tuesday, July 3 at Notre Dame High School:
Utica Select vs. So Appalled at 6:00 P.M.
Hard 2 Guard vs. Upstate Ballers at 7:00 P.M.
Gotta Have It vs. Rim Rockers at 8:00 P.M.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
6/27 Game 2 Recap
Syracuse Elite survive late Gunnas run, come away with Victory
Lack of defense, rebounding kills Gunnas
The Gunnas made a late push, but found the hole they dug themselves in was too much of a deficit to overcome. The game ended with a score of 82-74 in favor of Syracuse Elite, who picked up their first victory on the season.
The game seemed like much of the same for the Gunnas: lack of ball movement, settling for jump shots, not boxing out, and not contesting shots. This mostly changed at with 1:48 seconds left in the third quarter, when the Gunnas surge began behind timely shooting by Wes Jackson and elite play by Walkery Mills.
With 4:03 left in the fourth quarter, the Gunnas had cut the lead to four points. However, the lack of boxing out killed the Gunnas. Everytime the Gunnas got within striking distance, they let up defensively on the boards, handing away possesions via offensive rebounding and giving Syracuse Elite second chance, third, fourth, and even fifth chances around the basket.
Four was as close as the Gunnas got. Mills led all scorers, finishing with 24 points and five rebounds. Jackson had 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for the Gunnas. The high scorer for Syracuse Elite was C.Martin, who finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist.
The win moved Syracuse Elite to 1-1 on the season. They take on Greater Grace (Utica's Finest) on Thursday, July 5 at 8:00 P.M. The Gunnas, still searching for their first win, take on the Dream Chasers Monday, July 2 at 6:45 P.M. Both games (and the remainder of the games for the season) will be played at Notre Dame High School.
Lack of defense, rebounding kills Gunnas
The Gunnas made a late push, but found the hole they dug themselves in was too much of a deficit to overcome. The game ended with a score of 82-74 in favor of Syracuse Elite, who picked up their first victory on the season.
The game seemed like much of the same for the Gunnas: lack of ball movement, settling for jump shots, not boxing out, and not contesting shots. This mostly changed at with 1:48 seconds left in the third quarter, when the Gunnas surge began behind timely shooting by Wes Jackson and elite play by Walkery Mills.
With 4:03 left in the fourth quarter, the Gunnas had cut the lead to four points. However, the lack of boxing out killed the Gunnas. Everytime the Gunnas got within striking distance, they let up defensively on the boards, handing away possesions via offensive rebounding and giving Syracuse Elite second chance, third, fourth, and even fifth chances around the basket.
Four was as close as the Gunnas got. Mills led all scorers, finishing with 24 points and five rebounds. Jackson had 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for the Gunnas. The high scorer for Syracuse Elite was C.Martin, who finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist.
The win moved Syracuse Elite to 1-1 on the season. They take on Greater Grace (Utica's Finest) on Thursday, July 5 at 8:00 P.M. The Gunnas, still searching for their first win, take on the Dream Chasers Monday, July 2 at 6:45 P.M. Both games (and the remainder of the games for the season) will be played at Notre Dame High School.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Feature Article: Player Spotlight Brandon Triche
Player Spotlight: Brandon
Triche
As the backcourt starter
enters his senior season at SU, Triche looks to King of Kings to help develop
his skills.
As Brandon Triche glides past his defender on his way to the
hoop, you can tell you are watching a special talent. The former
Jamesville-Dewitt high school star and current Syracuse University guard
certainly has a presence when he is on the court. Triche, built like an ox with
a 6’4’’ 205 pound frame, can do it all: Shoot, pass, defend, rebound, dribble, and
explode past defenders. Triche is always looking to get better, and that’s
why he spends his summers playing in the King of Kings basketball league in
Utica, N.Y.
“You can’t get this type of competition anywhere else in New
York,” said Triche. “The pace here, you have D1 guys, D2 guys, D3 guys, and
guys that are gunnin’ for you because you play D1. It’s the best place to play.
You know there’s nothin’ doin’ in the summer, and the level [of play] here [at
King of Kings Utica], you can’t find anywhere else.”
Triche is certainly right about that. Team Motivated, the
team Triche plays for, also boasts Syracuse reserve Michael Carter-Williams and
former blue chip recruit and incoming Syracuse freshman from Jamesville-Dewitt
Dajuan Coleman. These three have enough star power to carry a league, let alone
a single team.
Malvin Triche, Brandon’s father who is the coach of Team
Motivated, agrees that King of Kings is the best place for regional players to
compete during the summer. “It keeps the kids in shape during the offseason.
There is nothing else left in the summer, so all the talent comes to the King
of Kings. The competition is what makes this league special.”
Brandon Triche agrees that the league is special, but for
different reasons. “The atmosphere here man, it’s fun. The King of Kings is all
about havin' fun. The freeness of the league, the atmosphere, you don’t find
other leagues like this.”
As competitive as the league may be, nobody will argue that
it is the same as playing Division 1 basketball. That’s why Triche uses this
opportunity to test out moves he works on in practice against the highest level
of opponents he can find. “You know, we’re workin’ out all summer, practicing
all summer, here [the King of Kings league] is a chance for me to come down and
see what moves work and what moves don’t, what I need to work on and what I
need to improve on.”
Triche and his team look to rebound after last year’s loss
in the finals. They certainly have the talent to do so. “Were hopin’ to take
the league,” said Triche. “We have the talent, we have the guards, we have
enough guys, and we have the team to win. I think we are capable of winning. We
just have to go out and play.”
Triche and Team Motivated are off to a good start, winning
their first two games in blowout fashion. It will be interesting to see if
anybody can keep up with the high-powered trio of Triche, Carter-Williams, and
Coleman. One thing is for certain; having these types of players at the King of
Kings is a treat for area basketball fans to watch during the summer. Hopefully
the summer basketball league in Utica helps Triche take his game to the next
level as he prepares for his final season at Syracuse.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
6/25 Game two Recap
Bless Ballers escape with victory over 99 problems
Wright and teammates can't overcome early deficit.
The Bless Ballers, led by Cornelius Vines' 29 points outscored 99 problems 83-76 on Monday night. The Bless Ballers came out hot, ending the first quarter with a score of 24-9. Josh Wright of 99 problems kept his team in the game with 33 points, but 99 problems were unable to capitalize late on opportunities to cut the lead, leading to their eventual defeat.
Wright, a former Proctor High School all-star and Syracuse University guard cut the lead to 12 with 7:30 remaining in the third quarter with a three pointer. 99 problems seemed within striking distance as Wright then cut the lead to seven with only 5:40 remaining in the game. 99 problems got as close as six points in a game they seemed out of from the beginning, but every time they got close the Bless Ballers answered with a bucket of their own.
Vines, a former Hofstra University player, was instrumental in the victory. He was the go to player everytime the Bless Ballers needed a bucket. Teammate Lamar Kearse of Dewitt, NY added 13 points in the win.
The Bless Ballers were without Syracuse University standout C.J. Fair. Fair, who was vital in Syracuse's run to the Elite 8, will hopefully be back for the next game for the Bless Ballers, as they take on Upstate Swagger Monday July 2 at 8:00 P.M.. 99 problems looks to rebound against JD's Finest Thursday July 6 at 6:45 P.M.
Wright and teammates can't overcome early deficit.
The Bless Ballers, led by Cornelius Vines' 29 points outscored 99 problems 83-76 on Monday night. The Bless Ballers came out hot, ending the first quarter with a score of 24-9. Josh Wright of 99 problems kept his team in the game with 33 points, but 99 problems were unable to capitalize late on opportunities to cut the lead, leading to their eventual defeat.
Wright, a former Proctor High School all-star and Syracuse University guard cut the lead to 12 with 7:30 remaining in the third quarter with a three pointer. 99 problems seemed within striking distance as Wright then cut the lead to seven with only 5:40 remaining in the game. 99 problems got as close as six points in a game they seemed out of from the beginning, but every time they got close the Bless Ballers answered with a bucket of their own.
Vines, a former Hofstra University player, was instrumental in the victory. He was the go to player everytime the Bless Ballers needed a bucket. Teammate Lamar Kearse of Dewitt, NY added 13 points in the win.
The Bless Ballers were without Syracuse University standout C.J. Fair. Fair, who was vital in Syracuse's run to the Elite 8, will hopefully be back for the next game for the Bless Ballers, as they take on Upstate Swagger Monday July 2 at 8:00 P.M.. 99 problems looks to rebound against JD's Finest Thursday July 6 at 6:45 P.M.
6/25 Recap Game One
Motivated too high powered for Utica's Finest
Carter Williams, Triche lead Motivated to victory
Team Motivated came out firing on all cylinders monday night. Led by King of Kings veteran and Syracuse University starter Brandon Triche and his teammate at Syracuse Michael Carter-Williams, Team Motivated outplayed Utica's Finest to a 79-51 victory.
Team Motivated dominated from start to finish. Carter-Williams led the all scorers with 22 points. He also had 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Triche recorded a double-double, finishing with ten points, ten rebounds, and four assists.
Utica's Finest was missing Syracuse reserve James Southerland, but still had Syracuse's center Rakeem Christmas. Christmas was decidedly outplayed by incoming Syracuse freshman Dajuan Coleman, whose 6'9'' 280 lbs. frame was too much for Christmas to handle.
The lone bright spot for Utica's Finest was the incoming high school sophomore and electrifying playmaker Isaiah Briscoe. Briscoe made some flashy plays both with and without the basketball throughout the game. His ball handling skills were second to none on the floor, including Carter-Williams, who had some words for Briscoe towards the end of the game. Carter-Williams and Briscoe began to jeer at each other, and the end of the fourth quarter turned into a one on one exhibition of skill.
Up next for Team Motivated is 99 problems, a team led by area superstar Josh Wright. The game will be played Thursday July 5th at Notre Dame High School at 6:45 P.M.. Utica's Finest takes on Syracuse elite the same night at 8 P.M.
Carter Williams, Triche lead Motivated to victory
Team Motivated came out firing on all cylinders monday night. Led by King of Kings veteran and Syracuse University starter Brandon Triche and his teammate at Syracuse Michael Carter-Williams, Team Motivated outplayed Utica's Finest to a 79-51 victory.
Team Motivated dominated from start to finish. Carter-Williams led the all scorers with 22 points. He also had 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Triche recorded a double-double, finishing with ten points, ten rebounds, and four assists.
Utica's Finest was missing Syracuse reserve James Southerland, but still had Syracuse's center Rakeem Christmas. Christmas was decidedly outplayed by incoming Syracuse freshman Dajuan Coleman, whose 6'9'' 280 lbs. frame was too much for Christmas to handle.
The lone bright spot for Utica's Finest was the incoming high school sophomore and electrifying playmaker Isaiah Briscoe. Briscoe made some flashy plays both with and without the basketball throughout the game. His ball handling skills were second to none on the floor, including Carter-Williams, who had some words for Briscoe towards the end of the game. Carter-Williams and Briscoe began to jeer at each other, and the end of the fourth quarter turned into a one on one exhibition of skill.
Up next for Team Motivated is 99 problems, a team led by area superstar Josh Wright. The game will be played Thursday July 5th at Notre Dame High School at 6:45 P.M.. Utica's Finest takes on Syracuse elite the same night at 8 P.M.
Opening night recap game 1
Upstate Swagger too much for Gunnas to handle
Defense, Transition baskets lead to runaway victory
Upstate Swagger came out firing on all cylinders, hitting threes and getting easy layups to help them start the game on a 21-2 run. The rest of the game was more of the same, as Upstate Swagger out rebounded and out played the Gunnas to an 84-57 victory.
At halftime, the score was 47-19. Led by Utica College Assistant Coach Sean Burton, Upstate Swagger’s ball movement exploited holes in the Gunnas defense, creating open shots and allowing for easy layups throughout the game. Their passes were crisp and on target; hitting the open man and making the extra pass that opened up the defense, allowing for easy scoring opportunities. The Gunnas could not solve Upstate Swagger’s offensive puzzle, and it did not help that they were constantly slow to get back on defense throughout the game. At points, the Gunnas coach was irate with his team, howling at them to “get back!” as Upstate Swagger pushed the ball up the court on turnovers, missed baskets, and made shots.
The Gunnas seemed to be pressing for baskets on offense. They spent the majority of the evening trying to dribble through the 2-3 zone they were faced with rather than move the ball through the air. This did not work. The combination of active hands by the guards and the shot altering ability of the forwards of Upstate Swagger allowed them to handle any offensive attack brought their way.
Midway through the third quarter it looked like the Gunnas were poised for a run, cutting the lead to 19, but back to back buckets by Game high scorer Dave Golembioski and Burton brought the lead up to 23, and the Gunnas never recovered.
Golembioski finished with 28 points for Upstate Swagger. Deandre Preaster was the leading scorer for the Gunnas, finishing with 13 points. After the game, Utica College Men’s Head Basketball Coach Chris Connolly, a player for Upstate Swagger, emphasized that even in a blowout, this league was a fun experience for all. “There are a lot of smiles, I love the atmosphere. It’s my first time playing, and I really enjoy it so far.”
Up next for Upstate Swagger are the Dream Chasers Wednesday June 27 at Notre Dame. The Gunnas take on Syracuse Elite the same night. The game was played at Utica College, but the remainder of the games starting June 25 will be played at Notre Dame.
King of Kings: One of a Kind
King of Kings: One of a Kind
Six years later, Utica’s summer basketball league is still going strong.
“The best basketball in Upstate New York.” Those were the words bellowed into the microphone in front of a packed house by Co-league founder and game night host Doneilous King. Monday evening marked the start of the 2012 King of Kings basketball League, which is home to some of the most exciting, fun filled basketball people will see all summer.
The King of Kings League, which is in its 6th year, is a unique experience for all who attend. How many other leagues have an Emcee shouting into a microphone throughout the duration of the game, or have hip-hop and R&B music coming from DJ SDot and crew echoing throughout the gymnasium during the game, even during free throws? What other league has a halftime show that consists of a one-man dance crew? What other League doesn’t charge an admission fee for games, instead, has the League Co-Founder (Brandon Long) go around during the game and ask people for donations, to give whatever they see fit?
These are just a few of the things that make the King of Kings League special. This league attracts some well-known players, including Syracuse University’s own Brandon Triche. Triche stars for JD’s Finest, which has a big three comprised of Triche, Syracuse reserve Michael Carter-Williams, and future big man Dajuan Coleman. These three were asked to do more than to simply perform on the court at the tip off of the League; numerous requests for pictures were granted by them both during and after the game!
It was hard to find a seat on opening night. These types of names draw in people from all over, packing the gymnasium. However local players also help with attendance. Numerous area legends play in the league. Utica College’s Men’s Assistant Basketball coach, former Ithaca College All American and Notre Dame High School all-star Sean Burton is a staple of “Upstate Swagger.” Deandre Preaster and Walkery Mills, two former Proctor stars help comprise the “Gunnas.” Pat Moore, a junior forward at Colgate University and ex-Notre Dame all-star is one of many other local talents worth coming out to watch.
“There’s nothing else like it in this part of New York,” said Malvin Triche, JD’s Finest coach and father of Brandon Triche. “It keeps the kids in shape, it’s a great atmosphere, and it is the best competition around.” Few could argue with Triche. After all, what other league has Division One stars of the past, present, and future playing on the same court, at the same time?
How could this league get any better? Well, the College Prospect League was founded this year for male players who still have eligibility. This is a great way for local kids to showcase their talent for college scouts. The league “is made up of six teams who will play a five game season on Thursday evenings at Notre Dame High School.” –King of Kings Program
Also new to the King of Kings League is the Excellus SAT Prep program. This goes along with the goals of the King of Kings League, which is “To have participants pursue higher education for personal development.” The SAT program is for both players in the College Prospect League and local female high school basketball players. The program is free.
Each year, the King of Kings League moves closer to its goals of being a community oriented and helpful organization. Through a variety of techniques, the Advisory board of the league has created a nice little niche style of basketball that seems to be pleasing the crowd. With all the entertainment that takes place, the King of Kings League seems to be truly one of a kind.
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