The Road to Anaheim

Chris Pacana had played in the Fall 2007 Season (6th season) for the Superstar Basketball League in Southern California (October - December 2007) for the #1 Stunners of the Diamond Division.


PlayOffs
By Ghost Writer
Contributing Writer
Young Gunnaz vs. 1 Stunners
DIAMOND DIVISION
1st Round Recap


(2) 1Stunners vs. (7) Bank

Stunners GM Mark Pagdilao, All Superstar First Team Point Guard. GM of the Season. Arguably the best PG in the L. It's the Playoffs and my main man doesn't look too excited about playing in the postseason.

6-2 record. Number 2 seed. What more can you ask for? Why else would the leader of the Stunners be feeling bummed dressed in street clothes.

"Tweaked my ankle earlier today."

That's the last thing any baller wants to say, specially when the postseason is just getting started. Usually the one to take the shots when the game is on the line, he'll have to rely on his teammates until his injury heals. What he witnessed first hand was his team beating a talent heavy Bank squad, 73-65.

"We played each other earlier. Did you see Mark, he messed up his ankle, man." said Bank GM Aries Inguito.

All Star Shan Matthews was handling business as usual on the court. He finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds while Evan Namkung finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Evan was playing his 3rd game of the day after leading Underdawgs to the Championships in the Gold Division earlier in the day.

The Stunners led 53-46 at the end of 3 quarters led by Kenneth Ubom who also led his team to the Championships (Association - Platinum Division). The Platinum Division MVP finished with 28 points and 3 steals showing off his usual inside-outside game. Terrance Martin finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds while Chris Pacana added 17 points and 7 rebounds. Bank was still in the game until Bank All Star Giyoh Shey let his emotions take over and was distracted for the most part.

Giyoh finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Marc Necor contributed with 12 points while EJ Latorre finished with 6 points. The team played without key players Khorn Leng and "Teyshaun" - two Playoff veterans who have experience leading their teams to the Finals.


PlayOffs
By Ghost Writer
Contributing Writer
Young Gunnaz vs. 1 Stunners
DIAMOND DIVISION
Semis


(2) 1Stunners vs. (6) Black Out

Black Out returned to the Semis but the Stunners will to return to the Finals was too strong as Stunners defeat Black Out, 75-67.

Fatigue was setting in on both teams and Stunners forward Kenneth Ubom cramped up twice in the 3rd quarter. Both benches were running thin to the point where Stunners played 4-on-5 when Ubom was out momentarily.

"He played at a high level with Association, and having to play the whole game for Stunners, you need to drink a lot of water to avoid these situations," advised a game official.

Ubom scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds and it was Most Improved Player Terrance Martin that took control of the team. "T-Bone" scored 27 points and grabbed 6 rebounds countering Keith Allen's heroics.

The former MVP scored a game-high 38 points for Black Out hitting 4 three pointers and grabbing 16 rebounds. Keith was scoring from all sides of the floor but the lack of production from his players led to another Black Out exit in the Semifinals. David Mayfield will be playing in the Gold Division Championships but his efforts in Gold produced a lack-luster game in the higher division. David was limited to just 3 points and grabbed just 1 steal while Tim aka Professor finished with just 5 points. Bim Okemriboye was the second leading scorer with 15 points and 6 rebounds and GM Shane Stringer scored 5 points.

Stunners rookie Chris Pacana scored 11 points and led the team with 3 assists, 2 steals. Alex "Bear" Ivezaj led the team with a double-double going for a dirty dozen 12 rebounds and 12 points. Bryan Pagdilao scored 8 points and had 2 assists while his brother, the General Manager Mark P, continued to sit out because of a sore ankle. The five day rest may not be enough for Mark for his ankle to heal but an appearance in the Finals at Anaheim Convention Center may give him second thoughts about sitting out.