By The TimesLedger
DG Bantam Division
Varsi Deli overcame a determined VFW Post #4784 squad, 23-20. Varsi’s win was a total team effort, with Billy Brady having a great all-around game with four points, great defense against VFW’s big men and several critical rebounds in the fourth quarter to preserve the win for his team. Point production for Varsi came from Chris Kekovski, Patrick Berndt, Kenny Lehr and Louis Kabatnik. Dennis Brennan continued to contribute with his tough defense at both the guard and forward positions and fine passing. VFW was led by Anthony Scifo, who hit two long range jumpers in the final minute to bring his team back.
Varsi Deli continued their fine play, falling just short against Big Apple BBQ, 30-29. Varsi trailed for most of the game, as Nick Katakalides had the hot hand and piled up the points in the first half. Varsi kept within striking distance, however, and as the fourth period got underway, Kenny Lehr and Chris Kekovski hit key baskets to get Varsi within three. Patrick Berndt then scored on a driving layup down the middle, one of several he hit during the game, to make the score 30-29. Varsi had several chances to take the lead in the final minute, but fell just short in what was well-played game by both teams.
Metro Interior Contracting had its best weekend of the year, winning two of three, including a last-second win against a strong Stitches squad. David Rojas followed up a miss by Aris Santis to give Metro the win at the buzzer. Metro has been getting better with each game, with Mike Gallagher and Steve Foley showing the most improvement in their games. The steady play of Joe Schade and Aris Santis has also been noticeable this season, while Logan Frankel has brought a spark to the floor with his energy and speed and has added important points to his team’s total. If Metro continues this pattern, the team will surely make some noise once the playoffs begin.
Carvel escaped a jam and grabbed a win, 30-29, over a determined Jam Service. Carvel’s offense was led by Chris Garthright, who poured in 13 points. Steve Efkarpides pounded in nine, Danny Santeufemia hit for six and Anthony Merkle chipped in with two. Andrew Silvestri and Kevin Conklin provided the tight defense for Carvel. Jam’s offense was led by Joey Depperman, who hit from everywhere for 20 points. Frank Vellucci poured in four, while Anthony Gismundi and Derek Capponi hit for two apiece. Chris Franceschini grabbed a point on a nice foul shot, while Ed Nasser, Frank Obidienzo and Nick Psoras played tight defense.
DG Minor Division
Cosmo Maintenance defeated Bashnagel Bros. Roofing by the score of 37-31. Cosmo was led by the fine all-around play of Michael Berndt, who scored 20 points in addition to having an excellent defensive game. Jose Barcena added seven points and Andrew Lehr rounded out the scoring for Cosmo with six. Bashnagel’s was led by Ed Johnston with 13 points and Paul Roedel, who played a strong inside game on both offense and defense for his squad.
DG Major Division
Blue Ribbon Travel went 1-1 this past weekend, losing to Mario’s Pizza and defeating Graham Restoration. Standouts for Blue Ribbon were Tommy Vouvoudakis, Max Malakh and Phillip Leist. Zachary Frankel, Milan Pinkus and Kevin Fuchs also contributed with their all-around hustling play.
