What a season it has been in League Iv.40. Recapping the first half of this exciting season we'll start with the Great Eight where the newcomer club Dark Matter has come in and taken first place. After what was surely a disappointing regulation loss for Dark Matter at the end of last year they were demoted from Division III and sent down to IV, but from there it has been mostly downhill for them finishing the first half 11-2 with their only loses coming at the hands of Big Eight non conference opponents. They remain unbeaten in the G8 where the Vietnam Vets, Dragmort Jags, and Jokerz round out the top 4 in that order. Of note however is the Dragmort Jags recent firesale of most of their starters including Joan Braden who has led the league in scoring until last week when The Spainard, Nicanor Penafuerta overtook him. The Jags have added a slew of new players including he high priced veteran center Brendan Long. Jokers and the Vets are seemingly retooling as well, or perhaps going with a youth movement, it has been hard for this analyst to tell what it is they are trying to do.
Over in the Big 8, The Shreveport Pistols have been in first place and remain undefeated with big conference wins over the Most Wanted, Eight Virtues and the conference newcomer The Iowa Badboyz. Led by their young Center Dylan "Big Country" Graham the Pistols have been firing on all cylinders this season. With Penafuerta leading the league in scoring and Dimici Appicella dishing out assists and knocking down 3's the Pistols indeed look hard to beat. If anyone can do it however it would be the always tough 209's Most Wanted. The Most Wanted represented the league deep into the National Tournament only losing last week to the #8 team in America. It was an impressive run for the Most Wanted and they will get a chance to avenge their only loss of the season in league play, to the Pistols, coming up in just two weeks after the All Star Break. The newcomers the Iowa Badboyz have looked impressive and have some big wins including over the Great 8's top team Dark Matter. And Severino Adriatico continues to single handedly keep the Eight Virtues a contender with his always dangerous shooting ability.
It looks to be a great All Star game and an exciting second half of the season here in Iv.40. I for one am looking forward to lots of great games and nail biting BUZZERBEATERS!! Your friendly sports reporter and roving analyst
Brett Hamburgler