Evolution Basketball League Results
March 20, 2023
Scoop Wilson, (EPI): Our boys league semi-final games went down to the wire for Duke and the Tigers as the game was decided in OT. The Prep division games showed some strong rebounding and passing as the youngest team in the league, the Bucks, have madde it to the finals. The girls league reguslar season ended last Friday and playoffs will be this Friday. Its shaping up to be an exciting weekend of basketball! To view the final standings in the regular season, click here: Evolution Sports Desk.
Along with the League's all-time stats starting Feb 1, 2023: All-Time League Stats
MONDAY, MARCH 20 - ROOKIE LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Semi: Wolves 12, Sonics 6: The Sonics "Cinderella Story" came to an end Friday as the Wolves were able to escape with a hard fought 12-6 win. The Sonics, 0-3 in the regular season, shocked the world with a stunning 1-point win over Showtime in the quarter-finals. They started this game with two quick baskets by Leo Parsons and held a 4-3 lead at halftime. But the Sonics struggled to score in the second half, managing just two free-throws by Patrick Rollins. The Wolves got a boost from Austin Zintsmaster as he led his team with five points. Zack Wieseler added three points and William Crook and Emmett Reno added 2pts each.
Semi: Hawks 19, Bandits 18: In a back-and-forth game, the Hawks were able to escape the semi-final with a thrilling and dramatic one-point win. Trailing 18-17 with 30 seconds left, Lucas Prout scored on a driving layup to give the Hawks a 1-point lead. After a Bandits timeout, The Hawks fouled forcing an inbound form the baseline. The Bandits turned the ball over on the inbound play and couldn't get another shot off. Jennifer Nielsen paced the Hawks with a season high 12 points. The Bandits were paced by Joey Serbinski's six points as he shot 6-6 from the free throw line. Dylan Spillman had his best game of the year with four points in the first quarter. Jack Weiner (4pts), Jake Fayne (2pts) and Jordan Zeitlin (2pts) also scored for the Bandits.
Final: Hawks 22, Wolves 20: The Championship Game did not disappoint as both teams played with incredible poise, intensity and effort. "You can just feel the playoff atmosphere," Said coach Lucy at halftime, "This is so exciting."
The Hawks built a 10-6 lead by halftime as Lucas Prout continued his offensive domination with six, first-half points. The Wolves got hot to start the second half behind the textbook-form shooting from Tristen Thiel (6pts). The Hawks had a four-point lead with just a minute to go and put on a full court press. They were able to tie the game at 20-20 with just 16 seconds left in the game. After a Hawks time out, Luke Rozycki (8pts), pushed the ball down court finding teammate Jennifer Neilsen for a shot. The shot was long but the Hawks corralled three offensive rebounds until Prout scored as the buzzer sounded. It was an incredible finish and both teams walked away knowing they gave their best.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 - PREP SEMI FINALS
Warriors 24, Nets 13: The Warriors rode a strong second-half wave of offense to surf their way into the Championship next Saturday. Clinging to a 12-11 lead at halftime, the Warriors went on a 10-0 run to start the second half and never looked back. Avi Bahl and Leo Piper each had six points for the Warriors as six of their nine players scored at least two points. Asher Boehm added three rebounds in the win. The Nets came out feisty and dominated the boards in the first half. Jeevan Jackson led all players with seven rebounds. Colin Knapp (5pts) and Ashton Bender (4pts) led the Nets offensive attack.
Bucks 21, Lakers 17: The Bucks fell behind early but managed to hang on for a tough 4-point win at Berkshire Saturday to earn a spot in the Championship Game on Saturday. Trailing 6-0 to start the game, the Bucks took their time with good defense and rebounding and were able to tie the score 11-11 entering the 4th quarter. Roman Shina scored six of his 7pts in the last 7:00 to pace the Bucks. Lincoln Bacall also scored six points for the boys in green. The Lakers were paced by the fine play of Zach Weisel (6pts) and Evan Hart (4pts).
3/18 PREP CHAMPIONSHIP
12:15pm: Warriors v Bucks
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 - COLLEGE SEMI FINALS
Tigers 33, Huskies 15: The Huskies played inspired basketball Saturday as they once again played without any of their post players. The size of the Tigers eventually doomed the Huskies as power players Michael McMurray and Desmond Walgren combined for 27 of the Tigers 33 points. It was a tough way to end the season for the Huskies who had been playing so well as of late. Luke Donovan paced the Huskies with eight points. Although Huskies guard Wyatt Levin was held scoreless, he played inspiring defense and did his best to box out players who were 12" taller than he.
Spartans 20, Duke 19 (OT): In one of the most entertaining games of the year, the Spartans narrowly defeated Duke in overtime to gain a birth in the Final Game next Saturday. After Spartans Center William Losier hit the first basket in overtime, Duke guard Conor LaBrosse weaved his way down court to retie the game at 18. After a stop on defense, Labrosse was fouled and hit one of two free throws for a one point lead, 19-18. But it was short-lived as Losier hit another shot for the Spartans, making it 20-19 with just 12 seconds left in the game. Labrosse pushed the ball up court and was fouled with just 1 second left in the game. Labrosse, clearly exhausted, missed both shots and the Spartans escaped with the win. Laksh Aggarwal paced Duke with six points. Travis Davis led the Spartans with 11pts.
3/18 COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP
11:15am: Tigers v Spartans
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Storm 16, Sparks 15: The Storm survived a late game surge from the Sparks Friday, escaping with a narrow 1-point win. Peyton Sumner led the Storm with six points while Diana Samouelian had her best game of the year with four points, five rebounds and one assist. The Sparks rallied late by running the full court press to near perfection. Emma Gumbis scored six points to lead the Sparks. The Sparks have lost three games this season by only six points. The Storm (2-1) have won two straight.
Wings 42, Stars 23: These two team set a league record for the most combined points in a single game (65). Both teams were shorthanded as the Wings played with six while the Stars had just five girls in attendance. Regardless of roster sizes, both teams displayed impressive offensive outputs. The Wings were paced by the Stacey Sisters who combined for 30 of the teams 42 points. The Stars played so hard with just five girls. Julis Heikkinen scored six of her eight points in the fourth quarter While Hadley Casetta had her best game of the year with six points and eight rebounds.
Heat 38, Aces 31: The Heat got hot in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Aces 10-1 in the final 9:00 to win their second game of the season. Sophie Schwanik and Sofia Acuna combined for 34 of the 38 points. The Aces played well in the first half and led 22-17 at the break. But too many turnovers and some "in-and-out" shots doomed the Aces. Harper Marsh and Julie Audebeau combined for 20 points fro the Aces while Lexie Fry dished out six assists.
Winter League Schedule is here: MCE Winter League
Monday Rookie League Schedule is here: Rookie Rosters/Schedule
