Shannon Celtics improve to 6-1

The Shannon Celtics saw an old rival return

Yes - Matt Geiger was back talking all types of junk and at one point the Shannon was down 5 points. Wilt Chamberlain's Kids were hitting 3 pointers, bank shots, and anything else St. Doctor J blessed them with during the first half.

Matt Geiger was doing it all. Dribbiling, shooting, rebounding and uttering phrases like BOOOOYAAAAAAH!!!! & BOOOOOM SHAKALAKAH! Most of us had not heard these terms since the days of NBA Jam!


Cream shot more like the John Starks who shot 2 for 18 against the Houston Rocketts than the guy who shot the lights out the gym last week. Cisco was on the bench hurt. Jared was away and Skip was MIA at work.

Coach Brown rallied the troops. The Shannon switched to a 3-2 to challenge the three point shot and Wilt's kids shot more like Wilt Chamberlain in the second half. Kevin was omnipotent in the paint as Clyde Frazier would say.
Joe sacraficed his body and hit the floor a few times fighting for loose balls. Derek was everywhere on defense like white on rice! And the game was sealed by free throws down the stretch!

1 more game to go this Sunday and then ----- THE PLAYOFFS.

Shannon Celtics defeat Rock Bottom to improve to 5-1

Shaun, Skip, Jared, and Jason could not play
Cisco was nursing a back injury and had to play as only Cream, Kevin, Derek, and Joe were healthy.

The Results:
Rock Bottom came out with a lot of energy and fed their main shooter for most of the game. Although the Shannon was short-handed and injured, it was the intensity of the Shannon which overcame the funloving ways of Rock Bottom.
Cisco had said he could not play but pulled a Willis Reed and decided to help his team rather than let them be at a 5-4 disadvantage. Cisco rebounded, defended, and came up big down the stretch with a up and under score with less than 5 minutes left in the game.

Kevin had his way with Rock Bottom. He was a man amongst boys. Joe pressured the defense by running, rebounding, and forcing the action. Derek played like Ron Artest on defense. He was everywhere defending the guard positions.

Cream made it rain like John Starks used to do – making consecutive threes on kick outs from the post. The team made a concerted effort to get him the ball when he got hot and the other team hit “ROCK BOTTOM!”

It was another ugly win for the Shannon Celtics but as we say – “A WIN IS A WIN”

Shannon Celtics defeat D Law to improve to 4-1

Rather than accept a forfeit win, the Shannon Celtics were classy and worked with D Law’s schedule. The Celtics were short with just 6 players – Shaun, Cisco, Jared, Derek, Joe, and Cream.

D Law played much better than their winless record indicated. D Law kept the first half close with tight man to man defense and an organized, perimeter passing offense which lead to some easy buckets.

The Shannon figured out the man to man defense in the second half and Jared hit some big shots as the Shannon extended their lead to 13 points.
D Law made a furious comeback with tenacious defense and quite honestly, they got away with a plethora of fouls which were not called. With 1 minute left D Law had narrowed the lead to two.

The Shannon however maintained their composure, alternated between their 2-3 zone defense and man to man before shutting out D Law for the final minute of the game to secure the win!
The Shannon Celtics improved to a record of 4-1 proving that they can get hit and keep moving forward!

IT AINT ABOUT HOW HARD YOU HIT ITS ABOUT HOW HARD YOU CAN GET HIT AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD - THAT'S HOW WINNING IS DONE!!!

WHO IS READY TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD?
WHO IS READY TO TAKE THE HITS AND GO OUT AND GET IT?
WHO WILL JOIN ME?

TOMORROW (THURSDAY) NIGHT - 124 GRAND STREET @ 8PM

SOMEBODY HAS GOT TO TAKE AN L

MEN;

This Sunday we face the undefeated 5-0 Tequila Shooters for the first and only time this regular season. As you know the Shannon Celtics are 3-0 and this is a battle for first place as the third place team is at .500 (2-2).

Time - 7PM

Place - OUR JERSEY CITY HOME GYM

We are at the halfway point of our 8 game season. With both seasons combined we have a 6 game winning streak and we are 3-0 this season facing the defending champs.

Try to get some conditioning in this week guys. It is going to be a hardfought game. Make the extra pass. Play hard defense. And sub yourself out for fresh legs if you are winded.

If we do that - we will win.

After the game, we all go to The Shannon to support our sponsor, get our free shots, and check out the Sunday Night Football game!

HOORAH!

Put your game faces on and get ready for a fight!

MAKEUP GAME WITH D LAW

Team,

We will makeup last Sunday's game with D Law on Thursday NOVEMBER 6th @ 8PM. This game will not be at our Sunday Jersey City gym. Instead it will be at the 124 Grand Street gym in Hoboken (Walking distance from the path & Shannon).

The team thanked us for not taking the forfiet win and working with their schedules.

And now a quick shoutout to the 5 Shannon Celtics players who brought the Shannon a softball championship for the second season in three years!!!!!!
Alexander, Joe, Jason, Cisco and calvary member Dave!

Shannon Celtics stretch streak to 3 games!

Shannon 39 Ave Point 27

There were all sorts of bad omens early on Sunday as Kevin had a work function, Joe was stuck in Boston, Skip was unavailable to play, Shaun was out of town and Derek was having travel issues getting home from the airport. We called upon a member of THE CALVARY – Jeff Rosko. Jeff treats defense like he treats blondes at the Shannon. He holds them both dear to his heart!

Jeff showed up and brought his “A GAME!” doing what Jeff does best. He was playing pressure defense, fighting for loose balls, and inflicting damage in the low post. He also hit a crucial three pointer in the final minutes to extend the lead which the Shannon would never relinquish.

Ave Point played the Celtics close in the first half, staying within two points. But the Celtics played as a team, spreading the ball and embracing individual roles for the sake of the team:
• Jared was big in the low post as he led all scorers. Post-ups, fast breaks, put-backs, rebounds. Jared was everywhere. He opened up a can of whoopass on Ave Point early and often!
• Cisco played his usual Oakleyesque game. He forced turnovers, rebounded on the weakside and was called for at least two phantom fouls. At one point Cisco was so pissed at one of these phantom fouls he removed himself from the game to avoid getting T’d up Rasheed Wallace style!
• Derek was able to make the game and boy did he come up big! From his floater in the lane to his pressure defense, Derek was a difference maker in the second half.
• Jason altered shots in the lane, rebounded the ball, and made accurate outlet passes
• Alexander returned from missing a game and although he did not have his best shooting game, he made several assists when he started to take the ball to the hole.
• Coach Brown called timeouts at the right time and was a guiding voice during what was a close game in the first half

The Shannon is now 3-0 for the first time in franchise history. Next up is D Law this Sunday at 6PM. D Law is 0-3 but the Shannon Celtics will not look ahead to their matchup with the undefeated, defending champion Tequila Shooters. Coach Brown told reporters “We have to take each game at a time, every win must be earned.” 6th man/Power Forward Cisco Matos said “Let’s not take anyone for granted.” Cream had 4 words for D Law:


Game Balls (NH) go to Jared Watson for his work in the post and Jeff Rosko for his defense and big 3-pointer!

Standings:
Although the Shannon Celtics are tied for first place the league ranks teams based upon record and then point differential. Right now, the defending champion and undefeated Tequila Shooters have a + differential of 54 and the Celtics have a + differential of 25. I know this copy and paste reads ugly but this is how it breaks down:


Team Name Acct. # Won Lost Tied PF PA PCT +/- Avg PPG Avg PAG

Tequila Shooters
3 0 0 157 103 1.000 54 52.33 34.33
2 Shannon Celtics
3 0 0 120 95 1.000 25 40.00 31.67
3 AvePoint
2 2 0 174 185 0.500 -11 43.50 46.25
4 Wilt Chamberlain's Kids
1 2 0 103 123 0.333 -20 34.33 41.00
5 ROCK BOTTOM
1 3 0 151 165 0.250 -14 37.75 41.25
6 D Law
0 3 0 85 119 0.000 -34 28.33 39.67

Gentlemen, please check your schedules and advise if you will be able to play this Sunday! Bring your A GAME and be ready to open up a can of whoopass on D LAW! A win on Sunday and the team will improve to 4-0 halfway through the schedule.

Also, please remember to bring a blue jersey with a number on the back so that we can avoid starting the game with a technical foul. If you think you are going to play this winter, let us know so that we can start looking at team shirts to avoid this inconvenience. It would be nice to collect the money and pay league fees before the holidays come around! Feel free to bring cheerleaders as the Celtics are undefeated when the Shannon Cheerleaders are in the stands!

Remember - 12 men + Teamwork = 1 Goal

Shannon Celtics improve to 2-0

The Drama:
This week the Shannon Celtics were without both of their gaurds (Skip, Alexander) and were also without forward Jason Bibens. Another issue was that traffic prevented Cisco from being able to pickup coach Brown. The Celtics only had 6 men for the entire game and things did not look good before tipoff.

The Summary:

Derek and Joe came up big. They stepped into the gaurd positions, moved the ball around, and worked the ball downlow. Joe was an ironman playing the entire game. Derek brought the ball up and made great decisions down the stretch.

Clyde Frazier
says Kevin and Jared were omnipotent in the paint. Jared made his Shannon debut and had meshed with the team from the first practice and the entire team raved about his addition to the squad.


Shaun and Cisco did their best Charles Oakley impersonations, coming up with loose balls, getting big rebounds and playing hard nose defense. (Those little things that win big games)


The Result:
SHANNON CELTICS DEFEATED ROCK BOTTOM 36-34 AND IMPROVED TO THE FRANCHISE'S BEST START EVER!

Game Notes:
Skip has suffered a family loss and will be out until further notice. Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with the Wills family and we look forward to seeing Skip again.

Who Got Next?
Two undefeated teams The Celtics and Ave Point face off this Sunday at 6PM.

Everyone is asked to support our sponsor the Shannon Lounge immediately after the game this week. It is with their sponsorship that we were able to reduce roster size while keeping the league fees affordable.

Complete 2008 Regular Season Schedule

Shannon Celtics Fall Schedule:

October 5th versus Wilt Chamberlains Kids (WIN)

October 12th versus Rock Bottom 8PM @ Golden Doors Gym (Jersey City)

October 19th versus AvePoint 6PM @ Golden Doors Gym (Jersey City)

October 26h versus D Law 6PM @ Golden Doors Gym (Jersey City)

November 2nd versus Tequila Shooters 7PM @ Golden Doors Gym (Jersey City)

November 9th versus Rock Bottom 6PM @ Golden Doors Gym (Jersey City)

November 16th versus Wilt Chamberlain’s Kids 6PM @ Golden Doors Gym (Jersey City)

November 23rd versus AvePoint 6PM @ Golden Doors Gym (Jersey City)

PLAYOFFS BEGIN
Playoffs can be either Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday

Gym
Even though we are playing in a Hoboken league, all Sunday games are played in Jersey City at Golden Doors for our team. Although it is a little further away than Grand Street do consider that this court will be like our home court the entire season as the other teams will be alternating between the smaller Grand Street gym and this regulation gym that we play in.

Directions to the Gym
FROM HOBOKEN (by car): Turn right onto Observer Highway. Left onto Henderson St. Continue on Marin Blvd. Turn Right onto 9th Street. Address is 180 9th Street. Plenty of parking.

By PATH Train: The School is across from the Newport Mall, and is a 10-minute walk from the Pavonia/Newport PATH stop. Once you get off at Pavonia/Newport walk straight across into the Newport Center Mall; follow the Pedestrian Walkway through the mall to Marin BLVD. Golden Doors Charter School is on 9th St. and Marin BLVD.

Jerseys
Team, we all have agreed to wear blue jerseys for the rest of the season. Anyone who has extras is asked to bring blue jerseys or shirts to the game. Remember the shirt/jersey must have a number.

THE BAR!
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE SHANNON IS THE SPONSOR WHICH HELPS MAKE THE LEAGUE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR US. LET'S PLAN TO WATCH SOME SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL AFTER OUR GAMES. DO REMEMBER, THAT WE GET 1 FREE SHOT FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM WHEN WE LOSE AND 2 FREE SHOTS WHEN WE WIN!

Game 1 - Shannon Celtics vs. Wilt Chamberlain's Kids

Starting 5
Guards: Skip, Cream
Forwards: Kevin, Joe
Center: Cisco
Reserves
Derek, Jason, Shaun

Game Summary
WCK started the game with a quick 3 hit by a guy with really short shorts.


I mean the guy probably uses NAIR!


WCK quickly followed with a two pointer to take a quick 5-0 lead over the Celtics. The next few minutes moved slow and Coach Brown started to take action by instructing the team to:
1 - Keep their hands up without leaving their feet
2 - Use their size advantage

Quickly, Skip drove the lane for 2, Kevin scored on a putback and the Celtics never looked back!

WCK had a Matt Geiger looking dude


This dude was talking plenty of trash but the Celtics kept their cool and never responded while he argued with the refs, teammates, and checked the scorers table to see how much he had scored.

The Celtics had a 10 point lead at halftime and had increased the lead to 20 until WCK cut the lead with 3 three-pointers during garbage time.

Key Moments:
Skip forcing the action to the hoop kept the defense on their heels
Derek with a big 3 point play in the second half to help pull away
Joe posting up in the paint and imposing his will
Shaun & Cisco making back to back hustle plays prying the ball away from WCK guards
Skip Cream hitting back to back 3's to seal the game with about 5 minutes left
Kevin with multiple put-backs and strong finishes
Jason rebounding and keeping his head up to find guards better than ever

The Celtics won by a final of 45-34
The Shannon Celtics won their first season opener! The previous seasons the Celtics have lost the first 2-3 games before pulling off 3 game winning streaks.

Other Issues:
The Shannon Celtics have a good relationship with the guy who keeps score but we have had a longstanding bad relationship with the lady who keeps individual information. Last night this continued as she charged the Shannon with 2 timeouts in the second half when only one had been used.

Also, keep in mind that the referrees are quick to apply technical fouls. The team does a lot better when the players talk to the refs a couple of plays later in a friendly way rather than yelling right after the play. Last night WCK complained early and often and it did not help their cause at the line.

Jerseys
The league is cracking down on The Shannon Celtics. The Celtics have always worn their own jerseys but now the league says the team must choose a color to wear from week to week. Please touch base, it seems like most of the team has either blue or red.

Next Week!
NEXT WEEK THE CELTICS WILL BE WITHOUT CREAM/ALEX, AND JASON. THAT PUTS THE TEAM AT 7 IF ANYONE ELSE IS GOING TO MISS THE GAME PLEASE TOUCH BASE SO THAT ONE OF THE CALVARY CAN BE CALLED IN NEXT WEEK!

LET'S KEEP THE SMILES AND WINS COMING!!

Meet your Fall 2008 Shannon Celtics!

The Shannon Celtics have retooled and are poised for a run at the postseason for the first time in franchise history.

Let's take a look at the new blood:

Coach Ben Brown


Coach Brown no relation to Larry

has coached basketball and baseball for years. He is a living playground legend in the South Bronx simply who long before Mr. Wallace was known as BIG BEN

This is the first season the Shannon Celtics have a coach who is not on the floor trying to both coach and play. The presence of a Coach Ben should give the Celtics that extra eye that is not caught up in the game and the experience of many organized and playground battles! Coach Ben is from Harlem & The Bronx and works in Wayne, New Jersey.

Derek Haley
Derek is a rookie guard-forward combo who was brought to the team by Joe "Bud Heavy" Suscovich. He can run, defend, drive to the basket, and brings an abundance of energy to the game. Derek is sure to compete for the team Rookie of The Year award! Derek resides in Jersey City, a stones throw away from Hoboken and is roommates with Joe.

Jason "SKIP" Wills
Skip is a rookie guard who played college and high school ball. He played his high school basketball in Englewood, NJ and currently resides in Lodi, NJ. Skip can bring the ball up, drive the ball to the basket, and has a good shot from the outside. His free agent addition is huge for the Shannon as he can play both guard positions and gives the Celtics another ball handler.

Jared Watson
Jared plays all 3 post positions at a high level. He can defend and shoot. Jared also has the speed to contest the 3-point shot on the wings. Jared is from Long Island, lives in NYC, and plays in a NYC league in addition to playing for the Celtics.

Returning Celtics

Joseph "Bud Heavy" Suscovich
Joe is a natural small forward who can also play the 2 and 4. He has the down low, back to the basket game but also loves to run on the fast break. He can both help the guards bring the ball up and help the post players rebound. Joe pushed the Celtics to sign free agents who could run with him and the GM listened signing Skip and Derek! Joe, Cisco, Jason and Cream/Alex are all currently playing for the Shannon's softball team in the third round of the playoffs! Joe is from CT, relocated to the Jersey City/Hoboken area and works in New York City

Jason Bibens
Jason has played for the Shannon Celtics since the original season and played in the Baruch league with Skip, Cisco, and Cream/Alex in NYC for two seasons. Jason is an excellent shot blocker, good rebounder, and skilled high post player. During the Shannon's winning streak to end the spring season, Jason did a great job playing the high post and made good choices choosing between what was often an open foul shot or a pass to the wings! Originally from Vermont, Jason relocated to Hoboken until recently moving to New York City.

Kevin Broderick
Kevin is a force in the paint. He can rebound. He has moves. And he plays with heart. Kevin played for the Celtics two seasons ago however he missed a few games due to work and social commitments. Kevin gives the Celtics a low post presence, a strong rebounder, and finisher. Kevin currently resides in the heart of Hoboken.

Shaun Polke
Shaun returns for his sophomore season as a Celtic. Not only does Shaun do the dirty work of wrestling loose balls, boxing out in the paint, and defend bigger men but he also showed late last season that he can hit the open jump shot and make good decisions passing the ball! Shaun lives in Hoboken NJ and is a consummate team player.

The Captains AKA The O.G.'s

Francisco "Cisco" Matos
Cisco plays the kind of game that does not show up in the box score. You can find him boxing out in the paint, tapping a loose ball to a teammate to start the break, fighting for a loose ball on the floor, and doing all types of Charles Oakley dirty work. Cisco & Cream Alex started playing ball when they were seniors in high school in the Bronx, New York. Cisco is a passionate player who wears his heart on his sleeve. He uses every foul and is a valued member of the Celtics. He and Alex/Cream brought the Shannon softball a championship in 2006 and are currently playing in the 3rd round of the softball playoffs during the week while also playing basketball on Sundays!

Alexander "Cream" Brown
Cream plays the 2 guard position but also helps bring the ball up. Although injuries have taken their toll on the knees, Brown goes hard while he can. He enjoys making the extra pass more than taking the shot. He is the GM of the team and is thrilled with the squad assembled for this fall's season!

The Calvary - Sometimes life, love, and holidays will take the core 9 out of town. When this happens we have original Celtics who will step up for the team:

Jeff Rosko
Jeff is a power forward in a point guard's body. He is a strong defender and rebounder. He is the type of guy you love to have on your team and the guy you hate to play against. He contests every shot and pass. He brings 100% effort and can hit an open jump shot.

Ro'ger "Big Ro" Jenkins
Big Ro plays 4 positions. He can shoot, drive the ball, rebound, and score. Unfortunately, Ro works on Sundays and cannot commit to a full season but he will be there for us to yell "GET ON THE BALL" take a couple of guys to the hoop, and pull up for a 3! Big Ro represents Brooklyn all day everyday. Don't be surprised if you see him at the Shannon after a game!

Dave Decosta
Dave plays both guard positions and broke his wrist during the first season season of Shannon Basketball. He currently resides in the city and will fill-in with notice. He has a a good jump shot and can handle the ball.



LET'S GO SHANNON CELTICS!!!!
SKIP & CISCO


DAVE DECOSTA & CISCO

THE CALVARY BIG RO & DAVE DECOSTA