Basketball World Toronto

BWT's Men's Winter 2010 League Championship Game was held this past Friday April 9th, 2010 at the Air Canada Centre - Toronto Raptors Main Court. The game featured the Eastern Conference Champions – Ronin vs. the Western Conference Champions – Red Knights. The game was a rematch of the Fall 2009 Championship game although both teams had revamped and modified their rosters.

The Championship Game had all the makings of a classic. Both teams had taken a regular season win against each other, so we knew it was going to be a game for BWT history. As the game started, Ronin flew out of the gates behind the aggressive play of Vaughan Daley (#34) and the inside relentless play of (#23) Jerome Roberts. The Red Knights countered through a more balanced attack by the two Matts - Matt Koller (#3) and Matt Kokish (#5), and their other All-Star guards Chris Blackwood (#3) and Daniel Currie (#8). However, Ronin was well-prepared for the game and kept all of the Red Knights in check. By the end of the half, Ronin had built a 7 point spread to lead 25-18.

In the second half, the Red Knights Chris Blackwood (#3) came out firing and willing his team to win. On the other side, the team was carried again by Vaughan and Jerome but had some timeless baskets by Rian Cromwell (#1) and Zorie Campbell (#5). As the game winded down, the teams went back and forth exchanging baskets. But as the clock sounded, it was Ronin who narrowly escaped with a 4 point win as they took the Championship 53-49. Ronin was led by Jerome Roberts who collected 11 points, 5 steals, 1 block, 1 assist and 10 rebounds.

Congratulations and thank you to all players who participated in BWT'S Men's Winter League 2010 this year and we look forward to seeing you all in BWT’s Men's Summer League 2010 starting in May.

BWT would like to officially announce the presentation of the Division Champions trophy and the MVP Award for BWT's WInter 2010 - Men's Competitive - West Division.

The Division Trophy was awarded to the Red Knights. Accepting the award was Captain Matt Kokish (#11) and co-captain Shane Miller (#1).

The MVP Award was awarded to Chris Blackwood (#3) who finished the regular season with 21.5 points per game, 2.5 steals per game, 6.0 assists per game and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Congratulations to the Red Knights and Chris Blackwood on their achievements this season.

BWT would like to officially announce the presentation of the Division Champions trophy and the MVP Award for BWT's WInter 2010 - Men's Competitive - East Division.

The Division Trophy was awarded to team Heft. Accepting the award was the Captain - Moses Ma (#3).

The MVP Award was awarded to Jelani Matthew (#1) who finished the regular season with 22.2 points per game, 2.0 steals per game, 4.2 assists per game and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Congratulations to Heft and Jelani Matthew on their achievements this season.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 10. The award was given to Debo Oladepo (#21) of the West Division's - Gunners. Oladepo scored a season high in points and rebounds at 21 points and 7 rebounds as his team defeated Jaleel Whitesox. Oladepo also contributed 4 steals and 3 assists in the win. Debo will be needed as his team makes their push for a win in the first round of the playoffs as they face the perennial powerhouse Vytis this Sunday. Congratulations and good luck this week.

Honorable Mentions
East Division – Yohannes Teowolde (#1) - Who's Next - 19 points, 3 steals, 4 blocks, 2 assists & 14 rebounds.
West Division – Chris Blackwood (#3) - Red Knights - 28 points, 2 steals, 5 assistss & 3 rebounds.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 9. The award was given to Jasen Jones (#21) of the East Division's - Who's Next. Jones scored a season high of 26 points and contributed 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2 assists and 6 rebounds in a close win over the 3rd place Hawkeyes. Third overall in the division in scoring at 16.8 points per game and 4th overall in assists, Jones is making sure his team is firing on all cylinders as they head into the playoffs. Congratulations and good luck this week.

Honorable Mentions
East Division – Moses Ma (#3) - Heft - 32 points, 4 steals, 5 assists & 4 rebounds.
West Division – Zac McIsaac (#32) - New Coast - 30 points, 1 block, 3 assists & 20 rebounds.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 8. The award was given to David Martin (#11) of the West Division's - Verbul's Crew. Martin helped lead his team to a big victory of the Division leader's Red Knights scoring 17 points as his team won the game 71-68. In addition, to his points, Martin finished the game with 6 assists, 1 steal and 11 rebounds. Martin will again be called upon this Sunday when Verbul's faces arch rival Vytis which will be a very competitive matchup. Congratulations and good luck this week.

Honorable Mentions
East Division – Jasen Jones (#21) - Who's Next - 20 points, 1 steal, 3 assists & 9 rebounds.
West Division – Taj Forde (#1) - Vytis - 18 points, 1 steal, 1 assist & 4 rebounds.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 7. The award was given to Chao Chang (#15) of the East Division's - HEFT. Chao had a huge game where he helped dominate the opponents as he scored 23 on 7 for 9 FG shooting. To combine wtih that, Chao also contributed 3 steals, 3 assists and 6 rebounds as his he helped his team secure a big win over the Assassins. Chao will need to continue to strong effort each week as we wind down the season as his team sits in a 3-way tie for 1st place in the division. Congratulations and good luck this week..

Honorable Mentions
East Division – Jasen Jones (#21) - Who's Next - 20 points, 1 steal, 3 assists & 9 rebounds.
West Division – Chris Blackwood (#3) - Red Knights - 23 points, 6 steal, 14 assists & 4 rebounds.

On Saturday, February 20th, 2010, Basketball World Toronto was proud to present BWT's Men's Winter 2010 All-Star Game. This game featured some of the best men's basketabll players in the city of Toronto as they faced each other in an East vs. West matchup.

This game started off with a bang! Both teams came out of the gates flying and fast breaking as the teams combined to start the game shooting 6-6 in FG. The shooting and athletic display definitely caught the fans attention as the crowd noise significantly rose. As the first half continued, the scoring continued to balance out with both teams trying to share the ball and feel out their new teammates. Every player on the West squad scored in the first half, with Vaughan Daley (#34) leading the way with 8 points on 3-5 shooting from the field and 2-4 from the line. Milton Laidley (#34) paced the East team with his tremendous inside presence and led the team in first half scoring with 8 points on 3-4 shooting and 2-3 from the line. At the half, the West held a 5 point advantage leading 28-23.

Coach Del Carmen of the West squad was looking to avenge this morning's loss in the Women's All-Star game and let his guards loose right from the start of the second half. By pushing the tempo and attacking the rim early in the shot clock the West guards behind Anthony Alexander (#8) and Michael Allicock (#11)) started adding to their first half totals with 8 and 6 points respectively. The East would not be out done though and continued their balanced attack on offence and pounding the ball inside with Laidley and Roderick Ramsey (#15) and Franklin Gymafi (#21) who finished the half with 6, 4 and 6 points respectively. The East tried to exploit their slight size advantage over the West. However, through resilient team defence they were able to hold on and end the half 26-26 with the 5 point advantage from the first half being the final difference maker. When the final sounded the West claimed victory by a slim margin of 54-49 margin. The MVP award was given to the West's Matthew Akelaitis (#15) who helped his team to victory by playing tough defence and chipping in with 8 points, 1 steal, 1 assist and 5 rebounds.

On behalf of BWT and our sponsor Boston Pizza Yonge & Eglinton we would like to thank all the participants, spectators and staff who helped come out and support this event. We hope to see you all out for the League Championship Game which will be held at the Air Canada Centre again on the Raptors Main Court in April 2010.

At half-time of BWT's Winter 2010 All-Star Game, BWT's Men's 3-Point Contest took place. The Men were up next with 6 shooters being in the field. The East was represented by T.Young (37.0%) of Prince & the Revolution, Jelani Matthews (40.6%) of HEFT and Javid Alibahai (37.8%) of the Assassins. The West was represented by a pair of division leading Red Knights Daniel Currie (45.5%) and Matt Koller (44.6%) and the sharp shooter Andrew Motta (45.7%) of Verbuls' Crew. The East Division results were Young (6), Matthews (7) and Alibahai (9). The West finished with Currie (4), Koller (5) and Motta was an astounding 15 to become the Winter 2010 Men's 3PT champion.

BWT would like to congratulate and thanks all participants in this event and the Men's champion for the Winter 2010 season, Andrew Motta of Verbuls' Crew. Great Shooting!

MEN'S DUNK CONTEST
Also held during the half time break was BWT’s Winter 2010 Men's Dunk Contest.  The crowd was entertained by two tremendous participants.  Roderick Ramsey (#15) of the East Divisions leading Who's Next?, and the West's Vaughan Daley (#34) of the powerhouse Ronin squad. Vaughan started off with a vicious tomahawk which left both the rim and the crowd buzzing. Roderick countered with a reverse one handed jam from the far side of the basket. Scores of 40 and 47 respectively were given out by the fan-selected judges. For his second attempt, Daley decided to take it up a notch and put some heat on the leader and threw down a vicious pump reverse that reminded everyone of Shawn Kemp. However, Roderick would not be outdone and with his second dunk he ally-opped the ball to himself off the glass and threw down a two handed slam. Scores of 46 and 45 were received respectively.

Roderick Ramsey was named the BWT Winter 2010 Dunk Champion with a combined score of 92 to Daley's 86. Thank you to both participants who gave it their all and put on a great show for the crowd.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 6. The award was given to Andrew DeCosta (#1) of the East Division's Prince & the Revolution. Andrew had a stellar game in which he contributed a team, and game-high 27 points. To go along with his point total, Andrew chipped in with 4 steals & 7 rebounds. His team will need another strong performence as the team goes up against division leading Who's Next?. A win could pull Prince & the Revolution even with the division leaders so there will be added pressure to perform. Congratulations and good luck with the rest of the season!

Honorable Mentions
East Division – Darin Brock (#15) - Hawkeyes - 18 points, 1 steal, 5 assists & 8 rebounds.
West Division – Abraham Beik (#3) - Gunners - 23 points, 1 steal, 4 assists & 5 rebounds.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 5. The award was given to Vaughan Daley of the West Division's Ronin. Daley scored a team high 18 points to pace his teams balanced attack. Along with his point total, Vaughan contributed 2 steals, 1 block, 3 assists & 6 rebounds. The win over Jaleel Whitesox propelled Ronin to the top of the West Standings with a 4-1 record. The team will need another big effort from Vaughan as they go against the always tough Vytis squad this coming Sunday.  Congratulations and good luck.

Honorable Mentions
East Division – Mills Okyere (#32) – Who’s Next? – 13 points, 1 block, 2 assists & 9 rebounds.
West Division – Kevin Dennis (#34) – Verbul’s Crew – 15 points, 6 assists & 4 rebounds.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 4. The award was given to Panyin Kyei (#3) of the West Division's - New Coast. Penny scored a game (and current BWT season) high 38 points. In addition to his tremendous point total, Penny contributed 3 steals, 6 assists and 9 rebounds for by far his strongest performance of the season in the come from behind win over Ronin. This win was pivotal for New Coast, who are now in a 4-way tie for first place in the West Division with a record of 3 wins and a single loss. Penny and his teammates will be tested again this coming weekend with a matchup against Vytis, who will be looking to keep their winning ways going and get back in the race for the division crown.  Congratulations and good luck.

 Honorable Mentions
East Division – Milton Laidley (#34) – Who’s Next? – 14 points & 16 rebounds.
West Division – Louis Moore (#23) – Verbuls’ Crew – 17 points, 2 steals, 4 assists & 6 rebounds.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 3. The award goes to Zac McIsaac (#32) of the West Division's New Coast. McIsaac scored 22 points, to go along with 3 steals, 2 blocks, 2 assists and 14 rebounds for his first of what’s sure to be many double-doubles on the year. This great contribution helped New Coast keep pace with the front-runners in the competitive West Division and his number will be called upon again this coming week when his squad faces unbeaten Ronin. Congratulations and good luck.

Honorable Mentions
East Division – Hawkeyes - Mike Sardouk (#1) - 19 points, 3 steals, 1 assist & 9 rebounds.
West – Red Knights - Chris Blackwood (#3) – 18 points, 4 steals, 5 assists & 2 rebounds.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 2. The award was given to Jelani Matthews of the East Division's Team Heft. Matthews scored a team high 33 points, and almost completed his attempt at a triple-double with 7 steals, 11 assists and 1 rebound as his team held on for a one point win over the powerhouse Who’s Next?. Heft has started off the season with back-to-back wins and looks primed to be a strong contender down the stretch in the East Division. Matthews will be counted on to produce big numbers again this coming week as his team faces off with a resilient Hawkeyes squad. Congratulations and good luck.

 
 Honorable Mentions
East Division – Who’s Next? - Yohannes Teowolde (#15) – 19pts, 2 steals, 1 block, 5 assists & 10 rebounds.
West Division - Ronin – Vaughn Daley (#34) – 23 pts, 4 steals, 2 assists & 11 rebounds.

On behalf of our sponsor Boston Pizza - Yonge and Eglinton, BWT would like to officially announce the selection of Basketball World Toronto's - Men's Player of The Week - Week 1. The award was given to Matt Koller of the West Division's Red Knights. Koller scored a team high 22 points, to go along wtih 1 block, 2 assists and 8 rebounds in his team's first big win of the season. The Fall 2009 Champion Red Knights started off this season wtih a big win over a perennial powerhouse Verbul's Crew. Koller will need to come up big again this weekend as his team plays a repeat of the Fall 2009 Championship game when they face Ronin.

Congratulations and good luck.

 
 Honorable Mentions
East Division - Heft - Jelani Matthews (#1) - 23 points, 4 steals, 2 assists and 5 rebounds.
West Division - Goonies - Robert Shaw (#10) - 15 points, 2 blocks and 14 rebounds.