Can’t Score Won’t Score – 34

I.C. Balls – 21

Possibly the least anticipated rec league game ever, Can’t Score Won’t Score proved they can win a game of sorts in this match up with the girls. In a shootout (miss shots) Can’t Score made their way into the playoffs with this double digit win.

W$D – 64

Fiddler On The Hoop – 36

Fiddler On The Hoop brought shame to it’s supporting community and fans this past Monday when they laid an egg against a refreshed and revamped W$D team. Even with a 20+ point scoring output for G/F Austin Tholen, Fiddler still looked a step slower and 2 shoe sizes smaller than W$D. With the Return of Juma Burnett and Joe Scott W$D just looked like the more dominant and physical team throughout the game.

The Cherubs – 45

Tate Warriors – 42

“Most intense game of my life,” Drew Orr was heard saying after the game Monday. A neck and neck battle throughout this game was an instant classic. With good games from Luke Milefchik and Drew Orr, The Cherubs were able to pull out again against this young athletic Tate team. Last years champions are out, who will take the crown?

Backfire – 46

BYOB – 32

With star Collin O’Meara out again for the BYOB squad due to recent knee surgery, Backfire was on a roll in this first round game. With good night from Jens “J-Guap” Dancer and Brady “Stockton” Cotton Backfire had another good showing and made another game worth watching. BYOB has a young athletic roster with a lot of basketball potential, watch out for the comeback next year.

Twisters – 35

Can’t Score Won’t Score – 15

If you’re looking for the action the Twisters always bring to the court, I would not recommend watching any film from this game. This game was quoted by fans as “The Sloppiest Game in Rec League History.” With a total 29 turnovers Can’t Score just couldn’t hold on to the ball and Logan LaFauce did not make a single one of his 13 half-court shots. Despite a poor offensive game for the Twisters, they won, yet again. Can anybody stop them from winning it all?

THE TEAMS

Fiddler On The Hoop

Bringing religious passion to the league, Fiddler On The Hoop consists of nine Jewish players, one Jewish coach, and one Muslim player. Captains Will Braverman and last year’s leading scorer,Austin Tholen hope to lead the team to a league title. Keep an eye out for Fiddler On The Hoop’s star recruit: Bennett Yeo.

Iowa City Balls

Wrongly referred to as the “IC Bulls” in the Rec League database due to error in the management, this playful side is made up of all senior girls. These gals are aiming to mark the first all-girls team win in Rec League history. They’re headed by coach/player/student body president, Cora Bern-Klug.

Backfire

Backfire is a team built from boys with backgrounds in all sorts of sports; from shot put to alpine skiing. Word on the street is these kids can ball. This team is a hybrid of last year’s Long and Hard Distance, and league runners up, Turn Up The Acie. The team is captained by Anton Buri and Jens Dancer. Their newest pick-up is ex-varsity-baller, Brady Cotton… And he’s silky.

W$D

Straight out the West side, trying to get respect on the East side. This year W$D, or West Side Drive, for the first time ever has introduced players from the West side of town. Captained by City High running back, Michael Fredieu, these boys are anxious to make their their mark on the league.

Can’t Score, Won’t Score

This team is made up of junior Boys with little to none basketball background. They’re a team with a lot of height, with passion reaching almost has high. They’ve decided to embrace the truth with their own team name. Captained by legend, Jonas Geerdes.

Twisters

After the notorious break up of last year’s runners up, Turn Up The Acie, former TUTA executive Joe Britton set out to build a team based on pure talent and athleticism. This side features speed demon, Bryson Runge, and Britton himself. Britton called it quits after an illustrious JV career at City High to join the league and capture the title that eluded him in his time in the front office last year. This team has no captain, as “hierarchy destroys team chemistry”.

B.Y.O.B.

This squad goes by a name that is not to be confused with popular pot luck etiquette. Bring Your Own Basketballs is made up of a group of close-knit ballers from the junior class – some who have been hooping together since ’03. This team too boasts an athletic roster with athletes with backgrounds in a wide variety of sports. Keep an eye out for that boy Collin O’Meara, a recent pull-up from the U-15 squad.

The Cherubs

A team full of nice kids… At least that’s what they say. This is a team who is inspired by peace, and plays to honor the cherub. Sporting a flying baby graphic on their baby blue t-shirts, this team has a few secret weapons, one in the form of Amir Parker. This side is upset-minded. Captained by Elliot “E-Tuck” Tucker.

W$D – 62
(2-3)
Can’t Score Won’t Score – 27
(1-4)

Can’t Score Won’t Score further justifies their name this week by getting blown out by W$D. Good defense by Xavier Koch and a good shooting night from Joe Scott led W$D to a much needed victory. Trade rumors have surfaced that Can’t Score is looking to move PG Jake Parker and C Patrick Henkhaus from the organization.

Twisters – 39
(6-0)
Backfire -29

(4-1)

In a bout of rec league gods the Twisters proved victorious over Backfire in a defensive showdown. A pour out of 3 pointers from Brady Cotton in the first full court game of the season wasn’t enough to stop the Twisters versatile defensive juggernaut of a team. Scoring outbursts from Joe Britton and Terry Green led the Twisters to a regular season championship in this historical game.

Fiddler On The Hoop – 57
(3-2)
Tate Warriors – 47
(2-3)

Fiddler On The Hoop finally proved their worth as an organization, knocking off the defending champion Tate Warriors team. Another huge night for Bennett Yeo is making him a serious contender for MVP this season and team chemistry for Fiddler seemed at an all time high. Unfortunately for Fiddler they’re losing their point guard duo of Nasim Salih and Henry Mosher. With Mosher leaving for B.Y.O.B. and Salih leaving the league for good, Fiddler is looking to expand their roster with trade whispers from Can’t Score Won’t Score.

W$D – 86

(3-3)

IC Balls – 44

(0-6)

I.C. Balls loses yet another game to end the regular season without a win. W$D secures a .500 season with a high scoring output against the senior girl’s team. The lady’s of rec league have a chance to prove their worth in a tournament play in game against Can’t Score Won’t Score. W$D will take on a hot Fiddler On The Hoop team. Fiddler won the regular season matchup between these two teams earlier in the season.

The Cherubs – 42

(4-2)

Tate Warriors – 32

(2-4)

The Cherubs finished the season strong with a win against the Tate Warriors squad. Tate has looked nothing like the team that clinched the title last year in this game as they seemed tired against the intense Cherub team. Jim Geerdes and Amir Parker both had spotlight performances for their team, playing well in capturing the 3rd seed in this year’s tournament. They will play Tate again in the first round.

Backfire – 61

(5-1)

Can’t Score Won’t Score – 24

(1-5)

Can’t Score Won’t score looked strong in the first half of Monday night’s game keeping the game close. After losing two of their premiere players, PG Jake Parker and C Patrick Henkhaus, to Fiddler On The Hoop in a 3-team trade between B.Y.O.B. and Fiddler (Can’t Score Won’t Score has received an undisclosed amount of compensation for this trade, no players) the team still seemed as one in a good effort to knock off the league’s second best team. Backfire went on a 31-0 run to end the final 13 minutes of the second half and put Can’t Score Won’t Score to shame in this blow out game.

Fiddler On The Hoop – 57

(4-2)

B.Y.O.B. – 41

(2-4)

After acquiring PG Henry Mosher from Fiddler On The Hoop, B.Y.O.B couldn’t put the pieces together in an embarrassing loss to a resurgent Fiddler team. With star Collin O’Meara out for B.Y.O.B. the team lacked defensively and in size. With the new addition of C Patrick Henkhaus, Fiddler On The Hoop looked like the stronger and more physical team from the start, jumping out to a demanding 32-8 lead in the first half. Good scoring nights from Austin Tholen and Bennet Yeo and a big rebounding night from Patrick Henkhaus led Fiddler to their 4th straight win to clinch the 4th seed in this years tournament. B.Y.O.B. is the 7th seed and will play Backfire in the first round.

Fiddler On The Hoop – 64

(2-2)

I.C. Balls – 48

(0-5)

Fiddler cruised to their second victory in a row, pulling to .500 on the season. A huge scoring output (20+ points) from Fiddler’s Griffin “Margante” Shrader kept everyone’s favorite 20th-century musical-inspired squad up big for the entirety of the contest. A good shooting night from I.C. Balls’ Cora Bern Klug helped to post the teams second highest scoring output this season.

Twisters – 63

(5-0)

Tate Warriors – 39

(2-2)

The Twisters answered big after questions came up regarding their ability to play to their full abilities for an entire game after last weeks lackluster victory, jumping out to a big lead early. Strong, aggressive team defense for the Twisters launched them to huge 36 – 9 lead at halftime. Bryson Runge poured it in, scoring ten points in a row during a stretch in the second half. The Twisters will try to carry this momentum into their final regular season game, against league rival and fellow unbeaten Backfire next week at 6:00 PM.

The Cherubs – 40

(3-2)

Can’t Score Won’t Score – 36

(1-3)

The Cherubs’ Amir Parker had another show out game this week pushing his team past the ferocious Can’t Score Won’t Score squad. “They gave us a run for our money,” said team captain, Drew Orr, “But we prevailed with no problem.” Duncan Forbes and Jake Parker both had good outings, scoring for a team not known for high scoring outputs. CSWS team enforcer Dominic Balestrieri-Fox was absent from the game.

Backfire – 53

(4-0)

B.Y.O.B. – 30

(2-3)

B.Y.O.B. decided it wasn’t time to bring their own ball, getting wiped all over the court by Backfire in an impressive 4th win for the team. Team chemistry seems to be at an all time high for Backfire, leaving a path of destruction through every game they’ve played. Backfire will need team play to be at it’s best next week when taking on R-League’s other undefeated squad, The Twisters.

Twisters – 53

(4-0)

Can’t Score Won’t Score – 28

(1-2)

After a bumpy first half, the Twisters found themselves with only a 24-16 lead at the midway point. The 10 Deep Tornado came out strong after halftime, putting together some good runs and stepped up defensively. Despite the win, head coach Ryan Weaver wasn’t satisfied. “We have so much talent on paper but we still haven’t played a strong, cohesive four quarters in a row. We have some things to figure out before the playoffs,” said Weaver in the post game huddle.

Fiddler On The Hoop – 44

(1-2)

W$D – 37

(1-3)

Fiddler finally captured their first victory of the season, holding off W$D. A huge scoring output, 25+ points, from Bennett Yeo helped Fiddler to lead for virtually the entire contest. Michael Freidu shot the ball well, scoring in double digits for the fourth game in a row. W$D has had the toughest schedule of any team in the league so far this season.

Backfire – 66

(3-0)

I.C. Balls – 41

(0-4)

I.C. Balls woes continued with another blowout loss, yet again by double digits. Brady Cotton set an R-League record with over five half court shots made in one game for Backfire. I.C. Balls have only three weeks left to win a game and become the first all female team in league history to do so.

B.Y.O.B. – 41

(2-2)

The Cherubs – 36

(2-2)

B.Y.O.B. rebounded back from close loss to the Twisters last week to pull off a win against the Cherubs. Good team defense was key for BYOB as they kept the Cherubs newly added scoring threat Sheldon Brown under control. Griffin Fellows stood out once again, with some big shots down the stretch.

Can’t Score Won’t Score – W

(1-1)

Tate Warriors – L (Forfeit)

(2-1)

Can’t Score Won’t Score didn’t have to score at all to capture their first victory of the season as Tate was forced to forfeit after not having the minimum of four players necessary to compete at the time of tip-off.

Backfire – 41

(2-0)

W$D – 36

(1-2)

After having a double-digit lead at half-time, Backfire was given their first scare of the season as W$D strung together a run and closed the gap to a bare two points. A string of clutch rebounds by Backfire’s Jens Dancer was critical, along with solid free throw shooting down the stretch.

The Cherubs – 53

(2-1)

I.C. Balls – 34

(0-3)

Iowa City’s own winged, angelic toddlers bounced back from a disappointing loss in Week 2, cruising to victory over the ladies of I.C. Balls. The coming weeks will be important for the Cherub’s seeding for the tournament, especially with Tate’s forfeiture this week. I. C. Balls are still seeking their first victory this season.

Twisters – 49

(3-0)

B.Y.O.B. – 43

(1-2)

The Twisters also endured a scare of their own this week, thanks to a stifling zone and clutch shooting by Colin O’Meara and scrappy D from Jacob Struve. The Twisters overcame on-court chemistry problems and horrible defensive effort to scrape this one out in the end.

Note: The Twisters became the first team to made a roster addition this season, signing newly unrestricted FA G/F Logan LaFauce.

W$D – 37

(1-1)

The Cherubs – 36

(1-1)

Following a big win last week, The Cherubs nearly continued their streak, but in the end couldn’t hold on to get the W. With under a minute left, trailing 35-36, W$D’s Joe Scott drove the length of the floor and hit a clutch mid-range jumper, lifting his squad to their first victory this season.

Twisters – 76

(2-0)

I.C. Balls – 60

(0-2)

After cruising to victory last week, this week was more of the same for the Twisters, again winning handily. R-League’s all female team did capitalize on their opponents lax defensive effort however, posting the biggest tally by an estrogen-fueled squad in recent memory with 60 points, thanks to big nights by Cora Bern-Klug and Rylee Price.

Tate Warriors – 40

(2-0)

B.Y.O.B. – 34

(1-1)

Last years League Tournament Champions were given a run for their money by B.Y.O.B, with the junior squad staying neck and neck with Tate until the final minutes. A good shooting night from Dillon Leigh kept his team in the game, but in the end former Little Hawk freshman basketball standout Jalon Reed and Tate pulled this one out.

Backfire – 50

(1-0)

Fiddler On The Hoop – 24

(0-2)

Newly formed Backfire came out to impress in their season debut, and didn’t disappoint, dominating Fiddler on both ends. Backfire looked strong and cohesive, with a big shooting night from Brady Cotton and a great game from known stat-sheet-stuffer Scott Tribbey. What does this mean for Fiddler? Are they still a legit contender? Or have they been exposed as a simple hype machine? Only time will tell.

B.Y.O.B. – 58

(1-0)

Can’t Score Won’t Score – 24

(0-1)

 With strong showings from B.Y.O.B’s Colin O’Meara and Griffin Fellows, and Can’t/Won’t Score’s offensive prowess living up to their namesake, this contest got ugly quick.

The Cherubs – 44

(1-0)

Fiddler On The Hoop – 40

(0-1)

 With Fiddler’s star Bennett Yeo out with an ankle injury, the door was wide open for an upset from the Cherubs, and the boys in powder blue didn’t disappoint led by clutch performances from Amir Parker and Tyler Fay.

Tate Warriors – 86

(1-0)

Iowa City Balls – 20

(0-1)

 Last years League Tournament Champions came out of the gate strong, proving they were back and ready for more. Despite a valiant effort from the ladies of I.C. Balls, this one was over before it began.

Twisters – 48

(1-0)

W$D – 33

(0-1)

 The Twisters lived up to the hype in Week 1, cruising to victory after building an early 15-point lead. Nonetheless, W$D’s Michael Fredieu proved himself to be a player to look out for with a big offensive night.