In Week 3 of the Fierce Pick-up Games, there were bodies flying everywhere.   In the 5/6th grade session, Team Judah narrowly escaped with a 2 point victory. Jack Plesser dominated on both ends of the court - he could not be stopped, finishing with approximately 30 points and 5 steals. Ryan Mollica was controlling the pace and attacking the basket. Liam Yin used a soft touch around the rim, Theodore Mante commanded the paint, and Abdoulaye Ameranvi turned steals into fast breaks. For Team Matt - George Todorovich, Emmett Derby and Ryan Luchetta led the offensive charge. Nicolas Alvarez and Brendan Devine were keeping things close with their intimidating defensive play.   In the 7th grade session, Team Matt came out firing and never looked back. Jack Petrafesa scored 30 tenacious points. Charlie Began was unstoppable coast to coast - using his strength to attack the basket or kick-out to the open teammate. Jack Balsano and Sean Donohue were draining their shots. Liam Ryan and Jake Fitzpatrick were all defense all game long. Team Judah was led by the perimeter decision-making and shooting of Sean Racette, and inside play of Stephen Keating. Aston Martin and Thomas Schindler spaced the floor and were smartly taking what the defense gave.   See you in Week 3!

In Week 2 of the Fierce Pick-up Games, the defense and hustle continued.   In the 5/6th grade session, Coach Matt's team pulled out a hard contested game that was within reach for Coach Judah's crew until the end. George Todorovich starred for Team Matt with an excellent all-around performance. Ryan Mollica facilitated the offense as point guard, with smart decision-making. Ryan Moore and Martin Alvarez used great hustle to make key contributions down the stretch. For the 'Fighting Judahs'... Jack Plesser displayed impressive speed and athleticism. Ben Davenport and Nicolas Alvarez played strong on both offense and defense.   In the 7th grade session, Coach Judah's troops squeaked out a dramatic 1 point victory that came down to the final buzzer. Jack Petrafesa scored a scoop lay-up with 15 seconds remaining to take the lead 51 to 50 -- the final score. Charlie Began animated the crowd with an assortment of chase down rejections reminiscent of Lebron James in the 2016 Finals (not 2017). Thomas Schindler put in 3 three-pointers from different spots on the floor. Coach Matt's group was led by a monstrous estimated 30 point 20 rebound performance from Stephen Keating. Jack Knott was stretching the floor with his distance shooting. Liam Ryan, Johnny McCain and Gavin McCarthy all made contributions of their own.   On to Week 3!

In Week 1 of the Fierce Summer Pick-up Games... it was all defense and offensive ball movement.   In the 5/6th grade session, Coach Matt's squad jumped out to a quick start and never looked back. They were led by the inside combination of Nicolas Alvarez and Theodore Mante and the fast break speed of Emmett Derby, Jack Plesser, Ryan Moore and George Todorovich. Coach Judah's team did everything they could to keep it close, led by the scoring punch of Ben Davenport and Ryan Mollica. And Liam Yin would not quit fighting for the rebounds.   In the 7th grade session, the script flipped and Coach Judah's group got the last laugh. Jack Petrafesa, Eamon Jones, Liam Ryan and Johnny McCain led the perimeter attack. Stephen Keating was cleaning up the offensive boards for easy points, and Aston Martin was running the floor for easy baskets. For Coach Matt's team, Griffin Harding mixed up a variety of moves all the way to the final buzzer. Jack Knott showed off his developing long-range shooting. Gavin McCarthy dazzled the crowd with his hustle, ball-handling and scoring ability.   Can't wait for Week 2!