VBL Week 1 Recap
In case you missed it, catch up on all the excitement during the opening weekend of the VBL 2024 season. The first week kicked off with a bang, as teams clashed in intense matchups under the Venice Beach sun!
Game #1: Sole Creators vs. Hoopbus
The first matchup of the season saw Team Sole and Team Hoopbus with a close game. Team sole took an early lead, ending the first quarter up 19-14. Adjusting their strategy and tightening their defense, they managed to close the gap and tie the game at 30-30 by halftime. However, Team Sole' was relentless in keeping the team in the game. The fourth quarter was nothing short of dramatic. Hoopbus maintained a narrow lead, but Team Sole, motivated to keep up, matched them shot for shot. The intensity was high when a hard foul led to confrontation between players, forcing the referees to issue double technical fouls. Despite the tension, the game continued with high energy. With Hoopbus clinging to a 58-54 lead and the clock winding down, the game came to a thrilling climax. Hoopbus's number 24, Biko, was given an isolation play where he delivered the game-winning shot, securing the victory for Hoopbus. His clutch performance, including 5 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and the game-winning shot, not only clinched the win but also earned him the title of Player of the Game.
Game #2: Nosha vs New Jersey Sets
Team Nosha took on Team NJS in a game that had fans buzzing from start to finish. With a stacked lineup featuring high-flyers Chris Staples and Mamadou, Team Nosha managed to stay ahead throughout the game, ultimately securing a 72-61 victory. Game had peak excitement with Mamadou delivering the first sit-down of the season with a thunderous dunk over Jamal from Team NJS. Despite being sent to the chair, Jamal showed incredible resilience, leading his team with a game-high 22 points and keeping the contest competitive. On the other side, Chris Staples provided several highlight-reel moments, electrifying the crowd. The synergy between the entire team was evident, as they seamlessly executed plays and showcased their skills. Team Nosha's standout performer was Omari "The Poster Child" (#11), who put on a shooting clinic. Omari was nearly perfect from 2-point range, racking up a total of 20 points and earning the well-deserved title of Player of the Game. While Team Nosha dominated the scoreboard, Team NJS fought valiantly. However, Nosha's depth and star power proved too much for NJS to overcome and Team Nosha is now at the top of the standings after week 1.
Game #3: Bred Winners vs. CA Firm
The first half saw Team CAF take a lead, heading into halftime with a 37-34 advantage. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the second half as Bred Winners stepped up their defense, forcing numerous steals that shifted the momentum in their favor. Adding to the excitement, legendary streetballer SikWitIt made a special appearance for Bred Winners, bringing his signature flair and skills to the court. By the end of the third quarter, outscoring CAF 22-12 in the period and taking a 56-49 lead. Dom, the eventual Player of the Game, was unstoppable (21 pts, 5 reb, 2 assists, 5 steals). Dom’s relentless attacks on the basket were complemented by DeBo’s all-around game, making Bred Winners a formidable force on both ends of the court. Despite the valiant efforts of ChiTown and Sydney Dean, who carried the offensive load for CAF, they couldn’t overcome the defensive intensity and fast-paced play of Bred Winners. The game reached its climax with a thrilling finish. In gamebreaker mode, DeShaun nailed a clutch game-winning shot that sealed the deal for Bred Winners, extending their lead to 73-65 and ensuring a memorable victory.
Gane #4: Timeless vs. The Mecca
After winning the VBL Championship last year, Timeless was back and hungry for more – looking to start the 2024 season off strong on their quest to go back-to-back. In a Week 1 match against The Mecca, Timeless did just that – pouring on 26 early first-quarter points to take a double-digit lead to start. Timeless’ backcourt duo of Elvin “E5” (20 pts, 3 steals) and Juice proved unstoppable early. A perfectly placed lob pass from Juice to E5 created the “Play of the Week” – as the powerful slam sent the victim to the “You Got Dunked On” chair. Then, Blake and Blane caught fire from three-point land, converting shot after shot from behind the arc to extend Timeless’ lead. But it wasn’t over quite yet – as The Mecca surged back throughout the third quarter, cutting the once double-digit lead to just 5 points. Efficient post play from Sam (15 pts, 7/8 FG) and a mid-game appearance from HeziGod (20 points) gave life to The Mecca, creating a buzz in the crowd and keeping things close down the stretch. With the new “GameBreaker” ending in place, both teams played to a target score of 75. Tied up at 73 apiece, Juice secured a defensive rebound and accelerated down court. In a flash, Juice paused behind the three-point line before rising up for a thrilling game-winning shot that splashed through the net – giving Timeless a dramatic 76-73 win in our “Game of the Week.” Ending with a near triple-double, Juice (26 pts, 9 reb, 8 ast) later earned “Player of the Week” honors.
Game #5: BBall Junkies vs Underdog Fantasy
In the final VBL game of the weekend, Underdog took an early lead and never looked back. In an overall low-scoring game throughout, defense took priority – with Underdog converting on key defensive plays, while BBJ couldn’t string together timely stops. Underdog translated its defense to offense late in the second half, as “Player of the Game” Mark Chin (20 pts, 5 ast), along with Moe (14 pts, 6 reb) and Tone (13 pts, 9 reb), combined for a flurry of impressive buckets to break the game open. Vic and Zach picked up BBJ’s offense – but it proved too little, too late, culminating in a dominant 60-52 win for Underdog to close out a strong Week 1.