Lindsey Darvin has been kind enough to join the team as an assistant coach down the stretch. Lindsey is a four year starter for the Bernards High Girls Basketball team, and served as the Mountaineers' captain in this her senior year.
Next year, Lindsey will attend the College of Bryn Mawr in suburban Philadelphia, where she will play varsity basketball. She achieved this honor through her talent and through her hard work.
Lindsey is a graduate of the Chester Basketball League. During the 2002 season, Lindsey lead a Peapack-Gladstone team that included Dana Perotti and Ashley Howes, the older sister of Will "the Thrill" Howes. Lindsey was the leading scorer as we won the regular season championship. We faded in the playoffs, however. The playoffs were held during our school's February break. Two of our older players were away on vacation. Without them we were unable to win the trophy.
After two seasons in the Chester PAA League (as it was called then), Lindsey played AAU basketball and starred for the Bernardsville Middle School Girls team, where she again played with Ashley Howes and Dana Perotti.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Most Improved Player
At the April 1, 2008 awards banquet the Bulls will receive at lea.st one championship trophy. Additionally, there will be some individual awards. One of those awards is for the team's most improved player.
This decision is a difficult one. Each of our players has taken instruction well and has done everything that has been asked of them by the team. Each has improved in at least one area of play.
The candidates for this award are as follows:
Walter Rivas: Walter came to the team with a love for basketball and some raw talent. He is very fast afoot and possesses very quick hands. Walter learned how to use his footspeed and his quick hands to steal the ball while on defense and move the ball in transition. In addition, Walter's shot, which was very rough at the beginning, has been refined. He has had recent scoring games of six and five to contribute to the Bulls' success.
Iain Wright: Iain is perhaps the most intelligent of the Bulls. He learns very quickly. He is able to hear an instruction and process it in the short time of a thirty second timeout. Iain is not a scorer. Rather he is our great unsung hero. He tirelessly sets picks and screens. He gets down on the floor to get loose balls. He pulls down rebounds.
Devon Levine: Devon is the smallest of the Bulls, but he plays like a young man who is much larger. Halfway through the season, the Bulls were struggling to get rebounds, and I charged the team with the mission of getting more rebounds. Devon taught himself how to get into position and pull down rebounds.
The most improved player will be announced at the banquet.
This decision is a difficult one. Each of our players has taken instruction well and has done everything that has been asked of them by the team. Each has improved in at least one area of play.
The candidates for this award are as follows:
Walter Rivas: Walter came to the team with a love for basketball and some raw talent. He is very fast afoot and possesses very quick hands. Walter learned how to use his footspeed and his quick hands to steal the ball while on defense and move the ball in transition. In addition, Walter's shot, which was very rough at the beginning, has been refined. He has had recent scoring games of six and five to contribute to the Bulls' success.
Iain Wright: Iain is perhaps the most intelligent of the Bulls. He learns very quickly. He is able to hear an instruction and process it in the short time of a thirty second timeout. Iain is not a scorer. Rather he is our great unsung hero. He tirelessly sets picks and screens. He gets down on the floor to get loose balls. He pulls down rebounds.
Devon Levine: Devon is the smallest of the Bulls, but he plays like a young man who is much larger. Halfway through the season, the Bulls were struggling to get rebounds, and I charged the team with the mission of getting more rebounds. Devon taught himself how to get into position and pull down rebounds.
The most improved player will be announced at the banquet.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Finals Matchup: The Magic
The Magic defeated the Nets in the other semi-final game to advance to the finals against the Bulls.
The Bulls and the Magic had very similar records this year. The Bulls are 10-1 with an average margin of victory of twelve points. The Magic are 10-2 with an average margin of victory of nine points. Both teams defeated each league opponent at least once.
The two head-to-head games could not have been closer.
In the first matchup, the Bulls were playing shorthanded, with only six players present. Despite being shorthanded, they built a fourth quarter lead that started to disappear after point guard Will Howes fouled out. The Magic tied the game with a three point buzzer beater. In overtime, Will Magic Kenny fouled out. The Bulls struggled, and lost the game by three points.
The re-match was a mirror image of the first game. The Magic held a late four point lead, with 1:20 left in the game. The Bulls narrowed the lead to three points and brought the ball upcourt with under twenty seconds left. With 10.5 seconds left on the clock, Sawyer Kilgore made a picture perfect pass to Will Howes who was all alone beyond the arc. Will shot the ball in rhythm. Bottom! The game was tied. Will Howes stole the ensuing inbounds pass, drove to the hoop where he was fouled. He sank the first free throw to win the game.
The winner of the game will win the tournament championship trophy. The Bulls already have one trophy in hand for finishing first in the league during the regular season.
The Bulls and the Magic had very similar records this year. The Bulls are 10-1 with an average margin of victory of twelve points. The Magic are 10-2 with an average margin of victory of nine points. Both teams defeated each league opponent at least once.
The two head-to-head games could not have been closer.
In the first matchup, the Bulls were playing shorthanded, with only six players present. Despite being shorthanded, they built a fourth quarter lead that started to disappear after point guard Will Howes fouled out. The Magic tied the game with a three point buzzer beater. In overtime, Will Magic Kenny fouled out. The Bulls struggled, and lost the game by three points.
The re-match was a mirror image of the first game. The Magic held a late four point lead, with 1:20 left in the game. The Bulls narrowed the lead to three points and brought the ball upcourt with under twenty seconds left. With 10.5 seconds left on the clock, Sawyer Kilgore made a picture perfect pass to Will Howes who was all alone beyond the arc. Will shot the ball in rhythm. Bottom! The game was tied. Will Howes stole the ensuing inbounds pass, drove to the hoop where he was fouled. He sank the first free throw to win the game.
The winner of the game will win the tournament championship trophy. The Bulls already have one trophy in hand for finishing first in the league during the regular season.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Magic breaks the century mark
Will Magic Kenny scored eight points in the semi-final game against the Celtics, giving him 106 points scored on the season. Magic joins Will the Thrill Howes in the Century Club. With his eight points tonight The Thrill has scored 136 points this season.
Andrew Martin is the next candidate to join the Century Club, needing 14 points in the finals to break the hundred point mark.
Andrew Martin is the next candidate to join the Century Club, needing 14 points in the finals to break the hundred point mark.
Bulls Complete sweep of Celtics, Advance to Finals
For the third time this season, the Bulls faced their cross-town rivals, the Celtics. The Celtics came in with a 6-5 record, and full of confidence. The game was tight throughout the first half as the Bulls struggled to find their shots. The two teams were separated by one point at the half.
The Celtic pulled ahead by one early in the third on a bucket by Pat Loughlin, but then it was Katy-bar-the-door as the Bulls went on a 14-0 run to build a 13 point lead. The run was sparked by a three pointer by Walter "the Bandit" Rivas, and highlighted by another three-pointer by Andrew Martin.
This was not the first time that the Bulls have completely dominated a third quarter. By running up a 14-2 advantage in tonights third quarter, they increased their overall dominance of third quarters to 135-59, outscoring their opponents by an average of seven points in third quarters.
Andrew Martin led a balanced attack with 11 points. Will "Magic" Kenny and Will "The Thrill" Howes each netted eight. Walter Rivas contributed five.
Iain Wright put the icing on the cake when he sank a free throw with 10 second left on the clock to make the final score Bulls 33, Celtics 19.
The Bulls advance to the tournament finals next Tuesday at Black River Middle School.
The Celtic pulled ahead by one early in the third on a bucket by Pat Loughlin, but then it was Katy-bar-the-door as the Bulls went on a 14-0 run to build a 13 point lead. The run was sparked by a three pointer by Walter "the Bandit" Rivas, and highlighted by another three-pointer by Andrew Martin.
This was not the first time that the Bulls have completely dominated a third quarter. By running up a 14-2 advantage in tonights third quarter, they increased their overall dominance of third quarters to 135-59, outscoring their opponents by an average of seven points in third quarters.
Andrew Martin led a balanced attack with 11 points. Will "Magic" Kenny and Will "The Thrill" Howes each netted eight. Walter Rivas contributed five.
Iain Wright put the icing on the cake when he sank a free throw with 10 second left on the clock to make the final score Bulls 33, Celtics 19.
The Bulls advance to the tournament finals next Tuesday at Black River Middle School.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Win or go Home
The Bulls, winners of seven straight and winners of the regular season championship, now enter March Madness, where it is win or go home. Thanks to our first place finish, we received a first round bye. On Tuesday, we will face cross-town rivals, the Celtics, winners of an opening round game against the Cavaliers.
The Celtics (6-5) come in hot having beaten the Nets (6-4) in their final regular season contest and the Cavaliers (4-7) in the first round. The Celtics are a well-coached group, who feature a big three of Michael Paciej, Pat Louglin and Jonah Singer.
The Bulls are 9-1 and have beaten every team in the league at least once. We counter with a big four of Will "The Thrill" Howes (12.3 ppg), Will "Magic" Kenny (9.8 ppg), Sawyer Kilgore and Andrew Martin. Each of the big four has scored in double digits on one or more occasions. Will Howes has broken the 20 point mark twice. Andrew Martin has a high game of 17 and Will Kenny has a high mark of 19.
The Bulls have beaten the Celtics by margins of 18 and 12 in their two regular season contests. It remains to be seen how much the Celts have improved, and whether they can contain the Bulls firepower.
The Celtics (6-5) come in hot having beaten the Nets (6-4) in their final regular season contest and the Cavaliers (4-7) in the first round. The Celtics are a well-coached group, who feature a big three of Michael Paciej, Pat Louglin and Jonah Singer.
The Bulls are 9-1 and have beaten every team in the league at least once. We counter with a big four of Will "The Thrill" Howes (12.3 ppg), Will "Magic" Kenny (9.8 ppg), Sawyer Kilgore and Andrew Martin. Each of the big four has scored in double digits on one or more occasions. Will Howes has broken the 20 point mark twice. Andrew Martin has a high game of 17 and Will Kenny has a high mark of 19.
The Bulls have beaten the Celtics by margins of 18 and 12 in their two regular season contests. It remains to be seen how much the Celts have improved, and whether they can contain the Bulls firepower.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Bulls Lock Up The Championship!
Congratulations to the Peapack-Gladstone Bulls! Tonight in Chester they won their seventh consecutive game to lock up the regular season championship. And as usual it was a team effort. We needed all eight Bulls to defeat a much improved Cavalier team, 37-27.
How much did the Cavs improve? On opening night, the we defeated the Cavs by 34 points, so they improved dramatically.
Will the Thrill Howes and Sawyer Kilgore led the scoring with 12 and 11 points respectively. Will Magic Kenny contended with a tough interior defense to score 8. Will Howes thrilled the crowd by hitting three three pointers. Devon Levine contributed four points on two excellent feeds from Andrew Martin.
Andrew Martin and Magic Kenny dominated on the boards. Walter the Bandit Rivas stole the ball at least a half dozen times and caused another half dozen turnovers. Iain Wright played a ferocious defense, guarding the ball handler for much of the game. Blaine Schimoler hustled the entire game. His finest moments were when he got down on the floor to retrieve a loose ball and when he picked the pocket of the Cavs ball handler.
Next stop: Playoffs
How much did the Cavs improve? On opening night, the we defeated the Cavs by 34 points, so they improved dramatically.
Will the Thrill Howes and Sawyer Kilgore led the scoring with 12 and 11 points respectively. Will Magic Kenny contended with a tough interior defense to score 8. Will Howes thrilled the crowd by hitting three three pointers. Devon Levine contributed four points on two excellent feeds from Andrew Martin.
Andrew Martin and Magic Kenny dominated on the boards. Walter the Bandit Rivas stole the ball at least a half dozen times and caused another half dozen turnovers. Iain Wright played a ferocious defense, guarding the ball handler for much of the game. Blaine Schimoler hustled the entire game. His finest moments were when he got down on the floor to retrieve a loose ball and when he picked the pocket of the Cavs ball handler.
Next stop: Playoffs
Friday, February 29, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: April 1, 2008
The annual Chester Basketball "banquet" will be held on April 1, 2008 in the evening. Awards will be presented that night, including the trophies for the regular season championship and for the post-season tournament championship. It is requested that all players attend as it is likely that the Bulls will collect the regular season championship trophy and it makes for good relations with the teams from Chester.
Dinner - pizza - will be served.
Dinner - pizza - will be served.
Standings: Look Who's Number One!
W L PCT GB
BULLS 8 1 .888 -
Magic 7 2 .777 1
Nets 6 3 .666 2
Celtics 4 5 .444 4
Cavaliers 2 4 .333 4.5
Nuggets 1 6 .143 6
Lakers 1 8 .111 7
BULLS 8 1 .888 -
Magic 7 2 .777 1
Nets 6 3 .666 2
Celtics 4 5 .444 4
Cavaliers 2 4 .333 4.5
Nuggets 1 6 .143 6
Lakers 1 8 .111 7
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Bulls Hang on to Defeat Nets, 36-30
The Bulls traveled to Chester looking to defeat one of their top rivals for the regular season championship. The first time the two teams met, they went to overtime, with the Bulls winning by one point.
The Bulls dominated the first half, building a 20-8 halftime lead behind the lights out shooting of Walter Rivas, who scored six point in a second quarter explosion. They built a 15 point lead after three quarters with a balanced attack in the fourth.
Then the Nets came roaring back with timely shooting and a stifling defense. They climbed withing four points. Their full-court press had the Bulls pinned back in the backcourt, unable to break the press. It looked as if the lead would completely evaporate until Sawyer Kilgore stole the ball and went the length of the court for a layup to build the lead back to six points, which is where it remained.
Sawyer Kilgore finished the game with eight points. Beyond the scoring, his leadership was crucial down the stretch. He remained calm and did what needed to be done to win the game.
Walter Rivas had his best game as a Bull, adding six points to his always strong defense and rebounding. Devon Levine chipped in with a key bucket and again rebounded like a person twice his size.
The Bulls, now 8-1 and sporting a six game winning streak will face the Cavaliers in the season finale.
The Bulls dominated the first half, building a 20-8 halftime lead behind the lights out shooting of Walter Rivas, who scored six point in a second quarter explosion. They built a 15 point lead after three quarters with a balanced attack in the fourth.
Then the Nets came roaring back with timely shooting and a stifling defense. They climbed withing four points. Their full-court press had the Bulls pinned back in the backcourt, unable to break the press. It looked as if the lead would completely evaporate until Sawyer Kilgore stole the ball and went the length of the court for a layup to build the lead back to six points, which is where it remained.
Sawyer Kilgore finished the game with eight points. Beyond the scoring, his leadership was crucial down the stretch. He remained calm and did what needed to be done to win the game.
Walter Rivas had his best game as a Bull, adding six points to his always strong defense and rebounding. Devon Levine chipped in with a key bucket and again rebounded like a person twice his size.
The Bulls, now 8-1 and sporting a six game winning streak will face the Cavaliers in the season finale.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Big Week for the Bulls (Week of 2-25-08)
The Bulls can achieve their goal of a regular season championship this coming week. The showdown with the Magic on Wednesday will probably determine first place. The schedule for the big week will be:
Monday 2-25 - practice from 4:30 to 5:30
Tuesday 2-26 - practice from 6:00 to 7:30
Wednesday 2-27 - away game against the Magic - please arrive by 5:45.
Monday 2-25 - practice from 4:30 to 5:30
Tuesday 2-26 - practice from 6:00 to 7:30
Wednesday 2-27 - away game against the Magic - please arrive by 5:45.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
All Alone in First Place!
The league has updated the standings for our division, and the Bulls are all alone in first place. We are now the only team in our division with one loss. The Nets and the each have lost two games. The standings are as follows:
W L PCT GB
Bulls 7 1 .875 -
Magic 6 2 .750 1
Nets 6 2 .750 1
Cavaliers 2 2 .500 2 1/2
Celtics 2 5 .286 4 1/2
Nuggets 1 5 .167 5
Lakers 1 7 .125 6
Closing in on the end of the regular season, the Bulls' goal of winning a regular season championship trophy is within reach. We control our own destiny. If we win each of our remaining games, the trophy is ours.
W L PCT GB
Bulls 7 1 .875 -
Magic 6 2 .750 1
Nets 6 2 .750 1
Cavaliers 2 2 .500 2 1/2
Celtics 2 5 .286 4 1/2
Nuggets 1 5 .167 5
Lakers 1 7 .125 6
Closing in on the end of the regular season, the Bulls' goal of winning a regular season championship trophy is within reach. We control our own destiny. If we win each of our remaining games, the trophy is ours.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Bulls hold off feisty Nuggets, 23-11
The first place Bulls had trouble scoring against the swarming Nuggets defense today at the Peapack-Gladstone gymnasium. The Nuggets held the Bulls to 23 points, nearly 20 points under their season average.
Fortunately, the Bulls' defense was strong as well, allowing 11 points. They tied a world and national record by not allowing any points in the third quater. During the third quarter, the Bulls ran the Bermuda Triangle defense, and swallowed the ball each time down the court.
The Bulls struggled without Sawyer Kilgore. At times they just couldn't buy a basket. Will Howes scored 9 points to break the century mark for scoring this year. Will "Magic" Kenny pitched in with 8 points. "Pistol" Blaine Schimoler put the icing on the cake by hitting a ten-footer late in the fourth quarter.
The Bulls will be idle for the Presidents Week holiday, and will return to action on February 27 in a game that will determine first place. Have a good holiday.
Fortunately, the Bulls' defense was strong as well, allowing 11 points. They tied a world and national record by not allowing any points in the third quater. During the third quarter, the Bulls ran the Bermuda Triangle defense, and swallowed the ball each time down the court.
The Bulls struggled without Sawyer Kilgore. At times they just couldn't buy a basket. Will Howes scored 9 points to break the century mark for scoring this year. Will "Magic" Kenny pitched in with 8 points. "Pistol" Blaine Schimoler put the icing on the cake by hitting a ten-footer late in the fourth quarter.
The Bulls will be idle for the Presidents Week holiday, and will return to action on February 27 in a game that will determine first place. Have a good holiday.
First Place Bulls to Play Shorthanded Today
The first place Peapack-Gladstone Bulls will play at home this morning at 11:45 am. They will be without the services of one of their starters, Sawyer Kilgore. Sawyer adds a level of maturity and common sense to the team to add to his scoring, rebounding, passing and defense. The other Bulls players will have to work hard to make up for Sawyer's absence.
Barring something completely unforseen, Will the Thrill Howes will pass the century mark in scoring today. He has scored 99 points in 7 contests. Not far behind are Will "Magic" Kenny and Andrew Martin, who are on pace to pass the century mark before the end of the regular season. The Bulls are fortunate to have three players averaging double digit scoring.
After today, the Bulls will be idle due to the Presidents Week break. Our next game will be on February 27.
Barring something completely unforseen, Will the Thrill Howes will pass the century mark in scoring today. He has scored 99 points in 7 contests. Not far behind are Will "Magic" Kenny and Andrew Martin, who are on pace to pass the century mark before the end of the regular season. The Bulls are fortunate to have three players averaging double digit scoring.
After today, the Bulls will be idle due to the Presidents Week break. Our next game will be on February 27.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Welcome Coach Darvin!
The Peapack-Gladstone Bulls basketball team is proud to announce the signing of a new coach. Lindsey Darvin, captain of the Bernards High Women's Basketball team and a four year starter at Bernards will join us for the remainder of the year and the playoffs.
Lindsey's experience gives her the in-depth knowledge help the Bulls achieve their goal of a championship this season. Thank you Coach Darvin for agreeing to help us in our march to the title.
Coach Darvin is also a veteran of the Chester Basketball League six years ago, she played on an undefeated Peapack-Gladstone team that won the regular season championship. Also on that team was a young fifth grader, Ashley Howes, who also helps out the team as a coach and a scorekeeper.
Lindsey's experience gives her the in-depth knowledge help the Bulls achieve their goal of a championship this season. Thank you Coach Darvin for agreeing to help us in our march to the title.
Coach Darvin is also a veteran of the Chester Basketball League six years ago, she played on an undefeated Peapack-Gladstone team that won the regular season championship. Also on that team was a young fifth grader, Ashley Howes, who also helps out the team as a coach and a scorekeeper.
Practice Wednesday Night, 2-13-08 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
We have some prime gym time at the Peapack Gym this Wednesday to tune up for our Saturday game. Please arrive promptly at 7:00 pm ready to practice. Our winning philosophy is "practice how you would play in a game." In other words, give it your all in practice. We're there to have fun, but we have some learning to do.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Bulls Defeat Cross-Town Rivals, 39-28
The Bulls faced a tough Celtics team today. They held Celtics' scoring machine Michael Paciej to five points. They built a twelve point half time lead, then held on for dear life against a persistent Celtics defense.
The Bulls won the game on the boards today. They owned rebounds. Andrew Martin, Will "Magic" Kenny, Iain Wright carried the load, and Devon Levine snuck in and pulled down more than his fair share. Walter "the Bandit" Rivas stole the ball time and time again.
Sawyer Kilgore scored six points. Magic Kenny scored twelve and Will the Thrill Howes scored fifteen to lead the way.
Jonah Singer led the way for the Celtics with fifteen points. Pat Loughlin netted six.
The Bulls won the game on the boards today. They owned rebounds. Andrew Martin, Will "Magic" Kenny, Iain Wright carried the load, and Devon Levine snuck in and pulled down more than his fair share. Walter "the Bandit" Rivas stole the ball time and time again.
Sawyer Kilgore scored six points. Magic Kenny scored twelve and Will the Thrill Howes scored fifteen to lead the way.
Jonah Singer led the way for the Celtics with fifteen points. Pat Loughlin netted six.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Bulls beat Magic with Miracle Comeback
It looked like it was over. It looked like the Magic had our number. The Bulls were down by four points to archrival Magic with 1:20 left. They pulled within one point, but found themselves down by three points with just twenty seconds left.
After a mad rush up court by the Bulls, Andrew Martin found Sawyer Kilgore under the basket, but the intense Magic defense clamped down. But Sawyer kept his cool, and somehow, in the middle of the crowd under the basket, Sawyer found a wide open Will the Thrill Howes behind the three point arc. Will took the perfect pass, shot in rhythm.
Nothing but net.
With 10.8 seconds left the game was tied. The Magic came back to try for a buzzer beater, but Will Howes intercepted a pass, and streaked up court looking for the winning shot. He hung in the air as two Magic players desperately tried to block his shot. The shot did not drop, but Will was fouled.
The final point of Will's twenty-five point explosion was the most important. He sealed the comeback by sinking one free throw.
All eight members of the Bulls contributed on defense and by responding to the coach's call to be more aggressive rebounding the basketball. Devon Levine played a game all out of propotion to his size by pulling down key rebounds and retrieving loose balls with sheer hustle. Walter Rivas and Iain Wright continued to excel on defense.
Andrew Martin contributed 7 points to the win.
After the win, the Bulls find themselves tied for first place with a 5-1 record.
After a mad rush up court by the Bulls, Andrew Martin found Sawyer Kilgore under the basket, but the intense Magic defense clamped down. But Sawyer kept his cool, and somehow, in the middle of the crowd under the basket, Sawyer found a wide open Will the Thrill Howes behind the three point arc. Will took the perfect pass, shot in rhythm.
Nothing but net.
With 10.8 seconds left the game was tied. The Magic came back to try for a buzzer beater, but Will Howes intercepted a pass, and streaked up court looking for the winning shot. He hung in the air as two Magic players desperately tried to block his shot. The shot did not drop, but Will was fouled.
The final point of Will's twenty-five point explosion was the most important. He sealed the comeback by sinking one free throw.
All eight members of the Bulls contributed on defense and by responding to the coach's call to be more aggressive rebounding the basketball. Devon Levine played a game all out of propotion to his size by pulling down key rebounds and retrieving loose balls with sheer hustle. Walter Rivas and Iain Wright continued to excel on defense.
Andrew Martin contributed 7 points to the win.
After the win, the Bulls find themselves tied for first place with a 5-1 record.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Single Elimination Playoffs This Season
In the past playoffs have been "double elimination"; that is, each team had to lose two games before being eliminated from the playoffs. Due to the problems with the school construction, the league has advised us that the playoffs will be single elimination, and will begin the second week of March.
Week Five Agenda (Week of 2/4/08)
THURSDAY, FEBURARY 7, 2008 HOME GAME VERSUS THE MAGIC, 6:00 PM PEAPACK GYM. The Magic are the only team to defeat us so far, so please arrive by 5:45 pm so that we can make ourselves 100% ready for this game.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2008 HOME GAME VERSUS THE CELTICS, 11:45 AM PEAPACK GYM. The Peapack Celtics are no doubt going to be looking to settle the score for our victory in January, so arrive on time and come ready to play.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2008 HOME GAME VERSUS THE CELTICS, 11:45 AM PEAPACK GYM. The Peapack Celtics are no doubt going to be looking to settle the score for our victory in January, so arrive on time and come ready to play.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
PRACTICE SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2
The Bulls will practice Saturday February 2 at the Peapack Gladstone Gym from 1:30 to 2:30. Please come on time and prepared to practice. We have only one hour. Ms. Becker was kind enough to keep the gym open late on Saturday at the expense of the Recreation Commission to accomodate us. Thank you Diane!
Dickenson School Problems Hamper Schedule
The Chester School District is in the midst of school renovations. Our league relied on the gym at the Dickenson School to be ready in time for the season and the playoffs. However, as with any government project, there are delays. As such, the Dickenson School is not likely to be ready any time soon.
This is clearly not the fault of the Chester Basketball League. Laurie LaSorsa, who handles scheduling for the league has done a tremendous job of handling this situation. There is always going to be a gym time shortage. Add to that, the complete elimination of a gym, and a larger-than-expected number of players, and you have a real problem getting all of the games in.
As a result, there is a new schedule, which I will publish in a subsequent post. It is available on the league's website, www.chesterbasketball.org. In addition, the post-season tournament is going to be single elimination, not double elimination as in the past. It will be "win or go home".
This is clearly not the fault of the Chester Basketball League. Laurie LaSorsa, who handles scheduling for the league has done a tremendous job of handling this situation. There is always going to be a gym time shortage. Add to that, the complete elimination of a gym, and a larger-than-expected number of players, and you have a real problem getting all of the games in.
As a result, there is a new schedule, which I will publish in a subsequent post. It is available on the league's website, www.chesterbasketball.org. In addition, the post-season tournament is going to be single elimination, not double elimination as in the past. It will be "win or go home".
Bulls Tied for First in Chester League
CHESTER BASKETBALL
5TH-6TH GRADE IN TOWN LEAGUE
TEAM WON LOST PCT GB
Nets 4 1 .800 -
BULLS 4 1 .800 -
Magic 3 1 .750 1/2
Cavaliers 1 2 .333 2
Celtics 1 3 .250 2 1/2
Lakers 1 4 .200 3
Nuggets 0 2 .000 2 1/2
5TH-6TH GRADE IN TOWN LEAGUE
TEAM WON LOST PCT GB
Nets 4 1 .800 -
BULLS 4 1 .800 -
Magic 3 1 .750 1/2
Cavaliers 1 2 .333 2
Celtics 1 3 .250 2 1/2
Lakers 1 4 .200 3
Nuggets 0 2 .000 2 1/2
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Week Four Activities
Wednesday Practice (4:30 to 6:00) at the Peapack-Gladstone Gym
Possible practice early Saturday afternoon.
THURSDAY'S GAME HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO SCHEDULING PROBLEMS BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
Possible practice early Saturday afternoon.
THURSDAY'S GAME HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO SCHEDULING PROBLEMS BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Kilgore Leads Bulls Come from Behind OT Victory
It looked like the Bulls had met their match when they fell behind the Nets by nine points in the first half. The Big Three of Sawyer Kilgore, Andrew Martin and Magic Kenny led them on an 8-0 second quarter run. The Bulls trailed the previously undefeated Nets by one at the half.
Tough defense by both teams marked the third quarter. The Nets couldn't seem to find an answer for the Bulls "Bermuda Triangle" defense, and the teams came out of the third quarter tied.
The teams played to a draw in the fourth quarter, and the rivals went to overtime, where you could cut the tension with a knife. Things looked dark when the Nets' center hit a layup, was fouled and made the free throw to put the Nets up by three. The Bulls came roaring back. Will the Thrill Howes hit a jumper from fifteen feet to bring the Bulls within one. Then Andrew Martin hit the game winner on a breakaway layup.
Sawyer Kilgore led the team in scoring with eight points. The final score was 28-27. The Bulls' record now stands at 4-1 in a tie for first with the Nets.
Tough defense by both teams marked the third quarter. The Nets couldn't seem to find an answer for the Bulls "Bermuda Triangle" defense, and the teams came out of the third quarter tied.
The teams played to a draw in the fourth quarter, and the rivals went to overtime, where you could cut the tension with a knife. Things looked dark when the Nets' center hit a layup, was fouled and made the free throw to put the Nets up by three. The Bulls came roaring back. Will the Thrill Howes hit a jumper from fifteen feet to bring the Bulls within one. Then Andrew Martin hit the game winner on a breakaway layup.
Sawyer Kilgore led the team in scoring with eight points. The final score was 28-27. The Bulls' record now stands at 4-1 in a tie for first with the Nets.
Bulls to face Undefeated Nets Today
The Chester Nets and their NBA counterparts are going in opposite directions. While the NBA New Jersey Nets have lost 7 straight games, the Chester Nets are undefeated this season at 4-0. They have pulled out close wins by margins of 5, 1, 2 and 5 points and sit alone atop the standings in the 5th and 6th grade division.
The Bulls and their high-powered offense average over 50 points per game. They will try to knock off the Nets and force a tie for first place. Clearly, the Nets know how to win, so the Bulls will have to take good care of the basketball in order to beat them.
The Bulls and their high-powered offense average over 50 points per game. They will try to knock off the Nets and force a tie for first place. Clearly, the Nets know how to win, so the Bulls will have to take good care of the basketball in order to beat them.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Big Third Quarter Fuels Bulls Victory Over Lakers
The Bulls hosted a persistent and well-coached Lakers team Thursday night in Peapack. The Lakers kept it close in the first half, but the Bulls broke the game open with a 20-4 third quarter run on the way to a 52-23 triumph.
Will "Magic" Kenny spent most of the first half on the bench with foul trouble exploded in the third quarter with eight of his thirteen points. Magic and the Bulls dominated the boards in the third quarter. Iain Wright answered the call for more rebounds as did Andrew Martin.
Every Bull except one scored in the game. Will "the Thrill" Howes scored a season high 21 points. "Pistol" Blaine Schimoler kept his consecutive game scoring streak alive with an early first quarter bucket.
The 3-1 Bulls will host the Nets tomorrow at 11:45 am in the Peapack Gym.
Will "Magic" Kenny spent most of the first half on the bench with foul trouble exploded in the third quarter with eight of his thirteen points. Magic and the Bulls dominated the boards in the third quarter. Iain Wright answered the call for more rebounds as did Andrew Martin.
Every Bull except one scored in the game. Will "the Thrill" Howes scored a season high 21 points. "Pistol" Blaine Schimoler kept his consecutive game scoring streak alive with an early first quarter bucket.
The 3-1 Bulls will host the Nets tomorrow at 11:45 am in the Peapack Gym.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Bulls Look to Get Back in Winning Ways at Home Tonight
The Bulls will host the Lakers tonight at the Peapack-Gladstone Gym. The 2-1 Bulls lost in OT on Sautrday on the road. It took a miracle 3-point buzzer beater to beat them. They will face the 1-3 Lakers, who lost to the Cavaliers on Saturday. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers by 34 points on opening night.
The Bulls will be back to full strength tonight after playing shorthanded on Saturday.
The Bulls will be back to full strength tonight after playing shorthanded on Saturday.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Week 3 Schedule
The Bulls enter week three in first place, averaging 49.7 points per game and three players averaging in double figures. The schedule for the week is as follows:
MONDAY: PRACTICE 3:00 PM AT THE PEAPACK-GLADSTONE GYM
THURSDAY: HOME GAME VERSUS THE LAKERS 7:15 PM - ARRIVE AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY: HOME GAME VERSUS THE NETS 11:45 AM - ARRIVE AT 11:30
MONDAY: PRACTICE 3:00 PM AT THE PEAPACK-GLADSTONE GYM
THURSDAY: HOME GAME VERSUS THE LAKERS 7:15 PM - ARRIVE AT 7:00 PM
SATURDAY: HOME GAME VERSUS THE NETS 11:45 AM - ARRIVE AT 11:30
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Short-handed Bulls Lose in OT to the Magic
The Bulls played short-handed today at Bragg Middle School. Crowd favorite Iain Wright has been sick all week. He showed support for his team by coming to cheer them on. Blaine Schimoler was under the weather as well.
As a result, three Bulls ended up in foul trouble, with Will "Magic" Kenny and Will "The Thrill" Howes both fouling out.
Despite these hurdles, the Bulls almost stole a win from a feisty Magic team, losing in overtime 43-40. The Bulls did it with a tight defense led by Sawyer Kilgore and Walter Rivas. Will "The Thrill" Howes led all Bulls scorers with a dozen points.
The Bulls will be back to full strength on Thursday.
As a result, three Bulls ended up in foul trouble, with Will "Magic" Kenny and Will "The Thrill" Howes both fouling out.
Despite these hurdles, the Bulls almost stole a win from a feisty Magic team, losing in overtime 43-40. The Bulls did it with a tight defense led by Sawyer Kilgore and Walter Rivas. Will "The Thrill" Howes led all Bulls scorers with a dozen points.
The Bulls will be back to full strength on Thursday.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Only Snow can stop the Bulls!
A light snow covered the roads last night in Chester and Peapack-Gladstone, so the Bulls game was canceled to protect the safety of the coaches, players and families who would be travelling over the snowy roads.
Right now, snow is the only thing that can stop the Bulls. Their next game is at 3:45 pm tomorrow at the Dickenson-Bragg Schools in Chester.
Right now, snow is the only thing that can stop the Bulls. Their next game is at 3:45 pm tomorrow at the Dickenson-Bragg Schools in Chester.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Bulls Start off Strong with Two Big Wins
I thought that we had a good team, but I am more than pleasantly surprised with the Bulls' success in Games One and Two. All of the players have contributed, and it shows in the scores. We surpassed the 50-point plateau in each game and won by margins of 34 and 17 points.
In Game One, we saw a Cavalier team that was bigger and stronger than we are. We overcame their size and strength advantage with our speed, shooting and superior passing. Will "Magic" Kenny led the way with 17 points. I was particularly excited to see Blaine Schimoler score four points, to help mount up a lead that was at one point 41 points. The final score was 58-24.
Game Two was a matchup with our friends the Peapack-Gladstone Celtics. We were shorthanded, missing Devon Levine, who was a key contributor against the Cavaliers. The seven Bulls who played made up for Devon's absence with sheer hustle. Andrew Martin and Will "The Thrill" Howes both scored in double figures to lead the team to a 51-33 victory.
The Bulls are a team that can expect to win every time that they take the court. All of the players are using their heads and playing good basketball.
In Game One, we saw a Cavalier team that was bigger and stronger than we are. We overcame their size and strength advantage with our speed, shooting and superior passing. Will "Magic" Kenny led the way with 17 points. I was particularly excited to see Blaine Schimoler score four points, to help mount up a lead that was at one point 41 points. The final score was 58-24.
Game Two was a matchup with our friends the Peapack-Gladstone Celtics. We were shorthanded, missing Devon Levine, who was a key contributor against the Cavaliers. The seven Bulls who played made up for Devon's absence with sheer hustle. Andrew Martin and Will "The Thrill" Howes both scored in double figures to lead the team to a 51-33 victory.
The Bulls are a team that can expect to win every time that they take the court. All of the players are using their heads and playing good basketball.
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