Watertown Recreation Department
Players clash on the Saltonstall Park basketball court during the Watertown Summer Basketball League playoffs.
Play in the Watertown Summer Basketball League playoffs has been close, with both semifinal series in the Papas Elite League even and going to a decisive third game on Monday.
The Watertown Recreation Department provided the following roundup of the semifinal action so far. The league, which features many current and former college players, has gotten some attention beyond Watertown, with a story in the Boston Globe (click here to see the story).
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 – best 2 out of 3 series – game one
Donahue’s Kaos Steal Game One
Louis Dale lead Donohue’s Kaos to a 62-58 victory over the number one seed by scoring a game high 24 points. With many offensive and defensive rebounds by Jesse Vega, Donohue’s Kaos was able to obtain the lead for most of the game. However, HBC’s speed and quick ability to move the ball kept them on their toes. Donohue’s Kaos now leads the series 1-0 over HBC.
Defending Champion Made Men take series lead
Made Men captured the win over Zards with a final score of 66-63. Brandon Stephens led Made Men to victory with a game high of 31 points. It was a high scoring games for both teams, as Zards’ lead scorers Joey Flannery (26 points) and Sam Longwell (24 points) played a great offensive game. Made Men came out on top with great defense and hustle with just minutes of play remaining. Made Men now lead the Zards 1-0.
Thursday, August 6, 2015 – best 2 out of 3 series – game two
HBC carries play
The series is now tied 1-1 as Chris Hurley (17 points) and HBC took the win over Donohue’s Kaos. Although HBC was able to prolong the lead for the entire game, Donohue’s Kaos Louis Dale (20 points) and Todd Billett (14) kept Donohue’s Kaos in the game on the offensive end. However, HBC’s Mike Trimboli helped secure the 64-46 win by scoring a game high 20 points.
Zards Dominate, even series
It was a big game for Zards’ lead scorers Sam Longwell (18 points) and Joey Flannery (17 points) as the series is now tied 1-1. Zards Mark Phillips and Made Men’s Tom Henneberry went head-to-head at the post resulting in strong defensive plays for both teams. Made Men’s aggressive style of play was not enough to stop the Zards from maintaining a secure lead throughout the second half, allowing them to outscore Made Men 62-45.
Game 3 for both series will be held Monday night, with HBC facing Donohue’s Kaos at 8:20 p.m. and Made Men taking on Zards at 9:15 p.m. at the Saltonstall Park basketball court.
Before the Papas Elite games, the O’Brien-Jerehian Legends semifinals game 2 will be played: Control Club vs. Kaos Club at 6:30 p.m. and Finnegan Club vs. Johnson Club at 7:25 p.m. Control Club beat Kaos Club 64-46 in game 1 and Johnson Club won the first game 62-49 over Finnegan Club.