Ranch Sports Court 1

Bullets vs Sonics

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Royals vs Bullets

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Sonics vs Stags

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Bullets vs Stags

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Royals vs Sonics

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Sonics vs Bullets

Sonics absolutely dominated this game for 3 quarters, but Bullets felt like they were always in the game despite playing their worst basketball was only down by 12 going into the 4th quarter. Bullets would destroy Sonics 24-2 in the final quarter and turn a double digit deficit into a double digit victory. Team Leader, Mike “Hulk” Gabriel, had this to say, “Thanks to Silver Fox and Lightening Bencito for keeping us within striking distance after 3 quarters, it allowed our other players to finally wake up and contribute to this miraculous victory!” Bullets regain the top spot in the polls halfway through the regular season. Sonics players are not worried about the loss, they feel they just missed shots in the final quarter and didn’t really get stopped by the opposing team. Ivan Sanchez would finish with 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Bastos Bueno was awarded player of the game with 10 points 9 rebounds and 4-4 from the free throw line in the most tense and pressured filled moments since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Mid Season Awards
MVP: John Quintos
Steal of the Draft: Otep DeCastro
Defensive Player of the Year: Mike Gabriel
NewComer of the Year: Norvin Lopez
Shooter of the Year: Rob Del Rosario
Best Hair: Jeff Bencito
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Royals vs Stags

Stags came into this game desperate for a win, while Royals were looking to remain undefeated in this young season. Royals were without Norvin Lopez, but Otep DeCastro was hitting early from downtown to give Royals an early 6 point lead. Rob Del Rosario and Justin Gomez were able to equalize the score as they knifed through the defense to get some easy baskets. The 3rd quarter was the deciding factor in this game as Stags were able to hold Royals to only 7 points in the quarter toand stretch to a comfortable double digits lead. Mayhem Merto and Nero Viguilla tried to mount a Royals comeback, but Ron Hao thwarted any charge with timely mid-range shotties to give Stags their first win of the season. Stags had a plenty to choose from, but the Player of Game had to be Justin Gomez with his all-around superb game, while Mayhem Merto finished with a game high of 24 points for Royals. Fans hope that Stags have righted their ship and will have a final push towards the playoffs, while Royals’ fanbase will say they only lost because the absence of Norvin.
Mid Season Awards
MVP: John Quintos
Steal of the Draft: Otep DeCastro
Defensive Player of the Year: Mike Gabriel
NewComer of the Year: Norvin Lopez
Shooter of the Year: Rob Del Rosario
Best Hair: Jeff Bencito
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Stags vs Sonics

The night-capper was even more exciting than the first game. This game had to go to overtime to be decided after two missed free throws by Ron Hao in the final seconds of the game. Stags were clinging onto a 1 point lead with 6 seconds left on the clock, General Joe Florin dribble-drove from the right elbow and threw up a Floater from what seemed like 18 ft away and sank the winning shot to send Stags to an 0-2 start. Although Stags improved drastically from the three-point stripe going 9-26, it was their free throw troubles that cost them the game only going 4-11. On the other hand, Supersonics went 1-8 from 3 point land, but I loved their discipline of not settling and jacking up countless 3 pointers. Ivan Sanchez led Supersonics with 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Piranha Pacuno led the way for Stags with 20 points 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
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Bullets vs Royals

This was a hotly contested matchup that went down to the wire. The game was physical with most players coming away with bumps and bruises. The biggest lead in this game was 5 points with Bullets leading most of the way, but Royals took a 2-point lead in the final seconds. The stage was set up for Jeff Thunder Bencitio, he was able to get off a great shot but came up a bit short. Royals won another nitty gritty game to move to 2-0. Royals created 11 steals which contributed to 14 total turnovers for Bullets. Bullets need to stop shooting so many threes as they went a dismal 4-20 from downtown. The speed of Gelo, Niro, and Otep really put Bullets on their heels, especially the chubby ones. Norvin Lopez would lead Royals with 13 points 9 rebounds 5 assists and 5 steals, while John Quintos led Bullets with 15 points 21 rebounds 4 assists.
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Stags vs Bullets

Ranch Sports Gym was electric for opening night; you can really feel the thunderous cheers echoing throughout the building. Fans packed the building with anticipation for the season to start. Many thought this opening game would be a defensive struggle, but it turned out to be a fast-paced thrill ride from start to finish. Bullets would shoot out to a quick double-digit lead behind the hot mid-range shooting by the Silver Fox John Quintos. Stags could not buy a basket and were starting to settle for three-point shots, but Rob Del Rosario started to make his presence felt as he would connect from downtown and hit tear drop drives to the basket. The Bencito Brothers helped keep Stags at bay with Josh scoring on tough layups and Jeff skillfully using his body downlow to earn himself a living in the paint. Panic started to set in late in the game as Stags started to apply full court pressure and create turnovers, Bullets lead quickly vanished from 17 to only 2 points in the final seconds. Bullets were able to escape with the win, but it was a bit concerning how nervous they got. Justin Gomez had a good game for Stags with 10 rebounds 5 assists and 3 steals but he will need to look to score in their next outing. John Quintos led Bullets with 24 points 13 rebounds and 3 assists.
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