NSCAA 8 - RP Thread

[NSCAA Basketball]

This is your RP thread for NSCAA's 8th season. Schedules and cutoffs will depend on the individual hosts and will be posted in the RESULTS THREAD. Rosters will be posted in the ROSTERS THREAD. Results will be posted in the RESULTS THREAD. Any OOC comments or hosting issues should be posted in the SIGNUP/OOC THREAD. RPs should be posted here!

RAINBOW CONFERENCE - CHROMATIKA
The Romelu University (LAW)
Asheim University-Havnen (ELG)
National Goose Academy (OGG)
Plymouth Republic University (FFR)
Universidade do Porto (LUS)
Natanian University (NTN)
University of Portsmouth (TAA)
Sestat College (KCZ)
University of Klyde (COS)
Universidad Bolivarianos de Caracas (NCS)
Taurendil Institute (CEN)
Harston Harbor College (QAD)

TIR SNAKE CONFERENCE - CENI
Sadeg State University (DRK)
University of Empress Jessica I (NEW)
South Tushlark Institute of Technology (TGN)
University of Lsianski (LSI)
Orange University (AFT)
University of Superiority of the Gosling (OGG)
Yochester College(FUI)
Coral Coast University (FND)
Southern Natanians and Nosts University (NTN)
West Redvale College (VLE)
University of Central Knepp (LAW)
Turbani Tech (VAL)

ETERNAL CONFERENCE - VALANORA
Chapeno (MUS)
Kecrastat University (KCZ)
Drawk Corps University (DRK)
Universidade Federal do Noroeste (SUL)
University of Clifford Peak (NAG)
University of Tundra Falls (NEW)
Aero-Academy (OGG)
Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT)
Universidade de Coimbra (LUS)
The Purple Rabbit Institute (EPR)
Universidad Nacionale de Amazonas (NCS)
Havnen Naval Academy (ELG)

FULL HOUSE CONFERENCE - QASDEN
City Centre College (CEN)
Woodston (MUS)
Z'ai'ai University of Technology (CMT)
Empire of Catsian Isles University (EOC)
Universidad Elias de Bakholdt (NCS)
University of Jolarus (FFR)
Asheim University-Byen (ELG)
Natanians and Nosts Palæontological-Centered Research University (NTN)
Southport University (NEW)
Waterford University (LSI)
Leopord Central University (FND)
Fleftic Military Academy (AFT)

FJELL KONFERANSE - ELGENSTAD
Kaiser-Pollansbee University (QAD)
Southern Rochelle University (EOC)
Chvesky University (EPR)
Centralia Automotive Institute (NEW)
Republica's Naval Academy (FFR)
Sorky Universty (MUS)
Northern Natanians and Nosts University (NTN)
University of Furby City(FUI)
Northcutt University (NGD)
University of Santa Magdalena (AFT)
Pùr State University (CMT)
Eckenburg Mountain University (KBC)

ARROWSWORD CONFERENCE - DRAWKLAND
Deprì Sanar University (CMT)
University of New Oxford (CEN)
Forette State University (NAG)
College of Ringold and Balthasar (EPR)
Zender State (MUS)
Furby City College(FUI)
Instituto Universitario Politecnico de Carabobo (NCS)
Rinaldi Naval Academy (VAL)
St. Kitt's University (EOC)
Byen School of Mines (ELG)
University of the Western Isles (COS)
Wilson Pickett Teacher's College (TAA)

SKY BLUE CONFERENCE - NEWMANISTAN
Universidade de Aveiro (LUS)
Osaven Tech (KCZ)
Andromeda Naval Academy (TAA)
Eastern U (QAD)
Corinth City University (DRK)
Crystal Chambers City College (LAW)
Tryba University (NAG)
Sir Nicholas Rochev University (EPR)
Kings University (LSI)
Digleon University (FND)
Incendia University (TGN)
Chromatik City College University (CMT)

BIG SEVEN FIVE CONFERENCE - DRAWKLAND
Instituto Superior Técnico (LUS)
Pocono City Tech (NEW)
Fleftic Merchant Marine Institution (AFT)
Tri-Border State (QAD)
Army Academy (FFR)
Boreem College(FUI)
Snake Pit University (FND)
University of Parougan (COS)
Mar Sara Tech (VAL)
University of Andromeda (TAA)
Cenian Academy of Science and Technology (CEN)
Menzestat Academy (KCZ)

THE ROYAL CONFERENCE - NEWMANISTAN
Alliance of the Wings Exchange University (OGG)
Universidade de Évora (LUS)
Universidade Federal dos Lavapés (SUL)
East Havnen University (ELG)
Nejax Republic University (FFR)
Cemmendy Tech (DRK)
Universidad Chavez (NCS)
Ludden (MUS)
Dominica University (NAG)
Royal River Academy (QAD)
Mount Maris University (VLE)
Northern University of The Republic of Natanians and Nost (NTN)

BLUE EAGLE CONFERENCE - FREE REPUBLICS
Foxlia Tech (EPR)
University of Palermo (TAA)
Metro Maris University (VLE)
University of Taxson (QAD)
University of Zareski(FUI)
Veslen University (KCZ)
Loudon Central University (NEW)
Stoneshore College (COS)
Byen City College (ELG)
Universidade Federal do Sudoeste (SUL)
Thereisnogodistan Community College (AFT)
Western Lisianski University (LSI)

SHADOW CONFERENCE - CHROMATIKA
Universidade Federal da Rondônia do Norte (SUL)
Ayronhrod University (COS)
Nassau Bay University (NGD)
University of Ceni (CEN)
Ayiana University (LSI)
Petre Price Academy (EPR)
Universidade de Sevilha (LUS)
Fyre School of The Arts (QAD)
The Geese's University of Strength (OGG)
University of St. Paul (TAA)
University of Furby Island(FUI)
Lazaga State University (VLE)

CAT VALLEY CONFERENCE - QASDEN
Universidade dos Açores (LUS)
University of Wickliffe (LAW)
College of Christianity and Judaism (FND)
Releinthi National & State College (AFT)
Salazar University (EPR)
Edgewater University (LSI)
Hoover State (NAG)
Elvaston Unversity (MUS)
Castle Valle Rojas University (VLE)
University of Montague-Hawkesbury (CEN)
Barteaux University (FFR)
University of Myana (CMT)

WOODLAND CONFERENCE - VALANORA
Emperor's Own University (EOC)
T.V. City Tech (QAD)
Leopord University (FND)
Riuwiee State University (AFT)
Undergoose Reformatory School (OGG)
Universidade Federal da Calvária (SUL)
Binford Tech (MUS)
Kaland College (ELG)
University of Cenial (CEN) 
Deprì Lanar University (CMT)
Universidad Indigena de Tachira (NCS)
Metropolon City College (DRK)

KYST KONFERANSE - ELGENSTAD
Chromatik State University (CMT)
University of Hondo (VAL)
Endemian College at Whitehaven (CEN)
Baseton College (FFR)
Castovanni University (TGN)
University of Ice Peak (FND)
Brogden Honors (NAG)
West Pipersville Colligate Prepatory (EOC)
Sumrall (MUS)
Slivelle Academy (COS)
Marie Curie University (LSI)
Universite Franco-Coreene d'Altamira (NCS)

LONGTAIL CONFERENCE - CENI
Big Island Baptist College (TAA)
Northern Felinistan College at Catstantinople (EOC)
Alnio University of the Arts (CMT)
Maris Technical University (VLE)
Elmanden District College (DRK)
Vision Drive University (FND)
Byen State University (ELG)
Ramusok Capital University (COS)
Nostsian University (NTN)
Universidade Federal da Capital (SUL)
Loudon Empire University (NEW)
Everlin University (VAL)

TERRANEAN CONFERENCE - CENI
Sextíliu José Marques University (NTN)
Keisler College (NEW)
Tamarskand Fief University (COS)
Universidade Federal da Zona Industrial (SUL)
The Air Force Academy (FFR)
University of Landon (NAG)
Belden State University (LAW)
Queens University (LSI)
University of Joppa (TAA)
College of the Allied States (EOC)
Ducentu State University (DRK)
Foxilia University (EPR)

MEZZANINE CONFERENCE - CHROMATIKA
Markham Academy of the Army (VLE)
K.S.R.A. (LAW)
Raynor University (VAL)
Zlumore College (FUI)
College of the Hills (NAG)
Universidade de Lisboa (LUS)
Universidade Federal do Nordeste (SUL)
University of Luvenstat (KCZ)
Universidad Central de Venezuela (NCS)
Lyrixistan A&M at Cat's Paw (EOC)
Natanians and Nosts Scientific University (NTN)
Old Mountain University (DRK)

NAVIGATION
RP Thread | Rosters Thread | Results Thread
Signup/OOC Thread | Discussion Thread

[The Redvale]

Inside The Lines: The Story of Redvali College Basketball

Chapter One: Saturday Night In East Maris

The official capacity for Schmidt Fieldhouse is twelve thousand, but there’s definitely thirteen thousand or more packing the house for this special event… Not just a normal basketball game, but one that has the chance to mark the culture change that’s gone on here under Paulo Marchesi and his new regime. The scoreboard says that the game is in double overtime, and the atmosphere is indicative of that. You won’t find a single person sitting down, as Maris Tech takes on the number one team in the Super Twelve conference, the Castle Valle Rojas Hornets. Castle’s basketball program has always been one of the top ones in the country, but this season is especially shaping up to be a banner year for them.

However, Tech is just behind them in second place and can tie them in the standings with a win, and they’ve been fighting like wild dogs all night. Castle had run them out of the building when the two played earlier in the season in Red Valley, defeating them by the score of 116-82. Now, with the regular season title on the line, it was the East Marisian sleeping giants that were keeping their opponents on the ropes. It was a battle of cultures, in a way. Castle Valle Rojas was the only college team to have an owner, after they had relocated to Castle University’s campus in Red Valley at the command of a top booster, taking their teams to what was the new campus for what had formerly been an online school that was privately owned and for profit.

On the other hand, Maris Tech had been a fixture in East Maris for just about as long as that area had been an official district. They’ve had some good years in basketball but a lot of bad years in just about everything else, always in the shadow of their western rivals from Mount Maris University. This year was different, though. The Wizards weren’t just good, they were excellent. They were contenders for the Super Twelve and for the national title, led by a long lineup that performed well on both ends and ripped many of the smaller teams in the nation’s best conference to shreds. Their large local fan base had come alive during this season, with the blue and orange colors of the Wizards being seen all over town even when it wasn’t a game day.

So now, both teams found themselves in a heavyweight fight that would either give Castle sole possession of first place or that would give Maris Tech a position that would tie them for first for the first time of the season. It was a high pressure scenario, and that was how both teams were playing. Things would get even more high pressure with forty five seconds left, with the Wizards down by four in double overtime, and Castle guard Haden Blackmon becoming the target of the ire of the crowd. They always said that Marisian fans were absolutely brutal, but most people didn’t realize how savage they were until they witnessed them in person. Haden Blackmon was one of those people, as an inexperienced sophomore who was only playing in Schmidt Fieldhouse for the second time in his career.

“Haden!” multiple voices in the student section and the supporter sections around it shouted, as they decided to pick on him in particular after the Hornets broke their huddle. “Haden, over here! Haden! Hey! Haden!” they continued shouting, and then, as Haden finally looked towards them to see what the big deal was, the sections erupted into noise in unison.

“YOU’RE SHIT! AAAAAAAHHHHH!” the entire crowd screamed, rattling the young point guard and making him glance away nervously. They cheered themselves after that, as if they were proud of getting into the head of the rival player, and then the crowd cheered again when Paulo Marchesi has his Wizards break huddle and sends them back out after the timeout.

The band starts playing again, and their trumpets play the notes of a cavalry charge. The crowd responds with another shout, that rocks the arena. “HAIL TECH!”

“No pressure,” jokes swingman Maurice Rosario, who is sitting on the Maris Tech bench and watching as his teammates line up to defend an inbound pass from Castle. Rodolfo Xavier throws the ball in towards Haden Blackmon, Blackmon catches the ball in his stride and runs towards the rim, but Alan Napolitano is there in time to jump into the lane and swat his driving layup attempt away. Jack Shields grabs the rebound and hurls the ball down court quickly to Ricky Pope, who drives the opposite lane and throws down an aggressive dunk over seven footer Travis Wing.

The crowd erupts, and Ricky gets them even more into it by hanging on the rim with one hand and pointing to them with the other, before jumping down and telling everyone to get up as he runs back to play defense. Now, the Castle lead is only two points, with about twenty seconds left. Most teams would foul in this situation, but Paulo Marchesi is running the sideline and desperately waving to his players to not foul the Hornets. No, they’re putting the press on as Blackmon dribbles the ball into the corner while trying to run the clock out. This is where things get interesting, and where the game turns controversial.

Haden tries to pass the ball out of the trap to small forward Tray Bowie, but Jack Shields knocks the ball up into the air and as Haden tries to recover and grab it again as it falls back towards him, it bounces off of his forearm and behind him, out of bounds. It should be Wizards ball, but the referee signals that the ball belongs to Castle. Immediately after that happens, the atmosphere changes completely. It goes from a very excited and hopeful atmosphere to a riot like one, where it’s obvious that something bad is about to kick off. The crowd’s cheer as they believed their team gained possession turned into a roar of anger, and the sections behind the baskets immediately voiced their displeasure with the referee’s decision with shouts and gestures. “REF YOU SUCK, REF YOU SUCK!” the entire arena shouted, and freshman guard Justin Romaro jumped up on the scorer’s table to wave his arms to tell them to jeer louder.

Things are thrown. The players have to return to their benches because of all the drinks being thrown onto the floor. The press members by the scorer’s table have to take cover to avoid being hit as collateral damage by the things being thrown by the fans behind them. Maybe because of all the pressure and because of the riot like state of the situation, the head referee moves to the middle of the floor and appeases the crowd by announcing that there’s going to be a review. “The previous play is under review,” he states, and that gets the Tech fans to back off for now. Still, the whole place is on edge, like a powder keg waiting to blow after one wrong move on the part of the referees or anyone else.

The review takes a few minutes, and the atmosphere grows more anxious and threatening as the time ticks by. The fans are restless, knowing that years of buildup has led to their team getting this chance, and they aren’t in the mood to get robbed now after taking the top team in the country to double overtime. Eventually, the head referee steps away from the replay crew and returns to the middle of the court, where the arena staff are working to clean up the messes created by the thrown drinks. “After review, possession belongs to Maris Tech. However, Maris Tech will receive a technical foul for failure to control the crowd. Castle Valle Rojas will receive a foul shot and possession.”

The only thing that could be heard in that moment in the arena was the thunderous sound of boos, which echoed off of the low roof and came back down towards the court. The Wizards, understandably, were furious. Their fans, who had suffered through years of losing to get to this moment, were even more outraged. The referees simply ignored them, as Haden Blackmon ran down the court to take the tech shot quickly before the fans could start throwing things on the court again. But when the fans directed their anger towards Blackmon, he threw up a bad shot that bounced off of the backboard and didn’t come anywhere close to going in. “Fuck’s sake!” shouted Aiden Farrow, throwing his arms up in frustration when the foul shot went wide.

Castle inbounded quickly and tried to drive inside again, but the Wizards stepped out of their usually interior focused defense and closed down on Blackmon as soon as he received the ball. They were back in that dangerous trapping formation that relied on risk and reward, but they caught him near the sideline. Before he could call a timeout, the ball bounced loose and went towards the out of bounds line… But Pope was able to deflect it and save it, and Maurice Rosario takes the ball and runs with it as Tray Bowie tries to get back in time. He doesn’t make it, however, and Rosario switches hands around him and lays the ball in over him. The crowd erupts, and the game is tied at eighty eight in double overtime.

Castle gets forward again, runs some of the clock out until there’s ten seconds left, and then takes a two point shot from mid range that clanks high off of the rim and falls into the hands of Alan Napolitano, who takes the ball the other way and passes it backwards to Jack Shields. There’s six seconds lefts, and Maris Tech isn’t going to use their last timeout. Shields is approaching the three point line, being guarded by the shorter Nick Buchanan, and before another defender can come over to help, he picks up his dribble and drives for two steps before jumping and leaning back as he banks a shot off of the glas that rolls around the side of the rim before going in, after the buzzer has sounded. The few Castle fans that are here are in stunned silence. For the Marisian fans, it’s euphoria.

They’re in first place, and they got there in a way that would have been absolutely unbelievable considering the earlier atmosphere. As the buzzer sounds, Paulo Marchesi raises both arms in the air like a victorious fighter. And in a way, it is a personal victory for him. He’s gotten his team to first place and survived two overtimes against their rivals who also happen to be the number one team in the land. By Monday, the title of number one might belong to them. Maris and Castle have a long history of provincial rivalry, but in the field of sports, Maris Tech and Castle have always played one of the more heated rivalries in the country, college or professional. In the past, they had hated each other as bottom feeders because of their cultural differences and socioeconomic differences. They called the series the Stoners vs Scientists rivalry, after all. But now, both teams were in the top five, and they were both competing for titles. Despite Castle having the historical edge over their hated foes rom Tech, Marchesi had been able to lead them to a win when it was most important.

“It’s over! The Wizards of Maris Tech have just knocked off number one Castle Valle Rojas, and what a way they did it in! They’re going to be partying tonight in East Maris!” was the radio call after the buzzer sounded, and not long after that, the fans began to rush the court. This time, it wasn’t because of a minor riot but because they wanted to celebrate with the players after taking down enemy number one. Somewhere in the middle of that, in the middle of all of the chaos, there were a few people who looked out of place in the rowdy Schmidt Fieldhouse.

They were journalists, and there were three of them. Luc Kraus and Liv Neri, who work for Fifty Mile Zone, and Sam Hirano, who works for the Maris Inquirer’s sporting department. However, they aren’t here tonight under their normal outlets. They’re here for their cross country road trip taking them to see some of the biggest basketball powers in the country play and work behind the scenes during college basketball season. They’re already midway through their trip, and this was the most exciting game by far at this point. This trip is a long one, and one that’s not always easy at times. The reporters have had to stay at cheap motels, live off of fast food, follow a crazy travel schedule, and leave their families behind for the entire season and even the time before that.

But they do it all to release their findings to the public. Soon, the findings from this trip will be available, to give fans a view of what it’s like to be behind the curtains at some of the big time college basketball programs in Redvale, and a few of the mid majors fighting to upset them. You’ll see everything from the rise of five star freshman to seniors battling to win a ring in their last year, everything from young new head coaches trying to find their ways to experienced veterans trying to reload some of the best teams in the nation. You’ll travel with the Maris Tech Wizards and check out their culture change, and you’ll head to the hills of Red Valley and see how Castle is coping with their relocation, and you’ll take a trip down south to Markham and watch the Markham Academy of the Army prepare for some of their biggest challenges yet.

You’ll see the struggle that RCAA athletes face with the league not allowing them to make money off of their talents, and you’ll also witness some of the darker sides of the game, as athletes with dodgy backgrounds rise to stardom while their background problems are largely ignored by coaches. You’ll also see what some of the biggest named coaches are like up close, and you’ll see where the rising programs in the country are, led by their younger and innovative counterparts. You’ll follow everyone, and see everything, and by the end of it, you’ll know the real story behind the RCAA and its famed basketball teams. This, everyone, is the story of Redvali basketball, and it’s quite the ride.

But before we move forward after that crazy night in East Maris, we have to go back.

[Drawkland]

NSCAA 8: DEATH TO UCENIAL EDITION!
Written By: Andrea Tiffon and Drake Baldwin

---

...

sigh ...

Well ... we're back again. And boy does somebody need to nuke the shit out of Ceni.

I'm sure you recall NSCAA 7, the "Phoenix" edition of the tournament that brought college basketball back into the international stage. You may also remember how well Drawkland did in the Conference stage. How Drawkland owned 1/8 of the bracket on opening day of the tournament. How 4 out of the top 8 schools were Drawkian. How pretty much all the impartial pundits expected Drawkland to take it all, perhaps even clinch the final to be between two Drawkian teams.

And then, you probably remember day 1. You may remember Drawk Corps falling to Myana. And then you thought that was bad after watching the game, and suddenly you watched Elmanden lose to a school from godforsaken Nuevo Caracas lose 65-101. And you were pretty torn up. And of course Emesamie going down to New Oxford. And the next day watching as Cemmendy Tech lost by a single point, a missed buzzer beater, to Shibusen School. Shibusen School. From Aji No Moto. They aren't even in NSCAA 8. And you thought that's as bad as it could get. Then you watched Notamill lose to a Vannish school. And then you were so depressed that- oh no wait, pretty much everyone was okay with that one. Thankfully, Sadeg State, Metropolon, and Corinth all went on in the bracket.

That was pretty fire, honestly. Metropolon got revenge on Myana and Carabobo by beating their asses in the next round. Sweet revenge. And then Corinth earned the nickname "Chromatik Crushin' Corinth City Chargers," by defeating 3 consecutive Chromatik schools (that's what they got for beating the Corps). And that was cool. And the undefeated Sadeg State continued to roll, squashing all the competition. Then Metropolon fell in the Elite Eight to New Oxford in Ceni. And that was pretty sad, but a 3/4 Drawkian Final Four would admittedly be boring. Speaking of the Final Four, Corinth finally kicked the bucket to University of Cenial. And we were all like, "who the hell are these guys? 27th seed? Well, doesn't matter, they'll get their asses handed to them by Sadeg," because Sadeg finished whipping the buttocks of New Oxford.

Oh God. The pain.

An 8 points loss. So many missed shots, on both sides. So much pain. 59-67 read the board at the end, and the Skyhawks' reign came to an end at 31-1. And, uh. That is literally the worst thing we've ever heard of. It's still a sore spot. If you could imagine that.

But hey, new year, new us, amirite? Nobody's going down in the first round again. Because this time we're back and better than ever, and ready to kick some more ass and slam some more dunks and hit some more 3s and break so many ankles. Be ready, multiverse. We're Back In Black.

Wait, who's back in black? Oh, that's right, the EXTREME EIGHT. I don't know what an Elite Eight is, because the Extreme Eight is what it is in Drawkland. Because they're the ones that are extremely good. Hahahaha. At least, that's what I think it means. Who knows what the original reason was. Anyway, the selection this year is much more convenient. Of course you have your domestic tournament winners and runners-up, Sadeg State U and Drawk Corps U, respectively. Then Metropolon and Corinth Cities, who lost out in the Final Four, just like last year, also return. Returning are the rivals Cemmendy Tech and Elmanden District College, and finally, the newcomers of Ducentu State and Old Mountain U (replacing Notamill and U of Emesamie from last year), which this time, nobody will object to.

How about in terms of the NSCAA? Well, there's still some time before the season begins, but we'll do some projections and predictions for the season to come.

Because you know how accurate we are at those.

---

Hey! Some changes happened! New schools, new players, new fun! Check out our roster article for the Extreme Eight this year! Also, check to the right side graphic for the conference lists that Drawkland is involved in. The Top 8 are ones Drawkian schools are members of, and the bottom 2 are ones whose championships will be held in Drawkland.

DRAWKLAND MEMBER CONFERENCES

CHAMPIONSHIPS - CENI
Sadeg State University (DRK)
University of Empress Jessica I (NEW)
South Tushlark Institute of Technology (TGN)
University of Lsianski (LSI)
Orange University (AFT)
University of Superiority of the Gosling (OGG)
Yochester College(FUI)
Coral Coast University (FND)
Southern Natanians and Nosts University (NTN)
West Redvale College (VLE)
University of Central Knepp (LAW)
Turbani Tech (VAL)

CHAMPIONSHIPS - VALANORA
Chapeno (MUS)
Kecrastat University (KCZ)
Drawk Corps University (DRK)
Universidade Federal do Noroeste (SUL)
University of Clifford Peak (NAG)
University of Tundra Falls (NEW)
Aero-Academy (OGG)
Ceneisis Naval Academy (AFT)
Universidade de Coimbra (LUS)
The Purple Rabbit Institute (EPR)
Universidad Nacionale de Amazonas (NCS)
Havnen Naval Academy (ELG)

CHAMPIONSHIPS - NEWMANISTAN
Universidade de Aveiro (LUS)
Osaven Tech (KCZ)
Andromeda Naval Academy (TAA)
Eastern U (QAD)
Corinth City University (DRK)
Crystal Chambers City College (LAW)
Tryba University (NAG)
Sir Nicholas Rochev University (EPR)
Kings University (LSI)
Digleon University (FND)
Incendia University (TGN)
Chromatik City College University (CMT)

CHAMPIONSHIPS - NEWMANISTAN
Alliance of the Wings Exchange University (OGG)
Universidade de Évora (LUS)
Universidade Federal dos Lavapés (SUL)
East Havnen University (ELG)
Nejax Republic University (FFR)
Cemmendy Tech (DRK)
Universidad Chavez (NCS)
Ludden (MUS)
Dominica University (NAG)
Royal River Academy (QAD)
Mount Maris University (VLE)
Northern University of The Republic of Natanians and Nost (NTN)

CHAMPIONSHIPS - VALANORA
Emperor's Own University (EOC)
T.V. City Tech (QAD)
Leopord University (FND)
Riuwiee State University (AFT)
Undergoose Reformatory School (OGG)
Universidade Federal da Calvária (SUL)
Binford Tech (MUS)
Kaland College (ELG)
University of Cenial (CEN)
Deprì Lanar University (CMT)
Universidad Indigena de Tachira (NCS)
Metropolon City College (DRK)

CHAMPIONSHIPS - CENI
Big Island Baptist College (TAA)
Northern Felinistan College at Catstantinople (EOC)
Alnio University of the Arts (CMT)
Maris Technical University (VLE)
Elmanden District College (DRK)
Vision Drive University (FND)
Byen State University (ELG)
Ramusok Capital University (COS)
Nostsian University (NTN)
Universidade Federal da Capital (SUL)
Loudon Empire University (NEW)
Everlin University (VAL)

CHAMPIONSHIPS - CENI
Sextíliu José Marques University (NTN)
Keisler College (NEW)
Tamarskand Fief University (COS)
Universidade Federal da Zona Industrial (SUL)
The Air Force Academy (FFR)
University of Landon (NAG)
Belden State University (LAW)
Queens University (LSI)
University of Joppa (TAA)
College of the Allied States (EOC)
Ducentu State University (DRK)
Foxilia University (EPR)

CHAMPIONSHIPS - CHROMATIKA
Markham Academy of the Army (VLE)
K.S.R.A. (LAW)
Raynor University (VAL)
Zlumore College (FUI)
College of the Hills (NAG)
Universidade de Lisboa (LUS)
Universidade Federal do Nordeste (SUL)
University of Luvenstat (KCZ)
Universidad Central de Venezuela (NCS)
Lyrixistan A&M at Cat's Paw (EOC)
Natanians and Nosts Scientific University (NTN)
Old Mountain University (DRK)

---

CHAMPIONSHIPS - DRAWKLAND
Deprì Sanar University (CMT)
University of New Oxford (CEN)
Forette State University (NAG)
College of Ringold and Balthasar (EPR)
Zender State (MUS)
Furby City College(FUI)
Instituto Universitario Politecnico de Carabobo (NCS)
Rinaldi Naval Academy (VAL)
St. Kitt's University (EOC)
Byen School of Mines (ELG)
University of the Western Isles (COS)
Wilson Pickett Teacher's College (TAA)

CHAMPIONSHIPS - DRAWKLAND
Instituto Superior Técnico (LUS)
Pocono City Tech (NEW)
Fleftic Merchant Marine Institution (AFT)
Tri-Border State (QAD)
Army Academy (FFR)
Boreem College(FUI)
Snake Pit University (FND)
University of Parougan (COS)
Mar Sara Tech (VAL)
University of Andromeda (TAA)
Cenian Academy of Science and Technology (CEN)
Menzestat Academy (KCZ)

And thus, you might be wondering about each conference. Last time, we made some guesses about what teams were going to do well, and we were pretty wrong. We barely expected any teams to make it past the Conference Stage, and we ended up numberically dominating the Ultra 64 and ... almost ... winning it all. So here are our predictions, now that we're a year wiser, we expect these to be more accurate.

First up we have the runners-up of NSCAA 7, Sadeg State University. The Skyhawks, in all their avenging glory, are hot off of winning the national championships in Drawkland, and are ready to hit the international shores once more. The Gravity Conference no longer exists, so they've been placed in the Tir Snake Conference, whose championship tournament will be held in Ceni. Among their competitors is the illustrious Turbani Tech out of the even more illustrious Valanora, West Redvale College out of - you guessed it - The Redvale, and Orange University out of Abanhfleft. These 3, along with Sadeg, are expected to be the front runners of the conference. Unlike the Gravity Conference from 7, this conference is much more populated, so those fans hoping for redemption and perhaps another perfect season with an actual win on the final day this time - drop that. We imagine Sadeg could drop games to any of the above schools. Also in the group is University of Empress Jessica I of Newmanistan, the nation which started the NSCAA way back when but has finally returned after a long hiatus. We don't know how their schools will fare, but they can be a potential threat to drop points, while not necessarily a contender to the top spot.

Next comes our own Drawk Corps, who are placed in the Eternal Conference for the second season in a row. Now, we don't claim to be experts, nor particularly thorough, but we're pretty sure the Eternal Conference is one of the only Conferences from NSCAA 7 which is returning for 8, the championships held again in Valanora. And, from our very lazy observations, Drawk Corps University might be the only school to be placed in the same conference in edition 8 as edition 7. Which is cool, and weird. Anyway, Drawk Corps U is a clear favorite for this Conference, but you can't count out Abanhfleft's Ceneisis Naval Academy, Newmanistan's University of Tundra Falls, or even Elgenstad's Havnen Navel Academy or Kecrazia's Kecrastat University. Drawk Corps was seeded somewhere in the 20's in the Ultra 64 despite having a convincing showing over the conference last edition. This time, we think they could be a contender for a top 4 or even a top 8 seed out of the Ultra 64. While Ceneisis and Tundra Falls have potential, we just don't think they'll be able to take the conference.

In the Sky Blue Conference headquarted in Newmanistan, we have the one, the only Chromatik Crushin' Corinth City Chargers! And who other to join them in the conference than Chromatik City College University? Holy shit. They're going to face each other at least twice. Campus security will have to be at an all-time high. Anyway, you can imagine that these two will be the top contenders for conference winners, with valiant efforts from Qad Eastern U and Kecrazian Osaven Tech. Honestly, after going almost undefeated from the Silver Conference in edition 7, we think Corinth can hop the Chromatiks with a bit of luck and have a repeat performance this time. But only time will tell. Team captain and 25-year-old Abby Marlon said in an interview that she's "confident with the current Charger squad" and she "thinks they might even make the Final of the Ultra 64 this time." Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Abby! Did you know CCCU's mascot is the Comets? That means that if we beat Chromatik City in the final of the conference tourney so that we can call them the "Chromatik City College Comets Crushin' Corinth City Conference Champion Chargers." Because that's the best thing I've ever seen.

Speaking of conferences whose tourneys are set in Newmanistan, The Royal Conference is sure to be an exciting one. While Cemmendy Tech is the favorite to win it, it won't be easy. Mount Maris University from The Redvale is going to be a huge challenge, and has a reasonable shot at championing the conference. You may recognize Mount Maris from last season of the NSCF, where they penetrated deep into the playoffs in their first year of competition. I mean, the Drawk Corps hasn't even qualified for a Bowl Game in 3 seasons, yet Mt.M almost took it all the way in 1. So you can imagine why some of the Cyberpunks are a little nervous. No fear though, whichever of those two teams lose are quite likely to get a spot on the At-Large listing and still qualify. There's a few schools in there which may rise above the rest, Royal River from Qasden, Nejax from Free Republics, or East Havnen from Elgenstad, but ultimately it's going to be a shootout between Maris and Cemmendy. Which will be fun, unless we lose. In which case we'll petition Iarocav to nuke The Redvale.

In NSCAA 7, Metropolon City College were stuck in the Big 12 Conference, which was perhaps the most competitive conference in the entire tournament (or, at least of the ones Drawkian schools were in. We're the only ones that matter anyway so it might as well have been the most competitive). The Big 12 no longer exists, but Metropolon has not escaped; the Woodland Conference headed in Valanora might as well be the reborn Big 12. Even though Vangaziland didn't enter any schools into NSCAA 8, there's still a Chromatik team, and a team expected to go far. Very far. In fact, Metropolon will have to face not only Depri Lanar University of Chromatika, but they will have to face the University of Cenial. That's right. We'll have to deal with those fuckers for the whole conference stage. Now, we might just be very forgetful, but we also think that this is the first time a Drawkian and a Cenian school have been placed in the same conference together. This could maybe be worse than the Sky Blue budding rivalry. Maybe. At least it isn't Cenial and Sadeg in the same conference. Can you imagine?! Anyhow, Metropolon will probably underperform and finish 3rd and in the semifinals of the season and tournament. But, like last time, they'll probably make it into the Ultra 64 as well.

Elmanden District College is probably going to be in a hotter seat than their rivals Cemmendy Tech. Cemmendy Tech only has to really face one Redvale school and then do their normal job the rest of the conference, but in the Longtail Conference (Ceni), Elmanden doesn't have such luxury. Maris Technical University of The Redvale may have as much of shock value in their reputation, but they can't be underestimated. Don't forget, either, that Alnio University of the Arts of Chromatika (really? An art school good at sports?), Everlin University of Valanora, and Loudon Empire University of Newmanistan are also hungry to try and swipe the conference. A conference win for Elmanden? Many pundits may expect it, but we personally think it can be a toss-up. Be sure to impress the At-Large committee, Mechanors. You'll need it.

Ceni's Terranean Conference, however, is set to be a near-cakewalk for newcomers Ducentu State. The hardest challenges we see coming for the Eagles would be The Air Force Academy of the Free Republics and Keisler College of Newmanistan. However, those of those guys are pretty liberal guesses, and it's still yet to be seen if colleges of those nations will truly "show up" come conference tournament time. Now, we're not trying to be braggarts or anything, but who else really is there in the conference? Tamarskand? Come on, Cosumar was shit last season, no offense. Their only school in the Ultra 64 (Stoneshore) got creamed by Corinth on their way to curbstomp Chromatiks (damn, what is it with Corinth and the letter C? Cosumarite, Chromatik, Conference Champions? weird), and we hardly expect them to do much better this time. Ducentu, barring some nervous upsets and failures, will likely win the conference and make it to the Ultra 64 with a high seed. We feel an undefeated estimate is much too exaggerative, but then again, we thought any of our schools even winning their conferences was a long shot last year, so you never know.

And finally, we have the Old Mountain University. The Northerners have been placed in the Mezzanine Conference, the only Chromatik-owned conference a Drawkian school is a member of. Old Mountain's biggest challenge will, of course, be another Redvale school, this time Markham Academy of the Army. And as if one challenge wasn't enough, they'll also have to negotiate Raynor University from Valanora. Any three of these colleges could control the Mezzanine by the end, but judging by our expectations for all Drawkian schools last edition and the end result, we feel Old Mountain won't have any trouble reaching the Ultra 64, whether by wins or by large.

There's also two conferences whose tournaments will be played out in Drawkland - the Arrowsword and the Big Seven Five Conferences. We won't really comment on predictions because we don't really care, but that's just good to know. Arrowsword Conference will play their tournament in Corps Central Court in Drawk City (where, surprisingly, the Drawk Corps and Drawk Corps University play their games). Big Seven Five, the continuation of Conference Seven Twelve from NSCAA 7, will play their matches at The Ring in Metropolon (where the Metropolon Lights and Metropolon City College play their games). That's about it. Drawkians will definitely be there to cheer on all teams as neutrals. Unless they're the Chromatik or Cenian teams. In which case they'll be cheering against them. Fuck you guys.

Next slide, please!

---

Last time, as we mentioned earlier, we hardly expected anybody to reach the Ultra 64 at all, but yet all 8 schools got in, 4 by winning the conference and the remaining 4 by easy At-Large qualification. Of course, we'll be looking to repeat those numbers, all 8 in. Now, hopefully we'll be able to improve over the 4:4 ratio and get more in automatically, but considering the kind of competition we're expecting this time as opposed to last, that may be harder than one would expect. Still, a goal is a goal.

Now, assuming all of the teams get into the bracket, what next? Well, we just really hope that five out of eight schools don't perish in the first round, especially not the higher seeded ones. That was utterly embarrassing and depressing last time and if that happens again I might have to commit several accounts of arson in several nations. Now, what about individual schools? We can't really say for sure. We're hoping to at least hit the second round before one drops off. And we definitely expect to get a team into the Final. That much is sure. Who will it be? Hahahahahahahhahahahaa. If you'd told us Sadeg State would go win 31 straight and make it to the Final, we would've laughed. Okay, probably not. But we'd still give you that look that shows that we think you're full of shit but we'll believe you anyway. So yeah, nothing is definite. But you can see our pick to the right.

That's right, we're picking newcomers Ducentu State to take it all. From last tournament, it seemed clear that the teams with easier conferences actually did better in the Ultra 64, and since the Eagles have the easiest schedule, we think they'll have the most luck in the next stages. After all, look at Sadeg in NSCAA 7. Now, you may want to lynch us for not automatically picked DCU, but to hell with that. They choked a lot last year and have a slightly harder conference we think. However, judging by their potential competition, we think they might be able to improve from last edition. Who knows? I kinda just wanted to change the logo on the side from last year's, tbh. Drawk Corps U has a chance too but honestly we have no clue how this'll turn out. Last edition was anarchy anyway.

So, to cap it off, good luck to all the schools out there in the coming 22 conference season games, 1-4 conference championship games, and 1-hopefully 6 Ultra 64 games. We know you'll do great. And, as always, On Corps!

Wait, that doesn't work. Uh ...... go team?!

[Chromatika]

Chromatik City Courier
Column by College Basketball Fanatic Lowell Kimberly (LIn), Chromatik City Courier

Preseason Chromatik Rankings
1. Pùr State University Crusaders
2. Chromatik City College University Comets
3. Z'ai'ai University of Technology Hellcats
4. Deprí Lanar University Warriors
5. Alnio University of the Arts Meercats
6. University of Myana Vipers
7. Deprí Sanar University Spartans
8. Chromatik State University Stars

Top Players to Watch
 1. Ja Thrall, So, PF, Pùr State University
 2. Bozena Aldenkamp, Jr, PG, Chromatik City College University
 3. Maryjo Boatright, Sr, PF, University of Myana
 4. Leonard Morain, Sr, SF, Pùr State University
 5. Verlie Simson, Sr, SF, Z'ai'ai University of Technology
 6. Shantel Flake, Sr, PG, Deprí Sanar University
 7. Wilhemina Guglielmo, Sr, C, Alnio University of the Arts
 8. Jamaal Gaskill, Jr, SG, Z'ai'ai University of Technology
 9. Hannelore Bibbs, Sr, PG, Deprí Lanar University
10. Stevo Norup, Sr, C, Chromatik City College University

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
NSCAA 8 Pre-Season Top 15

15: Ducentu State University (DRK) - Drawkland go together nearly as good as Drawkland and the number 7.
14: University of Montague-Hawkesbury (CEN) - Just got a hunch this school from Ceni is going to be quite good this season.
13: Turbani Tech (VAL) - Perhaps a bit of controversy in putting the Generals this high, but it was general accepted that they were snubbed by the selection committee last season when they were in the Championship game of the Silver Conference. Those in Turbani are hoping a good showing in the regular season will have the selection committee this year not looking past them.
12: University of Hondo (VAL) - Hondo made the tournament last season but were able to even advance to the weekend of the first round. The sharp shooting team will be hoping to better their postseason performance this year, if they can duplicate the same regular season form they had.
11: Raynor University (VAL) - The Rockets made the tournament last season after winning the Woodland conference but were upset in the first round. They will hope to do better this season.
10: Z'ai'ai University of Technology (CMT) - The first of five of Chromatika schools, all of which proved they were not to be taken lightly last season and all three who have as good as chance as any to repeat or further their fortunes from last year.
9: Chromatik City College University (CMT) - Arguably the best of the Chromatika schools but were unable to prove it in the tournament last year, can they do it this season?
8: University of Myana (CMT) - Perhaps the quietest of the Chromatika schools but underestimate Myana and their shooting prowess at your own peril.
7: Deprì Sanar University (CMT) - While they were good enough for the Sweet Sixteen last year, I've got a feeling they could make it one more round this year.
6: Pur State University (CMT) - An unexpected trip into the Elite Eight last season is something the Chromatik school can easily build upon this season.
5: Corinth City University (DRK) - Despite the humbling defeat to Cenial in the Final Four, Corinth should still be among the favorites to make an Elite Eight appearance this season.
4: Metropolon City College (DRK) - Drawkland schools proved to be of the best last season and Metropolon looks good to keep that tradition going in the Woodland.
3: University of New Oxford (CEN) - They were good enough for a Final Four appearance last season, they look to be about the same caliber this go around.
2: Sadeg State University (DRK) - Coming up just short in the Championship game last season has to be gut wrenching for them but they should be back up there.
1: University of Cenial (CEN) - The reigning champions proved to be the best last season, so they start the top this season.

[Ceni]

NSCAA Again

---

Ceni starts its second NSCAA season as something of a favorite - unless you ask the commentators from Drawkland, that it. As the home nation of the defending champions, the University of Cenial, who upset Sadeg State University last year in the final round, killing Sadeg State's 31-win streak and denying them the opportunity to go undefeated the entire season, Ceni will be expected to repeat its performance and go deep in the final tournament - again, unless you ask someone from Drawkland, who will likely say "f*** Ceni" because of all the losses at the hands of Cenian teams. To reach the final and show Drawkland which nation is really boss (hint hint: it's Ceni), though, we need to first go through the conference stage. And that's where it could get complicated.

First, let's start with the defending champions, the University of Cenial, who are favorites in their conference, Woodland Conference, with championship games in Valanora. Unfortunately, they will have to contend with the Drawkian power Metropolon City College, which will be gunning for revenge for their compatriots and going all out against the team when they meet both home and away. Expect both games to be rowdy, exciting, and close. Depri Lanar University (which incidentally lost to the University of Cenial in the first round of the final tournament last year) will also be looking for revenge against their nemesis, but are less of a threat than Metropolon. Expect this to be an exciting conference, but Cenial's roster is up to the challenge, with powerful center Orion Darkstar transferring to the University from Southpoint Technical College; new shooting forward, freshman Varan Westmark, is highly touted and has high expectations, while sophomore Zelimir Frankic, who has an Olympic gold medal to his name, will again lead the team in their "small ball" strategy, with his passing and shooting skills.

The University of Ceni will also put its best feet forward for its conference, the Shadow Conference, with season-ending games in Chromatika. It should also be the favorite in its conference, unless you read the promotional press of Lazaga State University in Redvale. The team is a relatively new one on the world stage, so we have nothing really to go off of when evaluating this team, but they might have some good talent; we'll just have to see on this one. Nonetheless, the University should be ready for whatever challenge the Redvali team may pose, with the Quebecois center François Gaucher-Faubert dominating the team with his height; shooting forward Serenity Marshall, on the other hand, with her slim build, can get between large defenses and surprise the opponents; Kel Solari is right in the middle of the two, meaning the team has a lot of options going forward.

The University of New Oxford will be the remaining Cenian school returning for the NSCAA tournament this time around. Having reached the Final Four last time, with a competitive performance against Sadeg State of Drawkland, they should be having high expectations for this season's performance. They return with largely the same roster as last year, with new center Neo Kovani coming out of a highly successful high school career in Ceni. Other key players of the team include point guard Sara Cenial and Cenian national team member Ashur El-Amin, who really blossomed in NSCAA last time around. Again, New Oxford should be a heavy favorite for their conference; they don't have too many schools from highly renowned countries in the conference, with Rinaldi Naval perhaps posing the sternest test for the school. But this strong roster should hold up to any pressure faced by the team - which shouldn't be too much.

(OOC: not done, will finish if have the time after dinner.)

[Togonistan]

TGSPORT.TN - TOGONISTAN SPORTS NEWS

Interview with Targo Falefati, head coach of Castovanni University's basketball team.

For the first time in history, university teams from Togonistan are participating in NSCAA, a really prestigious worldwide competition. We asked some questions from Targo Falefati, coach of Castovanni University's basketball team.

Q: Mr. Falefati, what are your thoughts and expectations about the upcoming NSCAA season?

A: I think this is a great chance for our students to experience an international competition and show themselves to the world. Who knows, maybe we have a future talent in our team.

Q: Do you think you stand a chance against other, more experienced teams in NSCAA?

A: I do have faith in my team. They are all good players who work well together as a team. I am sure we will win a few matches atleast.

Q: But does any of Togonistan teams have what it takes to actually win the whole thing?

A: Basketball is not that popular here yet, most youngsters tend to prefer playing football, but i see more and more people every day who show great interest in basketball. It is getting tore popular, and im sure that in a few years, we will have some great young teams who can put up a fight against anyone out there.

Q: Have you done some scouting on other teams? What tactics will you use?

A: Of course i have kept an eye on my opponents. They have their own tactics and playstyle, we have our own. We sure analyze everything before the matches and use a bit different tactics against every team, but any specific details will be kept in secret. There are our opponents who will be reading this interview aswell so i cant give them any free information (Mr. Falefati laughs).

Q: But what do you think about our other teams? Incendia University? South Tushlark Tech?

A: Incendia has always been a birthplace for talents. I mean, look at football. They have a university team participating in professional league. If there is anyone who might surprise us all, it's definetly them.

Q: But what about Tushlark?

A: They are at about the same level as we are in my opinion.

Q: Allright, thank you for this interview and good luck!

A: Thank you!

[LukakuLaw]

Practice ends and the team breaks out of its last huddle before jumping on a plane to their first game. About to partake in their second international tournament as a nation and for the 6 teams competing and the individuals on that team the first. But as the players brake it would be hard to notice any nerves or anxiety. John Austin and Nick Lawrinson begin their after practice routine of making shots in a row, Albertone, Dudash and Bobby T are trying to hit half court shots and Connor is dancing in the middle of them all. This group has been together since 1st grade, Won back to back high school Championships followed by one of the most unique things ever seen. Romelu offered the entire team a scholarship. The results have been crazy. In the last two seasons in Lukaku's collegiate league the team have only lost 4 games combined, two of those loses have occured in the championship game where they lost to their rival Crystal Chambers City College Cavaliers. The 9 young men might not have a Lukaku Championship to show for their efforts but they are easily the most exciting team to watch. They press and get up in your face, all nine men defend like their life is on their line. They can score, each person can in difference ways. Led by a great passing point guard Bobby Trefzger and some lethal outside shooting the Anteaters are ready to make a name for themselves in the NSCAA.

As for today, the 9 friends head into the locker room to play some EA SPORTS FIFA. A regular in the locker room for the team and something to just keep them loose.

"For us we like to have fun and we think we play at our best when we are having fun" John Austin says, "At the end of the day we know what it takes to win and we know what it takes for us to play our best basketball as a unit."

As John is finished with his interview Murph walks up puts his arm around John and simply says "Ya done talking out ya behind, lets go grab some food DUUUUDDDEE"

[Purple Rabbits]

Purple Rabbit Sports
College Baketball

NSCAA Prospects: An Analysis of the Top Rabbitisian Players

If you have been following Rabbitisian college basketball for a while, you are probably well aware of who the big stars are going to be as we enter the NSCAA tournament for the first time as a nation. If not, you can still learn. Here we have the basic stats for the top five best players in Purple Rabbits, or the ones we think you should watch out for.

5. Alexander Steele (SG - 6'5"), Chevsky University

PPG: 16.4
FG%: 44.5
APG: 1.4

Alexander Steele is not the only thing keeping Chevsky University afloat, but the coach of the team has stated several times that Steele was the freshman they needed this year. Scoring around 16 points a game, Steele is a dominant player. If it were not for the fact that his three point percentage is a measly 20.3%, he would rank higher on this list. Inside, however, Steele is an all-around talented ball player with plenty of time to improve. We can't wait to see what he does.

4. David Cole (PF - 6'9"), Salazar University

PPG: 14.3
FG%: 59.3
RPG: 6.4
BPG: 2.1

David Cole is considered the most underrated started on Salazar by many, including us. David's 14.3 points per game can be impressive, but what is more impressive is his defensive hustle. Rebounds almost seem to come easily to Cole, who averages 6.4 per game. Blocks seem to be not-too-uncommon for him as well. David Cole is a strong player who should not be ignored, unless a team wishes to watch all of their shots go to waste.

3. Clay Henderson (PG - 5'9"), Foxilia University

PPG: 18.2
APG: 4.2
3P%: 44.3

Clay Henderson is 5'9" and forced to step on a court where he plays against players who tower over him, like the man who follows him on the list. His advantage lies in his three point shot. His accuracy behind the arc is unmatched by any other player in the history of Foxilia University. While it is uncertain if he will maintain this percentage, it certainly is impressive, especially when you look at his winning shot in his conference finals against Dathmore University where he shot over a 6'8" power forward. Considering Clay is only a freshman, people believe he will be a one-and-done. His college certainly hopes not.

2. Dillon Barnes (C - 7'4"), The Purple Rabbit Institute

PPG: 17.4
BPG: 3.1
RPG: 9.2

At 7'4", it is no surprise Dillon Barnes gets rebounds. In fact, it might have been embarrassing if he didn't. That doesn't make his contribution any less helpful to the team, though. Many people of Barnes's height are awkward and slow on the hustle, but Barnes can keep up with some of the 6'6" guys he plays against. It certainly doesn't hurt that his dunks can be a bit more flashy due to how high above the rim he can get. Still in his freshman year, many people question how Barnes grew so quickly. With a 6'11" dad, something crazy must have happened to push Dillon to 7'4". Whatever the case, it makes him one hell of a player to watch.

1. Matthew McHuber (SG - 6'4"), Salazar University

PPG: 20.3
FG%: 50.2
APG: 1.2

Finding a shooting guard is hard, but finding one with greater than a 50% field goal percentage and a 40% three-point field goal percentage is pretty tough, even amongst elites. Matthew McHuber is a premiere basketball player who proves how much a Rabbitisian can truly do on the court. In his small town high school, McHuber played center and many were skeptical of his transition to shooting guard. Due to this, he sat out for his first five college games. However, after he scored 14 points in his first game playing, the skepticism died down.

[Ceni]

This is your first NSCAA Cutoff for Tir Snake, Longtail, and Terranean Conferences!

SCORES

[Newmanistan]

And how about a cutoff for the Sky Blue and The Royal Conference as well....

Results

[Drawkland]

ARROWSWORD & BIG SEVEN FIVE
Conference Cutoff: MD 1-4

And since we're having a party here, Arrowsword and Big 7/5 are being cut off as well.

Great Games, Y'all!

[Qasden]

CUTOFF for the Full House and Cat Valley conferences! In the meantime, check out the sweet themes for FH&CV in the Results Thread!

Results

[Elgenstad]

Cutoff for the Fjell and Kyst Konferanse

[Valanora]

Cutoff for the Eternal and Woodland Conferences.
MDs 1-4

Reminder that second scorination day is tomorrow.

[Chromatika]

Matchday 1-3 Cutoff
Bringing up the rear, the Rainbow, Shadow, and Mezzanine Conferences.

Results

Second set of matchdays are tomorrow.

[Newmanistan]

THE ROCKET REPORT

NSCAA 8 HAS TIPPED OFF

by Taylor Larson,

Hello, I’m Taylor Larson and I am so excited to be able to cover the NSCAA tournament as part of my internship at Pocono City University, even though my school was not selected to be one of the participating schools from Newmanistan. This is probably because we sucked, going like 12-16 and not even making it out of the first round in our conference tournament. I tell ya, when I enrolled here as a freshman and made the cheerleading squad, I was so excited for the opportunity to play in the NSCAA. That’s not going to happen, but I get to cover it and that’s the best alternative. I wish I could be out there cheering with these other squads and I hope they realize how wonderful of an opportunity they are having. I am not sure how many other countries have traveling cheerleaders with them but they have to make a sacrifice too. I could talk forever about cheerleading, but you probably want to hear me talk about basketball instead, so here we go.

In the Tir Snake Conference, ewwww, what a name. I hate snakes. They are slithery and scary and I just don’t like them. Empress Jessica I University, out of Jessicaville, is playing in this conference, and apparently they do not like snakes either. They have only won one out of their first three games, starting with a good looking 86-78 win over University of Central Knepp, but they could not keep it rolling. That really stinks. Shawn Frayzee needs to be a lot better on the boards like he was against Pocono City during the season. Come on, Shawn, we’re rooting for you!

Loudon Empire is 1-2 in the Longtail Conference. I couldn’t care less about them. They are such a dirty team that I would actually prefer to see them lose all their games. Plus, their cheerleaders are ugly. I mean, how did they actually get a cheerleading scholarship to begin with?

Our inner city rivals, the nerds from Pocono City Tech are off to a little better start, going 2-2. They got so embarrassed and humiliated by Cenian Academy of Science and Technology that I actually have to admit I enjoyed watching it. They were probably confused by the name of the conference like the losers they are. Big Seven Five. They were probably thinking about all the mathematical possibilities between sevens and fives and not on basketball. I bet CAST is full a bunch of a nerds too. Why don’t these two schools have a robotics competition instead? They recovered well though, so, I’ll give our Pocono City rivals some credit.

The University of Tundra Falls, called the University of Tumbra Falls by Vanorian media, has been sharp, winning three of four. Clearly, the spirits of Tundra Falls are on their side given this typographical error. We get it, we’ve been gone a while, but I am sure Valanora has kicked our ass in soccer at the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds somewhere along the lines. Andy Whitaker has been ferocious in the paint and that should continue as we move forward!

The mighty national champions of Southport University are 0-3. They did not lose two games in a row at any point all season, and I am told you have to go back three years for the last time that such a thing has happened. Of course, that is against national teams and not these international opponents. I bet you there are lot of Newmanistanian coaches going over the tapes to see how these teams were able to beat Southport. It’s really kinda stunning.

So that’s where we stand now.

- - - -


Conversation between Larson and The Rocket Report editor.

Editor: Why are we attaching this picture of you in a bikini to this article? Don’t you have basketball game pictures?

Larson: I think the readers should get to know me. They have never seen or heard me before.

Editor: Don’t you have something more professional, then?

Larson: I’m an intern.

Editor: I get that.

Larson: You don’t like the picture?

Editor: It’s a nice picture of you, you are very attractive, but the Rocket Report isn’t the place for it.

Larson: I demand you attach that picture, the readers need to know what I look like, and I need to advance my career. Do you think I am just doing this because I like the coffee?

Editor: Fine, but this is on you if there is a backlash.

[Drawkland]

National News Service
of Drawkland

WEEKLY DISCOVERY REPORT:
STUDY OF "GREEN" & "RED" ENERGY
Article: Dave Garfield
Study: James Webb and Kari Hibbs

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Greetings, faithful WDR readers! We're back this week with another scientific/exploratory/academic finding from somewhere on Sonnel. This week, we're taken to the labs at Corinth City University right here in Drawkland, where two graduate biological research students have made a remarkable finding regarding sports crowds. Now, usually this column covers things that are significant and have potential to improve our worldly society as a whole, but this sort of information is still quite interesting, and of course is more relevant in the day-to-day life of the layman, and especially university students. And it is still an officially published study by reputable student researchers. Below is a partial transcript of their full published report, "Study of Supposed "Green" and "Red" Energy Within Neiksie Crowds."

PURPOSE: After the concept of "green" and "red" energy was first thrown around simply as a societal anecdote, these researchers decided to test the theory and determine if this biological phenomenon truly exists.

INSPIRATION: After traveling to many of Corinth City University's games in last year's NSCAA Tournament, these researchers posited that the green and red energy often referred to as a joke among sports fans could possibly exist because of how effective the crowds were at swaying momentum within a match.

EXPLANATION: The concept of "green" and "red" energy has generally been spread by oral corroboration among the layman, but never been studied by the scientific community. The first mentions of such things in print were in a few biographical accounts of international gridiron matches several centuries ago, back when the Sonnel Bowl was dominated by Drawkland so effectively that the national team went undefeated for an entire decade on the international scene. These energies are defined as a crowd's effect on players within a match, because of their cheering, a sort of change occurs which clearly affects the playing level of the home or away side, and ultimately, the outcome of a match. For the purposes of this study, the "home" team is the one our theoretical crowd is rooting for, whereas the "away" crowd is the one the crowd is rooting against. This is for simplicity, the actual consequences of match context will be compounded upon further within this study.

"Green Energy" is defined as energy the crowd exudes when pleased by the good performance of a home team. This is found to have an affect on said home team, which improves their mental momentum, concentration, and playing level as long as the green energy continues to flow within the crowd.
"Red Energy" is defined as energy the crowd exudes when displeased by the good performance of an away team. This is found to have an affect on the away team, removing their concentration, communication, and playing level as long as the red energy is sustained by the crowd.

Previously, in the non-scientific realm, these phenomena were justified as being a sort of "magic" or perhaps a psychological response, if not dismissed entirely as luck. However, upon study, it was found these energies are much more than that. These researchers took several students from several colleges in the initial study, and attached small readers onto the skull which would read brain activity, as well as changes in the actions of the endocrine system. The data was transferred in real-time to the research computers so that the researchers could accurately discern how effective the energy was at changing the outcome of a match.

The first match studied was one of Corinth City University basketball versus Old Mountain University basketball, which is not known to be one heavily attended by crowds but, knowing the attitude of Corinth City basketball fans, could be potentially swayed by the crowd. This trial was successful, late in the game as the Corinth City Chargers began to pull away from Old Mountain, the crowd became more excited by the events, and the team became more and more active on the court. By qualitative means, the Corinth City team was performing better than they had all game, despite Old Mountain not experiencing any change in visual skill level. This, along with several other trials, confirmed that in fact, green and red energy do exist in some manner.

However, despite the popular urban legend, it's not due to straight psychology or an intangible action. As these researchers studied the data, it was found that the existence of what would be called green or red energy anecdotally directly correlated to changes in brain activity and hormone release. In fact, the data showed that it had found two previously undiscovered hormones were released by the endocrine system, directly corresponding to when most subjects noted they felt "like the green or red energy was actually happening." After some filing, these researchers named these the "Green Hormone" and the "Red Hormone," with official scientific names for the chemicals currently pending. It's strange to believe that there are chemicals still going through the body which have never been identified or confirmed, but considering that most scientists don't study the body of a person in day-to-day life, we find it's a logical outcome.

Specifically for the athletes, after a couple trials recording not only the crowd's hormones but the athlete's hormones, it was found that their hormones seem to correspond with the crowd's, but being as players in the game rather than spectators, the hormones are the actual catalyst for changing the mental and physical aptitude of the players. This means that in the case of away team's athletes, the presence of red energy and hormone release in the venue actually negatively affects their body. This is fascinating because that means within a Neiksie body, there actually exists a hormone which purposefully diminishes the effectiveness of its own body. We haven't found a definite reason that this would occur evolutionarily, but our guess is that it was a sort of wager by the prehistorical biology to give itself an advantage: while it does give it a weakness, if it has any support for itself, it'll diminish the effectiveness of the opponent. The fact that this sort of biological gamble occurred is groundbreaking.

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There are several tiers of observed hormone levels.

There appears to be several levels of effectiveness within the realms of green and red hormones. There seems to be tiers, levels of hormone release which are somewhat distinct. We've found that as each tier increases in hormone exchange, the effectiveness is greatly increased. In green energy, this means that from levels 0.00-0.99 (denoted by a black upward arrow) is comparable to simple skill changes brought on by adrenaline, whereas levels 4.00-5.00 (denoted by a bright green upward arrow) make a team virtually unstoppable. While a 5.00 level has never been observed (Highest Level Observed: Trial 31, Ducentu State University vs Universidade Federal da Zona Industrial, 4.79), it's estimated that levels could not exceed 5.00, and that if these levels ever occurred, the team being affected would be completely unstoppable. Similar but converse effects are found with red energy.

Thank you for reading this week's edition of WDR. Next week we plan to post another segment of this study, regarding unique happenings with green and red energy due to specific circumstances within the context of a match.

[The Redvale]

Inside The Lines: The Story of Redvali College Basketball

Chapter Two: Chasing Ghosts

This was just another night on the road for West Redvale College women’s basketball head coach Victoria Cunningham, though the road trip wasn’t very long in this case. She had no idea, at the time at least, that this trip would end up being crucial to their hopes down the road. Sometimes, the greatest findings and discoveries were all because of plain dumb luck, and this one definitely was. Victoria and the rest of her staff wouldn’t know it for years, but the discovery of the player that would lift West Redvale to the status of a team that could compete with international teams, even mostly male ones, was based on just being in the right place at the right time and things unfolding correctly. This discovery, of course, was the discovery of Tara Brenner, but let’s start from the beginning.

As we said, it was just another night on the road. Some of the women’s basketball staff from West Redvale were in West Shore City to check out a prospect that had been on their radar for a long time, and was now a senior. They didn’t know it yet, but that prospect would flame out as a sophomore and eventually transfer to Lazaga State, who had a lower ranked program and played in a weaker conference. Still, in high school, she looked like a very good point guard, and Victoria Cunningham knew that the Running Celts had to be able to get the commitment of someone like this who was playing so close to them. The distance between West Redvale College and West Shore City was only about twenty five minutes without traffic, meaning that the city that was further west than them was considered their backyard in recruiting, for both the men’s and women’s teams. In a way, that was their biggest historical pipeline, in the same way that Mount Maris recruited heavily from West Maris and Castle frequently took prospects from the nearby Midvale province.

But they would find someone else there, that they would then keep an eye on and eventually go all out to recruit. That would be the best decision they’d made as a staff, but again, they didn’t know it yet. It happened when they arrived early to the high school gym where the game was being held, not far from the inner city area that surrounded the small ‘downtown’ area of the city. They wanted to come early to catch the warmups in addition to the actual game, and they also wanted to see if there was time to talk to the few players from this team that were on their radar. And with the gym mostly empty for a regular season girl’s game, Victoria and her assistant, Jessica Budge, were able to make their way right to the sideline seats to watch, as the players came out about forty five minutes before the game to stretch and get loose a bit before their coach would call them back to the locker room for the final pregame instructions.

They had their eyes on two prospects, who were both standing by the baseline and shooting three point shots while some of the other players worked on layups, and Victoria recalled being completely focused on scouting them, while Jessica was the one that was paying enough attention to the others to notice someone interesting. “I think they both fit in well with what we want to create, with our plans for a good locker room atmosphere and a united team. That’s why I insisted on coming this early, because I wanted to see how they act around their teammates before the game actually begins-”

“Hey, did you notice that one of the girls in their layup line isn’t even on the team? She’s too young, she’s only like, thirteen or fourteen,” Jessica remembers asking, while the two watched the team from West Shore City warm up. “Her face looks so familiar, too. I can’t tell why I think I know her, but she looks like the kid of someone I know or something like that. Or maybe someone’s sister… Do you recognize that face, Vic?”

“Uh… Let me think. She looks like she could be related to a lot of the Celtic players we’ve coached. Same hair type, same common facial features. But actually, I know those blue eyes from a mile away. Do you remember if Aleen Brenner had a sister? I remember her being closed off all the time and never talking about her family, but those eyes… They have to be related, because that girl has the exact same eyes as well as the same face,” remarked Victoria, now shifting her attention to the younger girl in the layup line that was just as athletic as the high schoolers that she was playing with. “Hell, the fact that she’s in junior high and practicing with juniors and seniors should tell you that she’s related to Aleen somehow.”

She was referring to the most enigmatic player that had ever walked through the doors of West Redvale College, male or female. Aleen Brenner had played two years for the Celts and had been absolutely exceptional during that time, as a shooting guard and small forward. Her great scoring had led to her finishing her college career with thirty one points per game and her size had led to her averaging a double double by averaging twelve rebounds a game, and she had dragged the team to a conference title that they didn’t really deserve as well as some playoff upsets that really put them on the map for the first time in forever. She had also battled different problems throughout her time at the school, though. Anger issues, an antisocial personality that polarized the locker room, and a violent background.

Despite very few women getting drafted into the RBA, she had been selected with the eighth pick of the draft by Castle. Months later, after she had only played in a handful of professional games, she was found dead in her hometown of West Shore City, and more specifically, dead via overdosing on party drugs. It was still unknown if the death was a genuine accident or a suicide, but anyone who had been a sports fan in Redvale at the time remembered the entire city going into a week of mourning after that, after losing one of the few bright stars that they had that was actually proud of being from the run down former industrial town. Aleen Brenner’s jersey still hung in the rafters not just at Gallie Family Arena, but in the pro arenas in Red Valley, too. Even at this gym, her number six was emblazoned on the back wall with the two other retired numbers that the school had, and one of her jerseys had been framed near the main entrance of the place, next to some of the trophies the school had won over the years.

“How do you not know if Aleen had a sister? You’re the one that spent all your time recruiting her that one offseason, as you’ve told me. I wasn’t even here when you brought her in as a freshman,” shrugged Jessica. “But yes, I see the resemblance, and it’s stronger now that you pointed that out…”

“Like I said, she was always closed off, and remember that she was living with her uncle, not her parents, when we recruited her. So whenever I visited her, it was always at her uncle’s place. Her parents couldn’t handle her… Issues, so I don’t think I ever actually visited their house or spoke with them. I also never got a chance to find out if she had any siblings, because she wouldn’t talk about anything family related with me, and apparently not with the team, either. I think you were here for that, when she was a sophomore.”

“Yeah, I got here in time for the conference title run she took us on. And I was there when she hit the game winner over Maris Tech in the playoffs, too. Still, I never realized she had a sister… One that must be a lot younger than her, at that. The reason we never saw this girl when scouting the games here is because she’s not even on the team, she’s too young. We’ll have to ask about her, if we get to talk to any of the coaches today-”

“Hey, she’s looking our way,” said Victoria, as some of the players finished warming up and started heading to the locker room. A few stayed out to get more shots up, but the younger girl that wasn’t actually on the team yet started walking towards the sideline and climbing over the bench to get into the stands. She stood between the bench and the first row, leaning on the railing and looking at the two coaches that were across from her.

“You probably don’t know me, and you probably only know my sister, and I know you’re here to scout someone else… But I’ve been waiting for you to come down here so I can talk to you about something,” the girl said, speaking clearly and confidently despite being so much younger than the coaches that she was talking to. “My name is Tara Brenner, and even though I’m not old enough yet, I want to play for the Running Celts when I graduate from here.”

~

It’s years later, and it’s game night in Gallie Family Arena. Victoria Cunningham never thought that her girls would be faced with a challenge like this, but somehow, they were. The school had wanted to compete internationally, the men’s team had refused to do it because they didn’t think it was fair to be asked to basically play two different seasons in the space of a year, and the school had said that they would just send the women’s team instead. While Victoria had her on reservations, she wasn’t going to keep her team out of a tournament that could give them more publicity than their domestic conference ever could. Even if they would be thoroughly challenged playing with an all-female team against some of the best teams in the world, ones that had no such gender restrictions to deal with.

But the rewards of taking this challenge are worth it. The arena is packed out, the main stand is rocking, the student section is into the game before it even begins, something that would never happen for a normal women’s game at a small school in a mid tier conference. As the lights go out and the spotlights turn on and move towards the sideline where the players are about to be introduced, the crowd roars, and everyone can tell that there’s something different about this game, this home opener against the University of Lsianski.

“Starting at guard, a five foot ten freshman from South Maris… Ebony Leonard! At guard, a six foot two junior from the city of Janford… Marta Scott! At forward, a six foot eight senior from West Shore City… Rain Lindsay! At center, a six foot nine senior from West Maris… Alice Biasi! Aaaaannnnddd finally, starting at forward, a six foot six sophomore from West Shore City, and a member of the All-Redvale team… Number nine… Tara! Brenner!” announced the stadium addressor, and the crowd roared again when Tara’s name was called and she ran to center court, looking to the fans behind the basket and taking a bow.

Her freshman season had almost been like what her sister’s had been like, minus the off the court problems that would eventually cost her sister her life. Now, she had a chance to prove her skills and continue that career trajectory while facing the best competition, in the form of teams from other nations. They’d already gotten the season off to a victorious start. They now set their sights on opening the home part of the season with a win.

But in this case, there was much more at stake than just a win. With the eyes of the whole country finally turned towards the Running Celts of West Redvale, there was something more that was at stake based on the result that they could get: legacy.

~

Aleen Brenner’s death had come six years ago, when Tara had been thirteen. And, despite her being old enough to remember her sister clearly, it hadn’t necessarily impacted her in the way that everyone thought it had. Sure, she’d attended the funeral and let herself be comforted by plenty of family friends that went on about how hard it must be for her, but the truth was… Tara sometimes felt like she never really knew Aleen. The older girl had lived in a different house, hung out with different types of people, and led a life that their parents always warned Tara about. It as always ‘don’t do that or you’ll end up like Aleen’, and at the time, Tara hadn’t seen why that was such a bad thing. She looked up to her sister, but that sister kept her at a safe enough distance to not pass on the bad traits that she’d developed in her teenage years.

She only softened her stance a couple of years before her death, and that was only because Tara had begged her to train her in basketball and teach her some of her skills. Tara wanted to be like her, but the truth was, she wasn’t anywhere near as athletic. Tall, yes. Athletic, no. Aleen agreed to train her, and when she wasn’t at college, she would be back in her hometown, pushing her younger sister to the absolute limits. She’d make her run for miles while wearing weights, she’d tell her to lift weights that were considered too heavy for Tara’s age range, and she would get her up very early in the morning to run sprints, even in the snow. The workouts were hard enough that they almost killed Tara, causing her to pass out on one occasion after not being allowed to quit when she was out of energy.

Sometimes, Aleen would lash out at her if she did something wrong or if she perceived her as not putting effort in. In one case, Tara nearly quit after Aleen broke her nose in a fit of anger when Tara talked back too much and implied that Aleen’s life wasn’t as hard as she said it was. Only many apologies after the fact had convinced her to return, but in hindsight, she was glad that she did. Those insane workouts caused her to grow out her frame as she grew taller, and gave her the body type that coaches described as freakishly athletic. She was slim, but she still had enough muscle to be able to bruise her way through a defense. She was lanky, but not so much that she couldn’t beat out wider players for rebounds. And because of all the running, she had more stamina than anyone on the court. Nobody was going to beat Tara Brenner in a footrace by the time she was done with that training. She had always been a good shooter, but the extra training had given her the extremely dangerous and useful skillset of being able to shoot spot up or drive inside.

Yes, her sister had been tough on her, even abusive at times, and she had kept her at so much of a distance that sometimes Tara wondered if they were even really related, but the one good thing that she had done for her was giving her the basketball skills that she now relied on. And because, unlike Aleen, Tara had been trained by someone who was already an expert on the game, there was a chance that she would end up having an even better career, especially because of her lack of off the court problems.

At least, that was how things were looking so far, based on her stats as a freshman and the way she was set to carry the team in her sophomore year. In the opener, she’d finished with twenty eight points and thirteen rebounds. Now that they were back home, she had twenty five points and seven assists, and the team was only down by three points. The score, specifically, was 78-75 with twelve seconds left. Celts ball. Alice Biasi threw the inbound pass in, and Tara caught it in her stride and ran towards the rim to try to get a very quick score and give her team a chance to foul again to stay in the game. She went to the rim, before the taller Joseph Rouzet met her there and knocked her to the ground. Her shot went wide of the rim, but it was an obvious foul. Perfect. The clock was stopped, and she’d have a chance to bring them within one.

The players lined up for the two free throws, and she made the first one easily. Now there was one more to shoot, and she took more time with that one. There was more pressure, after all. The crowd was eerily silent, and that threw her rhythm off also. She was probably overthinking it, and that was why she bricked the second free throw off of the back of the rim. The ball bounced into the hands of one of the opponents, and they started their fastbreak the other way. They would’ve gotten an uncontested layup too, if Marta Scott hadn’t run down Adrien Martin from behind and fouled him hard to keep the shot from going in.

There were murmurs coming from the crowd now, as they realized that there would have to be at least one missed free throw to give the Celts a chance at the comeback. They cheered, though, when the first one was missed. They roared even louder when the second one went off of the front part of the rim, and Alice Biasi rebounded it and tossed the ball down the sideline to Ebony Leonard, who started down the court and started letting the seconds run off of the clock to set up a game winning shot. The opponents still weren’t getting back quick enough in transition, and Ebony threw a pass across the court to Tara, in the corner.

There were three seconds left, a three would give them the win, and a three pointer from this spot would also mean that Tara had hit one from the exact same spot that Aleen had hit one over Castle in, during the game that really put her on the national radar and turned her into a nation wide star. Everything that Tara was doing was chasing Aleen’s legacy, and this… This would be a big part in that, as both she and the coaches and the players and even the crowd knew, as she stepped back into the corner and started going into her shooting motion.

She put the ball in the air just before the buzzer sounded, and the arc of the shot looked perfect. It looked like a textbook illustration of a jump shot, and the crowd already thought that it was going to go in, and even Tara herself thought that. She put her arms in the air in celebration, and her teammates started running to her. But then everyone heard the clank, as the ball hit the inside of the rim and bounced high and out, and the game ended on that note. In the space of a second or two, the celebration turned to sorrow. Alice Biasi was comforting Tara and telling her that she’d still played a great game. Some of the band members had their hands on their heads in shock and defeat. The crowd started filing out before the band even played the school’s fight song and alma mater.

Their opponents were celebrating escaping with a win, but they were the only ones in the building that looked remotely happy. And Tara, as she walked off of the court and angrily threw down her jersey, realized one thing about her season and her career overall; everything she was doing was to chase her sister’s ghost, but even with all of the training and all of the newfound fame and all of the hard work that she had put into becoming the next big star for the Celts, she wasn’t at the same level yet that Aleen had been on. No, she wasn’t even close.

[Free Republics]

Sporting World

Fact Check: Nejax Republic University is Not the University of Nejax
by: Eric Guay

Recently, I was reading the Drawkland National Sports Network and I came across an article that was factually inaccurate. Specifically, I am referring to the article entitled NSCAA 8: DEATH TO UCENIAL EDITION! by Andrea Tiffon and Drake Baldwin. In this article, Tiffon and Baldwin reported that "Nejax from Free Republics" was one of the schools in the Royal Conference for the NSCAA's 8th international college basketball tournament that might "rise above the rest". Unfortunately for the Drawkish reporters, the Nejax Horns are not participating in NSCAA and certainly aren't participating in the Royal Conference.

There is a Republican team that is participating in the Royal Conference but that team is the Nejax Republic Cowboys, my alma mater's team. As anybody who follows college football or college baseball knows, the rivalry between us Cowboys and those inferior Horns is a heated rivalry, probably the most intense in the Big 14 Conference, and I imagine that there isn't a single Cowboy student, player, coach or fan that appreciates hearing our school referred to as "Nejax" by a respected international source. Speaking of college baseball, Sporting World Magazine is currently sponsoring the new NS College Baseball tournament (My editor insisted that I insert that line.). While I understand how Tiffon and Baldwin could have made that mistake, I certainly would not blame the capacity crowd that will assuredly attend the game against Drawkland's Cemmendy Tech at Akram Arena if they chanted "We Are Not Nejax" and other things about the Horns that aren't fit to print in a family-friendly publication like Sporting World and, if they do, Drawkland's press will bear sole responsibility for the rowdiness of the Cowboy fans.

The rest of this article is primarily for the benefit of foreign readers who do not understand the federational system of the FFR. Republicans will largely find this boring since I'm going to give a brief middle school civics lesson. Unlike other nations, the Free Republics is not (or, at least, is not supposed to be) a unitary system where the national government exercises all real power. We have a federational system, also called a "federal" system by some political scientists, where the many Republics share power with the Federation Government in Republica. The Federation Government is led, as is commonly known even in foreign lands, by two consuls who are elected to 8 year terms, with a Consul election occurring once every 4 years. We have a legislature consisting of the Assembly, which is elected by proportional representation, and the Senate, which is appointed by the Republics (each Republic has the right to appoint a new Senator every 2 years, who serves a life term). Former Consuls are also lifetime members of the Senate, even former Consuls who resigned such as Senator Emeritus Caleb O'Reilly (even though he elects not to exercise his voting rights). World Bowl Assembly President Hillarion Vasin is the other living former Consul and, as such, is also Senator Emeritus. There is also the Supreme Court whose justices are appointed by a Consul, with the other having the right to veto, and must be approved by the Senate. Under the changes passed at the behest of Consul Tomlinson several decades ago, Consuls may appoint additional justices whenever they see fit. This change has left the Supreme Court effectively a rubber stamp that almost always upholds whatever legislation is passed by the Legislature and approved by the Consuls. Under Consuls Kulseth and O'Reilly, the Court proved unwilling to do much of anything to rein them in, showing itself to now be a symbolic body.

But, of course, what you want to know about are the Republics. There are an enormous number of Republics which seemingly changes on a regular basis as Republics merge or separate. Each Republic is sovereign over its own territory and voluntarily assents to membership within the Federation including the Federation Constitution and our famous tax cap, which was raised from 10% to 15% at the request of Consul O'Reilly. Junior Consul Bolton has pledged to reverse this, however, and has the support of Senior Consul Nicholls so the amendment is likely to become part of our Constitution, if the statist parties do not succeed in blocking it. Republics have a great deal of autonomy over their laws but are not allowed to pass any law contrary to the Federation Constitution or their own Constitution. Constitutional questions are adjudicated in the Universal Constitutional Court in Republica which is the court of final appeal for all Constitutional questions relating to the Constitutions of the various Republics. One example of just how much power Republics have can be seen in the fact that Nejax prohibits abortion and requires mutual consent for a divorce settlement to be granted while Taxachusetts has legal abortion and unilateral divorce. There are numerous other differences between Republics, of course, but all Republics are required to participate in the Universal School Vouchers program and all Republics are required to respect fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, the right to self-defense, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures, trial by jury, reasonable bail, the prohibition of slavery except as a punishment for crime, freedom of religion, etc. To abridge any of those rights would violate the Federation Constitution and thus would be disallowed. Ironically, as we have found out in recent years, those Federation Constitution provisions protecting our rights seem to only apply, in a de-facto sense, to the Republics. The Federation Government may violate those rights if a dictatorially-minded Consul is elected because we do not have the proper safeguards to protect against that.

So, you may be wondering, how does this relate to the fact that we have a University of Nejax and a Nejax Republic University, which are arch-rivals of one another? The reason for that goes back into our history. While both of those universities are public universities, the University of Nejax was founded around 300 years ago to train students in the fields of law and theology while Nejax Republic University was founded 163 years ago as a "Land Grant" university to train students in agricultural techniques. The "Land Grant" program was a program by the Federation Government to boost the Federation's food production in order to support a growing population and permit the export of food abroad. Over the long term, both universities expanded and gradually became modern research universities. Most "Land Grant" universities were named "Republic University" instead of "University of", especially if the latter name was already taken by an established university.

To make a long story short, foreign press outlets should not, under any circumstances, omit the "Republic" part of a Republican university's name as that is often the name of another university. In many cases, that other university is a rival of the university in question, which makes this an easy way to offend a large number of people. It also makes, I would imagine, for great bulletin board material when your nation's schools travel to the university in question for international college sports competition.

Eric Guay is an reporter for Sporting World. A graduate of Nejax Republic University's School of Journalism, Eric interned at Sporting World during his college days where he was originally assigned to the Internet beat, to report on stories of relevance to our readers that break online. He was later re-assigned to report on the latest happenings in football. After graduation, Eric was hired to a full-time job as a college sports reporter for Sporting World.

[Free Republics]

MD 1-4 Cutoff for the Blue Eagle Conference

EDIT: Results

[Ceni]

OOC: Continuation of yesterday's RP that I didn't get to finish. Also, no cutoff from me tonight - I'll be pushing back everything one day. Sorry I didn't get around to editing the schedule yesterday.

And then we have five newer schools to round out the Cenian NSCAA contingent competing across the world: the University of Montague-Hawkesbury, City Centre College, Cenian Academy of Science and Technology, Endemian College at Whitehaven, and Taurendil Institute. These schools have traditionally been known more for their academics than their sports teams, but as basketball has taken off in popularity around the country, these schools' students have urged them to add basketball programs to their schools, and since they outplayed the other 4 schools sent last time around, they made it to international competition with NSCAA.

The University of Montague-Hawkesbury, located in the Montague district of Cenial, has been tipped as the best of these new schools, with the Valanora Times ranking the program #14 across all the conferences, although only off a "hunch" that the team would be good. We here at Jump Shot of course hope this hunch is correct, but first this team will have to get past their conference. which includes sporting powers Releinthi National & State from Abanhfleft, as well as Redvali powerhouse Castle Valle Rojas and Chromatik underdogs University of Myana. This traditionally liberal arts college posts a very diverse lineup, with center Kirei Glider with her athleticism and shooting guard Neo Starfallen with his guard skills and his finesse hoping to lead the school with quick and analytic play, a strategy that should hope to deal with bigger teams by undercutting them and outplaying them.

City Centre College is well known as both a science and math and liberal arts focused education, and attracts many qualified Rushmori and non-Rushmori students. It faces what should be a pretty easy conference, with primary rivals looking to be Z'ai'ai University of Technology and the Fleftic Military Academy. This team, however, is pretty young, with all of their starters either a freshman or a sophomore. Cade Wintergreen is a very imposing presence on the court, and Gabriel Spitzer of Shalum has strong technical skills, but the team functions well together, and the coach Van Serasai has really emphasized teamwork and getting this newly formed team up to speed in both basic and more technical aspects of the game.

The Cenian Academy of Science and Technology mainly teaches what its name suggests: science and technology, with a large focus on lab sciences, innovation, mathematics, and technology, but they also have time for a crack basketball team. This team has taken the strategy of analyzing each of its opponents to find out their principal strengths and weaknesses, and tailoring their strategy to match; this comes with the analytical approach that the students take while in class, so they can use their minds in the game of basketball as well. Mar Sara Tech is most likely the most challenging opponent in the conference, but hopefully, CAST will be able to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of them as well and get a win. The team attempts to function as a whole rather than as individual parts; however, Shalumite center Otto Mauser is probably the most technically gifted of the team.

The Endemian College at Whitehaven has a large focus on the marine sciences as well as units in some of the more obscure courses, like hotel management and the like. Their basketball program is also in its infancy, but they've developed some crack shooters, such as the Mar-Shayal siblings, Kel and Aralus, who are some of Ceni's hottest prospects across the board; the College also poached successful power forward Solari Sevlaya from the Whitehaven Naval Academy, which largely discontinued its basketball program, unfortunately. This team depends on its ability to shoot accurately, and it doesn't pull off too many tricks; it goes for consistency. That being said, it hopes to be quite consistent in its conference, of which Chromatik State and the University of Hondo should be major challengers.

The Taurendil Institute is probably one of the most idiosyncratic of the Cenian schools, developed as a technical institute to serve the northern portion of Ceni. When the major Northern schools decided to cut funding for their basketball programs, the Institute poached the best players from the best of the northern schools, such as Tomás Arena, Javier Aiza, and Benjamin Espinoza. This makes the team a little bit lacking in chemistry, as the team did not play together much before, but they make up for it with raw athletic talent; let's just hope Head Coach Vexa Valorous can turn these often feuding young men and women into a team that can make the best of their abilities. It would be surprising if they did not finish in the top 3 of their conference - but that will only happen if they get together and act as a team.

So, we have our 8 schools - will we win it again, or will Drawkland get its revenge. We at Jump Shot certainly hope for the former, but it's NSCAA, so anything can happen! Good luck to our teams competing!

[Purple Rabbits]

Purple Rabbit Sports

College Basketball

Interview with Mark Nim, Sports Analyst, Former Professional Basketball Player for the Chevsky Chariots and Salazar University Alumnus
Conducted by Danelle Harriet

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Purple Rabbit Sports: So I imagine you've been following the tournament?

Mark Nim: Well, I can't watch every game, but you bet I have. Especially our Rabbitisian teams. I have the stats for every player and team in my hands right now.

PRS: Great, because we came to talk to you today about our teams in the NSCAA.

MN: I'd be happy to.

PRS: Why don't we start out talking about your alma mater?

MN: Do I have to? Salazar University was a great team when I was playing there but we never really took to the international stage. Now that we're
here, we're taking a beating. I talked endlessly about Matt McHuber on my blog and he's disappointing me. The boy only put up ten points against Elvaston University. In that game, he could of really made a difference. I am not letting the rest of the team get away with their poor performance or anything, but Matt was especially disappointing.

PRS: What are your opinions on David Cole, another top-ranked player on the line up.

MN: He's not looking too hot right now. Subbing in Neil Dram as power forward might make all the difference.

PRS: So what about the Purple Rabbit Institute?

MN: Surprisingly, they're faring a little better than Salazar, if only for the fact that they've had one more game. I got to give props to that vocational college. While they're not winning everything, Dillon Barnes is looking great out there, and so is the team, proving that being a top-funded sports team doesn't make you the best sports team.

PRS: And Chevsky?

MN: That's the top funded program in all of Purple Rabbits and they have lost every single game so far. If that doesn't say something, I don't know what does. Alexander Steele had a lot of hype. He's shooting bricks out there, over and over again. I'm disappointed to say the least.

PRS: One school that has been overlooked a bit is Sir Nicholas Rochev University. They lost their first two games, but won their most recent against Digleon. What are your thoughts?

MN: Rochev has always been a good school for international scholars. Now athletes are going there, too. The athleticism of Eloy Espino is just ridiculous. I've never seen anything like it before from Rochev. Back in my day they were a joke. It's gonna take a bit more to win it all, though.

PRS: Speaking of winning it all, College of Ringold and Balthasar has only lost one of their four games. Wow.

MN: I had a rivalry with CRB back in college when I was playing for SU. Now, it's not looking to rivalry-like. CRB is killing it. In a 103-66 win against St. Kitt's, Alberto Allens alone put up 30 points. That's ridiculous for a guy who flew under the radar for so long. Craig Conner put up 35 points, which ain't too shabby in my eyes.

PRS: What are their prospects of winning?

MN: If they can fix the messy defense they played in their loss against Deprì Sanar University, I see smooth sailing.

PRS: Foxilia Tech is also three-and-one.

MN: That's deserved. Great defense. Great offense, especially by Leroy Simmons, who is averaging 17 points a game right now. You go, man. I want to say they could win it all, but they lost 102-83 against CRB in regular season.

PRS: Petre Price Academy is two for three.

MN: Hats off for Robert Holt. That man is an amazing coach who took a solid team and made a great team. Their loss was pretty brutal, but I see much success in their future, especially if they properly utilize Willie Cox, an absolute beast in the paint.

PRS: The last team we're tackling is Foxilia University, two-for-three.

MN: Their loss to Keisler was brutal. I have to say, Clay Henderson wasn't on that night. But when he is on, that short man can lead the team to victory. Only eighteen, believe it or not. Put up 37 points against Sextíliu José Marques. Three-point-percentage was 45 percent. He's slowly, but surely approaching a fifty percent three-point shooting game. Can't wait to see what he does.

PRS: Thanks for talking with us, Nim.

MN: Anytime. I will be analyzing the whole tournament from my own blog, thenimcenter.com. Check it out if you have the chance.

[Kecrazia]

INTERVIEW WITH KBA PRESIDENT KASPER VAZJED

"..." said Kasper. "I actually. I just. I have no words. What is happening? I just randomly look on the Kecrazian sports news... and... I have no idea what to say. This is... ridiculous. I never expected anything like this. Like. What. Is this real? I'm barely accepting that this is true hours later. Our international debut. 21 games. 20 wins? All 6 of our teams in the top 3 of their conferences? Out of 12? Are you actually serious? I mean, it's insane. The only team who has lost is Kecrastat University, and they have only lost 1 game. I almost feel this is government propaganda but Kecrazia is better than that."

"I especially want to mention Tollor Sakhen and Aanf Svedder, they have been the frontrunners for their teams, I must say. I mean I can't say that everyone in every team hasn't been amazing but those two have simply killed it. But, yes, this has been an absolutely insane tournament, and I hope it remains this way."

[Chromatika]

Chromatik City Courier
Column by College Basketball Fanatic Lowell Kimberly (LIn), Chromatik City Courier

Alnio University of the Arts - Longtail Conference
Record: 3-0
A statement win over Loudon Empire of Newmanistan accentuates the great start by the Meercats, with Guglielmo definitely taking care of business averaging 27 points a game.

Chromatik City College University - Sky Blue Conference
Record: 3-0
Although stiffer challenges await with Corinth City, Bozena & Stevo average a total of fifty points a game between the two as CCCU starts hot.

Deprì Sanar University - Arrowsword Conference
Record: 4-0
Stiffer tests against New Oxford and Rinaldi Naval will make things difficult for the Spartans. Their core of Flake, Corpus, and Anove off the bench is very stable.

Pùr State University - Fjell Conference
Record: 2-1
Fan favorites Pùr ran into tough opposition in University of Santa Magdalena of Abanhfleft, but Ja Thrall has been a star, averaging 30 points a game.

Chromatik State University - Kyst Conference
Record: 3-0
Chromatik State took care of their chief rivals in the University of Hondo and will try to stay ahead of the Cenian school of Endemian College at Whitehaven. Every single starter is averaging double figures.

Deprì Lanar University - Woodland Conference
Record: 4-0
The Warriors' Hannelore Bibbs is averaging an absurd fifteen assists a game but Metropolon awaits them. Should be a fun match between the Chromatik and Drawkish schools when they face off.

Z'ai'ai University of Technology - Full house Conference
Record: 2-1
Loss to Leopard Central was disappointing to the loaded Hellcats, but losing to the conference's leader isn't the end of the world. The roster is deep, they're bound to make a comeback.

University of Myana - Cat Valley Conference
Record: 3-0
Myana's wins haven't been comfortable, but it'll get the job done. Maryjo Boatriht has been instrumental in this start with an average of twenty-three points a game.

Overall record is 24-2, which is absolutely fantastic!