North Philly Aztecs Basketball

As a basketball fan, this championship game was all you could ask for. The top two teams all year long would face of in the 13U championship game. Even though Aztecs took the regular season win to remain unbeaten for the season, Coach Black would have his troops, ready for war. And from the tip off Hood took control of this game. Lead by Shawn (14pts) looking to be aggressive forcing the issue and Sam (13pts) attacking the paint area, put Aztecs in foul trouble early. Zakee (10) return to give the Hood a boost and Nafis (10pts) did his part to help Hood to a 17 point first half lead. But this game would be the tail of two halves. Just as the Hood owned the first the Aztecs would own the second. After a fired up halftime, well we will just call it a pep talk from Coach Nette & Aaron, the troops responded. And nobody got the message louder then Troy (15pts & 10rebs). Troy refusing to let his team lose came out scoring 7 strait second half points. Also joining this comeback party was Devin (12pts & 10rebs) and Andre (11pts). Aztecs turned the defense up to suffocation and the Hood did just that. All Coach Black could do was watch his lead shrink and disappear as the Aztecs pull off the biggest comeback of the year, to remain unbeaten and most importantly Future Legends League 13U champs. Congratulations to all the player and coaches on both team for a great game and year.

Due to scheduling conflicts, there was only one game on the docket for Thursday night, as the Lady Philadelphia Freedom Stars went up against the Undefeated Aztecs 13 squad.  Looking to go undefeated for the regular season, Aztecs 13 was led by Stevie Jordan (14pts), who had a big second half shooting night, and Troy "The Gooch" Smith (15pts).  Chester Alexander had one of his best all around games (7pts, 3rebs, 6stls, and 5asst). Devin Liggeons (6pts, 8rebs, 2stl, 1blk) and Andre Cannedy (8pts, 6rebs, 2asst) controlled the glass all night long.  Not to be out done, Chelsea Woods (15pts, 5reb, 1stl, 1blk) had an awesome game, several times bringing the crowd to their feet with her relentless attack.  Erin Garner finished with (6pts, 2reb).  Play of the game goes to Alliya Butts.  On her only 2 points of the game, she gets the steal at half court, drives down the left side of the lane, spins on the defender and finishes with a nasty right-handed finger roll.  Good luck on your AAU season, ladies!  You represented yourselves well and should be proud.  Aztecs 13 finish 7-0 and have a playoff date with Team Rebels on Wednesday night. 

This is the last week of regular season games, before the playoffs, and there were definitely some good games that jumped off on Wednesday night.  Week 7 started with the battle of the unbeatens, someone's "0" must go.  Aztecs 13 vs. Hood 13.  Even with only 5 players on the evening, Hood 13 would not go quietly.  However, the balanced attack and strong defensive effort by Aztecs 13 was just too much for short-handed Hood 13 team to handle.  Led by De'Andre Hunter (13pts), Troy Smith (11pts, 6rebs) and Chester Alexander (8pts, 2rebs, 5stl) Aztecs 13 dominated in every facet of this match-up.  Sam Foreman continues to prove why he is one of the top players in the area, posting 10pts, 9rebs, 2stls and 4blks.  Shawn Alston (9pts) was strong from the free throw line and Christian Dickins (6pts) provided several big plays, however, Aztecs 13 runs away with this contest 52-30.

Game 2, in the words of boxing annoucer, Micheal Buffer, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Let's get ready to rumble!"  This game was for the last spot in the playoffs in 13U division and both teams played like it was their last.  Tale of the tape, featured for PYO, was 6'6 Horace (17pts, 9rebs, 5blks) vs. 5'0 Mikey Dixon (17pts) from Team Rebels.  Before I get into the particulars of this back and forth affair, for those of you who were not in the gym, make sure you checkout the Week 7 highlights, nuff said!  The contest was close throughout as Team Rebels bombed away from three all night long and PYO made their living in the paint.  Vince Jackson (19pts) was playing like a man on mission, not ready to go home yet, but the balanced scoring attack of Keonte Watkins (12pts), John Middleton (11pts) and Daye'shon Barnes (8pts) was too much for the two-headed monster of Vince and Horace to contain.  Mikey Dixon was clutch down the stretch knocking down free-throw after free throw as Team Rebels squeaks by PYO, by 5.  Even with the loss, Horace was gracious enough to agree to autograph the poster of himself recklessly two-hand banging on 2 Team Rebels players.  Naw, I was just joking about the autograph session, but this was easily the top highlight of this season.  I'm still waiting on the 2 players to own up to who got banged on.  The tape doesn't lie.  Congrats Team Rebels 13 for making the playoffs.     

Game 3, was a run away from the start as Team Answer 14 dominated Team Rebels 14 from the opening tip.  Led by Daquan Williams (17pts, 4rebs, 1stl) and Amar Stukes (8pts, 4rebs, 1st) Team Answer cruises to the victory and looks to make some serious noise in the playoffs.     

Fresh back from Turkey Day, I was expecting the games to be a little lacks. They were nothing of the kind. We tipped the night off with Team Nelson vs Hank 44. Hank was short-handed, missing big man Kendell Truitt, but Austin Hawkins (19pts, 10rebs & 2stls) and Will Laws (15pts, 8rebs, 2stls & blk) would make Team Nelson work for everything they got. The problem for Hank was Nelson didn’t mind working. They laced them up and got to business. With 4 of their 6 players (Nazier Chew (13pts), Mahir Johnson (10pts), D. Linton (13pts) and Tyrell Sturdivant 12pts)) scoring in double figures, Nelson’s balanced attack was too much for Hank. Nelson wins with a late surge 53-45.

Game 2, in front of a packed gym, witnessed the Lady Philadelphia Freedom Stars take down Coach Troy and his PYO team. Before the jump ball, it looked like the Stars would lose when 6 foot 6 inch Horace came walking in for PYO and he was a factor with 12pts, 10rebs & 7 blks. But the ladies would not scare easy. Led by their star Chelsea Woods (12pts & 7rebs) the Stars relentless pressure would be a huge problem for PYO. Alliya Butts (10pts) was in the paint all day and Erin Gardner (5pts, 5reb & 2blks) had the unenvyes job of banging with Horace. It was under a minute with PYO leading by 1 and trying to stop the biggest upset in Future Legends League history. Alliya had the ball in her hands. She crossed-over and spins her way into the paint where she might as well had built a house as much she was there so much. The defense collapsed and WOW a wide open Chelsea sitting deep in the corner. Alliya delivers a beautiful chess pass, Chelsea shoots and the gym went crazy. The three pointer put Stars up by 2 and they would never give the lead back. Alliya added two late free throws to ice the game as the Stars win their first game 34-31

The final game would have a tuff time in following up game 2. Team Answer and Team Final would have their own battle brewing. One word to describe this game would be physical. Final came in with a game plan of Trey (6pts, 10rebs & 3blks) & Cole (9pts & 10rebs) on the block all the time, and for the first five minutes of the game Answer didn’t have a clue. But Answer did have an Amar Stokes and his 17pts and 4stls kept Answer in the game early, but foul trouble would sit Amar down. Amar went to the bench and Final went right back to work taking the lead again. But Daquan Williams (7pts) & Rashann London (7pts) would weather the storm until Amar re-entered the game. First play back down the middle and one. Answer would regain the lead and not give it back. Team Answer 14 would win this game by three.

The first game of the night was a very tuff 215 Flamers team going against an undefeated Hood 14 team. Hood would be down one star player Floyd Preito. Don’t ask Flamers to feel sorry as Coach Malik had his team ready. Flamers were burning it up from the opening tip. Ant Rhem (14pts) with his best scoring output of the year, along with reliable big men Jahyde Gardner (12pts, 10rebs & 3blks) & Josh Miles (8pts & 9rebs) helped give Hood 14 their first loss of the season. Coach Black was very upset with his team's unmotivated effort. Sam Foreman had a season low 4pts and the only man to reach double figures was Shawn Alston with 12pts.

Game 2 was Aztecs 14 vs Team Final. It was horrible shooting night for the Tec. Normally a good jump shooting team, they didn’t make a jump shot until 2 minutes left in the game. Every shot the Tec missed Team Final’s zone got tighter. Then Team Final answered on the other end with big Cole, as he pounded the middle for 16pts & 10rebs. Aztecs made a run led by Charles Presley (10pts, 3stls, & blk) & Jamar “Juice” Brisbon (9pts & 10rebs) late by fouling out 2 Team Final players, but Lamar Kimble scored 10 of his 12 point from line to put this game on ice for Team Final.

Coach Black would have another chance to get a win with his Hood 13 team mixing it up with the Ladies. But another lackluster performance would have him sitting at the end of the bench. Coach Ryan was looking for his first win and Ms. Woods was too, dropping in 10 point and 8 rebounds. But Nafis Smalls was very big for the Hood. He scored 26 of the Hood’s 46 point. The Stars had no answer to that one problem as Hood 13 stay undefeated.

Week 5 is underway and teams are now jockeying for playoff positions. Starting the night off was the undefeated Aztecs 13 vs. PYO. Sloppy play from both teams would be the story of this game. The one factor that would be the tipping point was the inside presence of the Aztecs. Aztecs pounded the offensive glass. Leading the attack was Troy Smith (14pts, 10rebs, 2stls & 3blks) & Devin Liggeons (10pts,7rebs,2stls & 3blks) for the Tec. Keeping the game close for PYO was savvy guard Samir Taylor with 11pts. A late O board, put back and foul from Devin iced the game for the Tec 42-38

Game 2 featured a Team Answer13 team looking to get back in the win column and a Rebels13 team coming off their first win of the season. Coach Jamal got his first practice in and it showed. Great ball movement from floor general Mikey Dixon (8pts & 1stl) and hot shooting from John Middleton & Keonte Watkins (9pts) kept the game close. But Team Answer had Big Manny and Rebels had no answer. Emmanuel “Big Manny” Taylor (33pts, 10rebs,stl &blk) scored 21pts in the first half. Manny dominated the scoring column, but John “The Glass Cleaner" Fifey grabbed 19 rebounds as Team Answer13 was too much inside for Rebels13 to handle. Team Answer squeezes out a tight one 44-42.

The final game of the night, Aztecs 14 vs Hank 44 had all the makings of a blowout early on, as the Tec jumped out to an early lead. The short-handed Hank wouldn't go down that easy as they battled back, even tying up the game up. Riding the backs of Will Laws (13pts & 7rebs), Akeem King (12pts) and Donavan Barnes (10pts) they let the Tec know they were going to have to work for this victory. And that they did, lead by versatile swingman Malik Robinson (10pts, 17rebs, 2blks & 1stl) and Semaj Blakey (10pts, 7rebs & 2blks). A big three from Khyree Hawkins (6pts) and a hoop & hack for Jamar Brisbon (6pts) helped the Tec edge out Hank 49-43.   

Friday night games where off the hook. Every game was decided by 5 or less. First up to bat, was Team Answer 14 and 215 Flamers. A 
slugfest it was. Two quick fouls on Jayhde Gardner, and Answer took advantage jumping out to big lead early. Before it got out of hand and a risky move Jayhde Gardner (26pts, 10 rebs & 4blks) came back in and made an instant impact erasing Answer's lead.  But Team Answer would fire back with Amar Stukes (11pts) and Dequan (22pts & 6rebs) as they try to keep Flamers out of arms length. Flamers wouldn't go away easy but clutch free throws from Tyheem Harmon (5pts) would seal another victory for Team Answer14.

Game two featured the last remaining undefeated teams in the league. Hood 
14 vs Team Final. Hood got out the gate first with an 8-0 lead. After a quick timeout from Coach Pervis, Final settled down and tied the game up. That would be the last tie as Floyd Preito (19pts) and Sam "Blackout" Foreman (21pts) would make sure Hood would not lose this game. Lamar Kimble (16pts & 6rebs) put the team on his back but foul trouble and an injury to star guard Malik Ellison (6pts) left Team Final on the short end of the score board. Hood 14 wins in a very close one.

Game 3 was Team Rebel 13 vs a shorthanded Freedom Stars. The ladies were looking for their first win, but unfortunately Rebels were too. Rebels got straight to business refusing to lose to the ladies. The Stars Chelsea Woods (17pts & 8rebs) was driving in the paint for and-ones and Erin Gardner (4pts, 7rebs & 5blks)  blocking everything that came her way, was on a mission. Stars would lead most of the game, but Daye’shon Barnes (18pts, 8rebs & 5stls) told me he wasn't losing and he put his money where his mouth was and took over down the stretch as his Rebels survived a big scare. Team Rebels win by 5.

We had a special guest Thursday night at the Future Legends League. 
Mike Melton of Basketball Spotlight was in attendance. First on the 
night was PYO vs Hood 13. PYO would be shorthanded, literally, missing 
6'6" Horace. Hood13 would not feel sorry for them though, fighting through 
some early sloppy play to blow this game open. Lead by Shawn Alston (16pts & 
11rebs) and Sam "The Blackout" Foreman (13pts, 5rebs & 5stls) Hood 13 
wins big. Vince Jackson led PYO with 11 pts.

The game of the night belongs to Team Nelson & Team Answer. Team 
Answer14 did some shopping, beefing their roster up just before the 
deadline. Daquan had the jump shot working as he poured in 14pts, 
8rebs. Rashan London added 13pts as Team Answer14 lead by 11 with 8 
minutes left. Nelson would give a scare late with Tyrell Sturdivant 
(13pts, 17rebs & 2blks) and Nasir Chew (14pts) getting it as close as 5, 
but clutch free-throw shooting from Tyheem Harmon who scored all of his 
5pts from the line, iced the game for Answer 14.

Game 3 would be a showdown between Hank 44 & Rebels14, both looking to 
get in the win column. Austin Hawkins (14pts &3stls) and Kendell Truit 
(11pts & 10 rebs) were determined to get their first win. Hank jumped out 
to an early 12-0 lead and never look backed. Rebel showed some life 
late in the game, however, to little to late as Hank 44 cruised to their first 
victory.

Welcome to the start of Week 4, good people. 

Wednesday night started off with the highly anticipated match-up between (3-0) Aztecs 13 and (2-1) Answer 13.  Even without the services of Big Manny, Coach Rex brought his team ready to play.  John (14pts, 13rebs, 3stls & 3blks) was determined to give the Aztecs their first loss of the season, keeping the score close at half-time (22-18).  Although sloppy play prevailed in the first half for the Aztecs, the second half was a much different story.  A balanced scoring attack had 5 players with 7 points or more, led by Chester Alexander with (9pts).  The boards were controlled by Devin Liggeons (7pts, 6rebs & 1blk), Troy Smith (8pts, 4rebs, 2stls) and Mike Z. (4pts, 3rebs, 1blk).  Aztecs 13s guards managed to smother Answer 13s explosive guard combo of Tyheem Harmon and Shawn Witherspoon, holding them to a combined 13 points.  The defensive effort was led by Jahid Barnes (7pts, 2asst, 3stls) and Andre Cannedy (8pts, 3rbs, 4stls).  Final score Aztecs 51-30. 

Game 2 featured the very impressive 215 Flamers going head-to-head with Team Rebels 14.  The Flamers dominated the game from the opening jump.  Jahyde Gardner was an offensive machine tonight, leading all players with 23pts.  Jamie Betancourt (13pts, 3asts, 3stls) and Josh Miles (11pts) made sure they also played their parts to secure the victory.  Team Rebels' Daye'Shon Barnes (14pts) put forth a great effort, but in the end, the Flamers were too much to handle.  Final score Flamers 61-32.

Friday night's games started with Hood vs. Team Answer again, but this time it was the big boys. Team Answer made some great roster moves just before the deadline and it would pay dividends. Rashann London (13pts, 11rebs, 3stls & 2 blks) introduced himself to The Future Legends League inking a spot in every column of the stat book.  Amar Stokes (10pts, 6rebs & blk) was a factor, but foul trouble somewhat hindered his time on the court. The game was a back and forth affair with 2:30 to go in the first half. Floyd Preito (19pts, 9rebs & 3stl) went off, scoring 10 points in two minutes, putting the Hood 14 up by 10 at halftime. Answer would battle back in the second half, even tying the game up late. Big baskets from Shawn Alston (9pts) & Sam “The Blackout” Foreman (13pts, 11rebs, 3stls & 2blks) sealed the game for the Hood 14, as they win 56-44.

Game 2 featured the ladies of Philly Freedom Stars vs. Aztecs 13. The scrappy ladies came out fired up as always, but Aztecs 13 were not going to be embarrassed that night. Great ball movement and team defense was the key to this victory. Aztecs force 26 turnovers, causing Coach Ryan to run out of time outs early and borrowing one from Aztecs coach Aaron. Troy Smith (11pts) and Devin Liggeons (9pts & 11stls) did most of the damage for the Tec, but everybody scored for the Aztecs making this a total team win.

Hank 44 after two early losses, made a big roster move by adding big man Kendell Truitt (15pts, 6rebs & 3stls) and after missing last week’s game Austin Hawkins (14pts, 6rebs & 2 blks) was back in the building. Team Final didn’t care much for the new faces, going about business as usual. The physical Team Final was looking to impose their will on the inside, but Hank was going to make them work for everything. With only 4 three’s made in this game, you had to wear your hard hat to play in this one.  Cole (11pts) had Final looking like they would win comfortably, leading by 11 with 7 minutes left. Lead by Truitt & Hawkins, Hank 44 took the lead with 1:47 left on the clock. But 4 clutch free-throws from Malik Ellison (7pts) & Cole in the winding seconds sealed the victory for Team Final 45-44.

Week 3 started with two undefeated teams. Team Answer 13 vs Hood 13.  By the end of this game somebody would have an L on there record. Coach Black made sure it wouldn’t be his team. Hood came out focused, dominating on the defensive end of the court making it tough for Team Answer to get into any sets.  Then it got real dark, The Blackout erupted pouring in 21pts (8rebs, 5stls, & 2blks). He had plenty of help as Asante Ali and Shawn Alston (14pts, 2stl, & 2blks) all score double digits as the Hood 13 rolled over Team Answer 13. Emmanuel Taylor scored 14 for Answer.  Nafis Smalls (12pts & 14rebs)

Game 2 would be another nail biter for 215 Flamers. Jamie Betancourt (8pts & 5 rebs) after a tough finish last game was looking for a chance to redeem himself. Team Nelson was in the build and ready to go, getting into the paint every chance they could. Leading the attack was Nazier Chew (8pts & 3stls) and Kyle Coleman, and Tyrell Sturtevant (8pts, 8rebs & 4blks).  Jahyde Gardner was having nothing of the sort, pounding Nelson inside for 14pts grabbing 10 boards & swatting 3 shots, Jahyde was a man inside.  Malik Smith (8pts, 5rebs & 2stls) ran a perfect floor game helping the Flamers pull off a close one 44-41. 

The final game of the night was tough with Aztecs 14 vs Team Rebels 14. Rebel came out ready to play, using great ball movement to get on the board early. But last week's player of the week Malik Robinson (6pts, 14rebs, 3stls & 3 blks) showed how to dominate a game without scoring a lot of points.  Jamar Brisbon & Qiameer Johnson (13pts) would handle that for the night. The defense would be the key to the Aztecs 20 point victory, as they smothered the Rebels to bring their record to 2-1.

Week 2 is almost in the books, but first we have three great battles on hand. Hank 44 and Hood 14 is first to tip off. It was Hood 14 from the jump ball. They opened the game up on a 10-0 run. The Blackout (12pts, 7rebs, 3stls & 4ast) was firing early, not wasting anytime scoring Hood’s first 5 pts.  He had plenty of help; Floyd Preito (10pts, 6rebs and 4stls) arrived straight from football practice and showed why he’s one of the nation top talents as they rolled over Hank 44.

Game 2 showcased the Philly Freedom Stars and Team Answer 13. The crowd was buzzing with excitement. They love to see this all female team battle the boys. And battle it was, these ladies came to play. Unfortunately, it was against a red hot Tyheem Harmon and his Team Answer squad. Tyheem score 17 points knocking down jump shots from all over the court. His backcourt partner Shawn Witherspoon (11pts & 3stls) continues to get inside the paint and cause havoc. The girls would not go down without a fight. After a halftime speech from Coach Ryan, the Stars came out firing. Leading the way was Chelsea Woods (10pts, 8rebs and 2blks). Turning what look to be a blowout into a close game. In a losing effort, Woods and her team made sure the ladies would be respected.

Save the best for last was an understatement for the last game of the night. Team Final and Philly Flames were ready to rock & roll. Team Final jumped out the corner throwing the first punch. A shot the Flames would take, and then throw a few of there own. The game was tight throughout, the biggest lead held by Team Final was 5. Moody (11pts & 12rebs) was a man inside, killing the Flames on the glass. Malik Ellison (10pts & 1stl) lead Team Final in the stat book, but the hero was Fresh Kimble. He stole the ball from Jamie with 7 seconds left in the game, and got fouled going hard to the basket. He knocked down the first free throw breaking a 25-25 tie to put them up 1. He misses the second leaving 3 second left on the clock for the Flames.  Anthony Rhem (4pts) got a great look at the basket, but it was off to the right, as the Flames fell to Team Final 26-25. Jahyde Gardner led the Flames with 9pts, 8rebs & 5 blks.

After a successful and exciting 1^st week of play, Week 2 started off with the same intensity as Aztecs 14 went up against Team Answer 14.  As this was Team Answer 14’s 1st time gracing the court of the Future Legends League; Aztecs 14 looked to show that last week’s loss was just a fluke.  With big guys, Jamar Brisbon and Matt Dever out for Aztecs 14 due to sickness, Team Answer 14 looked to dominate the glass and score at will with Big Manny (11 pts 5 rebs); however, Semaj Blakey (7 blks,  11 rebs) would have none of that,  rejecting shot after shot. Malik Robinson (19 pts, 12 rebs, 3 stls, 4 asst), player of the game, went off on both ends of the court, showing why he is undeniably one of the best players in the league, period.  Solid overall games from Tyheem Harmon (9pts & 0 turnovers) and Daquan Williams (9pts & 6 rebs) kept Team Answer 14 in the game, but in the end, the off-guard play of Trevon White (12pts, 5 rebs & 3 stls) and the consistent PG play of Charles “Choo” Presley (no turnovers) was too much to overcome, as Aztecs 14 defeated Team Answer 14 (51-40).

Game 2, featured two high profile names, on the National Circuit, as Sam “The Blackout” Foreman (ranked #120 in the class of 2014 by Hoop Scoop) of Hood 13 went up against Mikey Dixon (ranked #11 in the class of 2015 by Hoop Scoop) of Team Rebels 13.  With Team Rebels missing several key players, Hood 13 controlled the game from the opening tip.  Due to Team Rebels only having 4 players, at the start of the game and a coaches’ agreement, Tyheem Harmon from Team Answer volunteered his services and he did not disappoint. As Tyheem (12pts) knocked down three after three, Coach Black, from the Hood, might have started to second guess the decision.  The guard play of Jamal Hunt (9pts, 3assts), Mikey Dixon (8 pts, 4assts) and Tyheem kept the game close in the 1^st half, but when it was all said and done, the size and pure ability of Sam Foreman (20pts, 5reb, 3asst), defense of Zakee and overall play of Shawn “Shizz” Alston (14pts, 5rebs, 3assts) proved superior as Hood 13 blows out Team Rebels by 20+.

Philly Flames were back on the court for Day 3 of the Future Legends League. Jahyde Gardner (12 pts, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks) and Josh Miles (15 pts, 7 rebounds) dominated the paint area, on both sides of the ball. Hank 44 had nobody to match their size. That didn't stop Hank 44 from lacing their sneaks up and balling. K. Laws was everywhere on the court with 6 steals. A. Hawkins dropped in 13 points & 4 blocks, keeping the game close. The Flames were too much though, pulling away at the end, bringing their record to 2-0.

Team Final made their appearance to the Future Legends League and they didn't disappoint. Malik Ellison showed why he is one the country’s top 7th graders, scoring 14 points knocking down 3 three's. Trevaughn Wilkerson locks down the paint, grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring 10 point for a double double. Vaughn also added 11 pts and Cole add 10 pts as they rolled pass Team Nelson. Mahir 10 pts and Nazier Chew 7 pts lead Team Nelson.

The game everybody waited to see was the Hood 13 vs. the 7th grade girls AAU National Champions Philly Freedom Stars. At the start of the game, Hood 13 looked like they were in trouble. The Stars were not intimidated at all. Erin Garner (7pts,  9rebs & 2blks) & Chelsea Woods (8pts, 7rebs & 2 blocks) put their talents on full display. Nelly Perry ( 4 pts, 2reb, 1 stl)  had the move of the game, when she went behind the back and crossed over and down he went. Yes people he fell. The ladies wasn't done either Alliya Butts (2pts, 2rebs, 4 steals, & 2 blocks) made him fall again. (Names are being withheld for embarrassment purposes.) Unfortunately, they were playing the Hood and they got the Blackout. Sam Foreman scored 26 points and blocked 6 shots. Shawn Alston backed him up with 16 points as they beat the Lady Stars 55-40.

Day 2 of the Future Legends League started out with an offensive explosion from the Aztecs 13, now bringing them to a 2-0 start of the season. Lead by Devin Liggeons with 17 points & 8 rebs, PYO never had an answer. He wasn't alone, he had plenty of help. Andre Cannedy (7 pts) and Troy Smith (8 pts) got off to a great start after both missed the first game. This group has been together for a while and with the new additions they're going to be tough to beat. Vince Jackson (10 pts) tried to keep it close early with a couple of 3's for PYO, but needed more help.

Game 2 started out intense with Aztecs vs Philly Flames.  A lot of these guys played together in prior years, so the bragging rights where on the line. Flames threw the first blow, jumping out to a 7-1 lead. The Aztecs would fire back hitting two three's tying the game. It was a back and forth game, until the half way point of the second half, when the Flames' length proved to outlast the Aztec 14. Jahyde Gardner led the Flames with 14 pts, 10 rebs and  5 blks. Josh Miles & S. Stevens added 6 pts and 6 rebs for the Flames. The Aztecs were lead by Charles Presley (9 pts) and Jamar Brisbon added 7 pts, 7 rebs and 3 blks.  

• The League opened up with a great game. Team Answer defeating PYO 27-20. It was a defensive game. Neither team could get in an offensive rhythm. Team Answer was carried by S. Witherspoon with 12 pts and 8 boards, but he also struggled with turnovers. He had help from S. Lloyd (13pts and 10 rebs). PYO was led by Dave Hughes with 9pts and 7 rebs.

The final game of the night didn't fare well for Team Rebels 14. They had the pleasure of meeting two of Philly's best kept secrets. Sam (The Blackout) Foreman (14 pts) and Floyd Preito (9 pts). It was Hood 14 wire to wire. The score, we'll just say Team Rebels can't wait to get back on the court to show that they're a much better team.