Inglewood Edition
Another week of magic basketball action went down June 25’th as we brought the beach vibes of Venice to Inglewood. The seven games played this weekend inaugurated the opening of Heart in the Paint’s Laker Tribute Court designed by Gustavo Zermeño and painted at South Side Christian Church. The energy of the day lived up to the immaculate court, as hoopers, fans, and their families all pulled up despite the heat to take part in the festivities.
The day kicked off with Sunblock by Soleworld (2-0) defeating Basketball Junkies (0-2) 72-68, despite another heroic double-double performance from BBJ’s Zach Hinton (18pts, 11rebs). Sunblock’s James Boyd secured his second consecutive player of the game honor dropping 16 points and pulling down 8 boards. In game 2, Project Backboard (1-1) fell to XvsX Sports (2-0), with Emmanuel Brown securing his second consecutive player of the game honors, scoring 23 with 7 boards and 3 assists in a 61-56 victory.
Fentwood Hoops (1-1) snatched a victory in the clutch in the day’s third game, edging out Hard to Guard (0-2) 43-41 behind a stifling defensive performance from one of the league’s most dominant front-courts. Bigs Mo and Tone sealed the game for Fentwood Hoops recording back to back blocks as time expired. Dropping 16 points with 10 boards and a game winning block, Tone earned player of the game honors. Game 4 was similarly contentious, and marked the first overtime game of the season, where team Born x Raised (1-1) would ultimately come away with their first victory of the season, defeating Future Mood (1-1) 65-62.
Timeless (2-0) showcased absolute dominance, blowing away Leune (0-2) 97-68 in the season’s highest scoring game to date. Timeless saw Buddha Boyd drop 23 points and 10 boards, Elvin Rodriguez drop 22 with 4 dimes and Dame “Gods Prodigy” drop 23 points with 7 assists and 4 steals. Though all three’s performances were exceptional, Prodigy came away with his second consecutive player of the game honor.
Team Hamilton (1-1) got their first win of the season over Hooperverse (0-2), J Doota dropped 22 of his teams 65 hitting 3 tre-balls and earning his first player of the game award. The day wrapped with a tight game between Hoopbus (1-1) and Top Dawg (1-1). The injured White Chocolate left his kicks at home to coach team HoopBus, and his son Mint, to their first VBL win of the season. Jacob “Mint Chocolate” Gill would earn his first player of the game dropping 10 points with 3 steals.
Next weekend we’re back in Venice both Saturday and Sunday 12:00-6:00 at the one and only Hooper’s Paradise. Tap into Saturday live-stream here and Sunday’s here! Be sure to check out the YouTube videos from week 1 below. Drop a like comment and subscribe to show your support!