Written by Alex Semerjian and Sydney Imus
GAME 1:
Gage vs. Mango House
The weekend tipped off with a VWL matchup between two winless teams, Gage and Mango House. Mango House maintained a small lead throughout the game and were able to extend it in the 4th through buckets from Lolo (17 pts, 8 reb), who ranks third in VWL scoring. In her season debut, Starr (12 pts, 13 reb) went to work for Mango House, dominating the boards and leading the break en route to player of the game. For Gage, KK gets buckets (10 pts, 4 ast, 2 3’s) and Jade (12 pts, 7 reb, 2 blk, 3 stl) had solid games, but it is clear that the team lacked creativity and the presence of Destiny Littleton from last week. As the regular season gets close to finishing, both these squads will hope that playoff fortunes will be different than their regular season outcomes.
GAME 2:
Hoopbus vs. Basketball Beauties
Sunday tipped off with a matchup between Hoopbus and Basketball Beauties in the VWL, ending in a 59-31 blowout victory for Basketball Beauties. From the tip, BBall Beauties dominated Hoopbus through their smothering defense and fastbreak baskets. Leading the way was Christina Ellis, who earned player of the game and player of the week with her 14 point, 10 rebound, 4 assist, and 7 steal performance. BBall Beauties got solid contributions from all their main players, as Ashley had 10 points and 6 rebounds, Janae “Tatted Buckets” had 10 points in her debut, VWL point leader MJ had 8 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals, and Gia had a near double-double. Hoopbus was led by the tireless effort of Kani, who had 10 points and 14 rebounds. Kani currently leads the VWL in rebounds and has done a solid job in protecting the paint in the halfcourt. Hoopbus’ problem is mainly in their lack of perimeter ball handlers and shot creators and a marquee pickup must be arranged to increase their chances of winning games in the playoffs. As the regular season nears its end, Basketball Beauties knows it can rely on the combination of MJ and Christina come playoff time to deliver in pivotal moments.
GAME 3:
Dr.’s Orders vs. Lady Sweat
The final game of VWL Week 3 was a matchup between undefeated Dr’s Orders and Lady Sweat. The game would get off to a worrisome start for Lady Sweat as Hayley paid a long visit to the Courtney’s Corner medical tent after rolling her ankle. In her absence, Ruth “The Truth” steadied the ship for Lady Sweat, as they held a lead going into the half. A third quarter run led by Bree (12 pts, 11 reb, 3 stl, 2 blk) and Ashlee (11 pts) for Dr’s Orders saw them within two points. Bree’s variety of moves in the open court had Coach Grizz hyped, but Dr’s Orders could not capitalize on the moves to the fullest extent due to missed layups. With the game close in the fourth, Kendra “The Blender” (9 pts, 8 reb) got two baskets off of steals to put the game out of reach for Dr’s Orders, keeping Lady Sweat undefeated. Ruth would earn player of the game for her 13 point and 9 rebound performance, while Hayley would return to the game and have a respectable 8 points, 4 assists, and 2 threes. Lady Sweat is the only undefeated team left in the VWL, establishing themselves as the team to beat in the inaugural Venice Women’s League season.
