PRUMC ARCHIVE: 2006 SEASON
2006 PRUMC PLAYOFF BRACKET
2006 PRUMC REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS
2006 PRUMC REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
X-BLADES NEWS
NOTE: The X-Blades lost 38-17 to The Extreme in the 2006 PRUMC Final Four. No summary of this game was written.
APRIL MADNESS!
CINDERELLA STORY: X-Blades continue magical playoff run with upset of PRUMC
Monday, April 10, 2006
ATLANTA- Almost all onlookers around the league believed the X-Blades' season to be over after an emotional one-point victory over archrival Team America in the second round of the playoffs, as the team would face the heralded and (except for a forfeit loss) undefeated PRUMC squad, one of the tournament's top two seeds. Although the X-Blades had come close to knocking off PRUMC in February, holding a 23-21 halftime lead before eventually falling 47-38, most did not accord the team so much as a slight chance of defeating PRUMC and their 6'5" Fenton Award finalist Alex Gee with a berth in the PRUMC Final Four on the line. However, just as they have been doing all season, the X-Blades found a way to prove their doubters wrong with an upset of truly epic proportions Monday night: a 33-26 victory over PRUMC that sent shock waves throughout the entire PRUMC League.
Bad blood already existed between the two teams well before even the first game between the X-Blades and PRUMC took place in February. Members of PRUMC had soiled the X-Blades website with trash talk (and in one case, demeaning racist comments,) while an X-Blades team member was carrying an acknowledged personal vendetta against a member of PRUMC that dated back to the 2005 season. Emotions ran high once again in the second matchup, and from the tip, the X-Blades clarified to the handful of fans in attendance that they had no intention of losing. F Glenn "The Albatross" Alby continued his playoff hot streak by knocking down two 3-pointers in the game's first five minutes, taking advantage of a soft PRUMC zone and giving the X-Blades an early 10-6 lead. On the opposite end of the floor, Gee and fellow PRUMC F Worth"less" McDonald, despite stout defense from X-Blades F Grant Bailey, were able to get putback baskets inside and keep their team within reach. Frustrated by his team's poor effort, PRUMC G/F John Montgomery received a technical foul after an outburst, signifying to the X-Blades that the time was ripe to strike. After playing a solid first-half, the X-Blades nurtured a slim 15-14 lead heading into the locker room.
In the second half, the X-Blades picked up the intensity on both sides of the court, limiting Gee and PRUMC to just 12 second-half points. Bailey and F Charlie Ogburn combined to largely keep both Gee or McDonald off the offensive glass, while on offense, Bailey and G "Slick" Parker Bradway took command. When Bailey made an improbable turnaround jumper over Gee and was fouled in the process, the X-Blades had seized the game's momentum and now held the lead to stay at 23-22. The last few minutes of the game were merely a formality, as the X-Blades exhibited excellent ball-control offense and PRUMC could not buy a bucket. When the horn sounded, the X-Blades' began another unexpected celebration, as their Cinderella run through the 2006 playoffs had been extended with possibly the biggest upset in PRUMC history.
"The only people that thought we could win were the people on this team," said Ogburn in a post-game press conference. "We're going to the Final Four!"
Added Richmond Green, the X-Blades' official cameraman and Chump Bustaz representative, "I was glad to see those guys, especially Worthless, get pwned like n00bs."
In more PRUMC playoff action Monday night, yet another colossal upset occurred as Skillz that Killz took down the undisputed #1 Buckhead Bombers 25-22. This means that the top two seeds have exited this year's tournament early, leaving the draw wide open for an unexpected champion.
The X-Blades will next face the winner of Shockers/The Extreme on Wednesday, April 12 at 7:30 PM in the franchise's first Final Four appearance. Needless to say, an overwhelming number of fans should be in attendance to see the crowd favorite X-Blades attempt to do what fellow Cinderella George Mason could not: earn a berth in the championship.
FINAL FOUR
vs. The Extreme
Wednesday, April 12
7:30 PM
CIVIL WAR VICTORY
SWEET REVENGE: X-Blades soar past Team America on wings of Albatross
Monday, April 3, 2006
ATLANTA- 5.1 seconds remaining in regulation. The score deadlocked at 27-27 in this, the second clash between the X-Blades and their bitter rivals Team America. A berth in the PRUMC Elite Eight hanging in the balance. A deafening pro-USA crowd screaming at the top of its lungs. X-Blades F Glenn "The Albatross" Alby stepped to the line for two free throws with the fate of two teams, countless fans, and, most importantly, "Part Deux" of the mercilessly cutthroat rivalry known only as the "Civil War" resting squarely on his shoulders. Any mere mortal would undoubtedly have crumbled under the colossal pressure facing Alby- but not the Albatross, who, fortunately for the X-Blades, had ice water in his veins.
After his first free throw rattled out, heightening the already-enormous tension palpable throughout the hallowed PRUMC Arena, Alby calmly drained the second, giving his team a 28-27 advantage. G "Slick" Parker Bradway deflected the resulting Team America inbounds pass into the stands, meaning Team America would have one final chance to get off a potentially game-winning shot. America F Kevin Dolezal, who played brilliantly on the night and finished two points shy of a double-double, found sharpshooting G Taylor Howard, who had been held in check so far with only two points. Both Bradway and X-Blades defensive specialist G Michael Saadine collapsed on Howard, denying him an open look and forcing him to take a well-contested shot 25 feet from the basket. In a scene peculiarly similar to Bradway's last-second 3-pointer in the first installment of the Civil War back in January, Howard's shot clanged off the back iron as the buzzer sounded. The X-Blades and their devoted supporters stormed the court to celebrate easily the most significant victory in franchise history. After three tiresome, anxious months of waiting for another shot after their heartbreaking 28-25 loss to Team America in their season-opener, the X-Blades had finally taken revenge- and its taste was ever so sweet.
To focus on his clinching free throws, the Albatross did what he does best: chill. "I was just thinking about P-Groove the whole time," said a bewildered Alby following the game. Needless to say, Alby's shot will surely be remembered by future generations as the greatest in "Civil War"- and perhaps PRUMC- history. While the X-Blades reveled in jubilation at midcourt, the hearts of Team America and its fans had been shattered, as not only had they suffered a painful loss to their archrivals, but their fantastic season, which included a 5-2 regular season mark, had ended prematurely. "It's a shame that one of us had to lose in the 2nd round...we would have loved to have played them [Team America] in the Final Four," said X-Blades F Charlie Ogburn. America had entered the game as slight favorites but, as usual, regular season records did not come close to mattering during this no-holds-barred throwdown. To America's credit, the team did play without superstar G/F Brian Locklear, depriving it of a key ballhandler and defender.
After leading for most of the first half, the X-Blades suddenly found themselves tied at 16 apiece with Team America at halftime thanks to an unexpected, momentum-swinging 3-pointer from Team America F Wes "Birdman" French. As the second half unfolded, Team America slowly managed to edge ahead of the X-Blades despite the inspiring eleventh-hour arrival of X-Blades Minister of Defense Matthew Cranshaw thanks to a tremendous rebounding advantage and another astonishing 3-pointer, this time from Dolezal. However, as it had in January, poor free throw shooting began to take its toll on Team America, as the team missed its last four attempts from the line. Employing a new brand of physical play, which resulted in the ejection of DF Jamie Heller and a foul-out by F Jordan Hall, the X-Blades had consistently sent Team America to the line all night. Each one of these four failures to convert would come back to haunt America at the conclusion of the game. With four minutes left to play, America had fully seized the momentum and held a 27-23 lead. Although it was only a four-point margin, the lead seemed nearly insurmountable, as the X-Blades' offense had stalled for most of the half.
X-Blades F Grant Bailey, who led the team with eight points, answered the challenge with a tough inside basket to cut the deficit to two points. Two missed free throws later, the X-Blades grabbed a key rebound to obtain possession, and Cranshaw called timeout to engineer a play specifically designed to capitalize on Bradway's trademark floater. Ogburn set a pick on America G Hagan Ramsey, allowing Bradway an open lane and a beautiful opportunity for the floater, which he converted. With the score now knotted at 27 and one minute remaining, the X-Blades grabbed another rebound and held for the last shot. After Bradway missed a floater in the lane, Alby grabbed the rebound and was fouled- and the rest, as they say, is history.
Victory over Team America has allowed the X-Blades to expel the bitter taste left in their mouth by their frantic rally that fell just short against Team America than January. "There is nothing bigger than beating your archrival," said Ogburn. "This is easily the greatest moment in the history of this franchise." Although they can now end their season with a sense of personal vindication, that doesn't mean the X-Blades are ready to end it. Next Monday (April 10) at 8:30 PM, the team will attempt to continue its Cinderella run to the Final Four with a matchup against powerhouse PRUMC, who defeated the X-Blades 47-38 in February. Now that the Class of 2007 has only one team remaining in the 2006 PRUMC tournament, the X-Blades expect an overwhelming show of fan support to help them pull off an even greater upset than their victory over Team America.
APRIL MADNESS!
***FIRST ROUND UPDATE***
First round play has now been completed after full slates of PRUMC action on the nights of Wednesday, March 29, and Wednesday, March 30. To no one's surprise, a significant upset has already taken place: the 1-4 Gila Monsters shocked the nation with a 60-57 defeat of The Guards, who finished the regular season with a 3-2-1 record and were only two days removed from a gigantic 49-46 upset victory over the Shockers. In other action, the Ninja Turtles also pulled off a mini-upset, notching their second straight victory after an 0-6 start with a 43-36 win over 2-3-1 The Evening News Team. Skillz that Killz, Team Ramrod, the Ten Foot Midgets, and the Woodticks also escaped the first round, sending home the Caiyoats, PPC, Team X, and the Tre Ballas, respectively. Clearly, the stage has been set for a monumentally entertaining tournament.
BRACKETOLOGY
After a seemingly neverending wait, the 2006 PRUMC playoffs have finally arrived, bringing with them a palpable buzz of anticipation. Surprisingly, all 22 teams received invitations to the postseason tournament, with ten teams meriting first-round byes based largely upon their regulat-season records. However, the seeding comiittee did cause a bit of controversy with their selections of teams to receive first-round byes, which will be discussed later on. It appears that the Buckhead Bombers and PRUMC earned the top two seeds in the tournament, respectiively, and thet the Shockers and the Silver Bullets, the League's two other undefeated teams, earned the next two spots. With only ten teams receiving first-round byes, second-round upsets could be numerous.
Obviously, upon first glance at the 2006 PRUMC postseason tournament bracket, the most intriguing matchup has to be the reinstallment of the so-called "Civil War" between bitter rivals Team America and the X-Blades, which will occur in the second round. In January, America opened the season by fending off a furious X-Blades rally to emerge with a 28-25 victory over their enemies, a factor which will clearly provide the X-Blades with a significant dose of revenge-based motivaion. The winner of this contest will advance to the quarterfinals and will most likely face PRUMC, which figures to steamroll its first round opponsent, either PPC or Team Ramrod. In the lower half of this region, dubbed the "Dirty South" due to the vast amount of talent it contains, the stage has been set for a quarterfinal matchup that many once believed would occur in the Final Four, as the Shockers, barring any upsets, would take on The Extreme. Though they currently stand at #2 in the PRUMC power rankings, the Shockers appear to have been disrespected by the committee, as they must go through both The Extreme and PRUMC if they are to reach the finals.
On the other side of the bracket, the undisputed #1 Buckhead Bombers' biggest threat to a berth in the championshp may come from its second-round opponent. Many observers feel that Skillz that Killz, perhaps the league's hottest team for a three-week stretch in February, got the short end of the stick in not receiving a first-round bye that eventually went to the X-Blades, a team Skillz that Killz beat 27-20 in a defensive slugfest in early Feburary. Now, STK gets a laughable matchup against the hapless Caiyoats before having to duel the Bombers in the round of 16. Another potential roadblock in the Bombers' quest could come from the streaky but dangerous Fajitas and their Fenton Award finalist F Greg Hendricks in the quarterfinals. On the other half of the so-called "Northside Region," the Wolfpack and the Silver Bullets, two largely under-the-radar squads, are on a collision course to meet in the quarterfinals.
An anonymous expert renowned for his predictive abilities has forecasted a Final Four consisting of the Bombers, the Wolfpack, the Shockers, and, in the spirit of George Mason's surprising advance to the NCAA Final Four, the X-Blades, with the Bombers and the Shockers advancing to the championship. According to this unnamed guru's prediction, the Bombers take home the title in a game that would surely be remembered as one of the greatest of all time at PRUMC. The sage has not released his full bracket predictions yet, but they will be posted as soon as they are available.
With the vast amount of talent distributed throughout the league, chaos will almost certainly manifest itself in the form of nail-biting games, buzzer-beater upsets, and Cinderella stories during the ever-exhilarating PRUMC playoffs this April.
NOTE: For playoff game tip-off times, visit the "Schedule" page.
X-BLADES NEWS
FOILED AGAIN: X-Blades nearly shoot down Bombers
Monday, March 20, 2006
ATLANTA- In a contest marked by tough, physical interior defense and yet another thrilling second-half comeback, the X-Blades fell just short of an upset of epic proportions Monday night, falling to the Buckhead Bombers 39-34 in a game that was much closer than several critics expected. X-Blades G Ed Moak, G Michael Saadine, and DF Erskine Love all missed the game due to various reasons, leaving the X-Blades to suit up only seven players. Fortunately, the team did acquire the services of a guest player for one night only: G Connor Davidson, who, in his limited action, played spirited defense and managed to significantly anger his brother Chase, a Bombers guard. From the opening tip, the Bombers took a lead that would hover around a five or six point margin for the entirety of the first half thanks to key inside scoring from Fenton Award finalist F Marshall Martin and also F Michael Deane. On the other side of the court, the X-Blades could not manage to find their stroke from downtown, as G Parker Bradway and F Charlie Ogburn went a combined 0-6 from 3-point range. However, DF Jamie Heller scored four key points which managed to keep the X-Blades within striking distance as halftime approached.
After having taken a 19-13 lead into the half, the Bombers roared out of the gate with red-hot midrange shooting from Deane and G Buddy Gray, going on an 8-2 run to increase their lead to 12 points. Not wishing to disappoint the legions of fans that had turned out to support them in their final regular season game, the X-Blades poured their efforts into yet another patented second-half rally. Key contributors included F Grant Bailey, who scored six points during the run, and F Charlie Ogburn, who shook off the rust from his first-half performance with two 3-pointers, including a banked 3 that cut the Bombers' lead to 31-30 with just four minutes to play. In all, the X-Blades had managed to ignite their significantly numerous crowd with a 15-4 run that left them with a very real chance to spring an upset on the disbelieving Bombers. Unfortunately, the combo of Deane and Martin proved to be too tough inside, as the two each scored a key basket in an 8-0 run which stretched the Bombers' lead out to a comfortable 39-32 margin with just under a minute to play. When the horn sounded, the X-Blades were exhausted emotionally and physically, and on the scoreboard, it appeared as if the team had nothing to show for their effort. However, their last two games have proven that the X-Blades, despite a three-game losing streak and a seemingly mediocre 3-4 record, have the ability to beat any team on any night.
Although he suffered a subpar shooting night, going just 2-8 from 3, Ogburn still led the X-Blades with 12 points. Also, Bailey recovered from an awful offensive showing against PRUMC with 10 tough points inside. If Bailey, Bradway, and Ogburn can all simultaneously play at the top-tier level each is capable of attaining, the X-Blades will be a dangerous threat to upset a high seed come playoff time in April.
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR: X-Blades' upset bid falls short against PRUMC
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
ATLANTA- Despite torrid outside shooting and inspired play from all team members, the X-Blades gave #3 PRUMC a giant scare but, in the end, could not manage to pull off the huge upset and eventually were overcome 47-38. Although the X-Blades (3-3) have now dropped two straight contests, they surprised all onlookers around the league by holding a halftime lead and hanging with PRUMC (5-0) up until the final two minutes, proving that, while they may not be among the league's elite teams, they certainly cannot be overlooked as the playoffs draw ever closer.
Coming into the game, most observers expected undefeated PRUMC to whitewash the X-Blades, who had struggled miserably in an embarassing loss to Skillz that Killz two weeks prior. However, starting F Charlie Ogburn and sharpshooting G Ed Moak, neither of whom had played since a 40-28 win over Team Ramrod on January 23, were both returning to the X-Blades lineup for this epic throwdown. The X-Blades knew coming into the game that if they could get hot from downtown and somehow slow down PRUMC's Fenton Award candidate C Alex Gee, they would have at least a chance to make the game much closer than anyone expected it to be.
Immediately following the tip-off, the X-Blades found their outside stroke. Ogburn, the team's leading shooter from 3-point range, opened the game by knocking down two consecutive treys, propelling the X-Blades to an early 6-2 lead. As the first half unfolded, PRUMC began to scorch the net regularly, but X-Blades superstar G Parker Bradway did as well. Bradway consistently penetrated PRUMC's zone defense and converted several of his signature floaters in the lane, along with a number of free throws. After another three from Ogburn as time wound down in the half, the X-Blades marched into the locker room holding a 23-21 advantage, much to PRUMC's chagrin.
As the second half began, PRUMC began feeding the ball to the 6'5" Gee, who scored several tough inside baskets to reclaim the lead for PRUMC. Despite an early run by PRUMC, the X-Blades refused to just back down and give up as most expected them to, and managed to keep the deficit within four or five points for most of the half thanks to some more pinpoint accuracy from beyond the arc. With approximately five muntes left to play, Moak found himself open with the ball on the left wing and calmly buried his first three of the night, cutting PRUMC's cushion to only three points. Unfortunately, turnovers, which had plagued the X-Blades all night, began to seriously impede the team's valiant attempt to regain the lead in the final few minutes, as several opportunities to score were squandered by careless passes. Also, Gee began to dominate for PRUMC on the defensive end, violently rejecting several X-Blades shots from inside the 3-point line. With 30 seconds to go, Ogburn drained his fourth three of the game from the top of the key to bring his team to within five, but it was too little, too late for the X-Blades. When the horn sounded, the X-Blades had been defeated in score but not in spirit, as the team had nearly pulled off a completely unexpected upset and had showed considerable improvement from its atrocious display against Skillz that Killz two weeks previously.
Both Bradway and Ogburn finished with season-high totals of 14 points each to lead the X-Blades, but a more fitting statistic was F Grant Bailey's point total: 0. Gee shut down the X-Blades' key interior force, who was only two games removed from an unconscious 17-point performance that singlehandedly vanquished the Ninja Turtles. Moak and G Jarrett Stieber each hit one three-pointer, giving the X-Blades six on the night, a single-game team record.
Only one more regular season game remains for the X-Blades before the as-yet-unannounced PRUMC postseason tournament: a climactic showdown with the #1 Buckhead Bombers, who are 5-0 and led by Fenton Award favorite Marshall Martin. The X-Blades will be counting on significantly improved production from Bailey on the offensive end of the floor and similarly stout defense from Bailey, Ogburn, and F Glenn Alby if they want to limit Martin's impact on the game. "This is our biggest game since the Civil War [vs. Team America]," said Ogburn in a post-game interview. "We expect a gigantic turnout and we will respond with nothing less than a victory to reward our devoted fans." If Bradway and Ogburn continue to score at their prolific rates and Bailey's production returns to its normal rate, this victory is well within the X-Blades' reach.
UPSET CITY: Shorthanded X-Blades falter against lowly Skillz that Killz
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
ATLANTA- Using only a seven-player lineup, the X-Blades could not match the intensity of previously winless Skillz that Killz and fell 29-20 to the seniors Wednesday night in a game that never seemed to be going the X-Blades' way. The X-Blades were without both starting F Charlie Ogburn and reserve G Ed Moak for the second consecutive game, and backup DF Erskine Love also did not suit up for Wednesday night's contest. With those three players out of action, foul trouble and lack of depth became an issue for the depleted X-Blades. As usual, DF Jamie Heller fouled out with approximately 10 minutes to play in the second half, and F Grant Bailey, coming off an unconscious 17-point performance against the Ninja Turtles, was limited to only two points because of foul trouble. Also, G Michael Saadine sustained a bloody nose after being hit in the face in the first half and missed most of the game. However, Saadine did shake off his injury to hit a clutch late 3-pointer, his first of the year, but unfortunately it was not enough to lift his team to victory. At halftime, the shorthanded X-Blades only trailed 14-11, and all onlookers expected yet another patented comeback. However, the X-Blades suffered through a tremendous shooting slump during the second half, and were outmuscled and outrebounded in the paint by Skillz that Killz big men F John Gray Seiler and F Parker Abblitt. When the horn sounded, the X-Blades' embarassing second-half performance mercifully came to a close.
"Trust me, something like this will never happen again. Mark my words," said Ogburn, who served as the team's head coach for the game. "We recognize that our lack of intensity both cost us the game and disappointed our fans, and we vow never to let that happen again." The X-Blades next have a bye week before returning to PRUMC in prime-time action on Wednesday, Feburary 22, as they throw down with 4-0 PRUMC at 8:00 PM. After winning their first three games by an average of over 20 points, PRUMC staved off an upset bid from the Ten Foot Midgets (and at least one varsity player from Woodward) to maintain their perfect record. With all of its implications, plus the past feud between the two teams, the game seems to be destined for national television, and it will be broadcast throughout the USA on ESPN8: The Ocho. When asked about his team's preparations to face off against the mighty PRUMC, Ogburn said simply, "We'll be ready. You can count on that."
ACE IN THE HOLE: Bailey rescues X-Blades against Ninja Turtles
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
ATLANTA- Setting an X-Blades signle-game record with 17 points, F Grant Bailey singlehandedly commanded a second-half surge and powered the X-Blades to yet another come-from-behind 34-29 victory over the Ninja Turtles on Wednesday evening. Early in the second half, it appeared as if the winless Turtles (0-3) had the X-Blades on the ropes, as the sophomores held a 19-9 lead thanks to the inspired play of G Kerem Eroglu and a miserable first-half performance by the X-Blades, who were playing without starting F Charlie Ogburn, out with a vicious case of the flu, and injured G Ed Moak. However, as has usually been the case, the favored X-Blades refused to let the game slip out of their grasp and mounted a furious rally, closing the contest on a 25-10 run. Baskets were scored in bunches by both Bailey, who was automatic from anywhere on the floor, and F Glenn "The Albatross" Alby, who put together his second straight strong outing. The X-Blades also got tenacious backcourt defense from G Michael Saadine, making his return to the court after a two-game absence, which forced key turnovers that resulted in easy points. After four clutch late free throws by G Jarrett Stieber, the Turtles' fate was sealed. Next week, the X-Blades look to move to 4-1 against winless but underrated Skillz that Killz (0-3).
BACK-TO-BACK: High-powered X-Blades offense too much for Team Ramrod
Monday, January 23, 2006
ATLANTA- Behind an incredibly balanced and lethally effective scoring effort, the X-Blades improved to 2-1 on the new PRUMC season by cruising past Team Ramrod 40-28. Despite a short layover period in which the team had only four days to recover from its exhilirating comeback win over the Woodticks, the X-Blades showed no signs of fatigue or letdown all night long. After a tensely competitive and physical first half, which finished with the X-Blades holding a slim 15-14 lead and four first-half fouls for DF Jamie Heller, the buckets began to fall in bunches for the X-Blades, especially for the long overdue F Glenn Alby. After having not scored in the first two games of the season, the highly touted "Albatross" finally caught fire in the second half, finishing with a strong 8 points. Alby's effort has served to dispel critics who labeled him as "overrated" entering the season. When the horn sounded, the X-Blades had dropped 25 points in the second half alone- the same amount the team scored all game against archrival Team America. The offensive explosion was the cumulative result of the team's continuing improvement that has been progressing all season, as the X-Blades shot nearly 50% from the floor.
With injured G Michael Saadine pacing the sidelines as head coach for the second straight game, four X-Blades had at least six points, led by F Charlie Ogburn, whose nine-point effort included another two 3-pointers. F Jordan "Spooks" Hall also climbed aboard the scoring train for the first time this season, finishing with two points. The rookie Hall is now 1-2 from the field this season. Also, DF Erskine Love has now scored in back-to-back games after another two-point performance. Another highlight was Heller's ceremonial 30-second re-entrance to the game with 10 minutes to go so that he could finish off his five-foul masterpiece, his first foul-out of the season. Despite the barrage of points, the real key for the X-Blades Monday night was rebounding- Alby, Hall, Ogburn, and F Grant Bailey led a teamwide stranglehold on the boards that lasted all night and prevented Team Ramrod (0-2) from getting any easy putbacks inside. In Ramrod's defense, superstar G LeJohn Horton missed the game due to a broken arm suffered in practice over the weekend. With Horton's 18 ppg average in the lineup, the final margin likely would have been much closer. Next Wednesday, the X-Blades look to make it three in a row against the strong but uncoordinated Ninja Turtles (0-1). If their shots continue to tickle the twine consistently as they did against Team Ramrod, count on yet another X-Blades victory.
BACK ON TRACK: Second-half charge powers X-Blades past Woodticks
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
ATLANTA- For the X-Blades, the scene was eerily similar to the one they had previously experienced the previous Wednesday night in an emotionally charged game against archrival Team America: a first half of lackadasical play resulting in a double-digit deficit early in the second half. The script continued as it had that fateful night, as the X-Blades began what has now become their trademark late-game rally. Only this time, the result was different- victory.
Led by a dozen points from G "Slick" Parker Bradway and another 10 points from F Charlie Ogburn, the #4 X-Blades overcame a 15-point second-half deficit to defeat the #5 Woodticks 34-31 on Wednesday night. After an atrocious first half in which the Woodticks ran roughshod over the X-Blades' porous man-to-man defense, eventually finishing the half with a 22-9 lead, the X-Blades stormed back in the final 20 minutes, closing the game on a 25-7 run. Despite a small crowd due to the inconvenient 9:00 PM tip-off time, the X-Blades nevertheless found the mental strength, fortitude, and resolve to notch their first win of the season and even their record at 1-1.
With 18 minutes to go in the second half, the Woodticks held a comfortable 24-9 lead and looked to be running away with the game, much to the surprise of observers around the league. However, the X-Blades knew that their inevitable, furious late charge would eventually come. With the Woodticks' lead at 15, the 6'1" Ogburn drained his second 3-pointer of the game from the left baseline, once again igniting an X-Blades comeback. Later in the half, with the lead hovering in single digits after a 3 from G Jarrett Stieber, Bradway finally showed fans what they had been expecting from him all season. The long overdue point guard lit up the scoreboard with six points and two steals in under a minute, pulling the X-Blades to within one. After F Glenn Alby failed to convert a fast-break opportunity, F Grant Bailey grabbed the rebound and made the putback to give the X-Blades their first lead of the night at 29-28, an advantage which they would never relinquish. Thanks to clutch free-throw shooting, a layup from G Ed Moak, and fortuitous assistance from the rim when Woodticks F John Hamilton's buzzer-beater 3-pointer for the tie rattled out, the X-Blades were able to hang on over the closing minutes for the victory.
Clutch coaching may have been the difference in this game- G Michael Saadine, who missed the game to recover from his jaw surgery, served as the X-Blades' coach for the night and made several key substitutions which allowed the team to stay fresh and keep its best lineups on the floor at the same time. Also, staunch second-half zone defense from the X-Blades held the explosive Woodticks offense to only nine points. Other highlights from the game included ferocious and relentless fouling by both of the X-Blades' designated foulers, Jamie Heller and Erskine Love, and two free throws by the otherwise unheralded Love.
Although they won in dramatic fashion, the X-Blades won't have time to savor the victory, as their next game comes the following Monday. The X-Blades will go head-to-head with Team Ramrod in an interscholastic matchup that pits former Thundercat G LeJohn Horton of Ramrod against three of his former teammates (Bailey, Heller & Ogburn). Look out PRUMC- the X-Blades might be starting to roll.
CIVIL WAR HEARTBREAKER: X-Blades' valiant rally falls short at buzzer
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
ATLANTA- Led by a superhuman performance from G Hagan "MVP" Ramsey, Team America managed to stave off a ferocious comeback from the X-Blades Wednesday night and escape with a 28-25 victory in the first installment of the "Civil War," which most fans agree is the greatest and most vicious rivalry ever to hit Atlanta, let alone PRUMC. Ramsey carried America on his back for much of the night, finishing with a career-high 19 points, but suffered a severe ankle sprain late in the 2nd half and was forced to rely on his teammates to hold off the charging X-Blades, who proved that, contrary to the belief of most critics, they are truly a force to be reckoned with for the 2006 season.
An ominous twilight had descended upon the hallowed PRUMC Arena and the surrounding Buckhead district Wednesday night, and the oncoming nightfall would bring with it the climax of a palpable hue of anticipation that had been slowly building for almost six months and now was ready to explode. The hype surrounding the "Civil War" easily eclipsed anything the PRUMC League had ever seen, and the rivalry had quickly evolved from friendly to cutthroat as fans began to choose their separate allegiances to the two teams had had risen from the ashes of the nasty split that dissolved last year's Thundercats. As the game drew nearer, a consensus opinion emerged that Team America, who retained the Thundercats' top three scorers- Ramsey, G Taylor Howard, and G/F Brian Locklear- would steamroll the seemingly overmatched X-Blades. These misguided onlookers would learn just how wrong they were Wednesday night at 7:00 PM.
Festivities had begun early that morning, as both teams showed off their gameday attire and announced the game at group homeroom. Clad in sweaters, ties, team shoes, and in F Grant Bailey's case, a tuxedo, the X-Blades easily outclassed their patriotically dressed Team America rivals. The X-Blades also took advantage of an opportunity to satisfy their substantial fan base by holding a team autograph signing at lunchtime that afternoon. Both teams arrived at PRUMC a half-hour before game time to claim their jerseys and to get pumped for what each side knew would be the most important hour of their lives. Tremendous efforts were made to overcome any possible obstacles that would keep players and/or fans from the game on both sides: for the X-Blades, head cheerleader Molly Doran cemented her reputation as a certified badass by attending the game after spending most of the day in the emergency room, and for Team America, G Houston "Detritus" Hawley showed up to play after missing school due to a mysterious "orthodontist appointment" that would keep him out of school Thursday and Friday as well. After a short, frenetic warm-up period, the teams were ready to go to war.
With an overwhelmingly pro-Team America crowd of over 300 filling the gym and already starting to get raucous, X-Blades F Grant Bailey won the tip. The first half was a sluggish defensive battle, as both teams slowly shook off the rust that had developed since the end of last season. Highlights included a sequence in which the X-Blades blocked three consecutive shots on one possession- two mammoth rejections by the 6'3" Bailey and the last by F Charlie Ogburn. However, no one on either team, save for Ramsey, seemed to be able to connect from anywhere on the court, and at the break, America led by the suprisingly low score of 10-6.
After having walked into the locker room hearing the ominpresent chants of "USA! USA!" from the hostile crowd, the X-Blades returned to the court having rededicated themselves to the pursuit of victory. However, Ramsey continued his magic and simply could not be stopped in the early stages of the second half, pushing America's lead out to 22-8 with about 13 minutes to play. America's fans were loving every minute, and their team appeared to be on the verge of putting the nail in the coffin early- but the X-Blades and their small but passionately loyal fan base knew their team would refuse to go down without a fight.
After a putback by Bailey, the score was 22-10 when Ogburn silenced the American crowd with a rainmaker 3 from the left corner, cutting the lead to single digits and kick-starting the rally. The surge continued until a three from reserve G Ed Moak pulled the X-Blades within a bucket at 22-20 with four minutes to go, capping a 12-0 run and sending the X-Blades' fans into a frenzy. Unfortunately, Team America finally managed to answer with a basket by Locklear and a completely unexpected 15-foot floater from backup F Wes "The Birdman" French, who was making his return to the court from knee surgery in Februrary '05. Taking advantage of atrocious foul shooting by America, the X-Blades were able to stay within reach by employing designated foulers Heller and Erskine Love to do what they do best: commit intentional fouls. Time and time again, Team America could not convert from the stripe, going 2-14 at the line.
After Ogburn rebounded a missed free throw by Team America with just 6.7 seconds left, the ball and the game's momentum both belonged to the X-Blades. Minister of Defense Matthew Cranshaw called for the X-Blades' final timeout and set up a play that would put the ball in the hands of X-Blades superstar G Parker Bradway, who up until this point had been held in check with only five points. Ogburn inbounded the ball to Bradway, who cleared a small space of daylight with a crossover dribble and then launched a 23-foot prayer for the tie as the horn sounded. The ball hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity, and all eyes in the stadium were glued to its every rotation. Finally, it reached the basket- and caromed off the back rim. America had barely managed to survive a furious onslaught and escape with a 28-25 win as its flag-toting fans stormed the court. Heartbroken but resilient and motivated by the agonizingly close loss, the X-Blades vowed at that moment never again to taste the utter hopelessness of defeat.
"They may have won round one, but we'll get them in April," said Ogburn, referring to a possible playoff rematch with Team America. Bailey led the X-Blades with six points, and the forward also collected six rebounds and four blocks, dispelling the notion that he wasn't a dominant inside force. Moak finished with five, and rookie G Jarrett Stieber chipped in with four. Although they may have lost their most important regular season game, don't count on this being a routine occurence for the X-Blades: they proved they have the talent, depth, and chemistry to make a run deep into April.
PRUMC season opens with a bang as X-Blades and Team America face off
Saturday, January 7, 2006
ATLANTA- After an agonizing wait that lasted for several months and nearly drove several league players and fans insane, the 2006 PRUMC schedule was finally released Tuesday, January 3rd by league officials. In the interest of wasting no time in captivating fans and capturing their attention, the first week of games features several marquee season-opener matchups. The year opens with a tripleheader of action on Monday, January 9, beginning with the #2 Buckhead Bombers squaring off against #7 Skillz that Killz to kick off the season at 7:00 PM. Immediately following the first game is a battle of two sophomore contenders, the #5 Woodticks and the #9 Ninja Turtles.
However, the week's largest attraction is set to occur on Wednesday, January 11, as the #3 X-Blades go head-to-head with their arch-nemesis, #4 Team America, in a purely cutthroat, take-no-prisoners rivalry that has been dubbed the "Civil War." The rivalry has emerged over the better part of the year since the infamous split that rocked the basketball world, dissolved last year's surprisingly successful Thundercats, and gave birth to the two teams. Due to the sheer magnitude and implications of the game, PRUMC expects the largest crowd in league history to throng PRUMC Arena, with initial estimates between 1,000 and 1,500 fans. The game will tip off at 7:00 PM, no doubt with a raucous student section already filling the gym.
"We didn't really want to open the season against our rivals; we would rather play them later in the season, as is customary of a great rivalry such as Duke-UNC," said X-Blades head coach and starting forward Charlie Ogburn. "However, we aren't disappointed; rather, we are excited because this just means we won't have to wait two months to dominate Team America."
The initial spread for the game is inconclusive, with neither team favored. For the X-Blades, guard Michael Saadine, who is months ahead of schedule in his rehab from jaw surgery, may actually take the court, as unconfirmed rumours speculate that he has been given medical clearance to play. Saadine is officially listed as questionable on the X-Blades' injury report.
Cranshaw brought in to revamp defense
Thursday, November 10, 2005
ATLANTA- In a press release this afternoon, Team X-Blades confirmed the hiring of Westminster varsity basketball superstar Matthew Cranshaw to fill the newly created coaching staff position of Minister of Defense. The logistics of Cranshaw's contract were not available at press time, but it is rumoured to be worth approximately $1.3 million per year, with a seven-figure signing bonus as well. The Wildcat basketball legend was brought in by head coach/team president Charlie Ogburn to instill a fearsome, hard-hitting defense in hopes of making it a patented X-Blades trademark.
"With this monumental step, we know our defense will become more than just a force to be reckoned with- there might be some games where we don't allow a single point, or shot on goal for that matter," said Ogburn.
"It's not that we don't have the athletes to play man-to-man...trust me, it's not," said Cranshaw. "We just choose instead to play an unrelenting, full-contact zone to frighten and demoralize our enemies, specifically those pansies on Team America."
Rumours abound as to the nature of Cranshaw's defensive genius and how it will manifest itself in the hallowed PRUMC Arena come January. A likely scenario involves the heavy usage of the team's two most physically intimidating players- Jamie Heller and rookie Erskine Love- at the DF (designated fouler, not Da Filth) position, which is "similar to middle linebacker," according to Cranshaw. Dubbed the "Bash Brothers," these two ripped, ferocious athletes will enforce the paint and deny any easy buckets. One thing is certain- opponents of Team X-Blades will be monumentally unlikely to score on any given possession this year.
X-Blades announce official nutritional supplier: BALCO
Saturday, October 29, 2005
ATLANTA- Team X-Blades proudly announced a new multi-year sponsorship agreement with nutritional performance enhancement leader BALCO this morning at an informal news conference at team headquarters in Brookhaven. Terms of the deal were not immediately known, but team president, captain, and head coach Charlie Ogburn elaborated on important details. "As long as we let them use Jamie [Heller] as eye candy in their advertisements, we get all the...um...supplements we want," said Ogburn.
When asked about the potential benefits of these "supplements," veteran forward and team captain Grant Bailey replied, "I don't need any. You can see that. I can see that. Anyone can see that. Come on, what the [expletive] kind of question is that? LOOK AT THESE GUNS!"
Said rookie forward Jordan "Spooks" Hall, last year's official Thundercats team wizard, "The bad news for everyone else is that we are going to be even more ripped than we already are once the season starts. The good news is that they can save 15% or more on their car insurance by switching to Geico."
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