THE APBA NEWS

Well, we have shot out of the gate this first month in our tenth season, and I'd like to thank everyone for doing a great job getting their games done and everything sent out on time.  With the exception of just a couple of coaches, which is why this newsletter is about a week late, I'm proud of the job that everyone has done.  I'm also pleasantly surprised by the number of coaches who sent in monthly comments for their teams this month.  Keep up the good work, guys!  Every single coach from the Western Conference, except one, sent in comments, and every coach from the Sky Hook contributed (I always knew the Sky Hook Division had superior coaches, why did I leave?).  The divisional and play-off races have already heated up since a lot of future games have already been played (at PSTUD and just in advance).  The standings and league leaders are frequently updated on my web page, so check them out often and keep those games rolling.  Let's make this the best APBA season ever.

PSTUD VI was another monumental success!  Unfortunately, due to a sickness in the family, I was only able to attend for one night (instead of the three that I had been planning).  However, I still had fun while I was there, but it made it a very long drive back and forth.  It was nice to have two new members (first timers) attend this year, Dave "Da Bear" Sjogren and Tom "Snow" Whyte.  Again, we put away our fair share of beer, pizza, and wings, although from the sound of it, I'm not disappointed that I missed the luxorious accomodations at the Motel 6.  I'd like to thank everyone who made the trip, we seem to be getting a regular crowd that attends every year, mostly Western Conference folks.  Hopefully next year's event will be even bigger.  I'd also like to thank Tom Whyte for contributing the following article on PSTUD...

Wasn't sure what to expect as the Cabin Boys prepared to make their first journey to P-STUD.  Lake Grant CEO Steve Case promised us luxury accommodations in Indianapolis during our stay there.  After loading up the laptop (thank you Western Brown tax payers... all 5 of you), my clothes, and the soundtrack to South Park, I was ready to pick up ex-Quincy owner John Houser.  I had a little trouble getting into John's driveway.  Seems the Boyds didn't want to see their leader leave so they piled up the entrance with transmissions.  After promising them that I would return John safely in a few days and I would do all I could do help free Victor from jail, they allowed me to pass through.  After many hugs, John H was ready to go.  Our next stop was Loveland (what a gay name for a town) to pick up John Storer.  After visiting John's neighbor, we were greeted by John waiting and pacing at the door.  After a quick goodbye (Alright, which one of you bastards untied him!?!) we were on our way to the Greater Cincinnati airport.  I have to admit that it has been over 20 years since I was last at the airport so I played tourist.  I am not a flyer.  If God intended us to fly he would have given us the ability to speak Arabic and a case of dynamite.  We arrived in plenty of time, so John H decided to sample the local, overpriced fair.  John S and I played intellectuals and browsed the bookstore.  MRod's plane arrived at 10:20 as scheduled.  We had to wait another 10 minutes for him to get off of the plane.  After watching about 15 elderly ladies who had obviously shoved Mike out of the way to get off of the plane, Mike finally could be seen.  He dropped his luggage, DX'ed us, and we were on our way to Indy.  We decided to make a stop before searching for the Motel 6 (if they knew WE were coming they probably wouldn't have left the light on).  We stopped at a truck stop outside of Indianapolis that contained a Subway (the food place, not the train thing) and sat in there for awhile.  John H had the best line as he told John S that he saw the woman behind the counter give John S that "the child support payments are late" look.  The first thing that we noticed as we neared the Motel 6 was the odor.  Not sure what kind of factories were near, but the smell was terrible.  After arriving at the motel, we spoke to the clerk through the double pane bulletproof glass.  She wouldn't tell us where we could find Rick Prather.  Something about the Indy Motel 6 being the official motel of the federal witness protection program.  In the meantime, John H and I decided to share a room (so help me if that bastard snores I will kill him) and we went off to find Rick, which we did.  Laying out on the dresser was a gift that Rick had brought for me, a Tomball, Texas towel.  Mike asked me that since he was sharing a bed with John could he borrow the towel.  I told him no way.  Mike and John S decided to stay with Rick as Houser and I headed upstairs to get some sleep.  After reaching our room, I decided to take the bed nearest the chalk outline on the floor.  That left John with the bed nearest the bullet holes in the wall.  At 7:30. I was awake watching the early morning roach races (go blackie!) when the phone rang.  It was MRod telling us to get our lazy asses up so we could head to Bob Evans.  That turned into an adventure.  We asked the clerk (after she was kind enough to get off of the phone talking to her boyfriend) where the nearest Bob's was.  She gave us directions and said it was only a couple of miles away.  After driving for quite awhile we sent John S into a gas station to ask for directions (see ladies, we're not afraid to ask for directions.  We just won't do it when you are with us).  I knew we were in trouble when I saw the two women inside pointing in every direction (I even saw one point at John's crotch and giggle).  John came back out and told us which way to head.  We finally found it and it was probably a good 15 miles away from the Motel 6.  Rick, John S, John H, Mike, and I arrived back at the Motel 6 (where they did have the light on, it was a bug light) and packed up to head to the Courtyard.  The Courtyard was quite a step up.  It even had indoor plumbing.  Our rooms weren't quite ready yet, so Rick, Mike, and John H waited in the lobby while John S and I headed to the airport to pick up Dave Sjogren (two airports in 12 hours, I felt like a world traveler).  After waiting a short while, we saw Dave (who had not let old women push him around like MRod had done) and were ready to head back to the Courtyard.  I decided it would be funny if I drove in the opposite direction instead of heading back to the Hotel.  After getting ourselves straightened out (that looks familar... that looks familar) we found our way back to the promised land.  MRod, Houser, and I found our suite and it was decided that I would take the sofa bed that night (more on that later).  The room was quite a step up from the night before.  After settling in (throwing our stuff down on the floor) we headed to the APBA suite where I did battle with Dave Sjogren's Drifters.  It was fun getting my ass kicked as Malone sat in street clothes on the bench.  Oh well, enough about the games.  I believe the Cabin Boys went 11-4 on the trip and two of the losses came at the hands of California.  Hope Mike doesn't mind the long walk to the Cncinnati airport.  My other loss came to Lake K on a last second shot as Duncan was left wide open by defensive replacement Chris Dudley.  That really s..s..s..s..s..(thwap!) sucked!  At one point I played four straight games that were decided by 3 points or less.  I lost to California by 3 when I missed a trey (settle down, Chavo) at the buzzer.  My next game was a 1 point overtime win over Milton that I won when Nesby missed an open shot, got his own rebound, but could not get another shot off before the buzzer went off.  My next game saw the Cabin Boys beat Bob Gale's Night Owls, 116-115.  The final of the four games was the one where Dudley ended up on Duncan's poster.  I looked on the trip as a learning experience.  I took the Denny Crun approach (except I didn't wear the ugly red blazer) as I wanted to take my lumps early as I prepared the team for the play-off run.  I also learned how to keep your roommate from snoring.  As I lay on the Ore-Ida mattress (Krinkle Cut variety) early Saturday morning I heard Houser suddenly quit snoring.  Not being sure whether MRod had killed him or was pleasuring him, I looked into their room to see that MRod had covered up John's head with a pillow.  Mike told me that John Storer had done the same thing to him the night before, but for a different reason(?).  I also learned some Spanish thanks to the chambermaids at the Courtyard (Where the el fucko is the candio machino?... Si, my el dongo es muy hugo).  Saturday night and it was time to head back to the Orab.  We loaded up our stuff (except for JC who was staying behind) and immediately proceeded to get lost.  However, we knew we were heading east so we were not overly concerned.  Mike called the Dust Bunny (rumor has it that the Bunny, aka Rick Dean, will be an expansion member next season.  Mike has promised to serve as his mentor) to remind him to meet us in the morning for breakfast.  We soon found the right road and were headed towards home.

Overall, I'm very happy with everyone meeting deadlines and sending out instructions.  However, I only have default instructions from 5 coaches: Thom Steinert, Mark Treichel, Tom Whyte, Greg Smith, and Mike Rodriguez.  If I do not have defaults from you, you are very likely to get a demerit point if you don't send out specific instructions for every game.  But for those of you who might be confused, here's the time table you should be following each month:

• 1st, all of your instructions should be sent out to opponents you will not be playing FTF
• 5th, if your opponent doesn't have your instructions by this date, he can play the game without instructions
• 25th, all of your games for the month should be completed and sent out to your opponents
• 31st, all of your games, monthly status form, and monthly comments should be sent to me

Current Treasury: $353.00
Dues: $210.00
Expenses: $170.00
          Contribution for food and beer at Summer Convention: $70.00
          Half the cost of Suite at PSTUD: $100.00
Balance: $393.00
Demerit System Pool: $460.00

Bob Gale and Larry Hill still owe me dues for this year, please get this to me ASAP.  Bob owes $15 ($10 for dues and $5 for his one demerit last year) and Larry owes me $30 ($10 for dues and $20 for his league deposit).  Let's please take care of this pronto...

THE BIG "E" DIVISION

CLEVELAND EXPRESS
MVP For The Month-
Comments- None

DETROIT ROAD HOGS
MVP For The Month- Paul Pierce
Comments- Road Hog dribble... a disastorous 0-8 start for the piglets.  Closest game yet was a 93-84 loss to the defending champs West Chester.  Biggest rout was administered by Walnut Grove Gators, 99-64.  The good news is the play of rookie Paul Pierce.  He is averaging 22.8 ppg and 3.2 steals.  Rasheed Wallace is also playing well, 16.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, and 2.0 bpg.

HICKORY CRAWDADS
MVP For The Month- Gary Payton
Comments- Here is the skinny on the Hickory Crawdads: The Dads are off to a solid start at 6-1.  Good efforts against conference foe White Plains and the always pesky Gold Rush lead to wins.  Tough loss at the hands of the Cabin Boys, home cooking seemed evident to Coach Craw here.  Malone 5 offensive boards, no push offs there.  Free throw attempts 42-19 favor of Lake Grant.  Hope those same zebras visit Hickory (ed. note: why, maybe it wasn't home court advantage, maybe they just don't like Crawdads?).  Good all around effort as entire starting 5 are in double figures: Payton-21.1, Jones-14.6, Cliffy-15.6, Geiger-12.0, and David-20.0, plus 2 bench players Coles-10.0 and Thomas-11.8.  Payton is the surprise team leader, while not being the go to guy.  GP also averaging 10 APG, 5.0 RPG, and 2.4SPG.  Should be an eciting season for the fans in HICKORY!!!

MICHIGAN PANTHERS
MVP For The Month-
Comments- None

REDFORD HOUND DOGS
MVP For The Month-
Comments- None

RIDGEVILLE ROBBERS
MVP For The Month- Damon Stoudamire
Comments- Robbers play month one without Vin Baker.  Without an inside game, the going is tough.  Rumor has it that Vin doesnt even want the rock when he gets back (not getting rated).  Damon is playing his heart out and L. Hunter is trying to help out.  Being a new GM and tearing this team apart then moving it to Ridgeville where we will dwell in the cellar, is grounds to keep the office door locked at all times. "Hell, if I shot free throws like Vin (Baker), I wouldn't want the rock either".

THE PISTOL PETE DIVISION

AMBOY SPOTS
MVP For The Month- No one
Comments- We stink, again.  I can't believe I thought I was actually building something here.  Back to the drawing board.  The Spots can't rebound, shoot, or play defense.  And we make turnovers like popovers.  The coach will get fired before the season ends this year.  Rebuilding again?  No thanks.  By the way, the GM goes, too.

BOISE BRICKS
MVP For The Month-
Comments- None

NASHVILLE NIGHTHAWKS
MVP For The Month- The Trainer (so he can get Juwan healthy)
Comments- The Nighthawks go 0-5 at home and 0-5 on the road... the Hawks were really hurt by not having J. Howard for the month.  The team really struggles to score points and are not very good on the boards... getting Howard back will help alot but the team will have a long season...

SARATOGA SPRINGS THOROUGHBREDS
MVP For The Month-
Comments- None

WALNUT GROVE GATORS
MVP For The Month- Theo Ratliff and Nick Van Exel
Comments- Best month in team history for Walnut Grove (ed. note: since they've been moved to Walnut Grove anyway) as we hover near the top of the division and enjoy a 4-2 "road" month as well.  Season started in Nashville with Gators winning 95-82 as Steve Smith bombs in 33 and Gators front line "group of 5" play tough defense in new look for normally weakling club!  Off to White Plains for a dose of reality (some of the guys may have had a dose of something else the way they played) as the Drifters crushed us by 20, 86-66, as Gators shoot 31% and Iverson and Mutombo much too much.  Next up is Dayton and a 93-81 win as Nick bombs 20 including 4 of 6 from the far reaches and Ratliff hammers 10 boards.  Downtime again in Kentucky with another 31% shooting show spelling defeat and Steve Smith hobbled prior to the game and out the rest of the month at least - where will the offense come from?  Van Exel and Dee Brown answer the bell combining for 8 treys as we squeak by Cleveland, 100-93, as Nick outduels Stephon by adding 11 helpers.  The month closes with a visit to my old mentor Kenny Hand's place and the Walnutters roll over the Spots, 97-83, as Dee Brown shoots the lights out with 25, including 5 of 7 from never, never-land!  Bring on the playoffs!

WHITE PLAINS DRIFTERS
MVP For The Month- Dikembe Mutombo
Comments- The highlights of the month had to be the games at my first P-Stud:
Game 2- It wasn't pretty, but we prevailed vs. Honey Creek, 82-71.  White Plains did it with D, holfing the Flyers to 30 second half points.
Game 4- The Drifters were fired up for a little revenge for last year's championship loss to PJM's Cathedrals.  We spanked them 117-92.  Dikembe dominated the game with 20 points and 17 boards in 32 minutes, not to mention numerous finger wags.
Game 6- The Drifters gave the Boats a thorough bitch-slapping, 119-82.  Seven Drifters scored in double figures, but without question the most satisfying moment was watching Bebo throw his notebook at the wall after Bad Brad Miller sank a 90 foot heave to end the first half (ed. note: why does everyone seem to enjoy that so much?).

The Answer poured in 38 in a close win vs. Nashville.  The month's nadir was blowing an 18-point 4th quarter lead to lose on the final play vs. Cleveland.  All in all, a promising beginning.

THE BIG "O" DIVISION

CINCINNATI RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS
MVP For The Month- Terrell Brandon (since the Boats were undefeated with him in the line-up this month)
Comments- Cincinnati paddled their way to Indianapolis in November to participate in another APBA PSTUD.  The turnout was great and it was outstanding to see everyone again.  PSTUD, however, was a franchise fiasco as the Boats opened up the 99-00 campaign with 7 straight losses.  Lake K toyed with us in the opener, 93-85, as VC's inaugural effort of 27 points and 6 rebounds was overshadowed by Duncan's 37-14 domination.  It was back-to-back Prather's as Milton handled the Boats 100-91 in game # 2 despite VC's 30 spot.  Game # 3 was another disaster as a Zo-less Hound Dog squad punished us 94-76.  Michigan kept up the heat in a 117-80 shellacking, stopping VC to 21 points on 7-30 shooting.  I have no comment on Game # 5.  Da Bear made it four humiliations in a row, White Plains 119, Boats 82... 7 Drifters in double figures.  Cincinnati showed life against newly transfigured Bob Gale but let a 4th quarter lead evaporate, 92-87.  Game # 8 welcomed back Terrell Brandon and thanks to a 10-point 4th quarter defensive effort, we managed our 1st win of the year, 84-75, against Brevin Knight's (18 dimes) Honey Creek Flyers.  I will take on the Champs in a rare APBA double-header in games # 9 and # 10.

KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS
MVP For The Month-
Comments- None

LAKE GRANT CABIN BOYS
MVP For The Month- Tom Bodett (he left the light on)
Comments- The Cabin Boys begin 1999 with a lot of new faces and high hopes for the season.  Only Reggie Miller, Antoine Carr, and Tom Gugliotta remain from last year's squad.  Players acquired through offseason trades include Karl Malone, Vlade Divac, Tim Hardaway, Mark Jackson, Charles Oakley, Ty Corbin, Chris D..D..D..D..D..D(thwap!) Dudley, and George McCloud.  Jon Barry and Charles Jones come to the team through the 1999 draft.  Management feared that it might take some time for the team to gel (there's always time for gelling), but if November is any indication, they look to be a team that is playing together.  Lake Grant enjoyed a 7-0 opening month as they outscored their opponents by a 105-85 count during November.  Karl Malone led the way with a 23.6 scoring average.  He also led the squad in rebounding with 9.4 boards a game.  Hardaway and Jackson shared time at the point and both produced.  Hardaway dished out 9.6 assists a game and Jackson handed out 8.7 per game.  Miller and Gugs both averaged nearly 17 points per game as Reggie shot 44% from the 3-point arc.  Gugliotta averaged nearly 2 steals a game (1.9) to lead the team in that category.

Cabin Fever: Highlights/Lowlights for November
Game 1: Minnesota at Lake Grant- It was a sellout at AOL Arena as the Cabin Boys hosted Minnesota.  Young teenage girls made up a good portion of the crowd as they were on hand to see the AOL sponsored Back Street Boys concert after the game.  A near riot ensued after the game when the girls discovered that the group performing was not the Back Street Boys, but a group of prisoners from the Brown County Jail known as the Back Door Boys.  The situation was brought under control when Sheriff's deputies Tim Whyte, Garrett Wallace, and Buddy Moore promised the girls a tour of the Brown County facility.  As far as the game was concerned the Cabin Boys got out of the gate slowly, falling behind 23-20 after the opening quarter.  Lake Grant caught fire in the second quarter, hitting 13 of 17 shots.  Despite the red hot shooting, Lake Grant could not shake Minnesota as the first half ended with the Boys up 49-43.  Lake Grant stretched the lead to 10 heading into the final period.  Minnesota could not cut into the Lake Grant lead as the Boys held on for the 98-88 win.  Tim Hardaway garnered the AOL Teen Chat Player of the Game as he scored 20 points as well as dishing out 14 assists.
Game 2: West Chester at Lake Grant (F-T-F)- The Boys hosted the defending APBA champs and Steve Case spared no expense in helping to honor the Cathedrals.  Every West Chester player was presented with a Burger King crown by Lake Grant management as well as a free disk good for 250 free hours on AOL.  Lake Grant was once again slow out of the gate (it may have been the glare from the Cathedrals crowns that hurt their shooting) as they managed only 24 points to the Cathedrals 22 in the first quarter.  The Cabin Boys couldn't shake the West Chester team as the first half ended with the Boys leading 52-46.  Things fell apart (it's scientific) for the Cathedrals in the second half.  West Chester scored only 34 points in the second half as the Boys pulled away for the 114-80 victory.  Malone and Sprewell shared scoring honors with 34 points each.
Game 3: Ridgeville at Lake Grant- The Boys ended their three game homestand with a 113-85 win over Ridgeville.  Unlike their previous two games, Lake Grant got off to a hot start, leading 34-20 after one quarter and 61-46 at the half.  Ridgeville could never get untracked as the Boys coasted to the victory.  Malone and Miller combined for 50 points as Lake Grant shot 58% for the game.
Game 4: Lake Grant at Hickory- Lake Grant played their first game away from home as they traveled north to take on the Crawdads of Hickory.  The Dads went into the locker room at the half leading 50-46.  The Cabin Boys outscored Hickory 28-20 in the third quarter to take the 4 point lead heading into the final period.  Hickory couldn't get their offense untracked in the fourth as the Cabin Boys came away with the 98-90 win.  Payton led all scorers with 31 points.  Gugs and Malone combined for 49 to lead Lake Grant.
Game 5: Lake Grant at Kentucky- The Boys traveled down the interstate to visit Kentucky.  The Boys took advantage of the Head Hunters hacking (Lake Grant had 7 basket and foul opportunities) to take the 109-87 win.  The Kentucky custodial crew earned time and a half from having to wipe up the tears in front of the Head Hunters bench.  Malone led all scorers with 37 as the Boys outscored Kentucky from the foul line 34-20.
Game 6: Lake Grant at Nashville- Nashville shot 100% from the foul line as they hosted the Boys.  Unfortunately, they only took 4 attempts from the charity stripe.  Lake Grant led 55-35 at the half and never looked back in their 102-75 win.  Malone, Miller, and Gugs combined for 68 points to nearly outscore the Nashville squad by themselves.
Game 8: Dayton at Lake Grant- The Boys returned home after their successful road trip.  Both teams began the game shooting poorly as Lake Grant hit only 7 of 18 as Dayton shot 7 of 19 in the first quarter as the Boys found themselves on the short end of a 23-19 score.  Both teams shot better than 50% in the second quarter as Dayton extended their lead to 7, 50-43.  Lake Grant caught fire in the third period, hitting on 12 of 17 shots from the floor to help them take a 70-69 lead heading into the final quarter.  The difference in the game came at the foul lane as Lake Grant outscored Dayton 15-1 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter as the Boys came away with the 102-89 victory.

MILTON LAKERS
MVP For The Month- Kobe Bryant
Comments- Kobe leads the Lakers to a surprising November start of 4-2, en route to leading the league in scoring at a 28.1 clip, while also leading the team in APG at 2.9.  Jerome "Lane" Williams leads the team in rebounding at 7.6 per game, and Shandon Anderson is shooting a blazing 47% from trifecta land.  Although the team is performing well out of the gate, they are more excited about the future, with the team filled with youth and potential.  With the return of Anthony Mason next season, the Lakers could be ready to climb right back to the top and contend for the title.

In-Yo-Face Games of the Month:
Game #2: Milton 100 Cincinnati 91- A good ole fashion prance back to the woodshed for Bebo, where Kobe led the way with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 set-ups.  Ho Grant added 20 and Shandon was perfect (3-3 FGs, 1-1 3-balls, 5-5 FTs).  Vince Carter, the upstart young punk out of the Nati, led all scorers with 30.
Game #9: Milton 92 Kentucky 88- Kobe faced some doubles, but still managed to get 21 and 9 boards in a classic defensive struggle between two tough teams.  The notoriously awesome Laker defense prevailed, showing new Big O rival Kentucky that the Lakers will not be pushed around, despite the youth and inexperience on the ball club.  Ho Grant added another decent performance with 16 points and 9 glass cleaners, and "jack-of-all-trades" Greg Anthony almost got a point a minute with 15 off the bench.  Nobody looked particularly good for Kentucky, but Ron Harper, two-time ex-Laker, led the team with 17.
Game #10: Southern Ohio 102 Milton 80- The double team on Kobe worked this time as he only managed 11 points and had 8 turn-overs against powerhouse Southern Ohio in the blowout loss.  Ho Grant couldn't hit an open jumper to save his ass (as he was provided many of them due to the double on Kobe), and ended 3-14 from the floor.  5 Storm players got in double digits, but Scottie Pippen (Laker favorite, and all-time Milton leader in just about every damn category) looked the best with 19 points, 4 boards, and 4 dishes.

SOUTHERN OHIO STORM
MVP For The Month- Scottie Pippen
Comments- Game 1: Southern Ohio 108 Wisconsin 90- The Storm opened up the 1999-00 APBA season with a FTF PSTUD contest.  The Storm controlled the game from the outset going into the half with a 7 point lead.  S.O. put the nail in the coffin with in the final quarter outscoring the Owls, 28-17.  Shaq led the balanced Storm attack with 22 points.  Pippen and Ewing added 19 and 18 each.
Game 2: Southern Ohio 110 Kentucky 109- Shaquille O'Neal's bucket at the buzzer gave the Storm the win.  Some say this was a must win game for Kentucky in order to stay in the Big O race.  The HeadHunters led at end of the first quarter (33-24) behind Toni Kukoc's 12 points.  The Storm bounced back to take a two point lead at the half, 55-53.  The HeadHunters rallied, owning a one point lead with 8 ticks left on the clock when they got a dose of Fu(!) at the buzzer.
Game 3: Hickory at Southern Ohio- To be played FTF.
Game 4: Southern Ohio 101 Detroit 90- The Storm were in control throughout this contest.  A RoadHog rally in the final period cut into a 81-63 Storm lead at the end of the third quarter.  Charlie Ward led the Storm with 20 points and 5 steals.  Strickland added 19 points and 9 assist.  Rookie Paul Pierce led Detroit with 26.
Game 5: Southern Ohio 91 Cincinnati 59- Its sad to see when a franchise that was once one of the up and coming in APBA hit rock bottom so soon.  Judging talent is such a specialized craft that one mistake can cost years.  Cincinnati was held to 33% shooting in what would be considered the biggest blowout in this rivalry.  The Boats also struggled from the line hitting only 17 of 30.  Scottie Pippen led the Storm with 20 points including 8 of 9 from the field.  Vince Carter led Cincinnati with 20 points but his 8 of 20 shooting frustrated teammates.
Game 6: Southern Ohio 92 Boise 68- Defense once again was the name of the Storm game as Boise managed to shoot only 38% from the field.  Shaq led the Storm with 19 points and 9 boards.  Rod Strickland added 12 assist despite his horrible cardboard.  Boise was led by hotshot rookie Jason Williams with 20 points.
Game 7: Southern Ohio 106 Honeycreek 74- Another PSTUD FTF contest, the Flyers actually shocked the Storm with a 30-22 first quarter lead.  The Storm put this contest away in the second half outscoring Honey Creek, 63-29.  O'Neal led the Storm with 48 points and 8 rebounds.
Game 8: Southern Ohio 97 Wisconsin 81- The Storm completed the PSTUD sweep of the Owls, 97-81.  Shaq led the way with 29 points and 9 boards.  Ewing also added 18 points and 9 boards.  Ray Allen led Wisconsin with 20.
Game 9: Lake Grant at Southern Ohio- To be played FTF.
Game 10: Southern Ohio 102 Milton 80- The Lakers found out life in the Big O isn't all its cracked up to be.  Five Storm scored in double figures led by Shaq and former Laker Scottie Pippen with 19.  Kobe and Anderson led Milton with 11 points each.

WEST CHESTER CATHEDRALS
MVP For The Month- Michael Jordan (He's inactive, but still playing better than anyone else on the team)
Comments- Monthly wins include a big F-T-F win against Rick's Lake K at PSTUD.  A win over Detroit at home and road win against Amboy.  Losses include White Plains in a match up of last years finals, 2 to Southern Ohio, and a number of other teams better than mine.

THE SKY HOOK DIVISION

CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH
MVP For The Month-
Comments- The Gold Rush rebuilding project did not last very long as the acquisitions of Shawn Kemp, Allan Houston, and Mookie Blaylock have allowed the Gold Rush to get Grant Hill the best team he has around him since the Gold Rush came in to existince.  Gold Rush faithful had the 47th consecutive sellout of the Gold Mine and are expecting huge things from this club as they were reassigned back to the Sky Hook division for this year after their innagural year in 95.  This year's team has gotten huge play from Kemp and Hill to get them to 7-2 after the first month.  It was the 2nd most productive month in team history.  California announced its new announcers before the game as Jon Sunvold and Dr. Jack Ramsey have taken over for Jim Durham and Reggie Theus after the move to the new arena.  Coach Larry Bird expected the new arena to be a real home court advantage like the other super powers in the league have.  A full report on P-Stud will follow next month.  Here are Dr. Jack Ramsey's stats for the month:

PPG- Shawn Kemp 21.0, Grant Hill 20.8, Mookie Blaylock 14.4
RPG- Shawn Kemp 9.0, Grant Hill 7.1, Olden Polynice 6.2
APG- Mookie Blaylock 5.4, Grant Hill 5.1, Steve Nash 2.4
SPG- Grant Hill 2.1, George Lynch 1.9, Mookie Blaylock 1.9
3%- Allen Houston 38%, Steve Nash 34%, Dirk Nowitzki 33%

DAYTON DYNAMITE
MVP For The Month- Darrell Armstrong (averaged over 20 ppg while handing out 7 apg)
Comments- Dayton holds their own in a difficult month, with only Boise to provide a break against contenders Lake Grant, Wisconsin, California, and Walnut Grove.  The highlight of the month was home and away victories vs. divisional rival Wisconsin.  The Dynamite played fairly well against Lake Grant and California and then characteristically faded when push came to shove in the 4th.  Loss to California was particularly galling, as the Dynamite played great and led by 7 after 3 quarters, then couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in the 4th and handed the game to the Gold Rush.

HONEY CREEK FLYERS
MVP For The Month- Brevin Knight
Comments- The Flyer's Coach, Jim Walsh, may have had a great time attending his 2nd consecutive PSTUD, but the team didn't enjoy themselves nearly as much, dropping every November game played there.  Kentucky held Honey Creek to just 64 points.  A game that was close all the way, went in favor of the Headhunters when the Flyers scored just 9 in the 4th quarter.  The Flyers regularly jumped out to early leads, then stayed close to their opponents, only to falter late in the game.  A serious depth problem plagues the team.  There is no go-to guy, and the only players scoring 20+ were Dan Majerle (20) and Vinny Del Negro (21).  Marjele went on his scoring binge aided by his 3's, while Del Negro was simply the beneficiary of PG Knight's 18 assists.  The lone Honey Creek win came in a game Coach Walsh wasn't around to witness.  Ridgeville's 32% shooting (4-28 from the 3!) guided them to a 78-65 loss.  Sam Mitchell starred for Honey Creek, hitting 7 of 7 from the floor and ending with 19 points.  Opponent of the month goes to Shaq-Fu.  Hitting on 21 of 29 from the floor, and even making 6 of 11 free throws, the big guy scored 48, while playing only 31 minutes.
Interesting Statistics for November:
Overall FG% = .442
2pt = .484
3pt = .314
Outside = .590
Inside = .506
Penetrate = .338

LAKE KOSHKONONG STROH'S PATROL
MVP For The Month- Tim "Double-Double" Duncan (7 of 9 games = double double; 27.0 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 BPG (in Nov. only)
Comments- Day 1: Lake K 93 Cincinnati 85 (FTF)- This was a battle between young stars as Duncan was a little too much for Cincy's Carter.  Duncan went for 37 points and 14 rebounds while Carter led Cincy with 27 points.  P. Hardaway stuck with the crazy 8's getting 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.  Cincy was ice cold from the field, shooting just 36% overall and 19% from downtown.  Lake K enjoyed a 38-18 advantage in FT attempts which was the difference in the game.  Bebo was just warming up at this point at P-STUD and not too much was tossed around the room or crushed against the floor (ed. note: maybe Bebo expected to lose to the Stroh's Patrol, like he usually does, but not the weak Big O opponents???).  That would come later into the night... while the Bear was snorring up a storm and sawing some heavy lumber in the bedroom.
Day 2: Amboy 102 Lake K 90 (Road)- Lake K trailed almost the entire way in this road match up.  Duncan led the Patrol with his usual double double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, both team highs.  Amboy only had three players scoring in double figures led by Billups' 20 points.  But all 12 players played for Amboy and all scored at least 4 points in a true "team" effort.  The biggest difference in team stats was Amboy's 52% FG shooting to Lake K's 38%.  The rest of the team stats were very even.
Day 3: Wisconsin 102 Lake K 99 (FTF)- This was one that Lake K almost stole after being dominated for 46 minutes.  Down by ten with two minutes left, lake K made an almost miracle comeback as Bob sat helpless against the onslaught.  Unfortunately, we took too long to decide to come to the table and it was too little too late.  We did get a look at the tying three at the buzzer but it rimmed out off the hands of Penny.  Duncan struggled from the field with a capital S, shooting 8 of 23, but still led the team in scoring (23), rebounds (8), blocks (6), and was one off the team high in assists dishing out 5 dimes.  Plus he didn't hurt us in any other area as he committed only 1 foul and no turnovers.  It was just way too much Sir Charles as he poured in 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds with 5 assists of his own.  5's were wild for Outlaw with 5 offensive rebounds, 5 defensive rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 fouls.
Day 4: Ridgeville 94 Lake K 90 (Road)- An extremely close game almost the entire way.  Lake K ran out of gas in the end against Ridgeville's home court advantage.  The game was tied after the first period, and Lake K outscored Ridgeville by one point in the second and third periods, but Ridgeville outscored us by six in the final period when the game was on the line.  Duncan did all he could to single handedly keep us in the game with 33 points and 15 rebounds.  Only two other players scored in double figures at only 13 and 10.  Stoudamire paced Ridgeville with 25 points with most of those coming in the first half.  But others stepped it up in the second half to put Ridgeville over the top including Dennis Scott's 4 of 4 from downtown against a "close" defense.  Lake K dominated the boards but committed 19 turnovers to only 10 for Ridgeville.
Day 5: Lake K 96 Minnesota 87 (Home)- Lake K wins their only home matchup of the month as Duncan once again leads the team in scoring (25 points and 8 rebounds), but did not quite reach the double double.  P. Hardaway also had a nice game with 17 points and 9 assists.  Terry Davis led Minnesota with 16 points in 16 minutes.  After the game, Minnesota head coach and general manager, Mark Lentz, had this to say, "Fun game.  Excellent matchup.  Your extra FT's were the difference.  I think it was tied at half.  You got out to an 11 point lead in the 3rd quarter, then I switched to a FB offense and quickly got the score back to even.  Game was still up for grabs in 4th, until I lost KG with his 6th foul.  Couldn't get those buckets I needed.  Press failed getting Blizz any TO's.  You were the first one to DT KG.  Forced me to spread my offense around a bit and saw Terry Davis lead us in scoring.  Even Minor and Keon scored some extra points thanks to being open.  I look forward to a rematch."
Day 6: Lake K 86 Minnesota 80 (Road)- And a rematch you shall have, but once again the results are the same with the Patrol on top by a slim margin.  Minnesota controlled the first period, though, and led by eight after one.  But then both teams struggled to score in the second as Lake K outscored Minnesota 16-12 in that period.  Lake K made their run in the third outscoring Minnesota by 10, and kept even with them in the fourth to win by 6.  Another huge game for Duncan with 32 points and 12 rebounds plus 5 blocks.  Garnett was not doubled as much this time so he went on to lead the team in scoring with 22 points.  This time Terry Davis only got 2 points in 16 minutes without being left open.  Again it was the FT difference that won the game as Lake K almost doubled Minnesota's FT attempts 41 to 21, but only made six more 25 to 19 which was the scoring difference in the game.
Day 7: Lake K 86 Kentucky 79 (FTF)- Only one player showed up for Kentucky this game and that was Snow.  He had a team high 24 points on 9 of 11 FG's and 6 of 7 FT's (and one of his two misses was his only 3 point attempt).  Kukoc and Smits were a combined 10 of 26 from the field, and the Dream was living a nightmare with 5 points on 2 of 9 shooting in just 18 minutes as he fouled out.  "Double Double" Duncan was almost Triple Double Duncan in this one with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 blocks, all game highs.  And this came despite 8 of 21 FG's.  If he just had the inside column he got as a rookie, he would easily be the MVP of the league (Ed. note: if he shot 55% from the floor instead of 49%, he might get that inside card again).  Kentucky could have won the game with just an average game from three point land.  They shot 1 of 12 from behind the arc.  4 of 12 would have been the difference.  Again Lake K got the benefit of the refs calls going to the line 30 times while Kentucky managed only 13 trips to the line.
Day 8: Milton at Lake K- To Be Played FTF in January
Day 9: Michigan 97 Lake K 77 (Road)- Lake K took an old fashioned ass kicking in this road affair.  Michigan outscored us in every period and totally dominated the game.  The only bright spot for Lake K was Duncan's usual double double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, but it came on 6 of 18 FG's and 6 of 14 FT's (ouch!).  Meanwhile McDyess was dominate despite foul trouble and 1 of 8 foul shooting (he must have had Shaq-Fu-itis) with 23 points and 14 rebounds plus 4 steals.  Kidd just missed a triple double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, plus 5 steals.  Lake K shot a dismal 38% from the field despite 60% from three land (I should have taken all three's at that rate).  We also got dominated on the boards and only got 4 steals to Michigan's 15 steals (Kidd had more than my team alone and McDyess equaled my total).
Day 10: Lake K 92 Honey Creek 69 (FTF)- Honey Creek only scores 29 points in the first half (and then gets 24 in the third).  This was blow out city from the start.  Another double double for you know who.  26 points and 12 rebounds.  The other common theme of the month was foul shooting as Lake K goes to the line 22 times hitting 18 of them while Honey Creek was an embarrassing 4 of 8 from the line.

MINNESOTA BLIZZARD
MVP For The Month- Kevin Garnett
Comments- So far not too bad.  Kevin Garnett is our player of the month as he has been our only reliable offensive source.  He is scoring at a rate (23 ppg) that is nearly double his closest teammate.  John Stockton has been a wonderful influence on the offense.  Much more comforting having the keys in his hand compared to Derek Fisher.  Speaking of Fisher, he appears to be learning from the veteran as his play has been inspired so far.  Brian Grant has been handling the grunt work inside.  The team seems to be that, "a team".  So far the Blizzard are out-rebounding and out-shooting the opponent.  We have been able to hold our opponents so far under a 90 point average.  The big problem is fouls.  We have been giving up too many freebies and that has been the difference in two particualr games- both vs. rival Lake K.  The Blizz got a nice win vs. that one-year wonder from the Big O, West Chester.

WISCONSIN NIGHT OWLS
MVP For The Month- Charles Barkley
Comments- Wisconsin entered the season touted as the best team in the league, but quickly surrendered that honor with a 2-6 performance at PSTUD in Indianapolis.  The Night Owls were paddled twice by Southern Ohio in Indy, and also suffered losses at the hands of Lake K, California, White Plains, and Lake Grant.  Wins were registered vs. Lake K and lowly Cincinnati.  Commander Gale and Bebo may have worked out the parameters of a major deal to be announced at season's end during the latter Night Owl victory.  The killer game came in the loss to Lake Grant.  Tied 115-115 in the waning seconds, Greg Ostertag coughed up the ball as Wisconsin set up for a game-winning shot, and the Night Owls fouled Vlade Divac.  With virtually no time remaining, Divac missed his first free throw, but nailed the second to hoist the Cabin Boys to a dramatic 1-point victory over the stunned Night Owls.

Shaquille O'Neal is looking to roll the Storm all the way to the show!