Minor Division
Verdi’s…
With the regular season coming to an end, the competition remained tight at the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League's gym as playoff action is set to begin this week in what promises to be an exiting ending to the basketball season.
Minor Division
Verdi’s Restaurant, down by double digits in the first half, came storming back to overcome a game Cherry Valley Deli team by the score of 53-47. Point guard Michael Berndt directed the offense, scoring 17 points, 10 of which came in the crucial fourth quarter with the game on the line. Jose Barcena’s 11 points and relentless rebounding and Joseph May’s seven points and tough man-to-man defense helped lead Verdi’s comeback. Joseph Angenbroich scored four points and helped spark Verdi’s fast-break with his rebounding, while Anthony Kapovic, James Teirney and Michael Yagadayev contributed baskets during their team’s second-half run. Andrew Lehr’s four points and critical steal in the fourth period helped preserve the victory.
In a weekend Minor Division game, New Hyde Park Amoco’s record went over the .500 mark with a convincing win over Golden Auto Body, 46-28. Amoco’s speedy center Jimmy Kozakis was extremely strong on both ends of the court. Everyone on the team scored, with major offensive contributions from Mena Yacoub and Zachary Frankel. Alex Mason, Mark Williams and Erhan Sencer played their strongest games of the season with tough defense and excellent rebounding. Ralph Glavan also added to this victory with his usual hustling play. This was a total team effort. New Hyde Park Amoco’s record presently stands at 10-9 and they are gearing up for a playoff run.
In another Minor Division contest, New Hyde Park Amoco lost in a nailbiter to Graham Restoration, 46-44. Amoco relinquished a six-point lead with only 40 seconds left in this heartbreaking loss. They had a chance for the tie with five seconds remaining, but came up short. As usual, most of the scoring for Amoco came from the high-octane games of Jimmy Kozakis and Mena Yacoub. Zachary Frankel and John Sfiris also had nice offensive games. Good defensive efforts were made by Alex Mason, Mark Williams and Erhan Sencer. For Graham’s Restoration, Tommy Franceschini scored the tying basket and Joey Graham scored the winning points. Ray Torres and Davide Ortiz played an exceptional game, with Mike Gambino, Renzo Gagliardi, Elliot Nasser playing incredible defense.
In a very physical contest, DiningNY.com defeated Golden Autobody, 45-40. DiningNY.com led at times by as much as 14 points with Golden Autobody closing the gap to five points in the fourth quarter. DiningNY.com was led in scoring by Philip Leist with 14 points and Mark Laufer with 11 points. Edward Johnston, with eight points and five assists, and Justin Finkelman, with six points and five assists, both had excellent all-around performances. Kunar Singh, with eight rebounds, was solid off the boards. Adam Breidbart and Peter DiPietrantonio, with five steals each, and Andrew Nicolau, with three steals, were instrumental to the team’s defense.
In an end to end contest, DiningNY.com lost to Cosmo Plumbing and Heating, 45-41. DiningNY.com was led in scoring by Philip Leist with 14 points and Justin Finkelman with 12 points, including five straight baskets in the third quarter to put DiningNY.com up for a short time. Edward Johnston led the team with seven assists and Adam Breidbart and Peter DiPietrantonio shared the team lead in steals with six each. Kunar Singh had a very strong game off the boards and Andrew Nicolau contributed with his quick defense. Cosmo Plumbing and Heating was led by the all-around play and clutch shooting of James Brandes.
Bantam Division
After a furious comeback attempt in the fourth period, Lee’s Jewel Box overcame a powerful Duffner and Voight team that had been ahead the whole game. Joey Anderkavich led the offense for Lee’s, scoring a career-high 24 points. Giancarlo Santillo and Chris Garthright poured in nine and six points, respectively. Tommy Schreiber chipped in with two points needed for the win. Jose Gonzalez, Tony Prassos, Andrew McClean and Mojtaba Raja had excellent all-around games. Duffner and Voight was led by Michael Wiederhold , who hit from everywhere, for a personal best of 23 points. Glen Baker lit up the scoreboard for 16 points, while Steven Mare had two rim shots just miss. Brendan Corrigan, John Pluchino and Calvin Lee provided strong team defense in a very tough loss.
Parsons 20th Avenue Auto Care finally overcame Lee’s Jewel Box, 21-19, after losing to them in overtime in their previous match up. Lee’s offense was led by Joey Anderkavich, who poured in nine points. Giancarlo Santillo and Chris Garthright connected for four and three points, respectively. Tommy Schreiber hit for two points, making this his second scoring game in a row. Jose Gonzalez, Andrew McClean and Antonio Prassos had great all-around games.
Novice Division
In a Saturday afternoon Novice Division contest, the DG Knicks beat the DG Bulls, 14-10. The Knicks were led by a strong offensive effort by Logan Frankel and some tenacious defense by Tanya Kozakis and Bianca Ann Pappas. Other contributors in this team effort include Christine Brabazon, Frank Obidienzo, Suzie Lee and Richie Nielson.
The DG Knicks and DG Lakers dueled down to the wire with the Lakers holding on for a close win. Patrick Berndt continued to have the hot hand, as he led the Lakers in scoring. Big baskets also came from Kenny Lehr, Manuel Barcena and Patrick Thompson. Derek Capponi and Nicole Zolla both rebounded and played well defensively for the Lakers. Logan Frankel’s clutch shooting led the Knicks’ offense, while Steven McGrory and Richie Nielson both made big shots during the Knicks comeback. Suzie Lee, Tanya Kazakis and Christine Brabazon each gave the Knicks a solid effort at both ends of the floor.
Girls Division
Joe’s Gals held on to win a thrilling double-overtime game over Jim’s Powerhouse Girls, 23-21. Sarah Marcisak’s strong 10 second half points were too much for Muge Undemir, with 11 points, and Pinar Undemir, with six, to overcome.
Gerry’s Angels were fortunate to beat Jan’s Supergirls. Missing key players from Jan’s team, Shannon Kern nearly single-handedly beat the Angels with 12 points. The Angels had well-balanced scoring from the entire team.
