There were a lot of fireworks going off this past week in anticipation of the Fourth of July. With those fireworks over with, it is another great opportunity to head out and watch some summer league basketball.
We are now at the mid-point of pool play for the Metro Basketball League and the competition is as hot as the weather outside. For week three there are some really intriguing matchups including a very Creighton heavy battle. Here is our quick preview:
Game of the Night
7:00 p.m. (Court 2) Narmi Group @ Smith Barney (2-0) vs. Bank of Nebraska (2-0)
Bluejays to Watch: Taylor Stormberg, Alex Olsen, Justin Carter
This is the only matchup of the week between undefeated teams. The Narmi Group has been pretty solid behind the play of Samford graduate Andy King and even had former Creighton star Nate Funk on their roster last week. That may not be the case this week, but they will still be a tough out.
However, Bank of Nebraska has looked very strong defeating opponents pretty handily. Incoming Husker Deverell Biggs, former Husker Wes Wilkinson and former Bluejay Justin Carter have led a formidable group of players and look like the team to beat this summer.
Creighton-Heavy Games
6:00 p.m. (Court 2) Judd Knispel Agency (0-2) vs. Thompson Basketball Camp (0-2)
Bluejays to Watch: Nick Bahe, Nate Funk, Doug McDermott, Austin Chatman, Ross Ferarrini, Antoine Young, Geoff Groselle, Andre Yates, Avery Dingman, Isaiah Zierden
Although this is a game pitting two 0-2 teams against each other, just the potential of this game on paper with the players in this game could make it the game of the night and may draw the most fans, especially if everyone is there. Most of the Thompson Basketball Camp Creighton teammates have been there for both games so far and are starting to put together a little chemistry, but still have some work to do after getting down early in both of their games and the comeback coming too late at the end.
For Judd Knispel, this team of “All-Stars” has been in disarray since the beginning and didn’t even really have their team together last week as many players were absent and those that were there were moved to other teams for the evening. Will this be the first night we see the full Knispel team together? I guess we’ll have to see. If they are there, it should be a fun game to watch.
5:00 p.m. (Court 1) Bellevue University (0-2) vs. Walentine O’Toole McQuillan & Gordon (1-1)
Bluejays to Watch: Ethan Wragge, Nevin Johnson, Matt Dorwart
The defending MBL champs have a big hole to dig out of by starting 0-2. Nevin Johnson has been the bright spot for WOMG and has really put forth a lot of effort in these first two games. You can tell he is really excited to get on the court and play anticipating the 2012-13 season for the Bluejays.
6:00 p.m. (Court 1) HCMC (1-1) vs. EQ School of Hair Design (2-0)
Bluejays to Watch: Grant Gibbs, Jahenns Manigat
EQ School of Hair has been fun to watch if only for James Parrott and his dunks. The chemistry on this team is pretty high with Parrott and Manigat running the break. Even with Gibbs absent last week, EQ was able to edge out a win.
Watch out though for HCMC due to a lot of teammates between Hastings College and Morningside College are playing together and you never know what could happen.
6:00 p.m. (Court 4) Andy’s Lawn & Landscape (1-1) vs. Paragas Law Offices (0-2)
Bluejays to Watch: Josh Jones, Will Artino, Rodney Buford
Will Artino has been playing with 150% effort so far in summer league play and has really shown a full gambit of skills inside the paint or even from the outside. Paragas Law is really close to breaking out but still has some work to do. Andy’s Lawn & Landscape have a chip on their shoulder after last week’s loss. They may try to take out the frustration against Paragas.
The Rest:
5:00 p.m. (Court 2) Higgins Weatherguard (2-0) vs. Chris Carder Agency (1-1)
Just like last summer, Higgins Weatherguard is plowing through pool play. Mike Dentlinger from UNK has been leading the way for them. Chris Carder has a lot of potential with current and incoming UNO players and some veteran JUCO players.
6:00 p.m. (Court 3) Vanderslice (2-0) vs. PJ Morgan Real Estate (1-1)
Vanderslice continues to show it can compete on the basketball court, but the UNO heavy PJ Morgan Real Estate should have a great battle with the former football players.
7:00 p.m. (Court 1) Construction Zone (1-1) vs. Wissing (0-2)
This battle of teams made up of small college players should be interesting. Wissing is trying to avoid going to 0-3.
7:00 p.m. (Court 3) Zurlos (1-1) vs. ABIDE (0-2)
There is a pretty good chance Zurlos full of former Huskers will have a field day with ABIDE, but you never know what will happen.
7:00 p.m. (Court 4) UNO Alumni (1-1) vs. Shanks Law Firm (2-0)
Bluejays to Watch: Brody Deren
If you pick a game to watch at 7 PM, then this one might be the one to watch. UNO Alumni is always tough and Shanks Law Firm with a lot of former Bellevue players are trying to continue their undefeated record.