Blendos Summer Basketball Leagues Week 5 Recap

Jul 6
11 min read

Tino's Pizzeria + Philthy's Laundromat (Carolina) 61, Otsego Bicycles + Table Rock Fitness (Grey) 49

Tino’s Pizzeria + Philthy’s Laundromat defeated Otsego Bicycles + Table Rock Fitness 61-49 on the strength of better shooting efficiency and a commanding first-half performance. While Grey showed fight in the second half and controlled the glass, Tino’s established a lead they would not relinquish after building a 14-point advantage by halftime.

Game Flow

Tino’s came out sharp in the opening half, shooting efficiently and getting strong contributions from Ayden O’Connor and Zyeir Lawrence. They built a 33-19 lead by the break, putting Grey in an early deficeit. Grey responded after halftime with better defensive intensity and rebounding, outscoring Tino’s 30-28 in the second half. However, the deficit proved too large to overcome. Tino’s maintained just enough composure and efficiency to close out a 12-point win, while Grey’s continued struggles from beyond the arc and high turnover rate kept them from mounting a serious comeback.

Standout Performances

Tino's Pizzeria + Philthy's Laundromat (Carolina)

Ayden O’Connor stood out as Tino’s most complete player, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and a team-high 6 assists while also chipping in 2 steals and 2 blocks. His ability to impact the game on both ends helped Tino’s maintain control.

Zyeir Lawrence was efficient inside, scoring 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting while adding 7 rebounds and strong defensive presence with 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Otsego Bicycles + Table Rock Fitness (Grey)

Alex Little led Grey with 19 points and 12 rebounds, showing his usual impact on both ends with 3 steals and a block.

Ben Conklin had a strong all-around game as well, recording 11 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals — one of the more well-rounded individual efforts of the day.

Team Stat Comparison Final Score: Tino’s 61 | Grey 49

Field Goal %: Tino’s 40% | Grey 33%
3PT %: Tino’s 24% | Grey 11%
Rebounds: Tino’s 36 | Grey 44
Assists: Tino’s 13 | Grey 15
Turnovers: Tino’s 19 | Grey 24

Advanced Metrics Analysis

The biggest statistical gap in this game came from shooting efficiency. Tino’s posted a 44.17% eFG%, while Grey managed just 34.29%. The most glaring issue for Grey was their perimeter shooting — they went just 2-for-18 from three (11%), which severely limited their ability to generate offense and close the gap. Even though Grey won the rebounding battle by 8 and recorded more assists and steals, their 24 turnovers and inability to make shots from deep prevented them from capitalizing on their physical advantages.

Tino’s, by contrast, shot the ball at a higher rate and took better care of the ball in critical moments. Ayden O’Connor’s well-rounded stat line (18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) was a major factor in Tino’s ability to control the pace and maintain their lead. Zyeir Lawrence’s efficient scoring inside gave Tino’s a reliable offensive option when Grey’s defense tightened.

While Grey showed more fight after halftime and dominated the glass, their poor shooting and high turnover rate ultimately cost them. Tino’s built a lead in the first half and executed well enough in the second to secure a comfortable 12-point victory.

Tino's Pizzeria + Philthy's Laundromat (Carolina) 60, Meeker State Farm (Light Orange) 58

Tino’s Pizzeria + Philthy’s Laundromat held off a furious second-half comeback from Meeker State Farm to win 60-58 in a tense, physical matchup. The game was defined by two outstanding individual performances — Zyeir Lawrence’s dominant 43-point outburst and Abdul Ibrahim’s relentless scoring effort for Meeker.

Game Flow

Tino’s came out strong in the first half, building a 33-23 lead behind Zyeir Lawrence’s interior dominance. Lawrence was nearly unstoppable, scoring efficiently and drawing fouls. Meeker State Farm responded aggressively after halftime, outscoring Tino’s 35-27 and cutting the deficit to as little as one point in the final minutes. However, Tino’s made just enough defensive stops and converted key free throws down the stretch to survive Meeker’s rally and escape with a narrow two-point victory.

Standout Performances

Tino's Pizzeria + Philthy's Laundromat (Carolina)

Zyeir Lawrence delivered one of the most dominant individual performances of the season, finishing with 43 points on 19-of-25 shooting (76%). He was the clear engine of Tino’s offense and a major reason they were able to build and protect their lead.

Ayden O’Connor provided strong support with 5 points, a team-high 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping Tino’s control the glass and facilitate in transition.

Meeker State Farm (Light Orange)

Abdul Ibrahim was outstanding for Meeker, scoring a team-high 33 points while also contributing 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. He kept Meeker in the game during their second-half surge.

Rob Scianimanico had a solid all-around game as well, recording 12 points and a team-high 13 rebounds.

Team Stat Comparison Final Score: Tino’s 60 | Meeker 58

Field Goal %: Tino’s 46% | Meeker 35%
3PT %: Tino’s 12% | Meeker 26%
Rebounds: Tino’s 31 | Meeker 37
Assists: Tino’s 11 | Meeker 10
Turnovers: Tino’s 14 | Meeker 16

Advanced Metrics Analysis

This was a game that came down to individual dominance versus team resilience. Tino’s won primarily because of Zyeir Lawrence’s historic efficiency. He shot 76% from the field and scored 43 points, giving Tino’s a reliable offensive weapon that Meeker simply could not contain. Tino’s also shot better overall as a team (46% FG vs 35%) and took slightly better care of the ball.

Meeker State Farm showed real fight in the second half. They out-rebounded Tino’s by 6 and shot better from three, while Abdul Ibrahim’s 33-point performance kept them within striking distance. However, their inability to slow down Lawrence and a few too many turnovers (16) prevented them from completing the comeback. Even though Meeker generated more second-chance opportunities, they couldn’t convert enough of them into points to overcome Tino’s early lead.

In the end, Tino’s survived because of Lawrence’s scoring explosion and just enough defensive execution in the final minutes. Meeker played with great effort and nearly erased a 10-point halftime deficit, but Lawrence’s dominance proved to be the difference in a hard-fought two-point win for Tino’s.

Dante's Pizzeria + Team Blendos (Black) 68, Otsego Bicycles + Table Rock Fitness (Grey) 53

Dante’s Pizzeria + Team Blendos defeated Otsego Bicycles + Table Rock Fitness 68-53 behind superior rebounding and much better ball movement. Blendos controlled the game from start to finish, using their size and playmaking to build and maintain a double-digit lead.

Game Flow

Blendos came out with better energy and physicality, taking a 22-18 lead into halftime. They pulled away decisively in the second half, outscoring Grey 46-35 behind strong contributions from Cam Hayes and Zach Harlem. Grey struggled to match Blendos’ rebounding and ball movement, and their offense became stagnant as the game progressed. Blendos’ ability to control the glass and share the ball allowed them to pull away for a comfortable 15-point victory.

Standout Performances

Dante's Pizzeria + Team Blendos (Black)

Cam Hayes had a well-rounded game, finishing with 18 points, a team-high 14 rebounds, and 9 assists while also recording a steal.

Zach Harlem was a force on the glass and defensively, recording 12 points, a game-high 18 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.

Jared Conklin led Team Blendos in scoring with 19 points on 8-of-22 shooting.

Otsego Bicycles + Table Rock Fitness (Grey)

Tim Decker Jr was Grey’s most efficient scorer, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting.

Alex Little had a quiet scoring night but still contributed 8 points and 11 rebounds.

Nate Rockefeller added 12 points and 10 rebounds in a solid two-way effort.

Team Stat Comparison Final Score: Blendos 68 | Grey 53

Field Goal %: Blendos 42% | Grey 38%
3PT %: Blendos 26% | Grey 25%
Rebounds: Blendos 45 | Grey 30
Assists: Blendos 21 | Grey 16
Turnovers: Blendos 13 | Grey 15
Steals: Blendos 6 | Grey 7
Blocks: Blendos 4 | Grey 0

Advanced Metrics Analysis

Dante's Pizzeria won this game with clear advantages in rebounding and ball movement. They out-rebounded Grey by 15 boards and recorded 21 assists compared to Grey’s 16. This allowed Blendos to generate higher-quality shots and limit Grey’s second-chance opportunities. Blendos also finished with a higher eFG% (47.73% vs 40.98%), reflecting better shot selection and finishing.

Grey’s offense was inefficient for most of the game. They shot just 38% from the field and struggled to create consistent looks, particularly in the second half. While they competed on the glass early, they were simply outmuscled and out-executed by a more physical and better-connected Dante's PIzzeria team.

Cam Hayes and Zach Harlem were the difference-makers for Blendos. Hayes’ 18-point, 14-rebound, 9-assist performance was a complete stat line, while Harlem’s 18-rebound, 6-assist, 3-block effort on the defensive end helped Blendos control the paint and transition.

Otsego Bicycles got solid contributions from Tim Decker Jr and Nate Rockefeller, but they lacked the collective rebounding and playmaking to keep pace with Dante's Pizzeria.

Dante's Pizzeria played with better physicality, shared the ball effectively, and dominated the glass — a formula that led to a convincing 15-point win.

Dante's Pizzeria + Team Blendos (Black) 96, Meeker State Farm (Light Orange) 89

Dante’s Pizzeria + Team Blendos defeated Meeker State Farm 96-89 in a high-scoring offensive battle. The game featured two of the best individual performances of the season, with Jared Conklin and Cam Hayes combining for 77 points for Blendos, while Abdul Ibrahim erupted for 49 points for Meeker.

Game Flow

Blendos jumped out to an early lead, taking a 51-49 advantage into halftime. The second half turned into a shootout, with both teams trading baskets at a high rate. Meeker stayed within striking distance thanks to Abdul Ibrahim’s scoring explosion, but Blendos’ superior ball movement and rebounding allowed them to maintain just enough separation. Despite Meeker’s late push, Blendos held on for a hard-fought 7-point victory.

Standout Performances

Dante's Pizzeria + Team Blendos (Black)

Jared Conklin had a great game, finishing with a team-high 40 points on 16-of-26 shooting while also adding 5 rebounds and 7 assists.

Cam Hayes was equally dominant, scoring 37 points on 15-of-25 shooting while grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists. The duo combined for 77 points and helped Team Blendos control the game on both ends.

Meeker State Farm (Light Orange)

Abdul Ibrahim delivered one of the best individual performances of the season, exploding for 49 points on 18-of-31 shooting while also contributing 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals.

Team Stat Comparison Final Score: Blendos 96 | Meeker 89

Field Goal %: Blendos 52% | Meeker 45%
3PT %: Blendos 39% | Meeker 33%
Rebounds: Blendos 47 | Meeker 33
Assists: Blendos 25 | Meeker 22
Turnovers: Blendos 17 | Meeker 8
Steals: Blendos 3 | Meeker 11

Advanced Metrics Analysis

This was a high-efficiency offensive game on both sides. Blendos finished with a strong 58.22% eFG%, while Meeker posted a respectable 53.75% eFG%. However, Blendos held clear advantages in shooting efficiency, rebounding (+14), and ball movement (25 assists vs 22).

The biggest factor in Blendos’ win was the historic production from Jared Conklin and Cam Hayes. Their combined 77 points and ability to impact the game in multiple ways (scoring, rebounding, and playmaking) gave Blendos too many weapons for Meeker to contain. Even though Abdul Ibrahim had a career night with 49 points, Meeker simply couldn’t match Blendos’ overall efficiency and rebounding dominance.

Meeker forced more turnovers (17 vs 8) and played with great effort, but their inability to slow down Conklin and Hayes, combined with getting out-rebounded, ultimately cost them. Blendos’ superior shooting and team play allowed them to withstand Meeker’s late rally and secure a 7-point win in a game that featured some of the best individual scoring performances of the season.

Team Blendos is still struggling to field a consistent team and played both games with 5 players.

Dante's Pizzeria (Black) intends to sign Scott Richards (previously Orange) off of waivers. Dante's Pizzeria +Team Blendos received some much needed help from Zach Harlem this weekend as well.

IRR Supply (Navy) 66, Five Star Subaru (Purple) 50

IRR Supply defeated Five Star Subaru 66-50 behind a strong first-half performance and superior rebounding. The Navy team built a 16-point lead by halftime and maintained control throughout the second half to secure a comfortable 16-point victory.

Game Flow

IRR Supply came out sharp in the opening half, outscoring Five Star Subaru 33-17 and building a commanding lead. Five Star Subaru responded in the second half, matching IRR Supply’s 33 points, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome. IRR Supply’s physicality on the glass and better overall execution allowed them to hold off any comeback attempt and close out a decisive win.

Standout Performances

IRR Supply (Navy)

Arie Brunson had a strong all-around game, finishing with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Kaiden Legree contributed 15 points on efficient 6-of-14 shooting while adding 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

Ryan Ashline 15 points and added 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

Five Star Subaru (Purple)

Ezra Ontl led Five Star with 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting.

Derek Wright had a solid two-way game, finishing with 13 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.

Ibrahim Wally recorded 6 points but was a force on the glass and in playmaking with 14 rebounds and 9 assists.

Team Stat Comparison Final Score: IRR Supply 66 | Five Star 50

Field Goal %: IRR Supply 39% | Five Star 30%
3PT %: IRR Supply 17% | Five Star 25%
Rebounds: IRR Supply 40 | Five Star 37
Assists: IRR Supply 13 | Five Star 16
Turnovers: IRR Supply 15 | Five Star 14
Steals: IRR Supply 9 | Five Star 6

Advanced Metrics Analysis

IRR Supply won this game with better first-half execution and superior rebounding. They built a 16-point halftime lead by shooting more efficiently and playing with greater physicality on the glass. Although Five Star Subaru matched them point-for-point in the second half, the early deficit was too much to overcome.

IRR Supply held a clear advantage in rebounding (+3) and defensive intensity, recording 9 steals compared to Five Star’s 6. Their ability to limit second-chance opportunities and convert defensive stops into transition scoring helped them maintain control. Five Star Subaru shot better from three (25% vs 17%) and recorded more assists (16 vs 13), but their poor overall field goal percentage (30%) and inability to match IRR Supply’s physicality on the boards prevented them from mounting a serious comeback.

IRR Supply’s strong start and rebounding dominance proved to be the deciding factors in a convincing 16-point win.

New Green (Wooden) 59, Hughson & Benson Insurance (Teal) 57

New Green defeated Hughson & Benson Insurance 59-57 in a defensive, low-scoring battle that came down to the final minutes. The game was physical and grind-it-out from start to finish, with neither team able to establish a large lead.

Game Flow

Hughson & Benson led 28-25 at halftime in a tight first half. New Green responded in the second half, outscoring Hughson & Benson 34-29 behind strong play from Kevin Kurkowski and Trevor Huntsman. The game remained close throughout the final minutes, with New Green making just enough stops and free throws to secure a narrow two-point victory.

Standout Performances

New Green (Wooden)

Kevin Kurkowski led Green with 19 points on 9-of-26 shooting while grabbing a team-high 13 rebounds.

Trevor Huntsman added 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting and 8 rebounds.

George Foti contributed 15 points on efficient 5-of-15 shooting.

Hughson & Benson Insurance (Teal)

Pat Terk led Hughson & Benson with 16 points.

Bisskit Robinson had a strong all-around game, finishing with 14 points, a team-high 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.

Michael Cashman added 13 points on efficient 6-of-10 shooting.

Team Stat Comparison Final Score: New Green 59 | Hughson & Benson 57

Field Goal %: New Green 31% | Hughson & Benson 41%
3PT %: New Green 18% | Hughson & Benson 30%
Rebounds: New Green 34 | Hughson & Benson 35
Assists: New Green 14 | Hughson & Benson 9
Turnovers: New Green 5 | Hughson & Benson 8
Steals: New Green 2 | Hughson & Benson 2

Advanced Metrics Analysis

This was a low-efficiency, defensive-minded game. Hughson & Benson actually shot better from the field (41% vs 31%) and from three (30% vs 18%), but New Green’s superior ball movement (14 assists vs 9) and better ball security (only 5 turnovers) helped them stay competitive and ultimately secure the win.

New Green’s ability to take care of the ball and move it effectively was a major factor. Despite shooting poorly as a team, they generated higher-quality looks through their passing and limited second-chance opportunities for Hughson & Benson. Kevin Kurkowski and Trevor Huntsman were the difference-makers for New Green, combining for 36 points and 21 rebounds while providing steady leadership in a close game.

Hughson & Benson played with good effort and shot the ball better overall, but their higher turnover rate (8) and inability to generate enough assists (9) limited their offensive flow. Bisskit Robinson had a strong two-way game with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks, but it wasn’t enough to overcome New Green’s efficiency and composure in the closing minutes.

New Green survived a tough, physical battle by taking care of the ball and making plays when it mattered most, escaping with a hard-fought two-point win.

We now have a week break and will process the current overall league leaders from the players and team statistics.

Good Luck to all players participating at the Norwich NY, 3 on 3 Gusmacker basketball tournament this weekend! We hope to see you there!