LEVEL Basketball – Game 7 (68-42)
Posted on 20 April 2011 | No responses
LEVEL LEVELS ANOTHER OPPONENT
Ball Hogs Have Problems Hogging the Ball
(For Immediate Release)
Pismo Beach, CA – There was another sold out crowd gathered at Judkins Arena tonight to watch LEVEL continue their quest for basketball glory. However, it was apparent that some members of the crowd were confused when entering the arena. There was a rumor afloat that the gym was hosting a modeling shoot. The confusion was quickly cleared up when they realized that they were here to see a shooting model.
Kasey “Do They Call This a Zone” came out of the gates with a hot hand, knocking down long range jump shots early and often to give LEVEL a comfortable lead. It was quickly apparent that the zone defense featured by the Ball Hogs was not up to the task of stopping the high octane LEVEL offense. Getting into the zone-busting action in the first half were Tom “Chief Executive Offender” and Troy “I Miss My Beard.” When LEVEL did miss its outside shots, Aaron “The Rebound Baron” was there to clean up the mess.
In the second half, LEVEL showed why some are calling them the best defensive team the league has seen since the late 80s. The defensive effort was spearheaded by the pestering 30-something backcourt defense of Paul “I Just Took Your Wallet” and Miguel “I Just Took Your Pride.” A number of steals by the two guards led to easy points on the other end, proving once again that good defense leads to a better offense. The tough LEVEL defense led to some frustration on the part of the Ball Hogs, causing the Ball Hogs to set a handful of illegal screens late in the game then went uncalled by the referees. Hank “The Pulsating Forehead Vein” Wethington let it be known that LEVEL did not appreciate the illegality, leading to a quick apology from the Ball Hogs.
Miguel capped off his MVP night by feeding a fastbreak alley-oop pass to Phil “I Believe I Can Fly” that brought the crowd to its feet and the Ball Hogs to their knees.
“When Miguel threw the ball up to me, I didn’t have much time to decide between my 360 and my windmill dunk,” explained Phil. “I decided to go with my windmill. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, I made the right choice.” To see more high-flying antics, you can catch LEVEL play the Stuntmen next week.
(AP)
Hank-cited!
Posted on 20 April 2011 | No responses
Today’s coffee at work had me Hank-cited! Thanks Ryan!
LEVEL Softball – Game 5 (1-16)
Posted on 15 April 2011 | No responses
CHEATERS FAIL TO PROSPER
(For Immediate Release)
EL CHORRO REGIONAL PARK, CA – Playing shorthanded, the Low Down Dirty Cheaters were unable to overcome their burly counterparts, Williams Concrete, or as this impartial writer prefers to call them, “Way Too Good for Coed Lower Division Slow-Pitch Softball.”
The LDDC took the field in the first with only 8 in the field rather than the typical 10, forcing Dustin “Dusteezy” to simultaneously play shortstop and third base. “Angry Rob”, who got the start in Jason “Sneezy Slugger’s” absence, was able to hold them to a single run in the first inning. The LDDC got an equalizer in the top of the second, thanks to great baserunning by “Angry Rob”. That proved to be as close to the lead as the LDDC would come, as the WTGFCLDSPS pounded home run after home run.
The game was not without its highlights, however. Danielle “D Dawg” made the play of the day by fielding a throw in to the infield and slapping the tag on the advancing runner, garnering cheers by all in attendance.
When asked of his team’s chances in the playoffs, “Angry Rob” retorted, “PLAYOFFS?! You’re talking about playoffs?! You kidding me?”.
LEVEL looks to rebound against Mind Body Elite-ier next week.
(AP)
LEVEL Basketball – Game 6 (48-36)
Posted on 15 April 2011 | No responses
LEVEL MOPS UP WITH ANOTHER WIN
Splash Down No Match In Second Half Opener
(For Immediate Release)
Oceano, CA – The stands were abuzz at the Oceano Arena as LEVEL took to the floor to open the second half of the season. After losing Justin to post high school enlightenment, there were concerns that mid-season acquisition Paul’s skills didn’t quite fit the current team dynamic, and like the Miami Heat, it may be a few years before LEVEL could find it’s way back to the championship game. However, it took all of 5 minutes for LEVEL to get a return on their investment as Paul led a fast break off of a defensive steal that started the “REPEAT” rally cry.
While Paul and Miguel shared the point guard duties, Kasey was free to slash and burn his way to the basket where he mopped up whatever Splash Down could dish out. Kasey’s offensive dominance clearly made the case tonight why he’s considered the favorite for this years MVP. Not to be forgotten, Miguel quietly ended up with the play of the night; a no-look pass to an open Paul for 3. Replays were still playing on the arena jumbo-tron as the crowds left the building.
Defensively, LEVEL has to be happy. The starting five should be called “Fort Knox” as Splash Down didn’t get their first field goal until almost 5 minutes into the game. Aaron continues to frustrate the leagues big men as he vacuums up rebounds while dealing out blocked shots, while Tom smothers opposing players causing turn overs and bad shots.
With so many highlights from the starting five, it would be easy to dismiss LEVELs bench. 6th Man of the Year candidate, Phil killed it tonight with fast break after fast break point. Meanwhile, “Wolf pack of One” Troy scares and pesters the opposing team into mistakes while grabbing any rebounds that Aaron leaves behind.
“Sure, this first win is important, but we need all of them to get back to the championship game,” noted Tom. “It was a good game, right now we need to focus on next weeks game, nothing more.” For next weeks game, LEVEL faces the Ball Hogs.
(AP)
LEVEL Softball Game 4 (8-16)
Posted on 7 April 2011 | No responses
LEVEL LOADS PLATES, NOT BASES
(For Immediate Release)
After indulging in a few burgers, hot dogs, and perhaps too many beers, the Low Down Dirty Cheaters couldn’t overcome Hamstrung.
Ryan Callin His Shot
Despite a rowdy & raucous crowd in attendance, the Hamstrung bats were unfazed. They exploded for half a dozen runs in both the first and third innings, despite a masterful pitching performance from Jason “Sneezy Slugger.” “Angry Rob” also made the relief appearance of a lifetime (on his birthday, no less), striking out a batter and inducing ground balls from several others.
The Cheaters also improved their fielding, most notably when Scott “Snoman” gave up his body and took a scalding one-hopper to the gut, leaving a welt that you can actually see the softball stitching on (no joke, he’ll show you a picture if you ask nice). LEVEL plated four runs in the final inning thanks to clutch hitting from Rebecca “Hairbling”, Nicole “Canada”, Ryan “RyGuy”, & Jessica “Ciabatta”.
Still Running…
Posted on 31 March 2011 | No responses
I’ve been asked a few times if I’m still running or training as I’m not posting much running info. The answer is YES! For those of you on Facebook who follow me, you’ve often seen my “view from the run” pictures. For those who have come to hankandheather.com and don’t get to see all the fun training I’m still doing, let me break it down a little.
In the last 13 months of running:
- 242.2 Miles
- 42663 KCal
- 49 Hours 3 min
I’ve recently added biking to the mix over the last 2 months:
- 108 Miles
- 7100 KCal
- 7 Hours 35 min
These numbers don’t include basketball (2-3x/week) or swimming, tennis and even soccer (or a month off for an injury). The frustrating part, is while I’ve lost some weight, I’m not seeing the results I would expect with this kind of activity. I do look better and feel better, so that is always a great thing.
As to what I’m training for? The number 1 thing is to live. However, there are a few things on the schedule this year:
- Chains of Love 5k (completed)
- SLO Health and Fitness Expo 5k (completed)
- Miracle Miles for Kids 10k (May 7th)
- Strawberry Stampede 5k (May 29th)
- SLO Triathlon (July 24th)
- City to Sea 1/2 Marathon (Oct 9th)
- Warrior Dash 5k (Oct 29th)
So it’s looking to be a busy year. If you’re in town for one of the events let me know and we’ll have fun together!
I’m always open to questions, so feel free to ask.
LEVEL Softball Game 3 (3-15)
Posted on 31 March 2011 | No responses
LEVEL COMES UP SHORT IN ROUT
(For Immediate Release)
EL CHORRO REGIONAL PARK, CA – Just two weeks after toppling Mind Body Elite-ier, the Low Down Dirty Cheaters didn’t bring their A game against the more talented and grammatically sound Mind Body Elite.
Despite great enthusiasm, the LDDC bats were silent through the first few innings, and the MBE bats were anything but. LEVEL did manage to push some runs across in the late innings thanks to the bats of “Angry Rob”, Ted “Blue Dog”, & Kathleen “2 Young 2 Settle“, but it proved to be too little too late.
After the game, the LDDC announced they had finalized a trade sending Kathleen, their star slugger and face of the franchise, to the San Francisco Giants. In exchange, the LDDC will receive Barry Zito and cash considerations. Zito is expected to make an easy transition to softball, given that his fastball already qualifies as “slow-pitch”.
Kathleen said of the trade, “As excited as I am to be joining the defending champions, I know I will never be able to replace the raw talent and gusto of the Low Down Dirty Cheaters.”
Here’s wishing Kathleen the best in the friendly confines of AT&T Park.
Swingin' for the Fence
LEVEL Basketball – Game 5 (61-52)
Posted on 29 March 2011 | No responses
LEVEL LEAVES PINE RIDERS WITH SPLINTERS
Finishes First Half 4-1 in Hunt for Repeat
(For Immediate Release)
Arroyo Grande, CA – There was no full moon tonight, but the wolf pack was hungry for a win against the Pine Riders. Steven came out blazing, making 6 straight points to quickly put Level in the lead. Kasey, Miguel, and Tom continued to add points to keep the Pine Riders at bay. Aaron “AirWolf” crashed the boards to keep Pine Riders from getting any second shot opportunities. Ryan and Hank both put in solid minutes on offense and defensive to continue the Level lead.
With 10 minutes left of the first half, Level put in their secret defensive weapon Troy “Wolfman” to shut down the Pine Riders offensive weapons. The second half continued like the first half and the Pine Riders was never able to make a comeback. The game was put out of reach when Phil “Get my money right” completed a fast break lay-up sending the sell-out crowd to their feet.
Level 61 Pine Riders 52
Level’s record goes to 4-1.
Getty images of Troy “Wolfman”
LEVEL Basketball – Game 4 (36-43)
Posted on 22 March 2011 | No responses
CINDERELLA LIVES AS UNDEFEATED LEVEL FALLS TO A 0 AND 3 TEAM
Old School Bricks Beat LEVEL For First Win
(For Immediate Release)
Arroyo Grande, CA – It’s like a recurring bad nightmare – complete with the cold sweat. After an undefeated three game start, LEVEL took a step back in time, channeling the LEVEL basketball teams of old. “All that practice don’t mean a thing if I can’t put the ball through the ring,” commented Hank “Dr. Suess” Wethington on his 2 for 8 shooting night. “It was cloudy, but didn’t rain, we were supposed to bring the pain.”
Missing key starters Justin (springbreakitis), Tom (travel toe), and backup center Ryan (worklonghourus) tonight, meant key minutes for the reserves. But the reserves didn’t deliver. “Sure, we missed our starters out there tonight,” said a frustrated Kasey, “we just missed the basket more.”
Bright spots for LEVEL included some good minutes from “Wolfpack” Troy, who once again scared the opposing team into key turnovers, and “I’m on vacation” Phil whose continued leadership kept the game close.
The screaming fans didn’t give up hope, even until the last second. “It was more fun than watching reruns of COPS!” said Michelle. “Not quite as good as Jersey Shore, but it was still a good time.”
Tickets are still available for next weeks game against the Pine Riders.
(AP)
LEVEL Basketball – Game 3 (51-40)
Posted on 16 March 2011 | No responses
CLASH OF THE UNDEFEATED IN PISMO
LVL moves to 3-0 and extends a 13 game winning streak.
(For Immediate Release)
Pismo Beach, CA – With the fog setting in over the coast and the sun going down, two of the top teams clashed in Pismo Beach for sole possession of first place in the Arroyo Grande men’s league. With someone consuming large amounts of garlic for lunch, the starting 5 contemplated if they were going to be able to take the court with the awful stench that was emitted during warm ups.
In front of a crowd with standing room available, LVL and Splash Down started out in a shootout, with Tom scoring the first 5 points of the game to match Splash Downs fire from behind the arc. The intensity continued to rise, with the game growing more and more physical. Splash Down was taken by surprise when player/coach Hank ripped off his suit and tie and checked into the game. Confusion by Splash Down’s team ensued and led for open offensive opportunities for LVL. Elbows the the face, jabs to the gut, and technical fouls fueled the fire for LVL to hold a comfortable lead after the 10 min mark.
With 3 seconds left on the clock in the first half, Justin threw a 3/4 court alley-oop from out of bounds to Kasey… the ball ended of getting wedged in between the basket and the backboard for a jump ball call but the play drew some more momentum for LVL going into halftime. Kasey injured his shoulder on the rim during the play but x-rays were negative.
Justin Drives to the Hoop
The second half proved to be an even tougher battle, but LVL kept its commanding lead with Aaron and Ryan dominating the boards down low. Around the mid-way point of the second half, Splash Down’s attempt to chisel away at the lead was extinguished when Miguel whittled his way into the lane for a couple jumpers and a finger roll off the glass. Phil, Greg and Troy came off the bench and put in solid minutes to secure the victory in the final minutes.
When the lights tuned off and the crowd went away, LVL availed to extend the Central Coast’s longest men’s league winning streak to 13 games, and notched its 3rd win the of the season.
The “Wolfpack” rallies on.
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