Blendos Spring Basketball League Week 5 Recap

Apr 14
24 min read

Pink 66 – Royal Blue 65

Sunday, April 2026 | Oneonta Armory The One-Point Thriller Featuring a Veteran’s Triumphant Return

In a Spring 2026 B League game that had the entire Armory on its feet until the final tick, Pink survived a furious Royal Blue comeback to win by the slimmest of margins — 66-65.

The story of the night wasn’t just the razor-thin final score or the dramatic ending. It was also the return of a familiar face: Ben Conklin, back in a Blendos uniform after a several-year hiatus. Conklin wasted no time reminding everyone why he was missed — delivering one of the most efficient performances of the young season and nearly stealing the game for Royal Blue in the process.

Pink, still playing without injured Bizzkit Robinson (out since last week and targeting a playoff return), jumped out to a strong 31-23 halftime lead. They controlled the glass and forced early mistakes. But Royal Blue flipped the script in the second half, exploding for 42 points (outscoring Pink 42-35) and turning an 8-point deficit into a one-possession war.

With seconds remaining and the outcome hanging in the balance, Royal Blue tried one last inbound pass… only for Alex Woeppel to rise up and swat it away as time expired. The block sealed Pink’s hard-fearned victory in one of the most exciting games of the spring so far.

Game Flow – Heart, Depth, and Second-Half Fire

First Half: Short-handed Pink dictated tempo and built the cushion with physical rebounding and transition play.
Second Half: Royal Blue caught fire, particularly from deep (9-of-19 from three = 47%), and attacked relentlessly. Pink’s defense held just enough — thanks in large part to that final heroic stop.

The difference came down to the margins: Pink won the rebounding battle (39-36) and forced more turnovers (Royal Blue’s 25 vs. Pink’s 19). In a game decided by a single point, those extra possessions mattered.

Standout Performances – Heroes Old and New

Pink – The Resilient Fighters (Navigating the Injury Bug)

Alex Woeppel: 27 points (9-24 FG, 1-7 from three), 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and the game-sealing inbound block as time expired. Woeppel was unstoppable on both ends — carrying the scoring load while delivering the clutch defensive heroics when the game was on the line.
Malachi Ritter: 18 points (6-14 FG, 4-10 from three), 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block. Another dominant double-double that controlled the paint and stretched the floor. Ritter stepped up huge while Bizzkit Robinson recovers.
Spencer Williams contributed 15 points and 3 assists. Leo Temple, Logan Utter, and Tori Gue added gritty bench minutes with key steals and hustle plays.

Royal Blue – Led by a Veteran’s Triumphant Return

Ben Conklin: 19 points on elite efficiency (8-11 FG, 3-4 from three = 73% FG, 75% from deep), 4 assists, 4 rebounds. Returning after a several-year hiatus from Blendos, Conklin looked like he never left. His knockdown shooting and veteran poise fueled Royal Blue’s second-half explosion and nearly willed his team to victory. A statement performance that had longtime league fans buzzing.
Matt Zynda: 22 points (8-19 FG, 3-7 from three), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block. The most complete line of the game — scoring, creating, and defending at a high level. Zynda did everything except secure the win.
Alex Little added 12 points and was a defensive pest. Danny Lapin, Jonah Burness, Matt Chic, and Tim Decker Jr. battled through tough shooting nights but kept competing.

Team Stat Comparison – The One-Point Margin Explained

Final Score: Pink 66 | Royal Blue 65
FG%: Pink 38% (23-61) | Royal Blue 43% (26-61)
3PT%: Pink 26% (7-27) | Royal Blue 47% (9-19) ← The comeback catalyst
Rebounds: Pink 39 | Royal Blue 36
Turnovers: Pink 19 | Royal Blue 25 ← Critical edge for Pink
Steals: Pink 13 | Royal Blue 9

Royal Blue shot the ball better overall and went nuclear from beyond the arc, but Pink’s rebounding edge, turnover advantage, and that final defensive stop carried them across the finish line.

Roster Notes & League Context

Pink continues to battle shorthanded without Bizzkit Robinson, who is sidelined with an injury from last week but is already eyeing a return for the playoffs. It’s the kind of depth-testing resilience we’ve seen all spring — reminiscent of Team Blendos Black’s early four- and five-man miracles or Orchid’s early-season runs without key pieces.

On the other side, Ben Conklin’s return after several years away injected fresh energy and veteran leadership into Royal Blue. Moments like this are what make the Blendos Spring League special — welcoming back old friends while new and returning players create unforgettable nights.

Royal Blue 76 – Poolbrook Contracting (Gold) 54

Sunday, April 2026 | Oneonta Armory Royal Blue Earns First Win of the Season in Dominant Bounce-Back Performance

Coming off a heartbreaking one-point loss to Pink the night before — a game decided by Alex Woeppel’s game-sealing inbound block as time expired — Royal Blue responded with authority. They cruised to their first victory of the 2026 spring season, defeating winless Poolbrook Contracting (Gold) 76-54

Royal Blue jumped out to a commanding 38-26 first-half lead and never looked back, posting another 38-point second half to put the game away early. This was the statement win the team needed after a tough start to the season.

Game Flow – All Business from Tip-Off

First Half: Royal Blue set the tone immediately with balanced scoring and strong defense. They built a double-digit advantage while forcing Poolbrook into early struggles.
Second Half: The lead held steady as Royal Blue continued to share the ball effectively and dominate the glass. Poolbrook showed fight but couldn’t close the efficiency gap.

Royal Blue won the majority of the key statistical battles: rebounding (53-39), assists (15-14), steals (12-10), and especially efficiency (EFF 98 vs. 57).

Standout Performances – Veterans Leading the Way

Royal Blue – Getting the First W (Now 1-4)

Matt Zynda: 31 points (12-27 FG, 4-13 from three), 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 turnovers, 1 steal, 1 block. attacking the rim, stretching the floor, and controlling the boards in a dominant all-around effort.
Ben Conklin: 13 points on strong efficiency (6-11 FG, 1-1 from three), 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals. Continuing his impressive play since returning from a several-year hiatus, Conklin once again provided veteran poise and efficient scoring/playmaking. His presence is becoming a major bright spot for Royal Blue.
Danny Lapin: 14 points (6-16 FG, 2-7 from three), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals. Lapin added secondary scoring and defensive hustle.
Alex Little contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks — a versatile two-way performance. Jonah Burness added 6 points, while Matt Chic and Tim Decker Jr. filled key minutes.

Poolbrook Contracting (Gold) – Still Searching for Win #1 (0-5)

Cyller Cimko: 18 points (8-18 FG, 1-5 from three), 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks. Cimko was the standout for Gold, doing a bit of everything and carrying a heavy offensive load.
Jesse Chase: 21 points (8-20 FG, 4-8 from three), 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals. Chase was aggressive and battled hard on the glass all night.
Jacob Hendrich added 4 points, Nick DeBier contributed 4 points and 4 steals, Tony Hendrich posted 7 points and 10 rebounds, Trent DeBier and Andrew Hausmann rounded out the lineup.

Team Stat Comparison – Clear Dominance

Final Score: Royal Blue 76 | Poolbrook Contracting (Gold) 54
FG%: Royal Blue 41% (32-78) | Gold 36% (23-64)
3PT%: Royal Blue 27% (7-26) | Gold 25% (5-20)
Rebounds: Royal Blue 53 | Gold 39
Assists: Royal Blue 15 | Gold 14
Turnovers: Royal Blue 12 | Gold 17
Steals: Royal Blue 12 | Gold 10
Blocks: Royal Blue 3 | Gold 1

Royal Blue’s edge on the boards and ability to force turnovers created easy transition opportunities and second-chance points, turning this “clash of the defeated” into a comfortable victory.

Roster Notes & League Context

Royal Blue finally snapped their early-season skid and got into the win column. The veteran leadership from Ben Conklin (building on his strong return from hiatus) and consistent production from Matt Zynda and Alex Little are starting to pay dividends.

Poolbrook Contracting remains winless at 0-5. They continue to battle through a tough schedule and will be looking for that elusive first win soon — the kind of grind we’ve seen turn into breakthroughs in past springs.

This dominant performance gives Royal Blue new momentum heading into the heart of the season.

MAMCO (Grey) 69 – Red 35

Sunday, April 2026 |

Oneonta Armory MAMCO Delivers a Dominant Defensive Masterclass as Red Suffers a Rare Offensive Collapse

With only two weeks remaining in the 7-game regular season and playoff positioning on the line, MAMCO (Grey) sent a loud message across the B League on Sunday, absolutely dismantling Red 69-35 in one of the most lopsided results of Spring 2026.

MAMCO jumped out to a 25-15 first-half lead and then poured on 44 points in the second half while holding Red to just 20, turning what looked like a competitive matchup on paper into a complete shutdown performance. Red — a team known for its veteran grit and defensive identity earlier in the season — was limited to a season-low 35 points and shot a brutal 23% from the field (15-65) along with an ice-cold 11% from three (3-27).

This wasn’t just a win for MAMCO. It was a statement that their depth and defensive intensity are peaking at the perfect time as the playoff push begins.

Game Flow – Total Domination in the Stretch Run

First Half: MAMCO established control early with strong interior presence and perimeter pressure, building a 10-point cushion while forcing Red into low-percentage shots.
Second Half: The margin ballooned. MAMCO’s balanced attack and continued defensive suffocation prevented any Red comeback, as turnovers and missed opportunities mounted.

MAMCO dominated the glass (62-38), dished out 16 assists to Red’s 6, and forced 20 turnovers. The rebounding edge and transition opportunities created by defensive stops proved decisive in this critical late-season contest.

Standout Performances – Depth Shining Bright in Week 5

MAMCO (Grey) – Surging at the Right Moment

Jared Conklin: 23 points (9-22 FG, 3-6 from three), 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 1 block. Conklin was everywhere — scoring efficiently, facilitating, and anchoring the defense in a complete, playoff-caliber performance.
Elias Perez: 20 points (9-23 FG, 2-9 from three), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals. Perez provided explosive scoring and defensive energy off the wing.
Scott Johnson: 15 points (7-11 FG at 64%), 9 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block. Johnson owned the paint with high-efficiency interior work.
Naji Lawrence dominated the boards with 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Contributions from Kyle Greiner, Tanner Greiner, Jake Welsh, and Tom Dorritie rounded out a true team effort.

Red – A Tough Night in the Playoff Race

Ray Williams: 14 points (6-22 FG, 1-4 from three), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block. Williams battled hard but couldn’t find his usual rhythm against MAMCO’s length.
George Sheley: 9 points (4-20 FG, 1-12 from three), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal. Sheley faced constant pressure on both ends.
Derek Wright: 7 points (3-8 FG), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block. Wright provided some interior presence and defensive sparks.
Preston Winters led Red on the glass with a game-high 15 rebounds, while E. Santiago rounded out the lineup on a night where the shots simply wouldn’t fall.

Team Stat Comparison – The Brutal Reality

Final Score: MAMCO (Grey) 69 | Red 35
FG%: MAMCO 34% (30-89) | Red 23% (15-65)
3PT%: MAMCO 20% (5-25) | Red 11% (3-27)
Rebounds: MAMCO 62 | Red 38
Assists: MAMCO 16 | Red 6
Turnovers: MAMCO 9 | Red 20
Steals: MAMCO 10 | Red 5

MAMCO’s defensive masterclass and overwhelming rebounding advantage created easy scoring chances and prevented Red from ever finding momentum.

Roster Notes & Late-Season Context

MAMCO continues to showcase the balanced depth that has kept them firmly in the playoff conversation. With only two weeks left, performances like this could be the difference in seeding and momentum heading into the single-elimination playoffs.

Red, who have relied on veteran leadership and resilience throughout the spring (including several shorthanded battles and strong defensive showings earlier), ran into a wall here. They’ll need to quickly regroup and tighten their offense as they fight for positioning in the final two regular-season games. The Red Team will miss Trenton Lyons for the remaineder of the season as he is out with a foot injury. Trent we wish you a speedy recovery!

This blowout adds another chapter to the 2026 narrative: MAMCO proving they can dominate when locked in, while reminding every team that no lead — or reputation — is safe in the final stretch of a 7-game season.

Purple 90 – Sapphire 58

Sunday, April 2026 | Oneonta Armory Undefeated Purple (5-0) Cruises Past Sapphire (0-4) as Top-8 Cutoff Pressure Mounts

With only two weeks left in the 7-game regular season and just the top 8 teams advancing to the playoffs, Purple continued their perfect season with a convincing 90-58 victory over winless Sapphire (0-4).

Purple (5-0) jumped out to a commanding 45-24 first-half lead and matched that output with another 45-point second half, never allowing Sapphire a realistic chance to climb back into the game. This was a business-like performance from the league’s only undefeated team — efficient on offense, stingy on defense, and clearly playing with the urgency that comes when playoff seeding is on the line.

Game Flow – Total Control from Start to Finish

First Half: Purple set the tone immediately, building a 21-point cushion with balanced scoring and sharp shooting. Sapphire struggled to find any rhythm offensively.
Second Half: The lead stayed steady as Purple continued to share the ball (12 assists) and dominate the efficiency battle. Sapphire showed some fight but couldn’t overcome the early deficit or the shooting disparity.

Purple won almost every key statistical category: field goal percentage (53% vs 32%), three-point shooting (45% vs 24%), rebounds (28-42), assists (12-7), and efficiency (89 vs 41). The turnover battle was also telling — Purple committed just 11 while forcing Sapphire into 19.

Standout Performances – Balanced Attack from the Undefeated Leaders

Purple – Improves to 5-0 and Stays Perfect

Kevin Kurkowski: 30 points (12-23 FG, 5-13 from three), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block. Kurkowski was unstoppable — attacking the rim, raining threes, and doing the little things to keep Purple rolling. A true alpha performance.
Dylan Jaklitsch: 21 points (7-16 FG, 7-14 from three), 5 assists, 3 rebounds. Jaklitsch caught absolute fire from beyond the arc and facilitated effectively.
Arie Brunson: 15 points (7-11 FG), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Brunson provided strong two-way play and rebounding presence.
Devon Chabot: 13 points (6-10 FG), 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block.
Bryce Kohout added 11 points on efficient shooting. Ryan Ashline rounded out the rotation in limited minutes.

Sapphire – Still Searching for First Win (0-4)

Linton Wainright: 15 points (5-16 FG, 5-13 from three), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals. Wainright was Sapphire’s most aggressive scorer and provided some perimeter threat.
Evan Lane: 13 points (6-19 FG), 24 rebounds. Lane battled hard on the glass all night despite the tough shooting night.
Dave Pickett: 9 points (4-10 FG), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.
Ryan Lindsay added 10 points.
Sapphire showed moments of fight but couldn’t match Purple’s efficiency or depth.

Team Stat Comparison – The Efficiency Gap

Final Score: Purple 90 | Sapphire 58
FG%: Purple 53% (36-68) | Sapphire 32% (23-72)
3PT%: Purple 45% (15-33) | Sapphire 24% (10-41)
Rebounds: Sapphire 42 | Purple 28
Assists: Purple 12 | Sapphire 7
Turnovers: Purple 11 | Sapphire 19
Steals: Purple 2 | Sapphire 2

Purple’s superior shooting and ball movement created easy scoring opportunities, while Sapphire’s high turnover count and cold shooting night made the uphill battle even steeper.

Bello/Richfield (Midnight Navy) 70 – Orchid 72

Sunday, April 2026 | Oneonta Armory Orchid (4-2) Escapes with a Heart-Stopping 72-70 Victory on a Last-Second Layup

In one of the most dramatic finishes of the entire spring season, Orchid (4-2) survived a furious comeback and a game-winning opportunity from Bello/Richfield (Midnight Navy) (0-5) to walk away with a thrilling 72-70 victory in a hard-fought B1 division battle.

Bello/Richfield kept it competitive all night, trailing just 29-38 at halftime. They exploded for 41 points in the second half and made it a one-possession game down the stretch. With the outcome hanging in the balance, the final seconds delivered pure theater.

Graham Wooden isolated for Orchid with the game on the line, guarded tightly by Jo Annan. Wooden drove and finished with a clutch layup that gave Orchid a 2-point lead with just 1 second remaining on the clock.

Bello/Richfield called timeout to advance the ball. Jo Annan had one final chance to win it. The inbound pass was deflected, causing chaos, but the ball eventually found its way back to Annan. He rose up for a potential game-winning 3-pointer… but time expired before the shot could leave his hand. Orchid escaped with the narrowest of victories. you can find the video here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NkaMrCvMbYU

Game Flow – From Comfortable Lead to Chaos

First Half: Orchid built a 9-point advantage with balanced scoring and strong interior presence.
Second Half: Bello/Richfield flipped the script, pouring in 41 points and turning the game into a dogfight. The lead changed hands late, setting up the unforgettable final sequence.

Orchid held the edge in assists (20-14) and rebounding (44-34), while Bello/Richfield shot a respectable 44% from the field and showed incredible resilience.

Standout Performances – Heroes on Both Sides of the Drama

Orchid – Clutch Win Keeps Playoff Hopes Strong (Now 4-2)

Graham Wooden: 19 points (8-18 FG, 3-8 from three), 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks. The leader all night, and the hero in the final second with the game-winning layup.
Ibrahim Wally: 13 points (5-12 FG, 3-7 from three), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Elite all-around play.
Brock Birdsall: 12 points (6-13 FG), 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block. Provided key defensive energy.
Kaiden Legree added 9 points, while Koda Stockdale and Landon Weaver contributed important minutes.

Bello/Richfield (Midnight Navy) – So Close to the Upset (Still 0-5)

Jo Annan: 32 points (11-23 FG, 4-8 from three), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals. An absolute offensive explosion and the focal point in the final sequence — he nearly willed his team to victory.
Zyeir Lawrence: 27 points (12-18 FG), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks. A monster performance that kept Bello/Richfield in the game until the very end.
Eddie Bello, Ranen Durham, Shane Dunckel, and Ethan Durham all battled hard on the boards and defensively.

Team Stat Comparison – The Tiny Margin That Mattered

Final Score: Orchid 72 | Bello/Richfield 70
FG%: Orchid 39% (31-80) | Bello/Richfield 44% (27-62)
3PT%: Orchid 26% (10-39) | Bello/Richfield 31% (8-26)
Rebounds: Bello/Richfield 34 | Orchid 44
Assists: Orchid 20 | Bello/Richfield 14
Turnovers: Orchid 11 | Bello/Richfield 11

Orchid’s rebounding edge and higher assist total helped them control the tempo when it counted most, while Bello/Richfield’s second-half explosion made this one of the most entertaining games of Week 5.

Roster Notes & Late-Season Context

Orchid improved to 4-2 in the tougher B1 division and kept their playoff positioning alive with a gutsy win. Graham Wooden’s clutch layup in the final second will be remembered as one of the biggest plays of the spring so far.

Bello/Richfield dropped to 0-5 but showed tremendous heart and offensive firepower. Jo Annan and Zyeir Lawrence nearly pulled off the upset. With only two games left, they’ll be looking for that first win to build momentum before the regular season ends.

A League Week 5 Game Recaps

Bello Electric (Navy) 101 – Red 97 (OT)

Sunday, April 2026 | Oneonta Armory Bello Electric (Navy) (2-2) Outlasts Red (0-3) in a High-Octane OT Thriller to Open A League Action

The A League wasted no time delivering fireworks. In a back-and-forth battle that went to overtime, Bello Electric (Navy) edged out Red 101-97 in a game filled with big scoring runs, elite individual performances, and clutch plays on both ends.

Bello jumped out to a strong 38-51 first-half deficit but flipped the script in the second half, outscoring Red 50-37 to force OT. The extra period was all Bello, as they outscored Red 13-9 to secure the hard-earned victory in what felt like a heavyweight A League showdown right from the jump.

Game Flow – Non-Stop Firepower and Momentum Swings

First Half: Red came out firing and built a double-digit lead with efficient inside-out play and hot shooting. Bello Electric stayed within range but trailed at the break.
Second Half: Bello Electric exploded for 50 points, erasing the deficit and taking control late. Red answered back, but Bello forced overtime with relentless pressure.
Overtime: Bello’s depth and composure shone through. They controlled the extra frame and closed out the win in a game that showcased the high level of talent in the A League.

Bello Electric dominated the rebounding battle (59-42) and forced more turnovers, while both teams traded haymakers in a high-efficiency slugfest.

Standout Performances – Stars Shined Bright in A League

Bello Electric (Navy) – Improves to 2-2 with a Gritty OT Win

Danny Njoku: 30 points (12-25 FG, 4-12 from three), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal. A monster performance — scoring in bunches, facilitating, and doing the dirty work on the boards.
Christian Rogers: 24 points (9-21 FG, 6-11 from three), 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals. knockdown threes and strong rebounding made him a major factor.
Jonathan Codrington: 18 points (8-15 FG), 14 rebounds, 2 assists. Dominated the glass and provided interior presence.
Tony Hendrich: 15 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block. Another double-double threat who battled all night.
Zyeir Lawrence and Eddie Bello added secondary scoring and energy.

Red – Falls to 0-3 in a Heartbreaker

Nate Cohen: 28 points (12-28 FG, 4-14 from three), 17 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks. An absolute stat-stuffing performance — he did everything possible to keep Red in it.
Shea Barber: 29 points (10-24 FG, 5-15 from three), 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks. Explosive scoring and playmaking in a losing effort.
Delano Knox: 18 points (8-14 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block.
Cam Hayes: 11 points (4-7 FG, 3-6 from three), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Solid return from his shooting hand/wrist injury

Team Stat Comparison – The OT Difference

Final Score: Bello Electric (Navy) 101 | Red 97 (OT)
FG%: Bello 45% (40-89) | Red 44% (39-89)
3PT%: Bello 38% (12-32) | Red 34% (14-41)
Rebounds: Bello 59 | Red 42
Assists: Bello 20 | Red 23
Turnovers: Bello 14 | Red 6

Bello’s massive rebounding advantage and ability to win the overtime period were the deciding factors in a game where both teams traded big buckets throughout.

Roster Notes & A League Context

Bello Electric improved to 2-2 and showed they can win ugly, high-scoring games — a good sign for their A League campaign. The depth and physicality (especially on the glass) were impressive.

Red dropped to 0-3 but battled valiantly, especially with Nate Cohen and Shea Barber putting up huge numbers.

This OT thriller was a perfect way to kick off (or continue) the A League slate — elite talent, big scoring, and playoff-like intensity right from the start.

Red 70 – Orange 89

Sunday, April 2026 | Oneonta Armory Orange (3-1) Pulls Away in the Second Half to Defeat Red (0-3) in A League Action

Orange showed why they are one of the stronger teams in the A League, pulling away in the second half to defeat Red (0-3) by a final score of 89-70.

Red came out strong and led 44-38 at halftime thanks to hot shooting and aggressive play. However, Orange flipped the script after the break, exploding for 52 points in the second half while holding Red to just 26. The second-half dominance in efficiency and rebounding turned a close game into a comfortable Orange victory.

Game Flow – Strong Start by Red, Dominant Finish by Orange

First Half: Red controlled the tempo and built a 6-point lead with balanced scoring and good ball movement.
Second Half: Orange took over completely. They outscored Red by 26 points in the final 20 minutes, using their depth and physicality to wear Red down and pull away decisively.

Orange won the rebounding battle (42-31), had more assists (13-15), and shot a cleaner game overall, especially after halftime.

Standout Performances

Orange – Improves to 3-1 with a Strong Second-Half Statement

Jo Annan: 22 points (8-20 FG, 4-9 from three), 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Near triple-double performance — the clear leader and engine for Orange.
Jonny Marsh: 23 points (8-16 FG, 5-13 from three), 4 rebounds, 1 assist. Caught fire from deep and provided big scoring punch.
Dre Palmer: 14 points, 17 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block. Dominated the glass and was a force on both ends.
Jazz Burks added 9 points with efficient shooting, while the Bangel brothers (Joe & Jon) and Jared Hawkins contributed solid minutes off the bench.

Red – Falls to 0-3 Despite a Solid First Half

Nate Cohen: 28 points (11-24 FG, 4-15 from three), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks. Another huge all-around effort from Cohen.
Shea Barber: 16 points (7-17 FG, 2-10 from three), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks. Continued to show playmaking and defensive versatility.

Team Stat Comparison

Final Score: Red 70 | Orange 89
FG%: Red 41% (29-70) | Orange 47% (34-72)
3PT%: Red 22% (8-36) | Orange 33% (9-27)
Rebounds: Orange 42 | Red 31
Assists: Red 15 | Orange 13
Turnovers: Red 13 | Orange 4

Orange’s second-half explosion, rebounding edge, and much lower turnover count (only 4 for the game) were the keys to pulling away.

Roster Notes & A League Context

Orange improved to 3-1 and looked very sharp once they got rolling. Their depth (multiple contributors in double figures) and ability to dominate the second half make them a dangerous team in the A League.

Red dropped to 0-3 but showed fight in the first half. Cam Hayes made his return from the shooting hand/wrist injury and logged meaningful minutes — a positive step, though he’ll likely need a few more games to get back to full form. Nate Cohen and Shea Barber continue to put up big numbers, but the team needs more help around them as they navigate the tough early schedule.

This was a solid A League matchup that highlighted the scoring talent on both sides and the importance of second-half adjustments.

Gold 80 – J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) 71

Sunday, April 2026 | Oneonta Armory Gold (4-0) Remains Undefeated with a Solid Win Over J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) (0-4)

Gold continued their strong start to the season, improving to 4-0 with an 80-71 victory over winless J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) (0-4).

Gold built a 36-28 first-half lead and then added 44 points in the second half to hold off a late push from Blue. This was a controlled, business-like performance from Gold, who used balanced scoring and physical rebounding to keep Blue at arm’s length throughout the game.

Game Flow – Steady Control from Start to Finish

First Half: Gold set the tone early, building an 8-point lead with efficient inside scoring and timely threes.
Second Half: Gold maintained their edge, outscoring Blue 44-43 in a high-scoring period. Blue made a run but could never fully close the gap.

Gold won the rebounding battle (22-24) and had a clear edge in efficiency, while both teams traded buckets in a competitive but ultimately one-sided contest.

Standout Performances

Gold – Improves to 4-0 with Balanced Attack

Jared Benson: 29 points (11-19 FG, 7-14 from three), 4 rebounds, 2 assists. The clear leader — knocked down big threes and attacked efficiently all night.
Graham Wooden: 17 points (5-10 FG, 3-7 from three), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks. Continued his strong all-around play.
Evan Lane: 12 points (4-11 FG, 1-7 from three), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals. Solid two-way contribution and rebounding presence.
Sam Booth added 16 points, while Dylan Jaklitsch, Mason Weir, and Kevin Kurkowski filled important roles.

J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) – Falls to 0-4

Martin Mesheryakoff: 32 points (13-28 FG, 4-8 from three), 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. A huge individual effort — carried the scoring load for Blue.
Yanni Brooks: 16 points (7-12 FG, 2-3 from three), 3 rebounds, 1 assist.
Justin Duscher: 13 points (6-10 FG, 1-3 from three), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block.
Devon Carter and Xavier Beers added the rest in a tough team loss.

Team Stat Comparison

Final Score: Gold 80 | J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) 71
FG%: Gold 42% (28-67) | Blue 49% (30-61)
3PT%: Gold 35% (16-46) | Blue 47% (9-19)
Rebounds: Blue 24 | Gold 22
Assists: Gold 18 | Blue 7
Turnovers: Gold 7 | Blue 12

Gold’s superior assist total and ability to force turnovers helped them control the game, while Blue’s hot three-point shooting kept it closer than the final margin suggested.

Roster Notes & League Context

Gold stayed perfect at 4-0 with another well-rounded team win. Their balance (multiple double-digit scorers) and ability to share the ball make them a tough out early in the season.

J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) dropped to 0-4 but showed fight, led by Martin Mesheryakoff’s big scoring night. They’ll keep grinding as they look for their first win.

This was a solid mid-tier A League matchup that highlighted Gold’s undefeated form and Blue’s individual scoring talent.

J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) 67 – White 70

Sunday, April 2026 | Oneonta Armory White (2-1) Edges Out J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) (0-4) in a Hard-Fought A League Battle

In a tight, competitive A League game, White (2-1) held off a gritty J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) (0-4) to earn a narrow 70-67 victory.

Blue came out aggressive and led 35-28 at halftime, but White responded with a strong 42-point second half while limiting Blue to 32. The game stayed close until the final minutes, with White making just enough plays on both ends to secure the win.

Game Flow – Blue Leads Early, White Takes Over Late

First Half: J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) dictated the pace and built a 7-point lead with active scoring and good rebounding.
Second Half: White flipped the momentum, outscoring Blue 42-32 and taking control late. Blue fought back but couldn’t overcome the deficit in the closing moments.

White won the rebounding battle (25-29) and had a slight edge in efficiency, while both teams showed real competitiveness throughout.

Standout Performances

White – Improves to 2-1 with a Clutch Win

Cam LaClair: 28 points (10-18 FG, 5-9 from three), 6 rebounds, 2 assists. The clear leader — efficient scoring and timely threes carried White in the second half.
Connor Mannix: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks. Provided gritty defense and rebounding.
Deion Mitchell: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 4 blocks, 1 block. Strong all-around defensive presence.
Hobson Herlihy added 8 points, while Jacob Jerome, Kaden Gonzalez, and Pat Evans contributed solid minutes.

J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) – Falls to 0-4 but Shows Fight

Anthony Graffio-Jackson: 19 points (7-13 FG, 5-7 from three), 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. A big double-double effort.
Adan Madera: 18 points (8-17 FG, 1-4 from three), 5 rebounds, 3 assists.
Martin Mesheryakoff: 14 points (5-17 FG, 3-9 from three), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks.
Devon Carter, Justin Duscher, and Yanni Brooks added the rest in a tough team loss.

Team Stat Comparison

Final Score: J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) 67 | White 70
FG%: Blue 44% (27-62) | White 43% (27-63)
3PT%: Blue 41% (11-27) | White 28% (9-32)
Rebounds: White 25 | Blue 29
Assists: Blue 11 | White 20
Turnovers: Blue 12 | White 10

White’s higher assist total (20) and ability to win the second half were the deciding factors in a game that stayed competitive until the end.

Roster Notes & A League Context

White improved to 2-1 with a gritty, well-balanced win. Cam LaClair’s efficient scoring and the team’s defensive contributions (especially from Deion Mitchell and Connor Mannix) were key in the second-half comeback.

J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) dropped to 0-4 but showed real competitiveness and offensive flashes, led by Anthony Graffio-Jackson’s double-double and strong efforts from Adan Madera and Martin Mesheryakoff. They continue to battle and are getting closer to that first win .

This was another solid A League matchup that showcased the scoring talent and competitiveness across the league.

Week 6 Predicitions

10:00 AM – Royal Blue vs Sapphire (B2 Division)

Prediction: Royal Blue 77 – Sapphire 63

Royal Blue (2-4) has built momentum with Ben Conklin’s efficient return and Matt Zynda’s all-around dominance. Sapphire (0-4) has shown rebounding flashes but lacks consistency. Royal Blue should control tempo and pull away comfortably in this B2 matchup.

11:00 AM – Green vs Royal Blue (B2 Division)

Prediction: Royal Blue 74 – Green 66

Back-to-back for Royal Blue, but their veteran leadership and recent confidence should be enough against Green (1-3). Green has been inconsistent all spring. Slight fatigue risk exists, but Royal Blue edges it in a typical B2 grinder.

12:00 PM – Sapphire vs Poolbrook Contracting (Gold) (B2 Division)

Prediction: Sapphire 69 – Poolbrook (Gold) 62

The battle of the winless teams. Sapphire has more offensive potential and rebounding upside (Evan Lane, Linton Wainright). Gold has been overmatched most weeks. Expect a low-scoring, physical game — Sapphire finally gets the first win here.

1:00 PM – Team Blendos (Black) vs Oneonta Job Corps Academy (White) (B2 vs B1 crossover)

Prediction: Team Blendos (Black) 78 – OJCA (White) 70 Team Blendos (Black) (4-0) continues to thrive despite frequent short-roster situations (partly by design — they’ve turned limited numbers into a strength via chemistry and resilience). OJCA (1-3) plays in the tougher B1 side and hasn’t been overly consistent. Blendos’ undefeated momentum and ability to win ugly should carry them, especially if Cam Hayes can contribute even limited minutes in his return from the shooting hand/wrist injury.

2:00 PM – Green vs Team Blendos (Black) (B2 Division)

Prediction: Team Blendos (Black) 84 – Green 61

This looks like the most one-sided game of the day. Even with occasional roster shortages, Blendos has shown they can dominate when clicking. Green (1-3) has struggled to compete at a high level. Expect Blendos to pull away early — their shorthanded identity has become a badge of honor.

3:00 PM – Carolina Blue vs Purple (B1 Division)

Prediction: Purple 84 – Carolina Blue 67 Purple (5-0)

remains the most balanced and efficient team in the league. Carolina Blue (2-1) is respectable in B1, but Purple’s depth and undefeated form make them heavy favorites in the tougher division. Controlled win expected for the league leaders.

4:00 PM – Red vs Orchid (B2 vs B1 crossover)

Prediction: Orchid 79 – Red 65

This is where the new insights hit hardest. Orchid is really, really good with tons of depth (Graham Wooden, Ibrahim Wally, Brock Birdsall, Kaiden Legree, and others), allowing them to rotate fresh bodies and maintain defensive intensity. Red (4-1) is currently short-handed due to injury, which hurts their bench and usual veteran resilience. Orchid’s recent clutch experience and superior roster flexibility should lead to a comfortable win in what might have been closer if Red were at full strength.

5:00 PM – Bello/Richfield (Midnight Navy) vs Carolina Blue (B1 Division)

Prediction: Carolina Blue 73 – Bello/Richfield 66

Bello/Richfield (0-5) showed real fight and scoring from Jo Annan + Zyeir Lawrence in their near-upset of Orchid, but they’re still searching for win #1. Carolina Blue (2-1) has been solid in the tough B1 division. Carolina Blue should grind out the victory, though Bello/Richfield could keep it interesting if their stars get going early.

Quick Summary & Bold Calls

Strongest Favorites: Purple, Orchid (especially vs short-handed Red), and Team Blendos (Black) in both games — Blendos’ shorthanded approach has become a proven formula.
Biggest Impact of New Info: Orchid pulls away more comfortably against an injured/short-handed Red. Cam Hayes’ potential return gives Blendos an extra spark if he’s able to play meaningful minutes.
Closest/Toss-up Game: Sapphire vs Gold remains the biggest wildcard (first-win potential).

Predictions for Upcoming A League Games

Sunday, April 19, 2026

6:00 PM – J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) (0-4) vs Bello Electric (Navy) (2-2)

Prediction: Bello Electric (Navy) 78 – J & D Wagon Wheel (Blue) 68

Bello Electric has shown good balance and the ability to win high-scoring games. Blue has individual scoring talent but has struggled with consistency. Bello should control this one with better overall execution.

7:00 PM – Gold (4-0) vs White (2-1)

Prediction: Gold 82 – White 71

Undefeated Gold has been very balanced and efficient. White is competitive with strong scoring options, but Gold’s momentum and team play should carry them to another win.

8:00 PM – Gold (4-0) vs Red (0-3) Prediction: Gold 84 – Red 70 Gold plays back-to-back but remains the stronger side with better depth and form. Red has been battling through a tough stretch and will need a strong collective effort to keep this close.

9:00 PM – Orange (3-1) vs White (2-1) Prediction: Orange 79 – White 73 This should be one of the more competitive games of the night. Orange has good depth and recent second-half strength, while White has shown they can score. Slight edge to Orange in a close matchup.