It’s a celebration! The VBL joined forces with AT&T for the “Rep Your Code” campaign and hosted a phenomenal Final Four and a birthday bash in honor of the legendary Mouthpiece also known as the “Voice of Venice Beach”.
With stellar sounds from DJ Punch and a jumbotron courtesy of AT&T, thousands of spectators gathered around to bear witness to Veniceball.
The VBL hosted the “Mouthpiece Classic” – an open run, MC’d by the legend himself, where players got to play and tried to earn a name for themselves. The open runs went down on Saturday and Sunday before the VBL All-Star open run. After the All-Star open run, a few of the All-Stars and some of the VBL finest shooters received the opportunity to compete in a Three-Point Shootout for a grand prize of $100. “White Iverson” won the contest and was crowned the best shooter in the VBL.
After these festivities, it was time to get down to business. The first two teams in the Final Four took the court.
Game 1
Los Fearless demolished Team Fairplay 66-37 to advance to the VBL Finals.
With an opportunity to return back to the championship, Los Fearless dominated with their size. Led by Marcus “The Coroner” Bell, they were aggressive on the boards and earned themselves multiple second chance opportunities. Plagued by early foul trouble, Fairplay trailed 19-30 at halftime.
In the second half, Los Fearless’ length continued to present problems for Fairplay. Fairplay, who is usually an electrifying high-flying team, struggled to score in the paint, and because of this, they were outscored 36-18. Marcus Bell was named Player of the Game. He scored 25 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and helped his team get their shot at redemption with their second consecutive Final Four appearance.
Game 2
The OG’s of the VBL, Team Sunblock on Wheels, eliminated the defending champions, Dompen Green Lights, 63-60with a half-court buzzer beater.
The longest running team in the history of the VBL, Sunblock ended The Green Lights’ chances of going back 2 back. In the first half of the game, it was an absolute nail-biter as both teams battled for the upper hand. Sunblock nailed 3s from the outside and Dompen dominated in the paint. Sunblock took a 31-27 lead into halftime.
To begin the second half, Sunblock took command of the game and pushed their lead to double figures. Towards the end of the half, The Green Lights rallied from behind and knotted things up. In the closing seconds, Brandon “The Mute” Fields received the ball off of an inbound pass and made a half court buzzer beater that sent last year’s champions home.
Brandon “The Mute” Fields earned Player of the Game honors with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and now is on his way to try to win his 6th VBL championship.
The two teams are now locked in for the championship game. Sunblock on Wheels will take on Los Fearless / Project Dream, which will be on Sunday August 11th. Stay tuned to @veniceball on Instagram to stay tuned in for your VBL updates. It’s Game Time Baby!
Written by: De’Angelo “DJ Wall Street” Scruggs
Edited by: Louis “Good Guy Lou” Murray
Photos by: Ursula Vari
Photos by David Regoso
