Written By: Shane Hamilton

FameHouse vs. Boardwalk Bar

Last week FameHouse pulled a nice upset on Infinty Jewlers and Boardwalk fell again to EB O’Reilly. This game is a toss up both teams have different strengths but I like FameHouse to win only if they have a full team, which is not very likely so maybe Boardwalk Bar wins? I don’t know that’s how odd these two teams are. Look for Darren Dwyer and Adam Miller to carry the load for FameHouse and Russ Freer and Ben Holroyd to provide offense for Boardwalk. Boardwalk needs to find offense from their guards and get better chemistry on both sides if they want to win and make a push into the playoffs.

Emergency Response vs. EB O’Reilly

In my must watch game for the night these two teams led by their rival captains Scott Lipner and Neer Reibenbach will look to notch their second win of the season. Tyler Neiderman played out of his mind notching a double double in the first half in last week’s blowout victory and O’Reilly decimated Boardwalk with great ball movement and solid team basketball. I like O’Reilly in a nail biter with McKenna, Bluestein and Jaffee this Big 3 will look to get buckets fast and frustrate Lipner’s squad. Neiderman should play solid again if he hits his shot consistently but Scott Schneider and Lucas Gulotta have to play great too if they want to move to 2-0.

Infinity Jeweler’s vs. King’s Oak

If Emergency Response vs. O’Reilly was the game to see this is the game to leave. Both teams lost and played ugly last week. Chris Steward, Adam Metter and Mike Loewenstein have to get easy points in transition and get clean looks on offense against a bigger Jeweler’s squad. Grossman is an enigma at 6 ’5 he loves his jump shot but in order to win, he must get dirty in the paint to carry Jeweler’s. Kyle Blackstone and Jimmy McCormick scored in double digits but played inefficient hitting less than 40% of their shots combined last game. Look for them and Jeweler’s to bounce back to win and beat King’s Oak.

Written By: Peter Knight Meyers

Sidkoff, Pincus, and Greene 51 v. Lucha Cartel 48

SP&G moved to 2-0, after eeking out a 3 point win. Team Captain, Duncan Lloyd was, inexplicably, not suited up (well, actually, he wore suit pants, a button down, and a tie) tonight, but that did not stop him from leading his team by thunder clapping from the sidelines.

Tim Johnson and Brandon Sullivan lead the squad in scoring, each notching double digits. Tonight’s game, like last week’s, was a true team effort. Steve Promislo had a gritty 9/5/2 and Ray Hall yanked down 10 rebounds to accompany his 9 points.

On the other side of the ball, Noce Libre demonstrated that they are the League’s best 0-2 team. Dan Strauss was a beast again, despite getting hacked all night. Coach Noce put in 14 points, most of which came in the paint and Jeremy Kriger stepped up to distribute the ball with Jordan Winick absent. Robert Sawyer and Mike Lundy were tough on the glass, as they battled Hall and Promislo, but struggled from the field, going a combined 2 for 10.

After pulling within 2 with 52 seconds left, the Cartel chose to foul SP&G and that proved costly, as the Cartel knocked down it’s free throws and extend the lead. The Cartel had a chance at the end, but a half court game tying shot by Jeremy Kriger was off the mark.

Ypers 70 v. Power Lunch Project

Not only did Max Blum steal Mike Rosenberg’s lunch on draft night, but he followed up tonight with the best game of his PMBL career, as Ypers cruised to their second straight twenty plus win.

LeBlum James was a beast from the inside and in the paint on Monday, dropping 20 on 8 for 14 shooting. Brad Troyan followed up his 17 rebound week one campaign by going 16 and 9 on 6 for 9 shooting, making a case for an All Star nod (and Sleeper of the year). First round pick, Alex Kroupa struggled again from behind the arc, but still managed to net 12 points and dish out 4 assists. Once again, Doug Blum played strong, statting 15/6/3. Joe Janos played a great all around game with 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.

On the other side of the ball, Maurice Bueno shook off a rough week one performance for a solid week 2 game. Bueno put up 10/6/3, but faced double teams all night and rarely got a clean look at the bucket, due to Ypers tenacious defense. Mike Zilly played a strong game, putting up 18 as the team’s leading scorer. Ricky Gross again distributed the ball well, and Dave Solomon also played solid, but in the end, Ypers was too deep and had too many weapons.

Saloonatics 51 v. Wrap Shack 50

The game of the night ended with the Saloonatics escaping with a one point win over the short-handed Wrap Shackers, who were without stars Eli Klein and D’Andre Maiden. The story of the night was the arrival of Saloonatics first rounder, Chad Beene who missed week one. And, oh what a difference a week makes. After putting up an anemic 29 points in week one, Beene lead his squad with 24/7/2 on 10 for 16 shooting from the field.

Brian Smith was solid for the Wrap Shack again, netting 15 and showing off his quickness by statting 4 steals and 2 assists. Early on, the Wrap Shack lead by as many as 8 points as phenom, Corey Frizzera scored (and got to the line) at will en route to his 26 points, 4 assists on 6 for 14 shooting. The Saloonatics chipped away, and by half time, Wrap Shack led by only one.

Coming out of the half, Lonnie Brantz’s hit a cutting Jim Wise in the lane, and the Saloonatics had their first lead of the young season. During the intermission, Lonnie’s squad also switched from man to zone on D in an effort to contain Frizzera. The strategy worked, as they started the second frame on a 12-3 run.

This was truly a team effort, as every Saloonatic player notched at least one assist, with Brantz, Wise, and Jon Holt handing out 3 apiece. Newcomer, Ryan Torrey showed off his athleticism by netting 11 points to go along with 7 strong rebounds. Tal Oxenberg played gritty D with 3 steals, and had some dazzling passes on offense, as he controlled the game while running point.

The Saloonatics seemed to have the game at hand, as their second half lead ballooned to 9. And then, Frizzera caught fire from behind the arc. After hitting 2 straight, Brantz tried to contain the run, with a pull-up 2 in the lane. Frizzera answered with another long ball, and Wise (who played the final 30 minutes in foul trouble) answered with a pretty lefty layup to get the lead back to 4. Next Brian Smith hit a 3 off glass with 11 seconds left to pull Wrap Shack within 1. Oxenberg was fouled and went to the line, but missed the front end of the one on one.

Out of a time out with 5 seconds left, the Saloonatics double teamed Corey Frizzera beyond the arc, who found a wide open Shareef Jones in the lane for a sure game-winning bucket. Jones’ layup, however, rimmed off and into Chad Beene’s hands as the clock expired.

Written By: Adam Noce

The first week is behind us and the season is underway. This is a week where teams can gain momentum or begin the season 2 in the hole. It’s about which teams are going to gel first. The teams gelling sooner rather will benefit handsomely. Tonight we have 6 tough teams battling to build separation. Lets get to it.

7:00 Lucha Cartel (even) vs. Sidkoff Pincus and Green.

What a perfect game to set up the week. First year captain Duncan Lloyd led his squad to an easy victory against the connectors. Guys like Tim Johnson, Steve Promislo, and new comer Brandon Sullivan are really lighting up the score board. Veteran Ray Hall looks composed on the court as he was finding open cutters all last game.

Lucha Cartel struggled to close out Wrap Shack last week. Missing 2nd round pick Jordan Winick doesn’t make things easier. Jordan is a healthy scratch for tonights game too. Lucha Cartel was led last week by Dan Strauss. Strauss’s defense and guard skills kept Lucha in the game. Look out for Jeremy Kriger and Mike Lundy to also add some scoring punch.

Overall this is going to be a tight game. Both teams match up well. Look for Steve Promislo to lead this offense but at the end of the day, I can’t pick against my own team.

Lucha Cartel 52 Sidkoff 48.

8:00 Connectors (Power Project) (+20) vs Rags to Riches (Ypers)

I can’t believe I’m spotting Rags 20 points. I’m sorry Max. I didn’t want to make it 40. Tonights game has a nice story line. As we all know on draft night, Bear Jew traded Max his 2nd 3rd, and maybe 4th round picks for Max’s 5, 6, and 7. Well Max’s team won last week by 20 plus and Bear Jews team got hammered. Did Bear Jew actually build a team to beat Max? Do I smell upset?? Nope. No offense Bear Jew. And I know El Bueno is not going to like this prediction. You guys want to prove me wrong. Go out there and beat em.

On Connectors look for Mike Zilly to try and contain Brad Troylan. This manchild ripped down 17 boards last week. Zilly is going to need to keep him off the boards. Also look for El Bueno to break out. After a bum of the week nomination, I know he’s looking for redemption. Rags is just complete and they showed it last week. Doug Blum is obviously better than Max. Jeff Gilman looks like Gerry Mcnamera and Alex Kroupa will find his stroke this week. And don”t count out Alex “Manu Manu the Slender” Kanoff. He should have a big game.

Rags 63-Connectors 42

9:00 PM Urban Saloon (+8) vs Wrap Shack

And too close out the night, we have 2 evenly matched teams. Urban Saloon is led by Lonnie ” my face smells like Tuna fish” Brantz. Not only does this guy slay at Avalon every weekend, he can shoot the rock. Urban really needs big man Chad Beane. After last weeks loss, its clear Chad is an important part of this team. Look for Tal ” I way 56 lbs wet” Oxenburg to lead the offense and Jim Wise to contribute.

Wrap Shack is coming off a big win last week. D’Andre Maiden was relentless to the hoop and Eli Klein was hitting jump shots all over the court. Big man Shareef Jones is going to have his work cut out for him. He’ll be banging with Chad Beane all night. I think this is going to be a close game early, but I feel Wrap Shack will win. Defensively they play very tight defense. I think they’ll frustrate Urban Saloon and pull away with the W.

Wrap Shack 51 Urban 45

The season is moving along and it’s only going to get better. Remember to sign up for the Shore Classic. I was just down at the shore this weekend and let me tell you. Primo ass trotting around there. Do It.

The time has come for the PMBL Season 5 Beast & Bum of the Week voting. This is always the most controversial news for PMBL, but listen Mans, numbers don’t lie.

Written By:  Lucas Gulotta

Week 1 of the PMBL Season 5 is now in the books, metaphorically speaking. The final day of the opening week was closed out by a double header that onlookers present would have described as anti-climactic had they been asked for input. They weren’t though, so here is a very unbiased recap by the 2005 Emmaus High School homecoming king.

Game 1 – Leftorium vs. Adam Metter’s Mermen squad.

As O’Bama said at his inauguration speech, “Same shit, different day.” Former PMBL leading scorer Dom Alonzo-Wooding showed it is his world and we’re all just living in it as he pumped in 23 points to go along with 11 rebounds for Leftorium. As the crafty DAW took most of the defense’s attention, Kevin Pierce and Kevin O’Hara made the 3-point line their haven as they hit a combined six triples. Pierce also delivered (as predicted) during his rendition of the national anthem, making it the best singing of our nation’s favorite ring tone since Maurice Cheeks helped out that girl who didn’t have a great grasp on the lyrics.

Metter’s team didn’t have a very good ending to the pre-season as it was taken behind the woodshed by the Purge in its last appearance. Desean Cartwright tried to put the team on his back as he tallied 18 points without breaking a sweat, but Thomas Young was unable to make it on time for tip-off as he tended to his fantasy golf lineup. Young’s tardiness allowed Leftorium to jump out to a comfortable lead which they protected until the final score read 72-39. Buddy Hall was limited to three points which kept him from achieving the three friend requests we expected, but rumor has it he woke up to a couple pokes from Metter and Peter Myers Knight.

Secondary notes – Metter is offering anyone with web programing experience 30 dollars to create a PMBL Trade machine. Apparently, @TooMuchRayT is more than willing to contribute to the project.

Game 2- The Purge vs. Emergency Response Pro

Perhaps it was the NBA Finals? Maybe it was the Wife Swap marathon on Lifetime? It could have been the tremendous description of the Purge in the morning previews. It is highly likely that one of those three events caused the majority of the Emergency Response, including coach Lip, to be no-shows for the second part of the double-header.
Eric Hill and Darnell Willingham both did their part while receiving help from Dom Alonzo-Wooding in the first half to keep ER in the game for the first half. Hill showed no fear as he was guarded by the No. 2 pick Khristian Clarkson and showed off a reliable jumper on his way to a team-high 25 points. D-Will had 23 to go along with 15 rebounds.

However, Lucas Gulotta’s equally exceptional general managing and coaching skills came to fruition in the second half. Karl Howard was tabbed as the league’s best kept secret on draft night as he fell to the bottom of the second round. His stat line of 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists should put him on the Beast of the Week voters’ radar. Clarkson registered a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards in his debut, but his PMBL fantasy owners should expect more out of the Purge’s big man as he gets more familiar with his teammates.
Mark Anthony is the leading candidate for the Pat Mansell Steal of the Draft award as he poured in 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the floor. The 8th round pick was humble about falling so low, saying “People just didn’t know me.” Ron McGee and Pete Krystopa supplied solid energy off the bench for the second unit as The Purge coasted to a 91-69 victory.

Editor’s note – The Purge played the second half 5 on 4.

Secondary notes – Jordan Howell and Andrew Baldwin’s defensive presences do not appear in the box score, but Ron Artest would’ve been pleased. This is coming from someone who once high-fived the man now known as Metta. Krystopa may have received some leniency from the interns keeping stats.

Big-ups to those heckling Sergio Garcia at Merion today. Go Spurs. Stay American.

So tonight we tried something new over at the ProLeague by using Vine for some game footage. We didn’t share these live on Twitter tonight so we apologize! But when we do VINE THE LEAGUE on certain nights we will share them live during the games via Twitter! @pmbleague #pmblalwaysballin

So tonight we tried something new over at the ProLeague by using Vine for some game footage. We didn’t share these live on Twitter tonight so we apologize! But when we do VINE THE LEAGUE on certain nights we will share them live during the games via Twitter! @pmbleague #pmblalwaysballin

The 2nd Night of The PMBL Season 5 Pro League kicked off tonight. Check out some of the photos…

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Written By: Corey Frizzera

Last night tipped off the Pro’s league. It consisted of 4 games, some very one sided, some nail biters. Let’s check it out.

Wrap Shack (Lindsay) vs. Boardwalk Bar (Thompson)

This was a very one-sided contest. The Wrap Shack won in dominating fashion 58-31. They led the majority of the game and Thompson and the rest of the Boardwalk Bar struggled to hit from the field. From jersey sizing issues to a brand new player coming the day of the game, (myself) to shooting a staggering low 25% from the field, it was a tough day for the Boardwalk Bar, to say the least. The Wrap Shack never gave up the lead the entire game and brought a defensive mindset to last night’s game. Mark Cooper led the Wrap Shack with a cool 19 on 7-12 shooting from the field while grabbing 8 boards. “Do-Dirt” added a solid 14 points, 8 boards and 4 dimes. Like I said before, it was a tough night for Thompson and his squad, but Al Harris did manage to drop 13 points, while Shawn Hall controlled the glass grabbing 15 boards. Hall also chipped in with 8 points as well.

Tax Max (Stanton) vs. Paradise Transit (Jacobson)

The second game of the night was much closer then the first. Both teams came out attacking the rim and played high pressure D. From the jump, Mike Johnson and Eric Pendleton were going at it, on several occasions standing nose to nose as if they were about to square up in the middle of the court. Paradise Transit kept a steady lead pretty much the entire game, however, Stanton and the rest of Tax Max kept it close with 3 guys scoring in double figures. Benjamin Ruehle had 14, Marcus Ellis had 11 and Ryan Foster added 10 points. Ruehle and Ellis were a force to be reckoned with down low, scrapping for rebounds, loose balls and any put backs they could find. But, the speedy motors of both Oliver Burbage and Khalif Mason were too much for Tax Max too handle. Not to mention Mike Johnson dropping a smooth 26 and 8 boards, just off 15 shots. Johnson seemed like he could score at will. Pendleton, who seemed to have the potential to put up big numbers, struggled from the floor with just 4 points. With 3:00 minutes to go, Ruehle through down a monstrous two hand slam off of Pendleton’s missed layup, cutting the leaded to just 10. Next time down, Burbage pulled up for 3 as the shot clock expired to put it away, 3 of his total 12 points on the night. Paradise Transit ended up winning 60-52.

PMBL (Janos) vs. Power Lunch Project (Margulies)

Well, my first 2 predictions of the night were right, but not the third. It was the total opposite. This being the first week of games, I don’t know much about the players on the teams and I’m still getting familiar with each player’s game. After watching, its obvious Margulies has a very strong team, both in the paint and on the perimeter. Right from the start, Power Lunch took a commanding 16-4 lead. Isaiah Nathanial and Steve Vample dominated the post. Both were playing very aggressive and with high energy. 2nd and 3rd chance buckets were critical to PMBL’s deficit going into half. Power Lunch Project had a 34-18 lead at halftime. Also, might I add that Mark Zoller, Janos’ teams’ top scorer did not play in the game for unknown reasons. Point/Forward AJ Fiore led his squad with 13 points. Marquis Cuffee added 11 with 5 rebounds. Mark Margulies came out on fire in the second half, scoring 7 straight points, to push the lead to 41-20 with 8 minutes remaining. Margulies finished with 13 points, while Evan Guignet was on fire from 3-point land, hitting 4/5 and finishing with a solid 15 points. Nathaniel and Vample combined for 24 points and 18 boards in the game. Power Lunch Project shut me up and won in dominating fashion 64-37.

O’Reilly vs. Lucha Cartel (Schlucter)

The last game was in my opinion the most even matched played game of the night, by both teams. It was very obvious that O’Reilly’s squad was hyped, as they brought much excitement and energy to the floor as any other team I saw that night. They came out hot with several players connecting on 3 point buckets, including Matt Ostrum, Tom Scace and Ed O’Reilly who rocked an awesome red bandana the entire game, color coordinating it with his jersey, which was impressive to say the least. A back and forth battle the entire first half, it continued in the second. Leon Dales for the Cartel played cool, calm and collective on the night scoring 20 points with 7 assists. He ran the point well and seemed to handle O’Reilly’s high-pressure defense with ease. O’Reilly led 47-46 with 11:00 minutes remaining when #33 D’Var Brown took over. He scored 8 straight buckets at will, forcing O’Reilly to call a timeout with just 2 minutes remaining. Cartel was now up 60-55. A sloppy last minute or so went in O’Reilly’s favor. Scace knocked down a big 3 with just 5 seconds left. O’Reilly then fouled Brown where he made 1 of 2 from the foul line, giving the ball back to the O’Reilly squad with just 2 seconds left. Jeremy Reece got off a 3 in time but it fell just short. Lucha Cartel wins in dramatic fashion, 64-61.

Written by: Lucas Gulotta

The first week of PMBL is nearing its completion as four hungry teams get set to enter the soup kitchen that has become known as the mecca of Philadelphia hoops.

Game 1 – Leftorium vs.  Mermen

Game 1 features Kevin O’Hara’s Leftorium squad against Adam Metter’s Mermen team. Leftorium’s star guard Dom Alonzo-Wooding tweeted earlier today that he can not wait for tonight’s game. The tweet was #31,683 for his career, which puts him more than 10,000 ahead of Ray Thompson aka @toomuchrayt.
Leftorium is hoping to see the Season 5 debuts of former Cabrini guard “Uncle” Vic O’Connor and Kevin “The Lumberjack” Dybalski while Metter is praying that Tom Young decides to pass up on a chance to see The Internship in theaters to make his PMBL return.

Predictions –
1. Kevin Pierce will nail all the high notes when he sings the National Anthem before the opening tip-off.

2. Buddy Hall will receive three new fb friend requests by the end of the night.

3. The officiating will be flawless.

Game 2- The Purge vs. Emergency Response

The Purge is a terrible movie that you currently have the chance to waste 11 dollars on if you like self-torture. Playing against The Purge is going to be an equally frustrating experience this season. The No. 2 pick in the draft, Kristian Clarkson, is back with the team after holding out for a new contract during preseason. He should fit nicely with the backcourt of Karl “The best kept secret” Howard and Andrew Baldwin.
Lipner’s ER team was a late addition to the league on draft night. Although it had the last pick in the first round, we learned on Monday not to ever count out a Lipner led army.

Predictions –
1. Jordan Howell’s halftime salsa dancing exhibition will bring the crowd to their feet.

2. The post-game recaps will be completely awful.