Tonight the fifth and final week of the Fierce Pick-up Games finished off in exciting fashion.   In the 5/6th grade session, Team Matt pulled away to a double digit victory and were led by the guard play of Ryan Mollica, Ben Davenport and Ryan Moore. Mollica was flying all over the court impacting the game on every possession. Davenport was showcasing his offensive repertoire, both shooting and on the attack. Moore was fighting for and winning every loose ball that was out there. On the inside, Liam Yin was cleaning up all of the offensive rebounds for easy put backs. Team Judah was led by the gritty tough play of Emmett Derby, Brendan Devine and Roan Smith. George Todorovich carried much of the scoring load, and Theo Mante dominated the paint.   In the 7th grade session, it took overtime for Team Matt to pull out the most thrilling game of the season. Griffin Harding led the way with an estimated 30 points, scoring all over the court. Stephen Keating once again took ownership of the inside, and also made the biggest play of the game with 5 seconds remaining in regulation - cutting off the passing lane for a steal and quick layup to tie the score. Sean Donohue caught fire from outside, and Jack Balsano contributed key baskets as well. Team Judah was propelled by a jaw-dropping 45 points from Jack Petrafesa. Simply unstoppable down the stretch. This was facilitated by the great court vision of Liam Ryan, who was quietly an assist machine. Harrison Keith also showed off his play-making, with some impressive length of the court baseball passes. And Jack Knott again had a big time block party with at least 5 intimidating rejections.   Thank you everyone for a fantastic inaugural Fierce Summmer Pick-up games!

In Week 4 of the Fierce Pick-up Games, it was up and down and back and forth.   In the 5/6th grade session, Team Matt pulled out a close game and were led by an estimated 20 points from George Todorovich - he was an unstoppable scoring machine. In the 2nd half Liam Yin went bonkers on defense with rejections everywhere - must have been the headband. Reid Powning made a huge defensive stop in transition, and then Ryan Moore sealed the game with 2 clutch free throws. Ben Davenport made some nifty passes, Emmett Derby attacked the basket, and Matt Debes was finding his shooting stroke. Team Judah had big offensive perfomances from Jack Plesser and Nicolas Alvarez. Brendan Devine and Roan Smith both played excellent all-around games as well. Abdoulaye Ameganvi exhibited improved mid-range shooting.   In the 7th grade session, Team Judah got the last laugh with a 2 point nail-biter victory. Eamon Jones came out aggressive with his shot making, but also made the right passes. Stephen Keating played a tough inside game. Gavin McCarthy was swirling around to find the passing angles. Liam Ryan and Tommy Schindler both got hot from long-range. Team Matt put up a fight as Jack Petrafesa dropped 19 points. Jack Knott flaunted a full array of skills, finishing with an estimated stat line of 8 points, 6 rebounds and 8 blocks! He was the human eraser on defense. Sean Donohue's long shooting range was on display. Jake Fitzpatrick showed again why he is a top defender - leading the game in proper box out technique. Dillon Mannix shot well from outside, and Sean Racette was running the floor ahead of everyone all game long.   One more week to go!

In Week 3 of the Fierce Pick-up Games, there were bodies flying everywhere.   In the 5/6th grade session, Team Judah narrowly escaped with a 2 point victory. Jack Plesser dominated on both ends of the court - he could not be stopped, finishing with approximately 30 points and 5 steals. Ryan Mollica was controlling the pace and attacking the basket. Liam Yin used a soft touch around the rim, Theodore Mante commanded the paint, and Abdoulaye Ameranvi turned steals into fast breaks. For Team Matt - George Todorovich, Emmett Derby and Ryan Luchetta led the offensive charge. Nicolas Alvarez and Brendan Devine were keeping things close with their intimidating defensive play.   In the 7th grade session, Team Matt came out firing and never looked back. Jack Petrafesa scored 30 tenacious points. Charlie Began was unstoppable coast to coast - using his strength to attack the basket or kick-out to the open teammate. Jack Balsano and Sean Donohue were draining their shots. Liam Ryan and Jake Fitzpatrick were all defense all game long. Team Judah was led by the perimeter decision-making and shooting of Sean Racette, and inside play of Stephen Keating. Aston Martin and Thomas Schindler spaced the floor and were smartly taking what the defense gave.   See you in Week 3!

In Week 2 of the Fierce Pick-up Games, the defense and hustle continued.   In the 5/6th grade session, Coach Matt's team pulled out a hard contested game that was within reach for Coach Judah's crew until the end. George Todorovich starred for Team Matt with an excellent all-around performance. Ryan Mollica facilitated the offense as point guard, with smart decision-making. Ryan Moore and Martin Alvarez used great hustle to make key contributions down the stretch. For the 'Fighting Judahs'... Jack Plesser displayed impressive speed and athleticism. Ben Davenport and Nicolas Alvarez played strong on both offense and defense.   In the 7th grade session, Coach Judah's troops squeaked out a dramatic 1 point victory that came down to the final buzzer. Jack Petrafesa scored a scoop lay-up with 15 seconds remaining to take the lead 51 to 50 -- the final score. Charlie Began animated the crowd with an assortment of chase down rejections reminiscent of Lebron James in the 2016 Finals (not 2017). Thomas Schindler put in 3 three-pointers from different spots on the floor. Coach Matt's group was led by a monstrous estimated 30 point 20 rebound performance from Stephen Keating. Jack Knott was stretching the floor with his distance shooting. Liam Ryan, Johnny McCain and Gavin McCarthy all made contributions of their own.   On to Week 3!

In Week 1 of the Fierce Summer Pick-up Games... it was all defense and offensive ball movement.   In the 5/6th grade session, Coach Matt's squad jumped out to a quick start and never looked back. They were led by the inside combination of Nicolas Alvarez and Theodore Mante and the fast break speed of Emmett Derby, Jack Plesser, Ryan Moore and George Todorovich. Coach Judah's team did everything they could to keep it close, led by the scoring punch of Ben Davenport and Ryan Mollica. And Liam Yin would not quit fighting for the rebounds.   In the 7th grade session, the script flipped and Coach Judah's group got the last laugh. Jack Petrafesa, Eamon Jones, Liam Ryan and Johnny McCain led the perimeter attack. Stephen Keating was cleaning up the offensive boards for easy points, and Aston Martin was running the floor for easy baskets. For Coach Matt's team, Griffin Harding mixed up a variety of moves all the way to the final buzzer. Jack Knott showed off his developing long-range shooting. Gavin McCarthy dazzled the crowd with his hustle, ball-handling and scoring ability.   Can't wait for Week 2!