Kenner Quarters: Friday

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Nike Pro City Jabbo Kenner League showed and proved.

August 7, 2010 – Last night, the Nike Pro City Jabbo Kenner League provided games that prove its status as one of the best summer leagues in America, with two games going down to the wire. Players in both the professional and collegiate ranks proved their status as stars, or solidified it.

The nightcap, a 73-70 Beyond Belief victory over The Tombs, was classic; Georgetown senior guard Austin Freeman (29 points) had a wide open, game tying basket look at the buzzer, but the shot didn’t fall. Down the stretch, it was clear Austin decided to lead his team offensively, and almost did it, driving and shooting his team back from an eight point deficit with 10:05 in regulation.

Isaiah Swann raised up for a bucket.

Freeman’s work would have been enough except but for the exploits of Israeli professional league guard Isaiah Swann, whose 35 points – including seven three pointers – was the difference in the game. Time and time again Swann hit deep three pointers, or dove and scored, like he did with less than 30 seconds to the tune of an and-one opportunity, creating a five point lead for Beyond Belief.

That dynamic tandem had company in the standout performer catagory. Beyond Belief got 11 points from guard Carl Buck (formerly of Alderson Broaddus), while ex-UDC guard and defensive stopper Frank Peterson chipped in five points, also providing his trademark hustle. The Tombs saw freshman forward Nate Lubick notch 15 points, mostly around the rim, and fellow first year Hoya student athlete, guard Markel Starks, score eight.

While not full of as many theatrics, the evening’s first game still produced oohs, aahs, and a remarkable turnaround, as Clyde’s ended up besting Hoop Magic/6th Man 76-72. The eventual victors were down by as much as 14 with 14:36 to go.

Vee Sanford goes inside.

But it was then that Hoop Magic, formerly marked by guards that ran the show, communicated and found open teammates, started to falter. Little things, like turning the ball over after G’town sophomore guard Vee Sanford (20 points) scored happened with regularity. To their credit, Clyde’s caused/took advantage of those miscues. By the time Hoya senior center/forward dunked with 5:09 to go, Clyde’s was up 66-62.

Hoop Magic didn’t just quit, tying the ballgame at 70 with 49.8 in regulation after ex-Tennessee guard Bobby Maze (23 points) hit a three pointer. Former Maryland forward Byron Mouton (14 points) scored immediately after that for the team.

Travis Garrison, another Ex-Terp dropped 19 points for Hoop Magic. Hampton University’s junior, transfer forward, Wes Dunning, added 11 points to Clyde’s final total.

Today's semifinal games, Team Takeover vs. Madness and Clyde's vs. Beyond Belief are scheduled for 1:00p and 2:30p, respectively.

Thursday's Quarterfinal action