Welcome to the fifth issue of volume one of Swish, a weekly periodical with recaps and photos of Santa Monica YMCA youth basketball games, and other pertinent info such as standings, schedules, announcements, and updates from the program.

Statistics

This season, we are keeping limited statistics for the games.  Our most important concern is the score, and we do our best to keep track of who scored a field goal(a basket), who has foul shots and made a free throw, and who committed the foul.

Since we are not posting box scores this season, now is your opportunity to give it a try, or at least keep track of your child’s stats.

Here are some statistics for youth basketball that I have kept in the past:

FG-Field Goal:  Essentially a basket or bucket made during the game when the clock is running.  It can be a three-pointer or a two-pointer, but not a free throw.

3S-3 point shots:  When a player attempts a three-point shot, this stat will say 0 if no attempts were made, but if at least one attempt, then the first number is how many 3 point shots made, and the second number is attempts.  For example, if a player made 2 out of 4 three-point shots, then this stat would be 2-4. 

FT-free throws:  If a player gets fouled in the act of shooting, that player will receive two free throws if shooting a 2 pointer, three free throws for being fouled while shooting a 3 pointer.  If the player makes the basket and is fouled when shooting, then the basket counts, and the player receives one free throw, or as known in basketball lingo “And 1”.  This stat will say 0 if no attempts were made, but if at least one attempt, then first number is how many free throws made, and second number is attempts.  For example, if a player made 1 out of 2 free throws, then this stat would be 1-2.

It should be noted that free throws are shot at halftime and at the end of regulation, thus to allow for more live action playing time for the kids, since we use a running clock during the games.

R-rebounds:  every missed shot has a rebound, even if the ball doesn’t hit the rim, or the ball hits the basket and goes out of bounds.  If no defensive player caught or grabbed the rebound, and the ball went out of bounds after the shot, then the defensive player closest to the ball when it went out of bounds, will receive credit for the rebound.  If the shot is short and doesn’t hit the basket, then whoever caught the ball, gets the rebound.  If two opponents both grab the rebound simultaneously and the referee calls a jump ball, then whichever team is awarded the jump ball, then that player gets credit for the rebound.

A-assists:  if a player passes the ball to a teammate, and that teammate catches and shoots the ball, and makes a field goal, then the player who made the pass receives an assist.  Please keep in mind that in youth basketball, a player only gets credit for the assist, if the teammate receiving the pass does not put the ball on the floor before making the shot.  

S or ST-steals:  if a defensive player is able to take the ball away from the offensive player and gain possession, that player gets credit for a steal.  A steal can also be an intercepted pass by the defensive player.  If two opponents both have their hands on the ball, and a jump ball is called and awarded to the defensive team, the defensive player gets credit for a steal.

B-blocks:  if a defensive player is able to put a hand or arm on the ball of an attempted shot, and thus not allowing it to be a made basket, then that player gets credit for a block

PF or F-personal fouls or fouls:  this stat is for when the referee calls a player for a foul.  If a player receives 5 fouls in a game, then he has fouled out or is disqualified, and can not return to live action in the game, but can shoot post-game free throws if awarded during the course of the match.

PTS-points:  this is the total number of points that a player scored when you add the sum of all 3 point field goals, 2 point field goals, and free throws.

Here’s a box score, of my Rookie team from last spring, that was done by former YMCA youth basketball director Pete Arbogast, who is the expert on keeping youth basketball stats:

Best thing to do, if you want to keep track of your child’s stats, is to have a pen and scratch paper, and simply write down the initial as it happens on the scratch paper, then add it all up later.  Use your own system if you wish.  Your child will appreciate it, and probably will correct your interpretation.

Keeping stats is something that you can share with your child, and even try out when watching games on television.  Kids learn valuable lessons in math and analytics by keeping stats.  My oldest son is a graduate in statistics and business from Cal-Berkeley, and works as an analyst for healthcare providers, and where did he get that love of stats from? The answer is from when he played YMCA youth basketball and watched the Lakers in the days of Kobe and Shaq, and kept track of all their stats.  Remember, enjoy the game!

Rookies

Note to the parents:  please make sure to arrive early to your child’s game.  I was one of the referees for all the Rookie games last Saturday, and some of the teams almost had to forfeit because they didn’t have enough players only minutes before the start of their game.  Don’t give your coach a heart attack, get there early, in order to warm up before the game, and also to allow your coach to set his lineup of players.

Hawks vs Swans:  The game started off scoreless in the 1st quarter with tough defense by both sides and ended 2-2 at the half.  The 2nd half, however, went the way of the Hawks.  Overall for the Swans, Jonathan Watson played a very active game with 6 steals, a few rebounds, a basket, and a foul shot for 3 of the teams total 5 points.   Jaxton Moore had a few rebounds, a steal, and a basket.  Brandon Israels had 3 steals, 2 rebounds, and a blocked shot.  Tristan Hayes had a few steals and 7 rebounds.  Oguz Aghaya and Lara Masood both chipped in with Rebounds.   Max Enenstein had a rebound and the assist to Jaxton…Max also was playing great defense often effectively guarding guys much larger than himself.
In the end, the Hawks standout Amire Enayati was smothering and ended up being too much for the Swans totaling 9 steals and 8 points for his team.  Kingston Andes was also very active with several rebounds, steals, and chipped in with a basket in the 3rd quarter.   Final score 10-5 for the Hawks win…the Swans hope to get a win next week to turn the tide.  Submitted by Coach Holden Hayes

CROWS EDGE TIGERS — October 27th. In what may turn out to be one of the closest regular-season contests of the season, the Crows came out on top by only 1 basket! The final score was 14-12, and the Tigers had several incredible, driven players who impressed everyone watching the game. In the end, the Crows benefited from the creativity of Dylan Kravitz (2 points, 2 steals, 7 rebounds), the coordinated defense of Richard Haro and Benjamin Saunders (1 rebound each), plus Player of the Game, Veronica Machala with 8 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals–MVP chants from the Crows’ section continue to ka-kaw louder and louder for their starting center. What a game!  Submitted by Coach Pete Harris

Cats vs. Bulldogs – Cats fans lined the bench at the Santa Monica YMCA on Saturday where the resilient and gritty 5 team members played the entire game, no subs, against the Bulldogs.  The Bulldogs topped the Cats, 12-7.  Four of the Cats 5 players scored, starting with Elle Guggenheim (#0) who buried a jump shot from an assist from point guard Tara Gohill (#3).  Alden Wong (#2) was fouled while in the key and ultimately sank 2 free-throw shots during half time.  After the half, towards the bottom of the 3rd quarter, Rowan Woodruff (#21) broke away from his defender, landing a 4-footer. To close out the game, Gohill converted 1 of 2 free-throws.  The tremendous defense by Sienna Shickler (#8) helped ensure the end-game spread wasn’t larger.  The Cats team will be out in full-force this Sunday against the Tigers.  We’re looking forward to seeing you there.  Submitted by Brian Wong

Hawks versus Swans – The Hawks matched up against the Swans for the first time since the opening scrimmage of the Fall Season.  Looking to build upon the lessons learned in last weekend’s games; the Hawks focused on rebounding and defense until the shots started to fall.  Amir Enayati earned Player of the Game honors with 8 points, 9 steals, and 5 rebounds.  Kingston Andes brought another solid performance adding 2 points, 6 steals, and 8 rebounds. Juney Jones brought her defensive talents to the match and picked up another steal to add to her season total.  David Casparian collected 2 rebounds and a steal to help his team.  Diego Gonzalez pitched in as well with 1 rebound.
Devon Shao and Regan Shao also played well for the Hawks to help secure the team’s first victory of the season.  Submitted by Coach Charles Ellinwood

Our Bulldogs were hoping to end the first part of the season with a perfect 5-0 record, but the Cats were a tough challenge.  Fortunately, we had great balance in our scoring as Bella Kariger hit 2 buckets and Noah Levy, Vitalina Moncher, Brendan Still, and Conor Duncan each hit a bucket to lead us to a 12-7 win.  As usual, we stressed defense and the feisty Bulldogs got plenty of steals and rebounds.  We have been giving up only 2-3 baskets per game and if that continues, we will be tough to beat.  All 10 Bulldogs have been improving weekly on offense and defense, so I feel good about our next 4 games.  Submitted by Coach Rick Moncher

Bantams

No submissions of game summaries or photos were received.

Minors

I think it’s safe to say that the Eagles finally found their wings this weekend facing off against the valiant Falcons.  With solid ball movement, unselfish play and good communication on defense, the Eagles embraced the concept of  “team basketball” and put on quite a show.  The Falcons played hard and fought to the end, but the Eagles’ “pass first” offense and ability to finish at the rim would have been tough for anyone.  Almost every bucket came off of an assist and most possessions saw multiple passes prior to a shot.  Travis Waters and Aayan Lahkani passed the rock exceptionally well, while Darien Jones and Atobek Nasimov were happy to get open and play the role of “catch and shoot”.  Daara Shafipour and Oliver Ghiassi are also developing a nice synergy to consistently producing on offense.  Nice win, Eagles.  Submitted by Coach Michael Jones-Morales

The Bills fell to the Giants on Sunday.  The Bills had trouble matching up defensively.  When beaten off the dribble, they weren’t providing help defense or boxing out for rebounds.  On offense, the Bills struggled to pass the ball to open players.  Too many possessions ended with bad shots or turnovers.  Only one player on the Bills had two field goals: Weston Keslow, who finished with 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist.  Priya Mevasse had a field goal and played strong defense, with 2 steals, 2 rebounds, and 1 blocked shot.  Eddie Stein also played well, hitting a jumper and grabbing 4 boards.  Hunter Esposito-Doi, Grey Broderick, and Emilia Wachtel each had one basket.  The Bills were fouled 6 times, but shot just 3 of 12 from the line.  The Bills need to put this one behind them and play more as a team next weekend.  Submitted by Coach Jonathan Wray

Sunday, the Vikings put together perhaps their best all-around game thus far, exhibiting improved teamwork on both sides of the ball, en route to a 23-19 loss. They trailed early in both halves, but clawed back both times on the strength of their defensive focus and intensity, and their “share the ball” offensive mentality. The outcome was not decided until the final seconds, when the Vikings eventually had no answer for the Bears’ supreme outside shooting. Vikings player highlights: Kayra Sanar hustled hard on defense, flying against walls and into the stands after the ball. Rowan Booher played strong interior and perimeter defense, fighting for the ball in the paint and contesting the sweet-shooting Bears’ jump shots. Leo Mooney shouldered much of the ball-handling duties, expertly deciding when to go for his own shot and when to distribute. Max Hinton wowed the crowd by hitting all net on a deep jumper.  Submitted by Coach Shannon Booher

Majors

With a much greater size and depth than our Packers, we were just hoping to stay somewhat competitive; especially after the Broncos won their previous game by 40 points. They then took the opening tip and hit a 3 a few seconds later to add to our anxiety.  Fortunately, Timosha Moncher immediately answered with a 3 and that is how the first quarter played out – buckets and buckets by both sides leading to a high-octane 16-16 score at the end of the first.  Bruno Picazo, Dom Kajota, and Timosha all hit 3’s in that first to keep us close, as those three combined for our 16 points.  The Broncos have a lot of talent and are well-coached, so we changed our usual nonstop press strategy to avoid getting burned with good passing and we were still able to keep the score close throughout.
When we took a lead into the half, our players were fired up and ready for battle.  Although we played well in the third, the Broncos were hot and took a lead into the fourth.  Our top players and their top players played the entire game, but after the third quarter break, we could see their top boys were tiring and looking frustrated that we were hanging with them, so we decided now was the time to full-court press.  Timosha and Dom were relentless in pursuit and Sam Rubin played a fantastic game on both ends of the floor.  We kept the pace fast and furious throughout the fourth, causing forced and unforced turnovers by the Broncos.  Once we got the lead back, our leaders pressed even harder to keep it.  We would outscore them 13-2 in the 4th to win 46-42.
Timosha had a game high 17; hitting everything from 3’s to running floaters in the paint over the taller Broncos.  Sam added 12 and played great while having the unenviable task of trying to contain Ben Dreifort.  Dom hit for 8 and was running as hard in the 4th as in the 1st.  Bruno had 9 huge points.  Lukas Greblikas, Ben Farzam, and Joe Farzam played their best games of the year; helping out with key rebounds and steals and setting screens for our shooters.  There was nothing in our first 3 games to lead me to think we would stay within 20 points of this team, so this was certainly the most stunning victory in my many years in the league.  To say we played our best would be an understatement, as the entire team played near flawless basketball for the full 32 minutes.  Submitted by Coach Rick Moncher

Just 24 hours after our stunning win over the Broncos, we would play the Dolphins – who lost by 40 points to those Broncos the week before.  Just which Packer team would show up was the question – the flawless team that upset the Broncos or the team that showed plenty of flaws in previous games.  It ended up somewhere in-between, as we didn’t shoot as well as the day before and we didn’t play anywhere near the quality of defense as the day before, but we did escape with a 53-45 victory.
The game was a back-and-forth affair until the 4th.  We knew Evan Daghighian was going to be pumping 3’s for them, but our defenders were too kind in giving him room to shoot. He would hit an incredible five consecutive 3’s over the first three quarters to keep them in the game.  Sam Rubin had a monster game with 23 points and plenty of steals and rebounds.  Dom Kajota and Timosha Moncher had their usual busy stats with points-steals-rebounds, but it was the added offense from Xavier Echiribel (4 points) and Lukas Greblikas (5 points) that made the difference.  Submitted by Coach Rick Moncher

The Rams suffered their first defeat during an intense game last Sunday evening.  After taking an early lead, the halftime score was a 1 or 2 point game at halftime.  The second half was a defensive battle, with the Colts making more shots down the stretch than the Rams.  After free throws, the final was 31-28.  The Rams were lead by Griffin Pine with 17 points.  Do everything Sebastian Ramirez had 2 points, 7 steals, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.  Shawn Sikder made a key shot down the stretch, while Guy Carter’s hustle aided in 5 very important rebounds.  Submitted by Coach Brent Stoll

This Week’s Profile:

Each week, Swish has a profile of a coach, player, or someone in the program who inspires all of us involved in Santa Monica YMCA basketball.

This week’s profile is of Santa Monica YMCA player, Timosha Moncher who is not only a great basketball player, but also a championship judo athlete.  I had the opportunity to ask him some questions, and I also requested that his father Rick, who is an accomplished basketball coach with the YMCA, ask him questions as well.

DocDrew: “What do you enjoy most about playing youth basketball in the Santa Monica YMCA league?”
Timosha:  “I love playing basketball – anywhere, anytime.  I play a lot of sports, but basketball is my favorite.  It is fun to play with and against my friends at the Y.”

DocDrew:   “What is your most memorable moment throughout your YMCA basketball career?”
Timosha:  “We had a huge upset this weekend when we beat the Broncos and everyone on our team was so happy.  That was pretty awesome, but my best moment was when I hit a game-winning 3-point buzzer-beater about 2 years ago. We had a time-out with 5 seconds left and my Dad (coach) made-up a play to get me the ball.  Me and my friends always practice crazy buzzer-beaters at the Y, but you never think it will actually happen.  I caught it, turned to shoot it, and it swished through.  Here is some cell phone video of the shot from a parent of one of my teammates:”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=SQC1f5X-N1Q&feature=youtu.be.

Coach Rick:  “This is your 16th season in the league and you hold numerous records.  Which do you value the most?”
Timosha:  “I always liked getting steals.  When I started playing at the Y, I couldn’t shoot or dribble, but I was pretty fast and strong and I would always get steals and rebounds to help my team.  Although I own the records for steals in a career and in one game (19), I would love to get another game-winning buzzer-beater.  I was also the youngest ever in Minors and Majors (8), but playing against much bigger, better, and older players helped me improve faster.”

DocDrew:  “Who is your favorite player and why?”
Timosha:  “It used to be Steph Curry because of all the great shots he could make, but now my favorite is the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo.  He can do everything on the court and is a really cool guy off the court.”

Coach Rick:  “You are also known for your accomplishments in judo.  What are some of your biggest victories?
Timosha”  “I have won 5 National Championships, 3 State championships, and the gold medal in the Junior Olympics in judo last year, but I still like basketball more.

I can remember Timosha shooting hoops at a young age on the playground of St. Monica’s when his sister Vitalina was a classmate of my son in TK, and as we were waiting for class to start, Timosha would be sinking buckets on the big hoop.  I could tell right away, that he was something special, even at a young age.  Timosha is a great role model for his teammates, and all those that play youth basketball at the YMCA.  He shows that with determination, passion, and drive, you can achieve success and enjoy whatever you are doing.  Thanks Timosha!

Scores

Saturday October 27th

Rookies:  

Crows 14, Tigers 12

Cats 7, Bulldogs 12

Hawks 10, Swans 5

Bantams:  

Broncos 9, Rams 20

Jets 12, Buccaneers 11

Minors:  

No games scheduled

Majors:  

Broncos 42, Packers 46

Panthers 43, Colts 57

Raiders 37, Ravens 28

Sunday, October 28th

Rookies:  

No games scheduled

Bantams:  

Steelers 11, Packers 18

Rams 13, Jets 14

Minors:  

Bears 23, Vikings 19

Seahawks 22, Chiefs 28

Giants 38, Bills 18

Falcons 23, Eagles 42

Majors:  

Dolphins 45, Packers 53

Rams 27, Colts 31

Standings:  

Teams are awarded 5 points for a win, 3 points for a tie, 1 point for a loss, 0 points for a forfeit.  Tournament games have a greater point value.  Teams are listed in their place in the standings with W-L-T and team points

Rookies:  

Bulldogs 5-0-0, 25 points

Crows 3-2-0 17 points *Crows beat Tigers head to head

Tigers 3-2-0,  17 points

Cats 2-3-0, 13 points

Hawks 1-4-0, 9 points *Hawks beat Swans head to head

Swans 1-4-0, 9 points

Bantams:  

Titans  4-1-0, 21 points

Packers 3-1-1, 19 points

Broncos 3-1-0, 16 points

Rams 2-2-1, 15 points

Jets 2-4-0, 14 points *Jets beat Bucs head to head

Buccaneers 2-4-0, 14 points

Bengals 2-2-0, 12 points

Steelers 1-4-0, 9 points

Minors:  

Chiefs 4-0-0, 20 points

Eagles 3-1-0, 16 points

Giants 3-1-0, 16 points

Bills 2-2-0, 12 points

Seahawks 2-2-0, 12 points

Bears 1-3-0 8 points *Bears beat Vikings head to head

Vikings 1-3-0, 8 points

Falcons 0-4-0, 4 points

Majors:  

Colts 5-0-0, 25 points

Packers 4-1-0, 21 points

Rams 4-1-0, 21 points

Broncos 3-2-0, 17 points

Raiders 2-3-0, 13 points

Dolphins 1-4-0, 9 points

Ravens 1-4-0, 9 points

Panthers 0-5-0, 5 points

Upcoming Schedule

All games are played in the gymnasium of the Santa Monica YMCA

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2018
WINTER LEAGUE REGISTRATION OPENS IN PERSON AND ONLINE AT YMCASM.ORG FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2018
BANTAM LEAGUE
10:30 AM JETS VS TITANS
11:40 AM RAMS VS BENGALS

MINOR LEAGUE
12:50 AM BILLS VS SEAHAWKS
2:00 PM CHIEFS VS VIKINGS

MAJOR LEAGUE
3:10 PM DOLPHINS VS RAIDERS
4:20 PM RAVENS VS PANTHERS
5:30 PM COLTS VS BRONCOS
6:40 PM PACKERS VS RAMS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2018
BANTAM LEAGUE
10:30 AM BENGALS VS BUCS

ROOKIE LEAGUE
11:40 AM HAWKS VS SWANS
12:50 PM TIGERS VS CATS
2:00 PM BULLDOGS VS CROWS

MINOR LEAGUE
3:10 PM BEARS VS SEAHAWKS
4:20 PM GIANTS VS VIKINGS
5:30 PM FALCONS VS CHIEFS
6:40 PM EAGLES VS BILLS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2018
WINTER LEAGUE REGISTRATION OPENS IN PERSON AND ONLINE AT YMCASM.ORG FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Thank you very much,

Dr. Paul Drew, editor and publisher of Swish