International Basketball Championships IX (RP/Roster/Scores)

[Carasatoga]

RP cutoff for matchday 7 brought to you by:

[Carasatoga]

Group 1 MD-7	       Score
Kagdazka & Pazhujebu   92
Black Steel itho Chaos 95
	
Darmen	               77
Ipeland	               79
	
Andromeda Islands      65
Sarzonia	       84

Rank	Group 1	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Sarzonia	        7	6	1	0.857%	563	477	86
2	Andromeda Islands	7	5	2	0.714%	592	510	82
3	Darmen	                7	4	3	0.571%	523	544	-21
4	Ipeland	                7	3	4	0.429%	532	575	-43
5	Black Steel itho Chaos	7	2	5	0.286%	551	547	4
6	Kagdazka & Pazhujebu	7	1	6	0.143%	511	619	-108

Group 2 MD-7 Score
Aleckandor   65
Mapletish    68
	
Silver Beach 78
Megadia	     79
	
Bergnovinaia 64
Qazox	     118

Rank	Group 2	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Qazox	        7	6	1	0.857%	608	507	101
2	Megadia	        7	5	2	0.714%	509	545	-36
3	Aleckandor	7	4	3	0.571%	534	533	1
4	Bergnovinaia	7	3	4	0.429%	563	591	-28
5	Silver Beach	7	2	5	0.286%	581	576	5
6	Mapletish	7	1	6	0.143%	523	566	-43

Group 3 MD-7	   Score
Erathore	   77
Homelands Our	   84
	
Western Cuba	   83
Soviet Canuckistan 70
	
Cosumar	           60
Cassadaigua	   91

Rank	Group 3	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Cassadaigua	        7	7	0	1.000%	613	471	142
2	Western Cuba	        7	5	2	0.714%	568	540	28
3	Cosumar	                7	4	3	0.571%	579	524	55
4	Homelands Our	        7	2	5	0.286%	494	541	-47
5	Erathore	        7	2	5	0.286%	506	564	-58
6	Soviet Canuckistan	7	1	6	0.143%	476	596	-120

Group 4 MD-7	Score
Thatius	        84
Yesopalitha	72
	
Cotdelapoms	74
Legokiller	68
	
Altimarus	58
Sibirsky	77

Rank	Group 4	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Yesopalitha	7	5	2	0.714%	580	519	61
2	Sibirsky	7	4	3	0.571%	571	536	35
3	Altimarus	7	4	3	0.571%	515	495	20
4	Cotdelapoms	7	4	3	0.571%	550	537	13
5	Thatius	        7	3	4	0.429%	498	539	-41
6	Legokiller	7	1	6	0.143%	461	549	-88

Group 5 MD-7	       Score
Cakistan	       83
Alamunnic States       77
	
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk 91
Euskirribakondara      73
	
Carasatoga	       83
Valladares	       95

Rank	Group 5	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Valladares	        7	7	0	1.000%	594	512	82
2	Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk	7	5	2	0.714%	551	530	21
3	Allamunnic States	7	3	4	0.571%	542	527	15
4	Carasatoga	        7	3	4	0.571%	531	523	8
5	Cakistan	        7	3	4	0.571%	527	551	-24
6	Euskirribakondara	7	0	7	0.000%	468	570	-102

Group 6 MD-7	       Score
Michael VII	       94
Torisakia	       76
	
95X	               74
Sovreignry	       73
	
Andossa se Mitrin Vega 78
Civil Citizenry	       82

Rank	Group 6	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Andossa se Mitrin Vega	7	6	1	0.857%	590	480	110
2	Civil Citizenry	        7	5	2	0.714%	562	519	43
3	Michael VII	        7	3	4	0.571%	572	549	23
4	Torisakia	        7	3	4	0.571%	521	561	-40
5	Sovreignry	        7	2	5	0.286%	503	563	-60
6	95X	                7	2	5	0.286%	493	569	-76

Group 7 MD-7	Score
Spitfyred1	78
Patricant	75
	
Taeshan	        77
Camwood	        65
	
Mangolana	78
Delaclava	92

Rank	Group 7	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Mangolana	7	6	1	0.857%	583	517	66
2	Delaclava	7	5	2	0.714%	578	523	55
3	Taeshan	        7	5	2	0.714%	527	485	42
4	Camwood	        7	2	5	0.286%	524	573	-49
5	Patricant	7	2	5	0.286%	486	539	-53
6	Spitfyred1	7	1	6	0.143%	482	543	-61

[Yesopalitha]

From the Yesopalithan Sports Network, Facts and Opinions Only

Flames Drop One, Group Four Turns Messy

THATIUS 84, YESOPALITHA 72

Code: Select all

THATIUS     21 21 21 21 | 84
YESOPALITHA 20 15 16 20 | 72

THATIUS-

After what was the most dramatic win in Yesopalithan Sports History, the game against Thatius ended with Coach Scandricks storming off the court without a single word, and no words from any players either.

It seemed as if the Flames had exhausted themselves in the last game. They didn't seem to be alive. When the first quarter ended with a 21-20 Thatius lead, one could see the deflation in the Flames' faces, although it was only after one quarter.

It only got worse. Isaac Redman, Jr., had three fouls by the beginning of the second quarter, and Kimberley Jackson had to come off the bench to fill in. She did an admirable job, but the 31-year old couldn't exactly make the impact that Isaac brings to the game.

One bright spot in this game for the Flames was the continuing play by Bethany Dickinson, who had yet another 20+ point performance, finishing with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Besides her, however, the rest of the crew were pretty much dead silent stats-wise.

This loss by the Flames, coupled with Sibirsky beating Altimarus and Cotdelapoms taking care of Legokiller has put the Flames on top with a 5-2 record, followed by three teams at 4-3.

On a brighter note, Lady Nirdasil did accept the invitation from Cassadaigua to play a post-qualification friendly against the pink and black, provided that the Flames and the Cassadagans don't play each other in the first round.

Next, Yesopalitha will welcome 20th ranked Altimarus to the Sacred Heart, looking for a bounce back.

Hopefully, after that game, Coach and his players will actually talk to us...

Reporting from Thatius, this is the Yesopalithan Sports Network.

Player of the Game: Bethany Dickinson 28 points 12 rebounds

Stats

Yesopalitha 72
Redman 4 points 6 assists
Yeshuan 8 points 6 rebounds
Van Haren 6 points 4 rebounds
Dickinson 28 points 12 rebounds
Williams 5 points 4 rebounds
Thompson 8 points 5 rebounds
Jackson, M. 6 points 4 rebounds
Jackson, K. 7 points 6 assists

Thatius 84
Markovic 20 points
Henry 10 points
Blasevic 13 points
Santangelo 17 points
Gaborik 22 points
Petrovic 2 points

Other Scores from Our Group
₄₀Cotdelapoms 74, Legokiller 68
₄Sibirsky 77, ₂₀Altimarus 58

[The Andromeda Islands]

ANDROMEDA NEWS NETWORK
Marvin Wood Athetic Complex
Post-Game Coverage
Portsmouth, Allied States
August 18, 2021

Mase Gumbel spoke in a near empty Marvin Wood Athletic Complex Basketball Court still littered with confetti.

GUMBEL: The Showdown with Sarzonia proved to be everything it was billed up to be, at least for the first half. The Andromeda Eagles squared off against the Sarzonia Stars for Group A supremacy. Here are the highlights.

(cut to a shot of former Andromeda Eagle players in the stands)

GUMBEL: (off camera) Most of the original Andromeda Eagles were in attendance, including Andromedan President Mike Knox, a three-time ASBA Champion.

(cut to game action)

GUMBEL: The game didn’t start well for the Eagles. Early on, forward Jackie Bouvier twisted her ankle on Will Christian’s foot while going for an offensive rebound.

(cut to Bouvier being carried off on a stretcher)

GUMBEL: Bouvier has been plagued with ankle problems for the past few years. Doctors have said that Bouvier’s ankle was broken. They say that she might recover in time for the ASBA Season in December.

(cut to Gumbel)

GUMBEL: Tonight, Josie Hammerschmidt and Cassie Ellis returned to the lineup from suspension. Nikki Battle also came back… with a vengeance. She left the game with 27 points and 6 assists.

(cut to Battle highlights)

BATTLE: (off camera) I can’t speak for Cassie and Josie, but I spent the last week or so working on my game. There’s always room for improvement.

(cut to Julie Lee/Puffy Woods highlights)

GUMBEL: (off camera) Many of Battle’s outside shots were made after point guard Julie Lee and Forward Puffy Woods blocked off Battle’s defenders. Battle’s barrage of buckets wasn’t enough to stop the World Champions.

(cut to press conference)

PRIEST: As much as we wanted to win, we also realize that beating Sarzonia twice in group play would be a tall order.

(cut to Sarzonia highlights)

PRIEST: (off camera) Sarzonia out-classed us tonight. They had a strong, balanced attack. They showed us why they are the two-time defending World Champions. Hopefully, we’ll have a chance to meet again in Carasatoga.

(cut to Gumbel)

GUMBEL: Tonight’s game was a significant setback for the Eagles, but they have little time to dwell on it. For the Eagles, the road to Carasatoga means winning the rest of their games. For Andromeda News Network, I’m Mase Gumbel.

----------

FINAL SCORE: Sarzonia 84, Andromeda 65

----------

PLAYER OF THE GAME

#32 Nikki Battle – Shooting Guard

Age: 22
Height: 1.63 m
ASBA Career: Portsmouth Pirates (2016-present)
2021 Stats: 16.2 ppg, 8.9 apg, 3.0 spg

Natasha Battle has won three Women’s Division Championships and two Playoff MVP Awards in her five years at Portsmouth. Battle led the league in steals for the past three years and led the league in free throw percentage last year.

Battle also led Sermon Park High School to the Big Island Girl’s High School Basketball Championship for two straight years.

----------

THE ANDROMEDA EAGLES (5-2) vs. BLACK STEEL IN THE HOUR OF CHAOS (2-5)

STARTERS

11 C Oksana Korsakova Portsmouth 1.88 m
23 F Mandy Alexander Valois 1.78 m
25 F Puffy Woods Palermo 1.75 m
34 G Jenny Turner Portsmouth 1.60 m
42 G Julie Lee Palermo 1.59 m

RESERVES

13 C Missy Chambers Palermo 1.78 m
14 C Josie Hammerschmidt Todd’s Cove 1.78 m
21 F Cassie Ellis Angeles City 1.78 m
24 F Julia Gallo Portsmouth 1.75 m
31 G Maria Elena Braga Joppa 1.64 m
32 G Nikki Battle Portsmouth 1.63 m
35 G Lola Getz Palermo 1.57 m
41 G Cathy Clark Palermo 1.63 m

[Qazox]

Bernovinaia Center, Bergnovinaia--

Throughout ththe group stage, Qazox has lacked a singnature win. And after coming off of two straight games that came down to the wire, many thought that the Raving Idiots would be ripe for the plucking at Bergnovinaia. But no one expected a 54-point blowout that moved Qazox from the likely 6 or 7 seed into the race for a top-4 seed come playoff time.

The first quarter was quick-paced, unsual for the team as of late, and was close. But the Bergnovinaians went ice cold and stayed that way for most of the game, leading to a 44-8 2nd quarter run, and the home team finished an absymal 28 for 85 from the field (32.9%), and went 0-22 from 3-point land. Qazox had a 65 point lead at one point in the 3rd quarter, and Coach Johnson, finally I may add, emptied the bench as the starters sat for the final 17:34 of the game.

What does this win mean? Overall not much, Qazox moved up 3 spots in the playoff seeding, but still haven't pulled away from the group. With 3 games left, they still need to win at least 2 of them to assure themselves of a playoff berth.

Up next Qazox comes back home to face a struggling 2-5 Silver Beach team that many thought would be a dark horse come playoff time. Qazox cannot afford to let their guard down or else the road to the playoffs will just get harder.

QZX  28 44 31 15 118
BRG  26  8 13 17  64

Qazox starting 5:
Reggie Mata- 10 points, 17 assists, 4 rebounds, 8 steals
David Palmer- 15 points, 7 assists, 7 steals, 8 rebounds
Roger Malden- 19 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals
Mike Jordan- 23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks
Ian Dean- 17 points, 24 rebounds, 5 blocks
Regina Heinz- 8 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds
Saul Horowitz- 5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
Yami Hino- 4 points, 3 rebounds
Greg Manche- 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Ivan Dean- 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
Attendence: 23,900 (100% capacity)

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonia lost one match during the first half of qualifying. Unfortunately for Stars supporters, it was a crushing loss on their home court, The Palestra in Woodstock. Surely, the away match against a team from The Andromeda Islands that demolished the Stars would be a tall order for even two-time defending champions.

On paper, yes. And, true to form, Nikki Battle was a tough assignment for point guard Brandon Collins. She scored 27 points and added six assists, forcing the Stars to try several other guards in an effort to slow her down. Finally, Chris Draden succeeded to an extent.

However, Draden was more successful on his offensive end. He scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds, adding nine assists while Collins was mired in foul trouble. His performance helped spark the Stars to a dominant win of their own, 84-65, that gave the Stars first place to themselves in Group 1.

Sarzonia have not officially clinched a spot in the knockout rounds, as only the top two teams in each group are guaranteed to make the trip to Carasatoga. However, the Stars victory doesn't just clear the road for a trip to the knockout rounds, it also sent a signal to any potential doubters: Sarzonia basketball will not go away, at least not yet.

"We knew we had a tough time against them last time," Draden said. "We had to spread the ball around without Brandon in there. A lot of guys had to step up for us to succeed, and fortunately, we did."

Centre Cole Schooler scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Will Christian scored 10 of his 16 points in the second half after leaving for a long stretch of the first and second quarters as the result of a collision with forward Jackie Bouvier. Christian had his ankle iced and taped before returning early in the third quarter.

"I was fine after the trainers looked at it," Christian said. "It felt like shit the first couple of minutes, then the pain mostly went away."

Power forward George Tblik added 11 points and 15 rebounds, saying that trying to stop Battle "wasn't something I was equipped to do.

"If I come off my mark and try to make her alter her shot, she's extremely capable of passing it to the open shooter. I had to make sure my mark was shut down."

That singular focus on one opponent at a time, one match at a time is something that has served the Stars well under coach Henry West. He said the team doesn't look at the big picture until after tournaments are over.

"I've rubbed off on them," he said.

As for the revenge match against The Andromeda Islands, West said one thing was different besides the final score.

"I'm not making them run suicides tomorrow," he said. "They're going to get some well-deserved rest before tomorrow night's shoot-around."

[Ipeland]

Ipeland beat Darmen
Revenge is sweet for Ipeland after narrow loss

Ipeland's basketball team gained a taste of revenge yesterday, as they beat the Rusmori nation of Darmen by two points. Ipeland lost to Darmen earlier in the campaign by just one point, and many fans are happy to get back at them. Ipeland's next game is against bottom team Kagdazka and Pazhujebu.

Ipeland started the game well, Kevin Davies scoring 12 in the first 5 minutes, making up almost half of Ipeland's 25 points scored in the first quarter. Darmen came back later in the quarter, scoring 20 points. The second quarter was low scoring, the teams sharing 18 points, Darmen edging the quarter 11-7, making the total score 31-32. The last two quarters were even, the score being 77-76 until Ipeland scored in the last minute of the half, leaving the Darmen fans devastated.

Match details

Darmen 77-79 Ipeland
Attendance: 5,213

Darmen
Best Player: Michael Beasty
Worst Player: Randy Foil
Shots: 56

Ipeland
Best Player: Kevin Davies
Worst Player: Mikey
Shots: 55

[Carasatoga]

RP cutoff for Matchday 8 brought to you by 9 Energy! Valladares was the first to advance, who will join them?

[Carasatoga]

Group 1 MD-8	       Score
Black Steel itho Chaos 71
Andromeda Islands      64
	
Sarzonia	       85
Darmen	               67
	
Ipeland	               75
Kagdazka & Pazhujebu   58

Rank	Group 1	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Sarzonia	        8	7	1	0.875%	648	544	104
2	Andromeda Islands	8	5	3	0.625%	656	581	75
3	Ipeland	                8	4	4	0.500%	607	633	-26
4	Darmen	                8	4	4	0.500%	590	629	-39
5	Black Steel itho Chaos	8	3	5	0.375%	622	611	11
6	Kagdazka & Pazhujebu	8	1	7	0.125%	569	694	-125

Group 2 MD-8 Score
Mapletish    72
Bergnovinaia 89
	
Qazox	     91
Silver Beach 62
	
Megadia	     88
Aleckandor   64

Rank	Group 2	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Qazox	        8	7	1	0.875%	699	569	130
2	Megadia	        8	6	2	0.750%	597	609	-12
3	Bergnovinaia	8	4	4	0.500%	652	663	-11
4	Aleckandor	8	4	4	0.500%	598	621	-23
5	Silver Beach	8	2	6	0.250%	643	667	-24
6	Mapletish	8	1	7	0.125%	595	655	-60

Group 3 MD-8	   Score
Homelands Our	   68
Cosumar	           92
	
Cassadaigua	   75
Western Cuba	   59
	
Soviet Canuckistan 91
Erathore	   78

Rank	Group 3	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Cassadaigua	        8	8	0	1.000%	688	530	158
2	Cosumar	                8	5	3	0.625%	671	592	79
3	Western Cuba	        8	5	3	0.625%	627	615	12
4	Erathore	        8	2	6	0.250%	584	655	-71
5	Homelands Our	        8	2	6	0.250%	562	633	-71
6	Soviet Canuckistan	8	2	6	0.250%	567	674	-107

Group 4 MD-8	Score
Yesopalitha	99
Altimarus	68
	
Sibirsky	91
Cotdelapoms	77
	
Legokiller	63
Thatius	        99

Rank	Group 4	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Yesopalitha	8	6	2	0.750%	679	587	92
2	Sibirsky	8	5	3	0.625%	662	613	49
3	Cotdelapoms	8	4	4	0.500%	627	628	-1
4	Thatius	        8	4	4	0.500%	597	602	-5
5	Altimarus	8	4	4	0.500%	583	594	-11
6	Legokiller	8	1	7	0.125%	524	648	-124

Group 5 MD-8	       Score
Allamunnic States      66
Carasatoga	       75
	
Valladares	       84
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk 83
	
Euskirribakondara      61
Cakistan	       80

Rank	Group 5	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Valladares	        8	8	0	1.000%	678	595	83
2	Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk	8	5	3	0.625%	634	614	20
3	Carasatoga	        8	4	4	0.500%	606	589	17
4	Cakistan	        8	4	4	0.500%	607	612	-5
5	Allamunnic States	8	3	5	0.375%	608	602	6
6	Euskirribakondara	8	0	8	0.000%	529	650	-121

Group 6 MD-8	       Score
Torisakia	       77
Andossa se Mitrin Vega 76
	
Civil Citizenry	       87
95X	               72
	
Sovreignry	       67
Michael VII	       76

Rank	Group 6	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Andossa se Mitrin Vega	8	6	2	0.750%	666	557	109
2	Civil Citizenry	        8	6	2	0.750%	649	591	58
3	Michael VII	        8	4	4	0.500%	648	616	32
4	Torisakia	        8	4	4	0.500%	598	637	-39
5	Sovreignry	        8	2	6	0.250%	570	639	-69
6	95X	                8	2	6	0.250%	565	656	-91

Group 7 MD-8	Score
Patricant	68
Mangolana	77
	
Delaclava	86
Taeshan	        64
	
Camwood	        100
Spitfyred1	52

Rank	Group 7	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Mangolana	8	7	1	0.875%	660	585	75
2	Delaclava	8	6	2	0.750%	664	587	77
3	Taeshan	        8	5	3	0.625%	591	571	20
4	Camwood	        8	3	5	0.375%	624	625	-1
5	Patricant	8	2	6	0.250%	554	616	-62
6	Spitfyred1	8	1	7	0.125%	534	643	-109

[The Andromeda Islands]

ANDROMEDA VS BLACK STEEL IN THE HOUR OF CHAOS
August 21, 2021

The game begins. Coach Priest decides to start a “safe” lineup: Oksana Korsakova, Mandy Alexander, Puffy Woods, Jenny Turner and Julie Lee. A strange purple smoke hangs above. As the two centers tip off, Woods stands near King Dread.

DREAD: Soul Glow. Wat wit da crew?

The tip goes to Mr. Cool, who dribbles down court. Woods and Dread talk as they’re playing their positions.

WOODS: Coach is trippin, Mad Cobra. She’s got this idea that if the lineup is really white, we won’t get in trouble.

DREAD: Wadn’t dawon gurl white?

WOODS: Yeah, It makes no sense. Hammerschmidt was white and she was suspended. As for putting Julie Lee in, she isn’t even white. She’s Asian. And I’m not exactly fair.

Dread gets the ball and shoots a fade away jumper over Woods.

WOODS: I’ll let you have that one.

----------

Dread and Woods been guarding each other close. Each have 6 points with about five minutes left in the first half.

WOODS: It turned out that none of them even had any illegal substances in their system. None of the stuff they found in their system was illegal.

DREAD: But wat about da high toned girl? Big D was coffin, vomitin.

One of Woods teammates passes her the ball. She passes to Korsakova under the basket. Korsakova makes a reverse layup.

WOODS: Dominique LaRue was pregnant. It had nothing to do with the party. Coach Priest was just flexing her authority.

There’s a television timeout. Crazy Baldhead walks over to Mr. Cool and Woods. He appears visibly upset.

BALDHEAD: What’s this I hear about Bright Eyes being pregnant?

WOODS: About six weeks now. She didn’t know when the tournament started.

BALDHEAD: She shouldnta been at no effin’ Black Steel party if her azz was pregnant. What about the others?

WOODS: They just broke curfew. They stayed up all night with you guys and came straight to practice. Coach was all mad, so she suspended ‘em.

PRIEST: (yelling from the sidelines) Woods, you’re out. Chambers is in.

----------

Black Steel leads 40-30 early in the second half. Brown Bomba and Jenny Turner guard each other. Turner gets the ball.

BOMBA: What’s up, Snow White? Where the dwarfs at?

Turner smiles as she passes to a teammate.

TURNER: Listen, Percy. I’m not white.

BOMBA: My name ain’t Percy, and how ain’t you white?

Chambers scores. Bomba and Turner run down court.

TURNER: There’s only two white people on the team, and I’m not sure about Mandy. She’s never said either way.

BOMBA: Come on, now. You’re white as snow.

TURNER: By Andromeda standards, I guess I am white, but my father’s darker than you.

Bomba gets the ball and shoots. He misses. The two teams run back down court.

BOMBA: So all of you are mixed?

TURNER: There’s only about three or four of us who aren’t.

BOMBA: What about Hammer?

TURNER: Josie Hammerschmidt’s very fair-skinned. So are Coach Priest and Navarro.

BOMBA: I shoulda known. Hammer’s just too cool for school.

Turner gets a pass from Cathy Clark. She makes a mid-range jumper over Bomba. Bomba is mildly concerned as he and Turner run down court.

BOMBA: Navarro? She the short girl with the Einstein hair?

TURNER: Yeah.

BOMBA: I never woulda guessed.

----------

There are about 30 seconds left in the game. Chambers and King Dread are talking as they play.

DREAD: So, da guy say heza god. Won-a his boys believe real hard, so he shootim tamaik sure. Crazy sheet, man.

CHAMBERS: The guy shot him to prove he was really a god? I heard he was shot while getting mugged or something.

DREAD: Eben so, yakant mugg da Most High, kanya man?

The buzzer sounds. Both Chambers and Dread look up. They’re both upset.

CHAMBERS: The game’s over. Listen, you got my e-mail, right?

Dread pulls out a paper from his shorts and gives it to Chambers.

DREAD: An Yugot mine.

Chambers walks off court toward her team. She turns and looks toward Dread one last time. Dread decides to say one last thing. He runs over to Chambers and grabs her arm.

DREAD: Listen. You anda gurlz take cara Darmen now. Make da playoffs. We pullin forya. We prayin forya.

CHAMBERS: Dread?

PRIEST: (yelling from across the court) Chambers. It’s time to go. Now!

The Purple haze was in their brain. It made them, for a moment, go insane. They were acting funny, and we know why.

CHAMBERS: ‘Scuse me while I kiss this guy.

----------

FINAL SCORE: Black Steel 71, Andromeda 64

----------

THE ANDROMEDA EAGLES (5-3) vs. DARMEN (4-4)

STARTERS

11 C Oksana Korsakova Portsmouth 1.88 m
21 F Cassie Ellis Angeles City 1.78 m
25 F Puffy Woods Palermo 1.75 m
31 G Maria Elena Braga Joppa 1.64 m
32 G Nikki Battle Portsmouth 1.63 m

RESERVES

13 C Missy Chambers Palermo 1.78 m
14 C Josie Hammerschmidt Todd’s Cove 1.78 m
23 F Mandy Alexander Valois 1.78 m
24 F Julia Gallo Portsmouth 1.75 m
34 G Jenny Turner Portsmouth 1.60 m
35 G Lola Getz Palermo 1.57 m
41 G Cathy Clark Palermo 1.63 m
42 G Julie Lee Palermo 1.59 m

[Yesopalitha]

From the Yesopalithan Sports Network, Facts and Opinions Only

Flames Move on After Upset, Have Dominating Win over Altimarus

YESOPALITHA 99, ₂₀Altimarus 68

Code: Select all

YESOPALITHA 20 20 31 28 | 99
ALTIMARUS   20 16 17 15 | 68

THE SACRED HEART, FREEDOM'S ALTAR, YESOPALITHA

After a devastating loss at the hands of Thatius after an unbelievable comeback against Sibirsky, no one knew what to expect from this Flames team. Going back to the loss against Cotdelapoms, the Flames had gone L,W,L, with another loss to Carasatoga in a friendly during that stretch.

The Flames put away any potential doubts tonight by putting away twentieth ranked Altimarus comfortably, 99-68, all without the services of their star power forward, Bethany Dickinson, for the game. Dickinson was a late scratch after a flu that hit over one hundred four degrees overnight took her out of the game.

"She wanted to play, but I told her to rest," stated Coach Scandricks, "Winning is important, but players' health is first, and she was in no shape to play."

So, Jimmy Rocksworth made his first international start. He got off on the wrong foot, committing three turnovers that gave the Scarlet Sharks some easy baskets, as the two teams were tied 20-20 after the first quarter.

"He had the jitters," commented Scandricks, "And we had to calm him down. But then he started to do better."

The score was still close, 40-36, at the half. The third quarter was when the Flames made their move. Isaac Redman, Jr., scored fifteen points while dishing out six assists that quarter, and the Flames scored 31 points to take a double-digit lead. They didn't take their foot off the gas in the fourth quarter, and won by a final margin of 31 points.

"It felt good, man," expressed Rocksworth, who calmed down to score seventeen points while grabbing six rebounds, "I have all the respect for Bethany, and I am sorry that she was sick, but it was good to be on the court. Now the coaches know that if they need someone else to step up, I am up for the job. Bethany is the starting forward, but they know they can lean on me."

"He did do an admirable job," agreed Ryan Thompson, "It's not easy filling Bethany's shoes, cause she's such a dominant force in the paint. It took him a while, but Jimmy got going, and he played a nice game."

When asked about what he had told his team to get them ready for this game after the devastating loss to Thatius, Coach Scandricks stated, "I told them that they could play better than that. That I knew that wasn't their best game, and told them to take care of business. They responded."

Next up is a game against Legokiller, who have been eliminated from playoff contention and sit at 1-7.

"We have to go and play as if our life depends on this game, dude," said Redman, Jr., "'Cause well after the Sibirsky game we were flat. We can't approach Legokiller as if they are a cupcake. No, they're another team that is representing their country. They'll play their best, and we'll just have to see if our game is better than theirs."

Coach Scandricks echoed Redman's sentiments.
"We are getting to the point in the qualifying season where every game can mean something. Right now, we are in the hunt for the sixth or seventh seed in the tournament, but there is also a chance that we won't make it at all if we mess up. Our goal this year was to make it to the playoffs, and we're almost there. We can't let off now."

The players of Legokiller should be warned - the Flames are coming to town, and they aren't letting up - if anything, they're going to play even harder then they were. And... Bethany Dickinson may be back for the next game!

Player of the Game: Jimmy Rocksworth 17 points 6 rebounds while filling in for the injured Bethany Dickinson

Stats

Yesopalitha 99
Redman 18 points 15 assists
Yeshuan 15 points 8 rebounds
Van Haren 10 points 7 rebounds
Rocksworth 17 points 6 rebounds
Thompson 18 points 12 rebounds
Williams 5 points 5 rebounds
Jackson, M. 6 points 4 rebounds
Jackson, K. 10 points 6 assists

Altimarus 68
Robinson 10 points
Howards, J. 7 points
Howards, B. 8 points
Cook-Bell 15 points
Moore 11 points
Harris 8 points
Thomas 9 points

Other Scores within Our Group
₄ Sibirsky 91, ₄₀Cotdelapoms 77
Thatius 99, Legokiller 63

[Qazox]

Metropolian Arena, Joehio--

The Raving Idiots ended Silver Beach's playoff hopes with a 91-62 win that kept Qazox a game ahead of Megadia in Group 2 with two games left. Roger Malden had a season high 32 points in the rout. The offense has been clicking as of late, spurred by Reggie mata, who has averaged over 11 assists so far this entire tourney.

Up next, Qazox travels to Aleckandor in their final road game before the playoffs. Qazox needs just a win to earn a playoff berth. A win coupled with a Megadia loss would clinch the group as well.

SVB  18 14 12 18  62
QZX  26 19 22 24  91

Qazox starting 5:
Reggie Mata- 11 points, 13 assists, 3 rebounds, 4 steals
David Palmer- 14 points, 5 assists, 5 steals, 2 rebounds
Roger Malden- 32 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals
Mike Jordan- 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks
Ian Dean- 14 points, 12 rebounds, 6 blocks
Attendence: 12,907 (100% capacity)

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

It’s quite funny that at times the difference between what could have been an 8-0 start and the reality of a 6-2 start could be something as seemingly inconsequential as a pinky finger. That’s the one I am talking about, you can quit looking at it now as it is not your pinky finger that has caused all the trouble. In reality that pinky belongs to Erougii Ough'nal, the all-world center for the Sea Dragons who tore the ligaments in the little finger of his right hand while fishing for giant brownie fish on the team’s bye date. That finger belongs to his shooting hand and has caused the big man to struggle while shooting - and while catching the ball - and while dunking the ball - and well, uh, while doing nearly anything that he is used to doing on the court.

And the team has suffered because of it as the defenses have been able to play more man and double team Ough’nal less, thus keeping things close and eking out wins. Hope is that the new finger brace will hold the finger steady while also easing the pain. Doubts linger over both aspects. One thing is certain, if Ough’nal and the Sea Dragons do not find a rhythm very soon the fast 6-0 start could be followed by even more unsatisfactory results.

[Ipeland]

You never know what to expect when you come into your first tournament of any particular sport, but the likely possibility is that you won't qualify, and get thrashed by the more experienced teams. Most fans came into the tournament expecting two or three wins, and getting thrashed by the likes of Sarzonia and Darmen, likewise the fans of the teams Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos and Kagdazka & Pazhujebu.

Ipeland, to the surprise of many, are in third place, above Darmen, with a real chance of qualifying. Ipeland's opponents in yesterday's game, Kagdazka & Pazhujebu, sit bottom of the group, having no mathematical hope of qualifying. This is the first basketball tournament for both of these teams, and shows perfectly, how work ethic can affect performance. The other new team in Group A, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, have had a terrible first half of qualifying and an unbeaten second half, having just won against The Andromeda Islands, 71-64.

Ipeland beat Kagdazka & Pazhujebu 75-58 yesterday, Kevin Davies scoring 40 of the 75. The loss sealed Kagdazka & Pazhujebu's fate and elevated Ipeland to 3rd place. The first two quarters had 70 points scored, 48 going to Ipeland and 22 going to Kagdazka. Davies scored 23, and Kagdazka's no.2 scored 15. The last two quarters had 63 points scored, Ipeland getting 27 and Kagdazka getting 36.

[Carasatoga]

Another look back at the tournament so far shows us that even though the early matchdays were filled with upsets and heartbreak for some veteran squads as well as elation for some newcomers, the second half has been filled with familiar results for most of the higher-ranked seeds in the qualifying groups. The dream teams of ASMV and Mangolana, and the Cinderella run of Yesopalitha have all seemed to quiet down for the time being, with the likes of Sarzonia, Delaclava, Qazox and Civil Citizenry once more rising to the tops of their groups with winning streaks known to those nations. Still, though, it is Valladares and Cassadaigua who are stealing the show, both starting 8-0 and guaranteed spots in the Round of 16. The two are dueling it out for the overall number one seed and whichever produces more in the final two matchdays will be the one to make it to Carasatoga ranked number one.

Chase for Number 1 Seed, based on Math:
1) Cassadaigua, 8-0: Consistently dominating their opponents, the ladies of Cassadaigua are in the playoffs and are one of only two nations left with unbeaten records. It will take a big misstep for them to not get the number one seed at this point.
2) Valladares, 8-0: Arguably more consistent than their Cass counterparts, this undefeated Valladares squad has been just as successful but in a subtler way. It may be this subtlety though that costs them the number one seed.
3) Qazox, 7-1: Even with their slip up earlier in the qualifying effort, the Raving Idiots are one of the best teams. They may even have a chance at number one, were both Cassadaigua and Valladares to lose.
4) Sarzonia, 7-1: One of those teams that experienced an early upset, the world number one is now performing well and also has the mathematical chance for a number one seed.
5) Mangolana, 7-1: Here mainly due to record, Mangolana has done well in what is more than likely the weakest group, but their showing has only been okay and is not enough for this team to be a real contender in the playoffs. My prediction: one of the teams above Mangolana will win the IBC.
6) Andossa se Mitrin Vega, 6-2: ASMV was originally one of the strongest teams in this IBC, but since a certain pinky injury, the Sea Dragons have fallen off and now just looking to make the playoffs, which is going to be a little harder with Civil Citizenry making their recent run.
7) Yesopalitha, 6-2: The Cinderella of IBC IX, Yesopalitha started off incredible but since, the Flames have been on the back-burner in the scoring department, but should still be good for getting to Carasatoga.
8 ) Delaclava, 6-2: Their recent surge after starting 0-2 have risen Delaclava to second in Group 7, now all they need is a win to make sure they get to the Old Coast Nation.
9) Civil Citizenry, 6-2: The only reason this team isn't higher on this list is because of the 0-2 start. They have gone on a 6-0 run though, and CC is performing well enough to perhaps, get a number one seed were some certain teams to lose, but what are the chances of that?
10) Megadia, 6-2: Maybe the most successful non-ranked team so far this IBC other than Yesopalitha, the team from Megadia have been a sort of a dark-horse in their group, silently winning games. Just because they are quiet, doesn't mean they aren't good.

My Rankings based on Performance:
1. Cassadaigua, 8-0
2. Valladares, 8-0
3. Qazox, 7-1
4. Sarzonia, 7-1
5. Civil Citizenry, 6-2
6. Delaclava, 6-2
7. Megadia, 6-2
8. Mangolana, 7-1
9. Yesopalitha, 7-1
10. Andossa se Mitrin Vega, 6-2

[Carasatoga]

I have to inform you that scores will be delayed until around 10 pm tonight because I have to go somewhere and I do not have the time to do them now. Feel free to RP until then.

[Civil Citizenry]

OOC: Assume this storyline happens after Whitcomb retires, which will be at the conclusion of this tournament. There is no knowledge of anything that has happened in this tournament after matchday eight.

---

A successful basketball career. A run to the semifinals on the world's biggest stage; over twenty thousand points scored; a decade's dedication of hard work to secure luxury and everlasting fame. Leighland Whitcomb was a star, full-fledged, undisputed - and just thirty-four years old. He had everything he could ever need.

But there was something missing. For someone who could earn the envy of even the ninety-nine percent, he didn't quite feel fulfilled, like there was something about his life that didn't complete the picture. Something in his heart just wasn't quite there.

He didn't know much else besides basketball. He always figured that once his career ended, he'd coast by on the millions he'd made from basketball. He certainly could. But for Leighland Whitcomb, he needed to find whatever it was that was bugging him and kept him from feeling true happiness.

He lived his post-basketball life rather quietly, staying out of the limelight and delaying any plans he may have had or any offers that came his way. He knew none of them were right. Whatever it was that his heart lacked, he would find it himself - or else it wouldn't be right.

---

Some people love parties. They love going out into the chilly night, feeling the soft air whirl around them, the freedom of life existing in every step. They feel comfortable walking into any bar or club full of total strangers and not be overcome by that dreaded sense of awkwardness, like one has overstepped his bounds or has done something incorrect. They love the intense comfort of companionship, sharing enjoyment with others, and knowing that you are not and need never be alone.

Leighland Whitcomb, a shy and somewhat introverted man, was not one of those party animals. When nighttime fell, the blackness that surrounded him outside served as a powerful reminder that not all was bright in his life, that there was still something he lacked that made him dreary and listless. He would sit on an expansive couch, or maybe his king-size bed upstairs, and let himself become immersed in endless television programming. He was never fully engrossed, though; oftentimes, his mind would recognize that he was just staring at the colors of the TV without any sort of comprehension of them. He was just lost.

---

Thirty-eight years old. Quite a while since he retired, and yet he felt no closer to discovering what he needed than he did the day he stepped back from the only thing he was ever capable of. So it was just a night of television, another one of those when it didn't matter what he watched, when he watched it, or how long he watched it for. It was something to do, something to let his mind wander.

Television seems to offer a sense of purpose. Maybe one turns it on at a certain time to watch a sporting event or a concert. Maybe there's a series one likes to view. In many cases, people find themselves turning on the tube merely to unwind, relax and let their troubles sink away.

No purpose existed for Whitcomb's extensive nightly television viewings, except to give him an excuse for not having a purpose for his entire life. On this night, he was just flipping through channels: no particular program or event was in his sights.

His eye paused on channel 241. A music concert was on - but not the typical one nowadays, no pop or country music, no headbanging or guitar-smashing. Orchestra music. And it was beautiful too. Indeed, it was really his ear that stopped him on channel 241.

It didn't matter what the song was, or who was playing it. It seemed to hit exactly the right chords at the right time with the right speed. It was catchy, something one could sit and listen to just once and yet know the melodies. And not just memorize them - hear the beat below the skin, feel the notes come out of the body. It was as soothing as a lullaby, relaxing as Valium, but as revitalizing as cool water, capturing as a Kodak.

Leighland Whitcomb reclined just a little bit. He watched the whole concert. There was a purpose to it: it struck the right chord in himself. It was a feeling he didn't want to let go.

[Camwood]

Fighting the Rest
Dec 16, 2011, 9:11 PM
henry.jouleson@CSNN.cam (Reporter)

Henry's Here! It looks like Camwood inaugral IBC is going to be without a
playoff run. Camwood has a three and five record, and the best possible outcome
would be five and five. if Taeshan, loses both of the final two games the tie
breaker would be up to point differential, which is To Be Decided.

In the next game, matchday nine, Camwood will play Patricant, who has already
been eliminated. The game after that, matchday ten, will be against Delclava,
who is second in the group but ranked eight interntaionally. If Camwood can
fight their way into third, they'll be a couple places higher in the international
standings which come out after the IBC ends.

MD8: Camwood 100 - 52 Spitfyred1
Dec 16, 2011, 9:23 PM
Alice_Carter@pbcsports.cam

Game Comments:Camwood played better then I've ever seen them before.
They moved the ball and were able put up points all game long. The Most Valuable
Player for Camwood was Point Guard Jeff Arwood, who had thirteen points and five
assists.

Shots: 59
Combined FG %: 83%
Combined FT %: 95%
Total Fouls: 11
3 Pts made/ 3 Pt shot: 7/9
Time of Possesion: 66:31

[Carasatoga]

RP Cutoff!

[Carasatoga]

Group 1 MD-9	       Score
Ipeland	               69
Black Steel itho Chaos 67
	
Kagdazka & Pazhujebu   61
Sarzonia	       90
	
Darmen	               64
Andromeda Islands      72

Rank	Group 1	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Sarzonia	        9	8	1	0.889%	738	605	133
2	Andromeda Islands	9	6	3	0.667%	728	645	83
3	Ipeland	                9	5	4	0.556%	676	700	-24
4	Darmen	                9	4	5	0.444%	654	701	-47
5	Black Steel itho Chaos	9	3	6	0.333%	689	680	9
6	Kagdazka & Pazhujebu	9	1	8	0.111%	630	784	-154

Group 2 MD-9 Score
Megadia	     62
Mapletish    92
	
Aleckandor   73
Qazox	     96
	
Silver Beach 71
Bergnovinaia 79

Rank	Group 2	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Qazox	        9	8	1	0.889%	795	642	153
2	Megadia	        9	6	3	0.667%	659	701	-42
3	Bergnovinaia	9	5	4	0.556%	731	734	-3
4	Aleckandor	9	4	5	0.444%	671	717	-46
5	Mapletish	9	2	7	0.222%	687	717	-30
6	Silver Beach	9	2	7	0.222%	714	746	-32

Group 3 MD-9	   Score
Soviet Canuckistan 67
Homelands Our	   98
	
Erathore	   75
Cassadaigua	   87
	
Western Cuba	   77
Cosumar	           73

Rank	Group 3	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Cassadaigua	        9	9	0	1.000%	775	605	170
2	Western Cuba	        9	6	3	0.667%	704	688	16
3	Cosumar	                9	5	4	0.556%	744	669	75
4	Homelands Our	        9	3	6	0.333%	660	700	-40
5	Erathore	        9	2	7	0.222%	659	742	-83
6	Soviet Canuckistan	9	2	7	0.222%	634	772	-138

Group 4 MD-9	Score
Legokiller	70
Yesopalitha	84
	
Thatius	        80
Sibirsky	67
	
Cotdelapoms	58
Altimarus	79

Rank	Group 4	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Yesopalitha	9	7	2	0.778%	763	657	106
2	Sibirsky	9	5	4	0.556%	729	693	36
3	Altimarus	9	5	4	0.556%	662	652	10
4	Thatius	        9	5	4	0.556%	677	669	8
5	Cotdelapoms	9	4	5	0.444%	685	707	-22
6	Legokiller	9	1	8	0.111%	594	732	-138

Group 5 MD-9	       Score
Euskirribakondara      74
Allamunnic States      84
	
Cakistan	       63
Valladares	       89
	
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk 65
Carasatoga	       68

Rank	Group 5	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Valladares	        9	9	0	1.000%	767	658	109
2	Carasatoga	        9	5	4	0.556%	674	654	20
3	Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk	9	5	4	0.556%	699	682	17
4	Allamunnic States	9	4	5	0.444%	692	676	16
5	Cakistan	        9	4	5	0.444%	670	701	-31
6	Euskirribakondara	9	0	9	0.000%	603	734	-131

Group 6 MD-9	       Score
Sovreignry	       86
Torisakia	       89
	
Michael VII	       77
Civil Citizenry	       88
	
95X	               69
Andossa se Mitrin Vega 65

Rank	Group 6	                P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Civil Citizenry	        9	7	2	0.778%	737	668	69
2	Andossa se Mitrin Vega	9	6	3	0.667%	731	626	105
3	Torisakia	        9	5	4	0.556%	687	723	-36
4	Michael VII	        9	4	5	0.444%	725	704	21
5	95X	                9	3	6	0.333%	634	721	-87
6	Sovreignry	        9	2	7	0.222%	656	728	-72

Group 7 MD-9	Score	OT
Camwood	        67	82
Patricant	67	73
		
Spitfyred1	75	
Delaclava	71	
		
Taeshan	        78	
Mangolana	95

Rank	Group 7	        P	W	L	%	F	A	D
1	Mangolana	9	8	1	0.889%	755	663	92
2	Delaclava	9	6	3	0.667%	735	662	73
3	Taeshan	        9	5	4	0.556%	669	666	3
4	Camwood	        9	4	5	0.444%	706	698	8
5	Patricant	9	2	7	0.222%	627	698	-71
6	Spitfyred1	9	2	7	0.222%	609	714	-105

[Qazox]

Alka City, Aleckandor--

The Raving Idiots have clinched their qualifying group with a 92-73 win over Aleckandor. Coach Johnson has not yet decided if he'll rest the starters in the next game, but a decision is expected to come later tonight. Reggie Mata just missed out on the 3rd triple-double in team history. Mata finished 1 point shy as he missed a free throw with 2.6 seconds left that would have put him in the record books.

Up next, Qazox heads back home to attempt to avenge the lone loss to Megadia and possibly clinch the #1 seed overall, that is if both Cassadaigua and Valladares lose. So far this UBC, Qazox is the #1 scoring offense (88.3 ppg) and #4 scoring defense (71.3 ppg).

QZX  25 21 22 24  92
ALK  17 20 18 18  73

Qazox starting 5:
Reggie Mata- 9 points, 14 assists, 1 rebound, 10 steals
David Palmer- 15 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, 5 rebounds
Roger Malden- 21 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
Mike Jordan- 26 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks
Ian Dean- 21 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks
Attendence: 11,489 (95.6% capacity)

[Sarzonia]

You'd think a team that clinched its group title with two matches to spare would start playing the reserves and looking toward keeping everyone healthy for a run into the knockout rounds.

If so, you don't know Sarzonia very well.

The Stars played their match against The Federation the way they would have played had the match mattered in the group tables. Their reward was a 90-61 victory over Kagdazka and Pazhujebu that ensured that the Stars would mathematically have the group title well in hand.

With the group title now wrapped up, the Stars (8-1) could afford to rest some guys, but are unlikely to. In fact, point guard Brandon Collins said the team was already focused on its next goal.

The next goal for the Stars? The top overall seed in the knockout rounds. Obviously, that means they'd have to watch the scoreboard to see if Cassadaigua and Valladares win their matches. If either team wins or both teams win, the Stars would be relegated to at best the No. 3 seed.

That would suit Chris Draden fine.

"Perhaps people will kinda take us for granted and let us fly under the radar a little bit," Draden said. "All the oohs and aahs for Cassadaigua and Valladares are deserved, but that might just deflect a little attention from us."

Coach Henry West would hear nothing of it.

"We still have our last match to play," he said. "After that, we have to win our next match or we're going to be relegated to the Best of the Rest Tournament. I don't want this Stars team to be the first to fail to qualify for the next rounds."

When asked about Draden's comment suggesting the Stars might fly under the radar, West scoffed.

"A two-time defending champions does not fly under the radar," he said. "We've got a huge target on our backs. We need to play with a sense of urgency no matter what the stakes."

Even if the Stars don't fly under the radar, they know the next matches will be tough.

"We've seen other tournaments where high seeds get knocked out in the early going," said centre Cole Schooler. "Look at the World Bowl in Cassadaigua. Bluth Corporation and Delaclava both got sent to the exits in the wild card round. We got eliminated in the quarterfinals and we were the world's No. 1 ranked team."

Even a sweeping win over hated F1-Insanity wasn't enough to satisfy Stars supporters, but West said the team had more important tasks in mind.

"Win the next two matches," West said. "Everything else will take care of itself."

[The Andromeda Islands]

ANDROMEDA NEWS NETWORK
Scott City, Darmen
August 23, 2021
11:20 pm Andromeda Time

Kent Chapman stands outside of the Stadium where the Andromeda Eagles played Darmen. The sun rises over the Stadium.

CHAPMAN: With two straight losses, the Eagles road to the IBC playoffs ran through Scott City against the team that gave them their first loss. A win tonight would even the score with the Sporting Kingdom of Darmen. More importantly, a win would all but insure the Eagles a spot in the IBC playoffs.

(cut to Cassie Ellis highlights)

CHAPMAN: (off camera) The Andromeda Eagles soared over Darmen on the wings of Cassie Ellis. Ellis scored 19 points in the first half, including here where she drives past Herbert Davis for the easy layup.

(cut to Jenny Turner and Cathy Clark being interviewed after the game)

TURNER: Dominant doesn’t do justice to what Cassie Ellis did today. She was on a whole other plane from the rest of us.

CLARK: When we all were playing, it was clear that Cassie Ellis was the Queen of the Court. Cass Ruled Everything Around Me. She was the Cream. She was money.


Cassie Ellis was on fire. She didn’t need no water.

(cut to game footage as described by Kent Chapman)

GUMBEL: Ellis, just traded from Angeles City to Joppa, shot 67% of the field and left the game with 27 points and 6 rebounds midway through the second half.

TURNER: (off camera) It’s a shame that Cassie spent so many years in Angeles City with no help. I think Ellis’ being traded affected her game.

GUMBEL: (off camera) The remainder of the game proved uneventful. Darmen managed to cut the Andromeda lead to seven before the Eagles reached the double bonus.

CLARK: (off camera) After our first game with Black Steel, we thought no one could beat us. We’re still in the playoffs, but we know that basketball in the IBC is a damned sight harder than the ASBA.

(cut to closing seconds of the game)

GUMBEL: (off camera) Events after the game caused just as much excitement among the Darmen press as Cassie Ellis’ 30 points. Once the horn sounded, the five reserves on the court gathered to center court, got on their knees and appeared to pray.

(cut to Turner and Clark)

CLARK: I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but I didn’t want to be left out, so I joined them.

TURNER: A few of us agreed that if we won, we would take a minute or two to give praise to Great Zeus, king of the ancient gods of Andromeda. Mandy Alexander believes in the old religion. She asked Missy, Lola and I to join her, even though we don’t really believe what she does. We didn’t expect Cathy to come, but we’re real glad she did.

CLARK: Missy studied religion in college. She knows about all that stuff, so I just followed her lead. For what it’s worth, if there is a god who’s in charge of watching basketball games and whatnot, he’s smiling down on us.

TURNER: Even if there isn’t, the fact that we did it together shows the world that we’re a team. We’re all different, but we’re fighting together to achieve the same thing.

(cut to Chapman)

CHAPMAN: The Architect of the Universe has yet to officially bestow a playoff spot upon the Andromeda Eagles. If Andromeda loses, Ipeland wins over Sarzonia, and the combined margin of both games is more than 127 points, the Eagles would fall to 3rd place in their Group and likely miss the playoffs. With the Eagles facing last place Kagdazka and Pazhujebu in their final game, it may take an Act of God to keep them out of the playoffs. Kent Chapman. Andromeda News Network.

----------

FINAL SCORE: Andromeda 72, Darmen 64

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PLAYER OF THE GAME

#21 Cassie Ellis – Small Forward

Age: 24
Height: 1.78 m
ASBA Career: Angeles City (2015-21); Joppa Jaguars (2021-present)
2021 Stats: 29.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg

Cassandra Ellis has led the ASBA Women’s Division in scoring for the past three seasons. At the end of the 2020 Season, Ellis became only the second woman in Women’s Division history to average more than 30 points per game.

As of yesterday, Ellis was signed to the Joppa Jaguars after playing six seasons with the Angeles City Sun Spots.

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THE ANDROMEDA EAGLES (6-3) vs. Kagdazka and Pazhujebu (1-8)

STARTERS

13 C Missy Chambers Palermo 1.78 m
23 F Mandy Alexander Valois 1.78 m
34 G Jenny Turner Portsmouth 1.60 m
35 G Lola Getz Palermo 1.57 m
41 G Cathy Clark Palermo 1.63 m

RESERVES

11 C Oksana Korsakova Portsmouth 1.88 m
14 C Josie Hammerschmidt Todd’s Cove 1.78 m
21 F Cassie Ellis Joppa 1.78 m
24 F Julia Gallo Portsmouth 1.75 m
25 F Puffy Woods Palermo 1.75 m
31 G Maria Elena Braga Joppa 1.64 m
32 G Nikki Battle Portsmouth 1.63 m
42 G Julie Lee Palermo 1.59 m

[Yesopalitha]

From the Yesopalithan Sports Network, Facts and Opinions Only

Flames Cruise to Win over Legokiller, Clinch Group

Code: Select all

YESOPALITHA 15 19 25 25 | 84
LEGOKILLER  20 15 15 20 | 70

LEGOKILLER-

The Yesopalithan Basketball Team made history as the Flames clinched their group, Group 4, with a win over Legokiller tonight. This team, unheralded in the beginning, defeated fourth ranked Sibirsky and twentieth ranked Altimarus twice each. They have shocked the world. The Flames stand 7-2 and atop the group standings while second place is being hotly contested by Sibirsky, Altimarus, and Thatius.

For the game against Legokiller, the Flames did give their fans a reason to worry in the first half, as they fell behind 20-15 early and 35-34 at the half.

"We were rushing things, trying to get too much done," explained Coach Scandricks, who was smiling after the game, "But then we started doing what we do best - defend and run."

The Flames did step their defense up a notch in the second half, outscoring Legokiller 50-35 for the final margin.

"It was defense,causing turnovers, and actually converting those into points," commented Bethany Dickinson, who returned from a one-day flu to score 24 points and grab 13 rebounds.

The clinching of the group guarantees the Flames at least a #7 seed and home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. It also cements the post-qualification friendly at Cassadaigua after the next game, since the Pink and Black have also clinched their group.

"It is an honor," stated Madame Nirdasil through a phone call interview, "That we have excelled so much as to make it this far. I am proud of them. They have the whole nation glued to the TV when they play, and I wish them the best of luck in the future. Go Flames!"

When asked if he would rest his starters in the next game against fortieth ranked Cotdelapoms, Scandricks scoffed, and explained, "Well I would, except this is Cotdelapoms, and they did hand us our first loss. It's a bit personal. I do promise, though, if the game looks to be going out of hand either way, I'll pull out the starters as to not injure them. But for morale and momentum's sake, we need to continue playing at the highest level we can, and hopefully we can win."

Isaac Redman, Jr., commented, "It's personal, man. They're the ones that started all the crap talk about us being inconsistent. We made some mistakes in that first game. Hopefully, this time, we won't screw it up."

Center Mark Johnson was asked if the pressure of being scrutinized was too much for him. He replied, "It is nice to know that people care, and that they view us as good competition. Hopefully we can keep playing up to their standards to show that we are here to stay."

As the Flames face Cotdelapoms, then Cassadaigua, and then whomever they shall face in the playoffs, one thing is for certain: This team began this season not knowing who their leader was, what they were good at, or, really, what international basketball is like. Although they haven't played a single playoff game yet, they are gaining experience, and getting comfortable on the big stage.

This is the Yesopalithan Sports Network, reporting from Legokiller.

Player of the Game: Bethany Dickinson 24 points 13 rebounds

Stats

Yesopalitha 84
Redman 13 points 15 assists
Yeshuan 12 points 8 rebounds
Van Haren 8 points 4 rebounds
Dickinson 24 points 13 rebounds
Rockswsorth 5 points 3 rebounds
Thompson 12 points 5 rebounds
Jackson, M. 5 points 10 rebounds
Jackson, K. 5 points 6 assists

Legokiller 70
N/A

Other Scores from Within Our Group
Thatius 80, ₄Sibirsky 67
₂₀Altimarus 79, ₄₀Cotdelapoms 58

[Cassadaigua]

Amber’s Space

Hello again, everyone! Well, we’ve reached the final game of the preliminary stages and will soon be on our way to Carasatoga. Prior to going out there, though, we will of course have this group game with Soviet Canuckistan at home, but then don’t forget we’ll have Yesopalitha here for a friendly. They have done a great job thus far in the group games, and it will be a good test for us. I guess there will be some that say “what’s the point?” Fair enough, but really throughout the group stage, we have not really been tested a whole lot. Now I hate to just come out and say that with one such game remaining and to give bulletin board material to the Soviet Canucks, but it’d be nice to get a real good prep in before the playoffs begin. There’s one very important thing to remember about the playoffs, and that’s that it will be a straight knockout. Most of the playoffs in this tournament so hard have been with a series, like a best-of-three or five, but a straight knockout isn’t unprecedented either. What it does though is give you absolutely no room for error and further drive home the point that you must be prepared to raise your game to the next level. That’s why we play Yesopalitha. They’re a determined first-time nation who’s not only showing a ton of character, but also getting results. They will absolutely be using their game against us to try and show they are not a fluke. That’s the test. Soviet Canuckistan? Not so much. The biggest test with this upcoming game is not letting our guard down.

I didn’t directly report on our last couple games, but we picked up a couple of nice wins in the meantime, including a 16-point win over Western Cuba, who’s been one of the better teams in the group. Elsewhere, as you know, we’re coming off the 87-75 win over Erathore, who even though they are 2-7, they are probably the team that’s given us our sternest tests to this point. They hung with us for a little while, and although we never trailed in this game, we never led by more then 5 in the first half. Then, a 24-4 run very early in the second half turned this into a rout as well, although since they scored the last six points of the game, the score seems closer. I guess we should look at that (and we will) as a reason for why we can’t take the Soviet Canucks lightly. We would like that #1-seed. Going back a bit to the Western Cuba game at home, it was nice there to do something for U-12 team from Starksville that I had talked about before. I was going to go there and be a guest speaker and do a mini basketball camp with them on our bye day with the schedule that Mytannion had set, but with the new schedule, that became a game day. There was some effort to bring them to Concord Heights earlier, but it was best to do it after the World Bowl crowds had since gone home. Now with that the case, they got to spend time with us before and after the game. During halftime, they took on the U-12's from Concord Heights and had a great time, and then all of us (meaning the U-12 teams and those of us on the national team) got together and shot the ball around some more, signed autographs, and had a dinner on the campus of Concord Heights Beauty School. (The girls were treated even further to some stylish tips from some of those students, and what pre-teen girl doesn’t like experimenting with hair-dos and makeup?) As players, it might have been nice to rest a little after the game, but seeing them made it all worthwhile, whereas all we needed was a 9 Energy and we were set to go! The kids had game too, and maybe one day one of them will be blogging from an International Basketball Championships in the future.