Empire Sports of the Southern Tier

With Coach Trentton Ray

Over 40 Basketball Preview Week 3!

Friday July 3rd. Air mail is over $4,000

Follow Our Mens Basketball Page!

Follow Our Mens Basketball League Page to follow all our mens leagues

EBL Over 40 Pre Game Write-ups for Week 2:

​Following a wild Week 1 where teams combined to put up historical scoring numbers, Week 2 is officially here to establish who is a true championship contender and who still needs to shake off the offseason rust.

​Game 1: The Takers vs. Meniscus Mafia

* ​The Vibe: The Hunt for Win #1
Both teams are looking to bounce back after tough Week 1 losses, but they are approaching this from completely different directions. The Takers showed plenty of offensive life last week, putting up 98 points in a tight battle against the Greater Valley Boys. Meniscus Mafia, on the other hand, had a rough night finding the bottom of the net, stalling out at just 54 points against Wet the Net.

* ​The Takers' Strategy: The Takers' offense is heavily dominated by one of the most elite engines in the league: their newly minted "Big Three." In Week 1, Garrett Oakden ( #3) went completely ballistic with a 44-point, 14-rebound performance. Alongside him, Ryan McFall put up an absurd stat line of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Rob Sherburne kept the floor perfectly spaced with 24 points and 5 assists. Combined, this trio accounted for 95 of the team's 98 points. If they clean up their defensive ex*****on, their top-tier scoring depth should carry them to a win.

*;​Meniscus Mafia's Strategy: The Mafia needs to slow down the Takers' high-tempo offense and turn this into a gritty, half-court game. To break out of their offensive slump, they will rely heavily on Kevin Wheeler, who was their clear standout in Week 1 with a team-high 19 points and 12 rebounds. Jimmy McCauley (15 points) and Brett Auerbach (11 points) will need to knock down outside shots early to stretch out the defense.

* ​The Key Matchup: Look for Kevin Wheeler and Christopher Perkins to lock down the paint. If they can prevent Oakden and McFall from dominating the glass and getting second-chance points, the Mafia can stay within striking distance.

​Game 2: Bear Town vs. Wet the Net

* ​The Vibe: Irresistible Force vs. Immovable Object
This is a fascinating contrast in styles. Bear Town proved they can score at will, hanging 95 points on the board in Week 1, but they were completely overwhelmed on the other end, giving up 149. Wet the Net, meanwhile, put on a masterclass in lock-down defense, suffocating their opponent and holding them to a league-low 54 points while smoothly cruising past the century mark themselves.

* ​Bear Town's Strategy: Transition defense is paramount. They cannot afford to give Wet the Net easy, uncontested fast-break layups like they did last week. They have to protect the paint and force Wet the Net to earn it in a set offense. Look for their volume guards to pull up from deep and heat up early to test the defense.

* ​Wet the Net's Strategy: Stay disciplined on the perimeter and avoid a trap-game mentality. After a 51-point blowout win, it's easy to walk into Week 2 overconfident. If they bring the same intense perimeter defensive pressure that stifled the Mafia last week, they will dictate the entire game

* ​The Key Matchup: Bear Town’s high-volume shooters against Wet the Net's lock-down perimeter defenders. If Wet the Net can force Bear Town into tough, contested jumpers, they should move smoothly to 2-0.

​Game 3: 40 Wolves vs. Greater Valley Boys

* ​The Vibe: The Undefeated Heavyweight Clash
This leaves the two highest-scoring winners from Week 1 to face off in the marquee matchup of the night. The 40 Wolves were absolutely terrifying last Monday, exploding for a massive, league-high 149 points. The Greater Valley Boys showed they are serious contenders too, grinding out a tough 117-point performance against the Takers.

* ​40 Wolves' Strategy: Keep the foot on the gas. Their transition offense in Week 1 was relentless. Look for dynamic wing Shaquan Jordan to push the pace alongside their primary playmakers. If they can force early turnovers and run the floor, they can wear out the Greater Valley Boys by the second half.

* ​Greater Valley Boys' Strategy: Physicality and half-court ex*****on. To stop a team that scores 149, you have to disrupt their rhythm. Greater Valley needs to use their size, control the defensive glass, and turn this into a physical, grinding half-court battle to prevent the Wolves from running out in early offense.

* ​The Key Matchup: The Greater Valley physical frontcourt against the Wolves' transition attack. Whichever team successfully dictates the tempo of this game will walk away at 2-0.

Over 40 EBL Mens Summer League: Week 1

Summer Youth Football Training with Coach Willie White!

Mondays starting July 6th. We will not be doing it this Monday 7/28

https://www.empiresportsny.com/booking-calendar/football-training-w-coach-willie-white?referral=service_list_widget

Inaugural EBL Over 40 League tips off tonight, live on Facebook:

5:30: The Takers vs The Greater Valley Boys -5
7:00: 40 Wolves vs Bear Town + 4
8:30: Meniscus Mafia vs Wet the Net -7

Kids summer basketball league - emails have been sent. If you did not receive one message us here or email us at [email protected] 🏀