Back To Back Champs...BOHICA Prevails 76-64

BOHICA Claims their 2nd title in a row- the first team to go back to back since BOHICA in 2008-2009!

August 23, 2015 Draper Gym Hopedale

#1 BOHICA 76, #7 Youngbloodz 64

BOHICA never trailed, as they were knockdown from 3 point land early and had too much firepower late to hold off the ever aggressive Youngbloodz in the 2015 BVBL final. 

Early in the game BOHICA was paced by Ryan Cain (11 points) and finals MVP Sam Longwell (17 points) while the Youngbloodz' Dan Main got rolling early on his way to 15 points.

Some clutch buckets by Ryan Sheehan (10) and Smooth Eddie Captstick (11) got BOHICA into the half +8.

In the second BOHICA had to weather a few scares mostly provided by Mark Devries (15 points) and Connor Costello (13 points) but were bolstered by the veteran presence of Ryan Flynn and the post play of Zach Valliere (12 points). 

As the final seconds ticked away BOHICA joined the 2008-2009 BOHICA teams as the only repeat champions in league history.

More impressive at 11-0 they become the first undefeated champion in the history of the league. In fact BOHICA has not lost since a set back to the Wet Bandits in week 2 of the 2014 season (June 15 2014). 

When reached for comment after the game Youngbloodz captain Derek Moore was quick to give credit to BOHICA but also confident in his team's composition for the long run: "BOHICA was deep and it would have taken a damn good team to beat that squad this year...but I can see this being the (finals) matchup for a quite a few years." 

Youngbloodz had an uneven season (their first in the North) but when it mattered most found their way back to the finals for the second straight year.

BOHICA captain Anthony Leonelli was effusive in his praise of both the Youngbloodz and his squad. "For them to get back to the finals even with all their injury issues is super impressive." On his own team he added "We have a special group, guys who are great scorers are cool with moving the ball. I think guys like Derek Retos and Chris Burton took 2 shots each tonight, but our group is about winning...which in Men's League is rare." 

This title marks Sam Longwell and Zach Vallieres first championships each. 2nd titles for Eddie Capstick, Derek Retos, Ryan Sheehan, Mike Palumbo, Chris Burton and Ryan Flynn. A third for Ryan Cain, and fifth "rings" for Joey McCann and Anthony Leonelli

Zach Valliere was named Playoff MVP. Sam Longwell was named Finals MVP. 

BOHICA Scoring 76

Longwell 17

Valliere 12

Capstick 11

Cain 11

Sheehan 10

Retos 5

McCann 4

Flynn 4

Burton 2

Palumbo 0

Leonelli 0 

Youngbloodz Scoring 64

Main 15

Devries 15

Costello 13

Converse 11

Bacon 7

Mellone 3

Moore 0

The 8th season of the BVBL is in the books, it was another successful year, as always thanks to Co Commish Andrew Cazlone and Director of Official Nate Bandstra. We look forward to 2016 and will see you the first Sunday in June! 

BVBL Finals Preview

On Sunday August 23 The BVBL will conclude it's 8th season of play with only the second title game rematch in league history. The first coming in 2012 and 2013 when BOHICA and The Wet Bandits met in the finals (BOHICA winning in 12, Bandits in 13)

This year's match up is sure to be an intriguing one as the teams contrasting styles should factor in heavily.

The Path Traveled:

Youngbloodz: The Youngbloodz finished 3-4 in the regular season- their first in the North Division. They however posted playoff victories over Sutton TBA, Leftover Lasagna and The Birdmen to fight their way back to the finals. 

BOHICA: BOHICA had a perfect 7-0 regular season record and playoff victories over Cold Blooded, The Wet Bandits and Not Your Average Movers to return to the finals for the 5th year in a row and the 7th time in 8 years. 

Tale of the Tape:

Youngbloodz Projected Starters:

Connor Costello 6'5 F Hobart product (First Team All Defense BVBL North)

Ian Converse 6'5 W  Plays at WPI (2nd team All BVBL North)

Jeremy Bacon 6'3 W Woo State/Hopedale product one of the most athletic players in league

Mark Devries 5'10 G  Former Uxbridge  standout. One of the league's premier clutch shooters

Dan Main 6-3 G Former Wheelock star made his return to the league in a big way (First team all league) 

Projected Reserves:

Derek Moore 6-3 F  Worcester State Football Player, Physical mainstay in the interior high energy guy

Ryan Mellone 6-3 W Late season addition due to injuries, energy/effort guy

Injured

Evan Lerner  6-5 W One of the toughest matchups in the league this Clark U player suffered an injury in the final days of the regular season. 

BOHICA Projected Starters:

Zach Valliere 6-11 C Former Fitchburg State standpoint controls the boards for BOHICA

Joe McCann 6-4 F BVBL Hall of Famer (First Ballot)

Sam Longwell 6-4 W WPI Standout, First team All BVBL North 

Ryan Cain 6-1 G Former WPI Standout and recently minted Keene State Coach, BVBL Legend

Ryan Flynn 6-0 G Former WPI guard and current assistant coach, first team all Defense

Projected Reserves:

Ryan Sheehan 6-3 W BVBL North MVP for 2015, 2000 point scorer Nichols College

Derek Retos 5-9 G One of the most dangerous marksmen in the BVBL. Brandeis graduate.

Chris Burton 6-5 W 1000 point scorer at RIC, MVP of the 2014 finals. 

Eddie Capstick 6-3 G Recent Wheaton Graduate, decorated BVBL vet. 

Mikey Palumbo 5-8 G Crunch time performer, RIC graduate. 

Anthony Leonelli 6-1 G 8 Year BVBL Vet, mostly relegated to a coaching role. 

Youngbloodz By The Numbers:

Week 1: Not Your Average Movers L 74-71

Week 2: Wet Bandits W 64-47 

Week 3: Airport Video W (OT) 90-84

Week 4: Leftover Lasagna L 70-64

Week 5: Whitewater L 85-79

Week 6: BOHICA L 73-67

Week 7: 508 Athletics W 76-56

Round of 16: Sutton TBA W 55-45

Quarters: Leftover Lasagna W 58-53

Semis: Birdmen W 55-51 

Average Points For: 67.9

Average Points Against: 63.5

Average Margin: +4.4 PPG

Best Win: Quarters vs Leftover Lasagna

Worst Loss: Week 5 vs Whitewater

BOHICA By The Numbers:

Week 1: 508 Athletics W 69-47

Week 2: Airport Video W 86-74

Week 3: Not Your Average Movers W 78-57    

Week 4: Whitewater W 87-66

Week 5: Wet Bandits W 107-63

Week 6: Youngbloodz W 73-67

Week 7: Leftover Lasagna W 78-50

Round of 16: Cold Blooded W 69-53

Quarters: Wet Bandits W 48-38

Semis: Not Your Average Movers W 81-75

Average Points For: 77.6 PPG

Average Points Against: 59.0 PPG

Average Margin: +18.6 PPG

Best Win: Week 7 vs Leftover

Worst Loss: None

Previous Meeting July 19th 2015:

BOHICA 73, Youngbloodz 67
A shorthanded BOHICA got hot in the second half as Ryan Sheehan (28 points) and Sam Longwell (24 points) coupled to lead the offensive charge. On the defensive end the play of Ryan Flynn helped corral the Youngbloodz offense. Youngbloodz got their scoring from Ian Converse with 14, Dan Main with 13 and Jeremy Bacon with 13.

The teams also met in last year's final:  http://blackstonevalleybasketballleague.blogspot.com/2014/08/champions-crowned.html

Whats New?

Since last season the Youngbloodz have added Dan Main who played in the early years of the BVBL but came back in a big way this year with 18.3 points per game and a first team all league selection

The biggest change is the Youngbloodz played this season in the much more competitive North Division after dominating the South last year. 

BOHICA added Sam Longwell who earned first team all league honors while scoring 19.8 PPG, and got the full time services of Zach Valliere who did not get enough games to playoff eligible in 2014. 

Around The League. 

A Polling of league captains produced the following takes on the final:

"BOHICA back to back by 11" -Unnamed North Captain

"Youngbloodz get revenge from last year 65-60" -Unnamed North Captain

"Youngbloodz 68-65 BOHICA has a tough shooting game YB control the boards...Costello and Devries have big games" -Unnamed North Captain

"Backcourt play of BOHICA will be too strong. 67-53" -Unnamed South Captain

"BOHICA 73-58...they hit threes and win games, simple as that." -Unnamed North Captain

"BOHICA...too much talent and size at each position. YB won't be able to shoot with them. 75-60" -Unnamed South Captain

"BOHICA 75-62...Youngbloodz keep it close but too much talent for BOHICA at the end" -Unnamed North Captain 

Photos by Russ Boisvert

Playoff Results/Pairings

August 16th Semifinals Results
(7) Youngbloodz 55, (3) Birdmen 51
The Youngbloodz punch their ticket back to the finals. Lead by Jeremy Bacon with 17 and Dan Main with 16, the Youngbloodz started hot. The Birdmen would not be deterred however as Chris Pinsonault (15 points) got rolling in the first half. Jay Snow added 21 for the Birdmen, but the Youngbloodz made plays down the stretch as two Ian Converse baskets gave them the cushion they would need. The Birdmen end a stellar season at 8-2.

Youngbloodz Scoring
Bacon 17
Main 16
Devries 7
Converse 6
Costello 4
Moore 3
Mellone 2 

Birdmen Scoring
Snow 21
Pinsonault 15
Fanfan 8
Bryant 5
Foley 2
St Cyr 0
Bridge 0

(1) BOHICA 81, (4) Not Your Average Movers 75
BOHICA got off to a hot start behind the shooting of Sam Longwell who had 25 (20 in the first half). But the Movers came out aggresive in teh second half and cut what had been a 16 point lead to 5 a number of times. Jesus Trejo was immense in the middle and had 19, as Colin London (14) and Alex Cruz (13) cause problems with their athleticism and Dan Koen (10) knocked down some 3s. BOHICA pulled away with strong interior play from Zach Valliere (19 points) and the point guard play of Ryan Flynn (23 points). BOHICA returns to the finals for the 7th time in 8 years and will chase their 5th championship.

BOHICA Scoring
Longwell 25
Flynn 23
Valliere 19
Cain 6
Retos 6
Capstick 2
Mcann 0
Leonelli 0 

Not Your Average Movers Scoring
Trejo 19
London 14
Cruz 13
Koen 10
Schweitzer 8
Jones 7
Vasquez 4

Player of the Week: Ryan Flynn, BOHICA Made tough effort plays down the stretch and iced the game for the defending champs. 


August 9th Quarterfinals Results
(7) Youngbloodz 58, (2) Leftover Lasagna (53)
Youngbloodz hopped out to a quick lead, but Leftover Lasagna seemed to have the game in hand early in the second half, Ian Converse (12 points) and Jeremy Bacon (12 points) were huge down the stretch leading the Youngbloodz back to the semis. Eric Gugliemello (21 points) and Dom Mastsascusta (20) lead the charges for Leftover

Youngbloodz Scoring:
Converse 12
Bacon 12
Main 11
Devries 11
Mellone 7
Costello 6

Leftover Lasagna Scoring:
Gugliemello 21
Mastsacusta 20
M. Labove 7
C. Labove 3
Mclean 2
Conrad 0

(5) Not Your Average Movers 77, (4) Chargers 25
It was all Movers in this one as Jesus Trejo had 18 and Brandon Jones had 22. they return to the semis for the 3rd straight year. 

Not Your Average Movers Scoring
Jones 22
Trejo 18
Koen 12
London 10
Cruz 7
Schweitzer 4
Vasquez 4

Chargers Scoring
Roberge 14
Freitas 5
Bellan 4
Euglow 2
Shelton 0
Matijka 0

(3) Birdmen 67, (6) Madmen 44
The Birdmen found their way back to the semis behind the play of Jay Snow (26 points) and Sam Fanfan (17 points). The Madmen got 17 from Mike Keefe in defeat

Birdmen Scoring
Snow 26
Fanfan 17
Foley 10
Bryant 6
Pinsonault 5
Bridge 3
St Cyr 0 

Madmen Scoring
Keefe 17
Luckett 7
Beard 6
Gleason 6
C. Farrer 5
Hanson 2
D. Farrer 1

(1) BOHICA 48, (8) Wet Bandits 38
The late game was an absolute rockfight as BOHICA punched it's ticket to the final 4. Ryan Sheehan (14 points) and Ryan Flynn (11) lead the way on offense, while Big Zack Valliere lead the way on the defensive end. The Bandits were paced by Dave Douiliette who had 14.

BOHICA Scoring
Sheehan 14
Flynn 11
Valliere 11
Cain 5
Capstick 4
Palumbo 2
Leonelli 1

Wet Bandits Scoring
Douilette 14
Rolfe 10
Johnson 8
Bresciani 4
Dizeck 2
Morrison 0 

Player of The Week Jay Snow, Birdmen, 26 points gets the Birdmen thru to the semis

August 2 Round of 16 Results:
Flint Michigan Mega Bowl 
(s10) Young and Smart 70, (s9) Arkansas Amigos 65
Ryan Mellone (28 points) and Andrew Calzone (21 points) lead Young and Smart to victory in the Flint Michigan MegaBowl. The Amigos were paced by Joey Mespelli with 25, Benny Reiffarth with 22 and Brian Collins 15. 

Playoff Results
(N3) Not Your Average Movers 68, (S6) Salt and Pepper 47
Jesus Trejo (18 points) lead the way inside while Alex Cruz (13 points) lead the way outside as the Movers advanced to the quarters. Salt and Pepper got 16 from Ryan Hill and they conclude their season.

(S2) Chargers 76, (N7) Airport Video 69
Airport made a run to get back in the game behind Stef Mascrirelli (19) and Tyler Hundley (19) but the Chargers weathered the storm behind the play of Doug Roberge (27), Josh Euglow (21) and Ryan Bellan (18) they advance to the quarters. 

(S5) Madmen 57, (N4) Whitewater 50
The Madmen got 16 from Colby Caso and 16 from Pat Luckett and advanced over a depleted Whitewater group. WW got 21 from Andrew Musler and 13 from Hoss Harris. 

(N6) Wet Bandits 62, (S3)  nWo 50 
The Wet Bandits started to salvage a disappointing season by hitting from outside early and holding on late. Dave Douilette had 17 and Mik Dzciek had 18 in the victory. nWo got 19 from Arch Mitchell and 10 from Alan Williams. 

(N5) Youngbloodz 55, (S4) Sutton TBA 45
Sutton TBA bowed out after a fine inaugural season with 14 from Kevin Rommermich and 10 from Jimmy Donnelly. The Youngbloodz came alive late behind the play of Ian Converse (15) and Dan Main (14)

(N2) Leftover Lasagna 80, (S7) Monstars 67
Jake Ramos (22 points), Julio Leon (14 points) and The Monstars gave Leftover all they could handle from 30 minutes, before Leftover pulled away. Dom Mastascusta (21 points) and Matt Labove (20 points) lead the way as Leftover advances to the quarters.

(N1) BOHICA 69, (S8) Cold Blooded 53
Cold Blooded put forth a huge effort in and tied it early in the second half behind the play of Sean Calnan (15) and Nick Brown (11)- but Ryan Cain (15) and Derek Retos (19) blew it open for BOHICA as they advance to the quarters.

(S1) Birdmen 73, (N8) 508 Athletics 71
508 jumped out in the first half behind the stellar play of Cory Pryor (31 points) and Cory Gomes (12 points). The Birdmen chipped back behind the shooting of Chris Pinsonault (22 points) and the scoring of Sam Fanfan (22 points). A Niko Bryant runner as time expired advanced the Birdmen to the quarterfinals. 

Players of the Week:

Chris Pinsonault, Birdmen, 22 points in the game of the night, kept his team in the game early with his shooting

Doug Roberge, Chargers, 27 points and he answered every time Airport made a move. 




August 16 
SemiFinals
7 PM (7) Youngbloodz vs (3) Birdmen
8 PM (4) Not Your Average Movers vs (1) BOHICA

August 23 
Finals 

BVBL Finals History

As the BVBL enters it's 8th final 4 this weekend we take a look back at the previous champions and standouts in the finals

Year	Winner	Loser	Score	Finals MVP	Playoff MVP
2014	BOHICA	Youngbloodz	62-50	Chris Burton (BOHICA)	Eddie Capstick (BOHICA)
2013	Wet Bandits	BOHICA	52-50	Jakyri Simpson (Wet Bandits)	Jakyri Simpson (Wet Bandits)
2012	BOHICA	Wet Bandits	67-43	Mike Balderelli (BOHICA)	Ryan Cain (BOHICA)
2011	Birdmen	BOHICA	59-56	Niko Bryant (Birdmen)	Niko Bryant (Birdmen)
2010	Worcester West	D and E Painting	56-33	Joe Laroche (Worcester West)	Dave Douilette (Worcester West)
2009	BOHICA	Rusty Aries	87-64	Kris Johnson (BOHICA)	Joey McCann (BOHICA)
2008	BOHICA	D and E Painting	46-42	Joey McCann (BOHICA)	Joey McCann (BOHICA)

Highest Point Totals in a Championship Game:

Ryan Cain (BOHICA) 2011              26 Points

Kris Johnson (BOHICA) 2009         22 Points

Jakyri Simpson (Wet Bandits) 2013 21 Points

Ryan Cain (BOHICA) 2012              19 Points

Mike Balderelli (BOHICA)               18 Points

Brian Vayda  (BOHICA)                  18 Points