2011 Winter Season Wrap-up

Blogspot from Chris Mannix at SI

Ladies and gentleman, with the NBA lockout looming large and lengthy, many a spectator and sports writer are seeking their hit of basketball in various ways. Drew League, Spain, even the NBL has seem some lively news with Patty Mills signing a contract to play for the Melbourne Tigers. My favourite remains a little league out at Dandenong on Monday nights where a crew calling themselves MOJE have racked up 16 wins in a row and completed an undefeated season.

Last night saw MOJE finish the season playing one of the competition lesser teams in Damage Inc who have struggled this season with a bunch of rookies trying to compete with more experienced players. MOJE has rarely had a stable roster this season and that trend continued but in a somewhat upside down way, we saw the return of Marty Garnett from a religious sabbatical in the far east where we are told he put behind his clubbing ways and sought the mental solace of meditation. We also saw the return of Quan Wallace into the line up, and the two big men back meant a balance to a unit bereft of a 4/5 for most of the season. We also saw Chris Allan come back after three weeks out due to a calf injury but MOJE were without ironmen Wilson Fisher and Huy Griffin who were checking out a new recovery program leading up to the finals by going to Arizona for high altitude training. They should be fine soon. Journeyman Kelvin Kidd was also taking a break this week. (Rumour has it he got into a bit of push and shove during practice with Chris Allan but sources say that had nothing to do with the rest. Coaching staff have been very happy with how Kidd has fitted into this team and will review a potential long term offer on the roster). This unit joined season league leading scorer Dimmie Durant, the do everything but score JC Love and Jerry West (yes, Jerry West still plays and still hits long range), to put on a game that was part show part training/rehab school for their returnees.

Before handing over the game to drills and shooting practice, Dimmie got the team going from range again, putting their opposition on notice as MOJE skipped out to an early lead. The team then settled into a groove of seeing how fitness and form was going to hold up. It turned out alright and with team chemistry not being lost at all. the game saw Chris hit from outside and play some hard defence before collapsing in tiredness. Marty showed he has not lost any energy but will ease back into his offensive groove over the final series, and Quan provided a much needed option inside where only touch on the finish was missing from a flawless game. Dimmie lead the way in scoring and Jerry pitched in with a couple as well. JC ran the offence for most of the night up top and highlights included a couple of nifty passes inside. All in all Damage Inc found themselves seeing through the motions of a game that after half time, no one thought they could win.

For those wondering, the game finished 52-28 but already this writer and the fans of this league are looking forward to a full team next week and a finals series to see what this team can really do. Another premiership, I wouldn’t bet against it but sources around the stadium suggest that MOJE needed to pull their game together late in this season as challengers new and old will present a dynamic journey for this team.

Side notes: Captain/coach Sabonis was happy with the result but may actually suit next week to pass it around. Rumour has it he thinks he should be taking JC’s role at point, something about “eyes in the back of is head”. The insiders mail is that is unlikely to happen with JC putting on a serious season coming back from wrist surgery and potential distractions off court with impending nuptials to long time girlfriend and WNBA star Jo Taurasi.

Signing Out for now

C.Mannix

Undefeated Champions - Moje crushes Traders

Having gone undefeated throughout its first season, including the first semi-final, MOJE were the clear favorites entering the final game of the season. However the team would be without three key players, Ed (rumoured to be dominating pickup leagues in Mumbai) and Huy and Wilson who were on an early end of season trip to Japan. Nevertheless MOJE still looked dominant with the remaining players looking healthy and hungry for their first win together.

Even without regular starter Huy, the lineup to start still looked the goods with a ridiculously long back-court and an even bigger front-court. With JC Artest running the point, Dimmie and Damo would be left to do their damage on the wings, as Quan Horford and Baby Dee Davis manned the posts. Super sixth man Marty KG would come off the bench with veterans Chris Farmar and Jerry Battier.

The game would start in a somewhat tight matter as Moje felt out its opponent, particularly on the offensive end where their size was surprising. However, as in all their games this season, it would only be a matter of time before its deep arsenal of offensive weapons would finally fire. With Dimmie and Damo on cruise control, the margin would continue to slowly widen, with both talented wing men getting to any spot they wanted to. A spirited performance by big center Dee Davis on the boards and distributing the ball would not go unnoticed as he proved to be a game winner on the defensive end. To further demoralise the opposition, fleet footed forward Quan Phu would be at his slashing best, finishing around the basket and gathering a few AND 1s in the process. In particular he would finish the Assist of the Season from JC Artest, a laser like bounce pass off a dribble hesitation from the left wing, that would leave the Trader defence dumbfounded. Towards the end of the half, the game was all by over with the only dramatic moments coming from several hard hits to supersub Marty. Playing aggressive at both ends, Marty ended up with a split lip while suffering many other hits to the body, but won praise from the MOJE coaching staff for his consistent aggresion.

The second half was no less pedestrian for MOJE as the team kicked into autopilot mode, executing their style of play at both ends. With the win secured and the margin already in the high 30's, the veteran subs were afforded some bonus court minutes. They did not disappoint with some great hustle and nifty passing from both Chris Farmar and Jerry Battier.

All in all this game summed up the season for the MOJE madmen. A game played with great poise and class led by the sound coaching of player coach Baby Dee Davis. It was a game that showcased the deep talent this team has at every position, and the unselfishness of every player on court. With the first season wrapped up, the team now looks forward to a brand new season as the team to beat on Monday nights. To be sure the MOJE name is out there, and the challengers will come, but as it looks right now, MOJE is still light years ahead of the competition.

We also want to take time out to show some love to our supporters and MOJE WAGS. Your unrelenting support and care throughout the season is a major factor to this team's success ! So thankyou to Jules, Jo, Delvene, Lauren, Kylie and all the other significant others who help in one way of another !

Player season awards to be announced shortly.

Game 16 Recap : Eating Truffles

In the last game of the regular season, Team Moje cruised to victory over an over matched opponent. With finals coming up, your humble beat writer finds little time to comment on another convincing win. All in all another great victory but this is crunch time for Team MOJE, and what this team was built for....finals baby.

Highlight of the game : Dimmie with 17 straight points to start the game off

Lowlight of the game : Orange uniforms which were broken out for the first (and possibly last) time of the season.

Votes :

Dimmie 3 - A spectacular offensive onslaught to start the game.

Marty 2 - The most complete game from Moje's talented forward on both ends.

Huy 1 - Where would MOJE be without his class and poise on court.

Game 15 Recap : The Wow factor

In a highly anticipated matchup against 2nd seeds WOW, Moje showed the class and poise that has maintained them at the top of the league with an unbeaten record. In a suprisingly lopsided contest, MOJE (51) convincingly disposed of their nearest rivals WOW (22).

With a full squad turn out, MOJE was able to field strong starting lineup of JC, Dimmie and Huy in the backcourt, with Marty and Quan manning the inside. This lineup would not disappoint as it played tremendous team defence stopping all but WOW's 6'6 center from making an impact. On the offensive end, the ability of MOJE to spread the floor with its long range options was key, as Quan continued to score inside with ease. So effective was the MOJE offense that WOW was forced to switch to man defence, attempting to slow the pace. However, this switch would only play into MOJE's favour even more as Damo joined the game. With a devastatingly tall backcourt of Dimmie, Damo and Marty to guard one on one, the WOW guards were simply overmatched. No matter what defence WOW tried, the game result was never in doubt going into the break.

Coming out of the break, WOW did intensify its attack on offence and did mount a small charge. However it would be shortlived as MOJE continued to play tremendous team defence while executing on offence. As the second half wore on, WOW appeared broken as Dimmie and Damo began to do as they pleased, scoring from both inside and out. All in all, what began as a marquee matchup fizzled into a blowout as MOJE showed its talent was truly above and beyond any team in this league. The team plays its last regular season game next week while entering the finals unchallenged and favourites to win it all.

Highlight of the game : Flawless team execution throughout the game.

Lowlight of the game : Were none as their opponents played clean throughout.

Votes :

Split decision this week with consensus awarding equal votes to three players who were all impactful in different ways. Consolation goes to Marty who missed out by the slightest of margins after playing a great defensive game.

Dimmie 2

Damo 2

Quan 2

Game 14 Recap : Chicagi Bulls-hit

MOJE (55) defeated Chicagi Bulls (32). What was supposed to be a routine win for the mighty MOJE turned out to be one of the ugliest games of the season. Unsporting behaviour from a few Chicagi players marred an otherwise flawless game by MOJE at both ends of the court.

Without starting big guns, Quan and Damo, the team would be forced to find an additional 30+ points elsewhere. It would not wait long as MOJE began the game as it usually does, spreading the floor and running the breaks to establish an early lead. It was a good game for MOJE's to show its talented depth as Wilson hit some early threes and Marty got into the lane with ease. Dimmie and Huy again showed how impactful they are at either ends of the court. While Huy flawlessly ran the offense when on court, Dimmie made sure he punished the Bulls with every open look or lane he got. Not to be outdone, the veterans also showed some flashes of brilliance with Dee hitting some open looks, and Jerry getting a couple of early blocks.

With the game result never in doubt, it was much more of the same during the second half as MOJE continued to play their usual game. This result was obviously too much for the overmatched Chicagi Bulls who began to behave badly on court. As the trash talking started to escalate, it was evident the game would get ugly, and it did. Encouraged by a pep talk by player coach DeAlwis who said "dont worry about if they push you, push them back ! lets get some passion into this game !!", the team pushed back. Veteran Chris Farmar Nguyen, who was himself having a cold night, took exception to a rough play on team captain Huy on the break. With one push and some nasty words, a mini melee erupted, and before the game resumed we saw three technicals and two ejections awarded. The Bulls lost their crappiest/dirtiest player and MOJE lost Chris, who watched the rest of the game from outside the stadium. But it was worth it. MOJE sent a clear message, that they certainly aren't too talented to get down and dirty when neccesary. In the end, that was the case as MOJE romped it home against the four manned Bulls.

Next week MOJE faces an interesting matchup against No.2 seeds WOW who themselves have an impressive record (10-1-2). It will be a good indication of where MOJE has gotten to as the season enters the finals.

Highlight : Chris getting down and dirty

Lowlight : The Chicagi Bulls-hit who talked the talk, but walked like big-time losers.

Votes :

Huy 3 - The floor general is back.

Dimmie 2 - Always there making the right moves.

Wilson 1 - Looked sharp all night...completing the Outlawz domination of votes this week

Game 13 Recap : New Year same Moje Win

MOJE (63) defeats Traders (31). After a long break from the court which began pre-Christmas, the MOJE madmen were revving to continue their winning ways. Following a disappointing walkover decision the previous week, it would be clear the team would need to shake off some rust.

With starting sharpshooting SG Ed Bryant now in basketball hibernation aka Singapore, the team would also be without the Outlawz combo of Huy and Wil. However, the starting lineup would still remain relatively intact with eight players suiting up. With another different starting lineup, MOJE would prove its strong versatility playing JC Artest at point, Chris Farmar at the two and Dimmie sliding over to the SF position. The frontcourt was manned by Marty KG playing big, right next to Quan Horford who anchored the team at centre.

As anticipated, MOJE came out slightly flat in the first few minutes following such a long layoff and were somewhat off the pace early. Offence was never an issue as Dimmie and JC continued to keep MOJE ahead in the game with good passing and smooth execution. However it was on the defensive end where MOJE was uncharacteristically flat, allowing easy second chance baskets and wide penetration into the paint. Without their normal intensity, MOJE was unsually slow on the outlets and were not able to play at their usual pace.

However with near flawless offence from Dimmie and Damo outside and nifty passes into Quan for the close finishes, MOJE did begin to pull away during the first half. This was clearly not enough of an effort for player coach DeAlwis who made sure everyone knew we needed to lift in defence during the second half. This message was clearly heard as JC led a sequence of full court presses by MOJE that left the opponents flustered and enable to answer. With solid defence and relentless running, MOJE simply out-ran the Traders in the open court, while Marty and Quan continued to terrorise them when things slowed in the half court.

All in all a solid first win for 2010 for MOJE as they continued to display their offensive arsenal while also showing why they lead the league in Points Against by a clear margin. The team's season percentage now stands at a staggering 204%.

Highlight of the game : The concerted lift in defence by the team during the 2nd half.

Lowlight of the game : Being cautioned by the ref not to talk on the court when we werent anyway.

Votes :

Dimmie 3 Dominate whenever with the ball
Quan 2 Terrorised the baseline
JC 1 Mr Do-it-All... doing it all

Game 12 : Walkover win to MOJE