The Minor Division crown was decided in an exciting three-game series between regular season champion Cosmo Plumbing and Heating and second-seeded Whitestone Diner. In the first game of the series, Whitestone Diner overcame a 12-point…
By The Times-Ledger
Minor Division
The Minor Division crown was decided in an exciting three-game series between regular season champion Cosmo Plumbing and Heating and second-seeded Whitestone Diner. In the first game of the series, Whitestone Diner overcame a 12-point first half deficit to pull even in the second half. With the lead changing hands on each possession, Cosmo’s leading scorer, James Brandes, sustained an ankle injury in the third quarter and Whitestone Diner was able to hold on for the win.
The second game saw a complete turnaround, as Cosmo had its fast-break game in high gear. Stephen Fadis poured in 40 points, many coming on the fastbreak off assists from James Brandes, as Cosmo won easily.
The deciding game of the series went down to the final buzzer with Whitestone Diner winning the championship, 46-44, in an exciting contest. Whitestone Diner was led by the fine all-around play of Tommy Vouvoudakis and Carlo Coumoutsos and the strong rebounding of Socrates Starropoulis.
Novice Division
Spring was in the air, and the DG Novice Shooting Stars sprang off the bench to play their best game to date, a convincing 10-2 win. In besting the DG Novice Team No. 3, the Stars presented a solid team effort. With point guard Nicole Naposki playing tough defense and moving the ball well offensively, it was only a matter of time before points started dropping.
Scoring began with a pinpoint pass from assist specialist Rachel Campbell to the team’s natural center Corinne Lippert in the post for an easy turn around jumper, the first of her two baskets. Guard George Tsiklidis, excelling at both ends of the court, got into the mix with three baskets, including a smooth lay-up off a sweet steal to round off the scoring for the Stars.
Forwards Jake Stamoulis and Joseph Roberti were stalwarts on defense, guarding the paint and coming up with timely rebounds and blocked shots. Forward/center Billy Falidas was rock solid both ways, hustling to control loose balls and penetrating the zones to open up the offensive game. All in all, a great effort, although the Shooting Stars missed the fire of Angelo Bianchi, who was unable to make the game. Still, spring had sprung for the DG Novice Shooting Stars.
The DG Raptors and DG Lakers locked horns in an exciting contest that ended in a 17-17 tie. The Raptors raced to an early 6-0 lead behind baskets from the fastbreaking duo of David Hazin and Justin Poveda-Baez. The Lakers battled back, however, behind the hustling defense of Joseph Bell and Emily Stepancic and the rebounding of Patrick Thompson, Derek Capponi and Manuel Barcena. The second half saw the Raptors take charge again behind the scoring of Jeff Johnston, the smooth ball-handling of Stephen Ehresman and some fine all-around play from Louis Kabatnik and Stephanie Camilleri. With the Raptors leading 17-11 going into the final four minutes, the Lakers 1-2 punch of Patrick Berndt and Kenny Lehr hit three unanswered baskets to rally their team to the hard fought tie.
Major Division
The Major Division championship series was extended to three games, as two evenly matched squads squared off. In the opening game, Dr. Musaffi Chiropractor won handily over DTX America. DTX America would not be denied in the second game and came back to win comfortably. The deciding game was a close contest with Dr. Musaffi Chiropractor winning the championship.
Bantam Division
The Bantam Division championship came down to one game between top seeds Lee’s Jewel Box and Parson’s 20th Avenue Auto Care. Lee’s pulled out to an early lead, but Parsons rallied back behind strong defensive pressure. The game could have gone either way right down to the last seconds, with Lee’s getting a big basket from Joey Anderkavich and a clutch free throw from Chris Garthright to nail down the victory.
Girls' Division
Laura's Ladies, led by the magnificent all around play of Lexie Mannix and high scoring of Daniella Ortiz, were able to beat Jimmy's Powerhouse Girls, 21-13. Muge Undemir and her sister Pinar, as well as Katelyn O'Neill and Christine Sfiris, were super in the losing effort.
In Sunday’s games, Gerry’s Angels, led by late clutch shooting from Katie Brent, were able to hold off Joe’s Gals, 18-16. Sarah Marcisak almost single-handily provided enough offense to win for the Gals. Katie Boller, Angelica Carmody, Christine O'Donnell, Amy Reiss, Arianan Doulaveris, Katy Benitez, and Annabel Camilleri all contributed to the victory.
Jans Super Girls beat Jim's Powerhouse Girls, 28-26, in an exciting game that could have gone either way. A well-balanced team effort led to the victory. For Jan’s, the leading scorers were Shannon Kern (8) Gillian Avery (8) and Elizabeth Venegas (8). For Jimmy’s squad it was Christine Sfiris (10), Muge Undemir (8) and Alyssa Diamond (6).
