By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
Two-time NBA champion Josh Powell led Lucky Seven into their match-up against Body of Christ for the final game of Thursday night at the Greater NC Pro-Am.
Lucky Seven got to work early with Powell and teammate J.B. Wilson throwing down highlight dunks. In the final seconds of the quarter, Jose Frias contributed to the team's early scoring with a reverse scoop off the glass that pushed Lucky Seven to a 16-9 lead going into the first break.
Rhode Island's Akeem Richmond started to get hot for Body of Christ in the second quarter, and eventually hit a three pointer that gave his team a one point lead. The advantage was not held for long, as Lucky Seven's Hayward Fain made plays on both sides of the court. Fain helped retake the lead for his team, and Wilson's two-handed slam with just six seconds to go put Lucky Seven ahead by five at the half.
No one could stop Lucky Seven in the opening minutes of the second half, as they stormed out to a 14 point lead that led to a Body of Christ timeout with 5:24 left in the third quarter. Richmond hit a pair of free throws to close out the third quarter, but his team still had a 55-42 deficit to fight heading into the final period of play.
Lucky Seven led by as many as 19 points in the fourth quarter, but Richmond would not let his team go down quietly. With 40 seconds to go, Richmond hit the final three of his 11 straight points after single-handedly bringing Body of Christ back into the game.
In the end, it was not enough. Despite Richmond's 27 points, Lucky Seven sealed the victory after Terrell McIntire hit all four of his free throw attempts in the final minute. Lucky Seven got the win, 75-69.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Team Stackhouse 70 Team Jamison 69
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
After suffering their first loss of the season earlier this week, Team Stackhouse bounced back to defeat Team Jamison in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Duke senior Nolan Smith suited up for Team Jamison, but struggled from long range in the opening half. While Smith had trouble finding his touch from deep, his teammates got involved, and Lance Randall's lay-in at the end of the first quarter put Team Jamison ahead, 18-13.
Team Stackhouse's E.J. Williams was a key contributor on the other end, but his team trailed by nine at halftime after his teammates Charles Ward and Chris Hill were unable to hit their shots from the charity stripe in the second quarter. Williams was huge in the second half, scoring 17 of his 26 points in the final two quarters. He also dished out plenty of assists to get other members of Team Stackhouse involved, and Jolly Manning's three point play in the final minute of the third quarter cut the margin to two. Smith finally found his stroke just in time to kill the run, hitting a three at the buzzer to stretch his team's lead to 54-49.
Smith and Williams played tremendously in the final period, going back and forth, hitting several impressive buckets. At the nine minute mark, Smith brought the crowd to its feet after converting a four point play, but Williams silenced the fans in dark blue with a long range three in response.
With four minutes to go in the game, Ward missed the second of two free throws, but Manning skied for the rebound and passed the ball to Ward who dropped in a lay-up despite getting fouled. After hitting the bonus, Ward gave Team Stackhouse a 60-58 lead.
The game remained close to the end, and Team Jamison, trailing by one, in-bounded the ball with 26.2 seconds on the clock. Smith dribbled some time off the clock so his team could get the last shot. As the seconds wound down, Smith found Omar Khannai open in the corner for three, but Khannai was unable to hit the shot. Team Stackhouse escaped with close victory of 70-69.
After suffering their first loss of the season earlier this week, Team Stackhouse bounced back to defeat Team Jamison in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Duke senior Nolan Smith suited up for Team Jamison, but struggled from long range in the opening half. While Smith had trouble finding his touch from deep, his teammates got involved, and Lance Randall's lay-in at the end of the first quarter put Team Jamison ahead, 18-13.
Team Stackhouse's E.J. Williams was a key contributor on the other end, but his team trailed by nine at halftime after his teammates Charles Ward and Chris Hill were unable to hit their shots from the charity stripe in the second quarter. Williams was huge in the second half, scoring 17 of his 26 points in the final two quarters. He also dished out plenty of assists to get other members of Team Stackhouse involved, and Jolly Manning's three point play in the final minute of the third quarter cut the margin to two. Smith finally found his stroke just in time to kill the run, hitting a three at the buzzer to stretch his team's lead to 54-49.
Smith and Williams played tremendously in the final period, going back and forth, hitting several impressive buckets. At the nine minute mark, Smith brought the crowd to its feet after converting a four point play, but Williams silenced the fans in dark blue with a long range three in response.
With four minutes to go in the game, Ward missed the second of two free throws, but Manning skied for the rebound and passed the ball to Ward who dropped in a lay-up despite getting fouled. After hitting the bonus, Ward gave Team Stackhouse a 60-58 lead.
The game remained close to the end, and Team Jamison, trailing by one, in-bounded the ball with 26.2 seconds on the clock. Smith dribbled some time off the clock so his team could get the last shot. As the seconds wound down, Smith found Omar Khannai open in the corner for three, but Khannai was unable to hit the shot. Team Stackhouse escaped with close victory of 70-69.
Coaches in Christ 72 Team McGladrey 67 (2 OT)
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
Fans witnessed the first double-overtime thriller of the summer at the Greater NC Pro-Am in the second game of the evening, as Coaches in Christ snagged the victory over Team McGladrey.
Jawad Williams dressed out for Team McGladrey and showed off his range early with a pull-up three ball in the first quarter. Coaches in Christ's Billy McDade responded on the other end with a two-hand jam, but Hayward Fan's floater at the buzzer put Team McGladrey up 18-17 after the first period.
Team McGladrey appeared to be putting the game away in the second quarter, after a Williams three ball capped an 11-0 run to put them up by 14, but Marques Oliver's three point play ended the run and sparked some life into Coaches in Christ. McDade hit a free throw later in the quarter to convert a three point play of his own, bringing his team back within seven. Fain stepped up on the other end, however, and his two successful free throw attempts with three seconds on the clock pushed Team McGladrey to a 42-32 halftime lead.
McDade scored seven points for his team in the third quarter as Coaches in Christ began to close in on the lead, but Dwayne Sims hit a pair of deep jumpers to keep a nine point lead going into the final period. In the last 10 minutes of regulation, Coaches in Christ clawed their way back into the game, and with 1:37 left, Oliver was good in completing another three point play to tie the game at 64-64. Both teams struggled at finding the basket in the closing seconds, and Fain's prayer before the buzzer fell short and Chris Hill was unable to tip in the rebound. The score remained at 64-64.
Overtime.
In the two minute overtime period, each team was hesitant and kept from forcing shots. At the 1:25 mark, Fain was dribbling at the top of the key when Fain stole the rock and took it to the other end for the high percentage slam. Oliver had an answer, grabbing two points down low after a pass from McDade. On the final possession of the first overtime, Fain dribbled out the clock for the final shot, but McDade rejected his attempt and the putbacks did not go. The game was forced to double overtime.
Greater NC Pro Am rules state that the first team to score five points in the second overtime is awarded the victory. Coaches in Christ's Terrence Sutton made an immediate statement with a follow-up slam to get the first two points for his team. Hill knocked down the first of two free throws for Team McGladrey after being fouled by Sutton, but Norbert Randall's basket just seconds later put Coaches in Christ just one point away from victory. Down the stretch, Team McGladrey could not find a way to score, and Oliver's tip-in bucket got the W for Coaches in Christ, 72-67.
Fans witnessed the first double-overtime thriller of the summer at the Greater NC Pro-Am in the second game of the evening, as Coaches in Christ snagged the victory over Team McGladrey.
Jawad Williams dressed out for Team McGladrey and showed off his range early with a pull-up three ball in the first quarter. Coaches in Christ's Billy McDade responded on the other end with a two-hand jam, but Hayward Fan's floater at the buzzer put Team McGladrey up 18-17 after the first period.
Team McGladrey appeared to be putting the game away in the second quarter, after a Williams three ball capped an 11-0 run to put them up by 14, but Marques Oliver's three point play ended the run and sparked some life into Coaches in Christ. McDade hit a free throw later in the quarter to convert a three point play of his own, bringing his team back within seven. Fain stepped up on the other end, however, and his two successful free throw attempts with three seconds on the clock pushed Team McGladrey to a 42-32 halftime lead.
McDade scored seven points for his team in the third quarter as Coaches in Christ began to close in on the lead, but Dwayne Sims hit a pair of deep jumpers to keep a nine point lead going into the final period. In the last 10 minutes of regulation, Coaches in Christ clawed their way back into the game, and with 1:37 left, Oliver was good in completing another three point play to tie the game at 64-64. Both teams struggled at finding the basket in the closing seconds, and Fain's prayer before the buzzer fell short and Chris Hill was unable to tip in the rebound. The score remained at 64-64.
Overtime.
In the two minute overtime period, each team was hesitant and kept from forcing shots. At the 1:25 mark, Fain was dribbling at the top of the key when Fain stole the rock and took it to the other end for the high percentage slam. Oliver had an answer, grabbing two points down low after a pass from McDade. On the final possession of the first overtime, Fain dribbled out the clock for the final shot, but McDade rejected his attempt and the putbacks did not go. The game was forced to double overtime.
Greater NC Pro Am rules state that the first team to score five points in the second overtime is awarded the victory. Coaches in Christ's Terrence Sutton made an immediate statement with a follow-up slam to get the first two points for his team. Hill knocked down the first of two free throws for Team McGladrey after being fouled by Sutton, but Norbert Randall's basket just seconds later put Coaches in Christ just one point away from victory. Down the stretch, Team McGladrey could not find a way to score, and Oliver's tip-in bucket got the W for Coaches in Christ, 72-67.
Team Navy drops Team 212, 87-78
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
It was raining three pointers early Thursday night at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium as NCCU sharp shooter Landon Clement and Team 212 tipped off against Jawad Williams and Team Navy.
Team 212 got off to an early lead after Clement knocked down three trey balls early in the first quarter. After a timeout with 2:14 remaining in the first period, Team Navy bounced back as Charles Ward and former ECU standout Derrick Wiley took over the game to reclaim a one point lead going into the first intermission.
Jawad Williams added on to Team Navy's success later in the first half, knocking down a pair of free throws and later converting an old-fashioned three point play. With six seconds remaining before halftime, Team Navy's Andre McCollum drove to the rack for the final basket of the second quarter, putting his team up by a score of 39-34.
Clement, who had 24 points on the game, continued to put on a three point shooting clinic in the second half. Despite his dominance from the perimeter, the opposition seemed to always have an answer on the other end. Toward the end of the third quarter, Dominique Sutton penetrated through the lane for a lay-up that stretched Team Navy's lead to 14.
Team 212 would not go down easy, though. Charles Futrell scored a quick seven points to cut the deficit to five. After a timeout by Team Navy with just over six minutes remaining, Wiley and Ward once again led their team on a run to maintain a comfortable lead. Their opponents were unable to recover, and Team Navy came away with an 87-78 win.
It was raining three pointers early Thursday night at McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium as NCCU sharp shooter Landon Clement and Team 212 tipped off against Jawad Williams and Team Navy.
Team 212 got off to an early lead after Clement knocked down three trey balls early in the first quarter. After a timeout with 2:14 remaining in the first period, Team Navy bounced back as Charles Ward and former ECU standout Derrick Wiley took over the game to reclaim a one point lead going into the first intermission.
Jawad Williams added on to Team Navy's success later in the first half, knocking down a pair of free throws and later converting an old-fashioned three point play. With six seconds remaining before halftime, Team Navy's Andre McCollum drove to the rack for the final basket of the second quarter, putting his team up by a score of 39-34.
Clement, who had 24 points on the game, continued to put on a three point shooting clinic in the second half. Despite his dominance from the perimeter, the opposition seemed to always have an answer on the other end. Toward the end of the third quarter, Dominique Sutton penetrated through the lane for a lay-up that stretched Team Navy's lead to 14.
Team 212 would not go down easy, though. Charles Futrell scored a quick seven points to cut the deficit to five. After a timeout by Team Navy with just over six minutes remaining, Wiley and Ward once again led their team on a run to maintain a comfortable lead. Their opponents were unable to recover, and Team Navy came away with an 87-78 win.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Duke Guards Could Be Among Nation's Elite
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
Nolan Smith has only made two appearances at the Greater NC Pro-Am this summer, but his 38.5 points per game average is higher than any single game point total reached by any other player in the league. Furthermore, he has displayed excellent ability to get to the basket, which can go along with his improved ball-handling skills.
Smith's Duke teammate, incoming freshman Kyrie Irving, has been sensational in his four regular season games. One of the most polished point guards in the recruiting class of 2010, Irving is expected to step in as an immediate starter for the Blue Devils. Breaking the 30 point mark on two occasions this season, he has shown off his scoring capabilities and his strength of making all the right decisions.
With a proven veteran in Smith and a freshman phenom in Irving, Duke boasts what may ultimately prove to be the best backcourt in the nation. The older of the two averaged 17.4 points per game last season, including a 29 point performance over Baylor in the Elite Eight. Smith's role will only increase with the departure of First Team All-ACC guard Jon Scheyer, but Irving's presence is likely to ease the transition as he has lived up to the hype throughout this summer, offering a skill-set that is unmatched by most other point guards in the conference.
What makes the offensive juggernaut even scarier is the depth that they will have at the guard position this season. Sophomore Andre Dawkins will see increased minutes and could potentially compete for a starting spot with redshirt sophomore Seth Curry, who will be eligible to participate this season. Both have been impressive this summer, most notably last Thursday when they went head-to-head against one another, as Dawkins dropped an eye-opening 36 points and Curry came up with 28 on the other end.
The talent held within this backcourt will drive opposing coaches insane. When one player has an off night, there will likely be another to pick up the slack. Duke will have at least one guard coming off the bench that most other teams in the country would love to have as a starter. That can only mean good things for the team in dark blue.
Nolan Smith has only made two appearances at the Greater NC Pro-Am this summer, but his 38.5 points per game average is higher than any single game point total reached by any other player in the league. Furthermore, he has displayed excellent ability to get to the basket, which can go along with his improved ball-handling skills.
Smith's Duke teammate, incoming freshman Kyrie Irving, has been sensational in his four regular season games. One of the most polished point guards in the recruiting class of 2010, Irving is expected to step in as an immediate starter for the Blue Devils. Breaking the 30 point mark on two occasions this season, he has shown off his scoring capabilities and his strength of making all the right decisions.
With a proven veteran in Smith and a freshman phenom in Irving, Duke boasts what may ultimately prove to be the best backcourt in the nation. The older of the two averaged 17.4 points per game last season, including a 29 point performance over Baylor in the Elite Eight. Smith's role will only increase with the departure of First Team All-ACC guard Jon Scheyer, but Irving's presence is likely to ease the transition as he has lived up to the hype throughout this summer, offering a skill-set that is unmatched by most other point guards in the conference.
What makes the offensive juggernaut even scarier is the depth that they will have at the guard position this season. Sophomore Andre Dawkins will see increased minutes and could potentially compete for a starting spot with redshirt sophomore Seth Curry, who will be eligible to participate this season. Both have been impressive this summer, most notably last Thursday when they went head-to-head against one another, as Dawkins dropped an eye-opening 36 points and Curry came up with 28 on the other end.
The talent held within this backcourt will drive opposing coaches insane. When one player has an off night, there will likely be another to pick up the slack. Duke will have at least one guard coming off the bench that most other teams in the country would love to have as a starter. That can only mean good things for the team in dark blue.
Lucky Seven 74 Team Stackhouse 63
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
A pair of NBA stars took the floor in the final contest of Tuesday night as Josh Powell and Lucky Seven gave Jawad Williams and Team Stackhouse their first loss of the season.
Fans were brought to their feet early in the opening minutes, as Powell skied to finish an alley-oop slam, pushing his team to an early lead. Miles Plumlee kept the game from getting out of hand early for Team Stackhouse, scoring each of his team's first seven points. E.J. Williams came off the bench to score a quick five points to reclaim the lead for Team Stackhouse, but Lucky Seven held the advantage after the first quarter after Adam Constantine hit a jumper with 20 seconds remaining in the period.
Williams displayed his ability to hit shots from deep, taking the lead for his team with a three ball midway through the second quarter. Jalen Jones increased the margin to four by hitting a pair of free throws, but Powell's presence down low brought Lucky Seven right back in the game. With 15 seconds left in the half, Powell got two points in the post, knotting the game at 30-30 going into halftime.
Powell took over in the second half, becoming a scoring machine for Lucky Seven. Plumlee hit a couple of trey balls for Team Stackhouse, but Powell helped his team to a ten point lead after converting a three point play the old-fashioned way. Williams added on to Team Stackhouse's perimeter shooting with two more three balls at the end of the third quarter, and his team trailed by just seven going into the final period.
In the beginning of the fourth quarter, Powell picked up right where he left off, slamming in two of his 29 points to keep the scoring going. Although Powell could not be stopped on offense, Team Stackhouse found more scoring from Williams, who ended the game with 22 points. It appeared that Lucky Seven's advantage was being threatened, but Hayward Fain drew a charge off Plumlee with 1:11 remaining to seal the deal. Lucky Seven grabbed a big win, 74-63.
A pair of NBA stars took the floor in the final contest of Tuesday night as Josh Powell and Lucky Seven gave Jawad Williams and Team Stackhouse their first loss of the season.
Fans were brought to their feet early in the opening minutes, as Powell skied to finish an alley-oop slam, pushing his team to an early lead. Miles Plumlee kept the game from getting out of hand early for Team Stackhouse, scoring each of his team's first seven points. E.J. Williams came off the bench to score a quick five points to reclaim the lead for Team Stackhouse, but Lucky Seven held the advantage after the first quarter after Adam Constantine hit a jumper with 20 seconds remaining in the period.
Williams displayed his ability to hit shots from deep, taking the lead for his team with a three ball midway through the second quarter. Jalen Jones increased the margin to four by hitting a pair of free throws, but Powell's presence down low brought Lucky Seven right back in the game. With 15 seconds left in the half, Powell got two points in the post, knotting the game at 30-30 going into halftime.
Powell took over in the second half, becoming a scoring machine for Lucky Seven. Plumlee hit a couple of trey balls for Team Stackhouse, but Powell helped his team to a ten point lead after converting a three point play the old-fashioned way. Williams added on to Team Stackhouse's perimeter shooting with two more three balls at the end of the third quarter, and his team trailed by just seven going into the final period.
In the beginning of the fourth quarter, Powell picked up right where he left off, slamming in two of his 29 points to keep the scoring going. Although Powell could not be stopped on offense, Team Stackhouse found more scoring from Williams, who ended the game with 22 points. It appeared that Lucky Seven's advantage was being threatened, but Hayward Fain drew a charge off Plumlee with 1:11 remaining to seal the deal. Lucky Seven grabbed a big win, 74-63.
D1 Sports 79 Hendrick of Durham 72
By Mark Carroll - Blog Coordinator
Duke fans were in for another treat in the third game of the night as Ryan Kelly and D1 Sports squared off with Kyrie Irving and Hendrick of Durham.
The game remained close throughout a high scoring first quarter, as Kelly's accurate shooting from the field was countered by Chris Hill's attack for the high percentage shot. Hill threw down a pair of two-handed dunks at the end of the opening period, but D1 Sports held on to a 26-23 lead.
Michael Deloach and NCCU sophomore Nick Chasten contributed several buckets for Hendrick of Durham in the second quarter, but James Crowder and Jared Johnson each found their way to the free throw line to extend the lead for D1 Sports. Kelly's slam dunk with 20 seconds remaining stretched the deficit to nine and left Hendrick of Durham trailing at halftime by a score of 48-39.
Hendrick of Durham stepped up in the third quarter, racking up points to close the gap. Irving's breakaway lay-up followed by a pair of free throws by Deloach brought the score within two, but Jeffrey Hunter's three for D1 Sports put an end to the run.
With just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Chasten hit the second of two free throws to trim the difference to two, but it was as close as Hendrick of Durham would get. Hunter answered with another three pointer, and D1 Sports never recovered. Kelly scored 21 points and Crowder had 18 points as D1 Sports pulled off the win by a margin of 79-72.
Duke fans were in for another treat in the third game of the night as Ryan Kelly and D1 Sports squared off with Kyrie Irving and Hendrick of Durham.
The game remained close throughout a high scoring first quarter, as Kelly's accurate shooting from the field was countered by Chris Hill's attack for the high percentage shot. Hill threw down a pair of two-handed dunks at the end of the opening period, but D1 Sports held on to a 26-23 lead.
Michael Deloach and NCCU sophomore Nick Chasten contributed several buckets for Hendrick of Durham in the second quarter, but James Crowder and Jared Johnson each found their way to the free throw line to extend the lead for D1 Sports. Kelly's slam dunk with 20 seconds remaining stretched the deficit to nine and left Hendrick of Durham trailing at halftime by a score of 48-39.
Hendrick of Durham stepped up in the third quarter, racking up points to close the gap. Irving's breakaway lay-up followed by a pair of free throws by Deloach brought the score within two, but Jeffrey Hunter's three for D1 Sports put an end to the run.
With just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Chasten hit the second of two free throws to trim the difference to two, but it was as close as Hendrick of Durham would get. Hunter answered with another three pointer, and D1 Sports never recovered. Kelly scored 21 points and Crowder had 18 points as D1 Sports pulled off the win by a margin of 79-72.
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