Blendos Summer Basketball A League Recap Week 1

5 hours ago
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Bello Electric (Navy) 73, Integrated Chiropractic (Grey) 61

Bello Electric opened the 2026 A League season with a convincing 73-61 victory over Free Agent. The Navy team controlled the game with better shooting efficiency, stronger ball movement, and a balanced attack led by Nigel Dunkley and Tony Hendrich.

Game Flow

Both teams traded baskets in a competitive first half that ended tied at 31-31. Bello Electric pulled away in the second half, outscoring Free Agent 42-30 behind more efficient shooting and better decision-making. Free Agent stayed within striking distance on the strength of Seamus DeMauro’s inside presence and Ezra Ontl’s perimeter scoring, but Bello’s superior ball security and rebounding in key moments proved decisive.

Standout Performances

Bello Electric (Navy)

Nigel Dunkley: 27 points (11-25 FG, 3-10 3PT), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

Tony Hendrich: 18 points (9-14 FG), 11 rebounds, 1 assist

Ryan Johnson: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals

Integrated Chiropractic (Grey)

Seamus DeMauro: 25 points (10-21 FG), 15 rebounds, 1 assist

Ezra Ontl: 17 points (6-15 FG, 4-10 3PT), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

Team Stat Comparison Final

Score: Bello Electric 73 | Free Agent 61

Field Goal %: Bello Electric 42% | Free Agent 35%
3PT %: Bello Electric 28% | Free Agent 22%
Rebounds: Bello Electric 38 | Free Agent 43
Assists: Bello Electric 16 | Free Agent 13
Turnovers: Bello Electric 13 | Free Agent 16
Steals: Bello Electric 8 | Free Agent 3

Advanced Metrics Analysis

Bello Electric won this game with superior efficiency and execution rather than dominance in any single category. They posted a 46.62% eFG% compared to Free Agent’s 39.86%, a meaningful gap at the A League level. Bello also generated more assists (16 vs 13) while committing fewer turnovers, allowing them to play with better flow and create higher-quality shots.

AlthoughGrey won the rebounding battle (+5), they were unable to convert those extra possessions into points due to poor shooting efficiency (35% FG, 22% 3PT) and higher turnovers. Seamus DeMauro’s 25-point, 15-rebound double-double kept Free Agent competitive, but the lack of supporting production from the rest of the roster limited their ability to close the gap.

Bello Electric’s edge in True Shooting Percentage (48.18% vs 40.34%) reflects better shot selection and finishing. The Navy team’s ability to get to the free-throw line more effectively (4-4 FT) and convert at a high rate also contributed to the final margin. This was a controlled, professional opening win for Bello Electric, who showed the poise and efficiency expected from an A League contender.

Sloan's NY Grill + Red Jug Pub (Red) 61, Yak's Youth Center (Black) 55

Sloan’s NY Grill + Red Jug Pub defeated Yak’s Youth Center 61-55 in a competitive, physical A League matchup. The Red team pulled away in the second half behind strong performances from Hobson Herlihy and Connor Van der Sommen, while Yak’s struggled with efficiency despite solid playmaking.

Game Flow

The game was close throughout the first half, with Red holding a slim 29-27 lead at halftime. In the second half, Red extended their advantage behind better three-point shooting and stronger rebounding from their frontcourt. Yak’s stayed within reach thanks to Ralph Williams’ playmaking, but poor shooting from deep (24%) and a lack of second-chance production ultimately cost them.

Standout Performances

Sloan's NY Grill + Red Jug Pub (Red)

Hobson Herlihy: 21 points (7-14 FG, 6-11 3PT), 16 rebounds

Connor Van der Sommen: 21 points (8-18 FG, 4-10 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Ibrahim Wally: 14 points, 20 rebounds, 3 assists

Yak's Youth Center (Black)

Ralph Williams: 18 points (6-14 FG, 3-10 3PT), 4 rebounds, 8 assists

Jonny Marsh: 16 points (6-18 FG, 4-14 3PT)

Team Stat Comparison Final Score: Red 61 | Black 55

Field Goal %: Red 41% | Black 34%
3PT %: Red 36% | Black 24%
Rebounds: Red 43 | Black 24
Assists: Red 13 | Black 17
Turnovers: Red 16 | Black 4
Steals: Red 1 | Black 8

Advanced Metrics Analysis

Red won this game with superior efficiency and rebounding dominance. They held a clear edge in Effective Field Goal Percentage (51.79% vs 40.98%) and shot significantly better from three (36% vs 24%). Most importantly, Red completely controlled the glass, out-rebounding Yak’s by 19 boards. This massive rebounding advantage gave Red consistent second-chance opportunities and limited Yak’s transition chances.

Although Yak’s recorded more assists (17 vs 13) and committed far fewer turnovers (only 4), their poor shooting efficiency and inability to secure rebounds prevented them from capitalizing on their ball security. Ralph Williams’ 8 assists showed good playmaking, but the lack of complementary scoring and rebounding from the rest of the roster proved costly.

Red’s combination of efficient three-point shooting (especially from Hobson Herlihy) and overwhelming rebounding from Herlihy and Ibrahim Wally was the deciding factor. This was a professional, well-rounded win for Sloan’s NY Grill + Red Jug Pub, who showed they can control games on both ends when their frontcourt is dominant.

Yak's Youth Center (Black) 88, Benson Agency Real Estate (Orange) 85

Yak’s Youth Center survived a wild, back-and-forth finish to defeat Benson Agency Real Estate 88-85 in one of the most chaotic and entertaining games of A League Week 1. What started as a controlled performance by Yak’s turned into complete chaos in the final minutes.

Game Flow

Yak’s built a commanding 50-39 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and strong play from Ralph Williams. However, Benson Agency mounted a furious second-half comeback, outscoring Yak’s 46-38 and cutting the deficit to just two points with under two minutes remaining. The final minutes were pure chaos — multiple lead changes, missed shots, and frantic defensive stops. Yak’s ultimately made just enough plays to hold off Benson’s relentless rally and escape with a three-point victory.

Standout Performances

Yak's Youth Center (Black)

Ralph Williams: 30 points (9-14 FG, 5-8 3PT, 7-8 FT), 3 rebounds, 6 assists

Jo Annan: 20 points (8-17 FG), 8 rebounds, 2 blocks

Bradley Christian: 16 points (6-10 FG), 8 rebounds

Benson Agency Real Estate (Orange)

Makya Morrison: 27 points (11-22 FG, 5-13 3PT), 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block

Britten Zeh: 18 points (8-14 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists

Jon Foulds: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists

Team Stat Comparison Final Score: Yak’s 88 | Benson 85

Field Goal %: Yak’s 50% | Benson 44%
3PT %: Yak’s 41% | Benson 34%
Rebounds: Yak’s 29 | Benson 26
Assists: Yak’s 8 | Benson 17
Turnovers: Yak’s 9 | Benson 5

Advanced Metrics Analysis

Yak’s held a significant efficiency advantage for most of the game, finishing with a strong 60.00% eFG% compared to Benson’s 51.85%. They also shot much better from three (41% vs 34%).

However, the final minutes told a different story — Benson’s ball movement and defensive pressure created chaos that nearly erased Yak’s double-digit halftime lead.

Despite recording more than double the assists (17 vs 8), Benson was unable to overcome Yak’s superior shooting and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch (Yak’s went 16-19 as a team). Ralph Williams’ 30-point performance, proved to be the difference in a game that came down to execution under pressure.

This was a high-level, chaotic A League battle that showcased the talent and competitiveness of the division. Benson Agency showed tremendous fight in the second half, but Yak’s made just enough plays in the final possessions to escape with the win.

We are actively recruting new officials.

The Men's Summer A league truly requires a 3 man officiating system. IF we can achieve this standard of 3 man officiating crews in summer A, the games will be better.

Sportsmanship reminder that some referees are new and still gaining experience. The league will make an effort to make sure that players, referees and league management are fair and maintain a positve attitude. My best personal advice for players to overcome officiating adversity is to: "Be The Change You Would Like To See" Officiating is hard but it can be a great way to stay active, get paid to exercise and provide a much needed quality service to basketball programs!

I am also willing to train anyone interested in becoming a basketball official- You have to start somewhere!

If anyone cannot commit to a league schedule we have the 5th Annual Blend-A-Rama community 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament in Oneonta NY on Main Street August 1st & 2nd.