A TEAM ON THE RISE

By MATTHEW BARBOOKLES

As some may know, the Blooming Grove Recreational Basketball League has been going on for about two months now.  About mid-way through the year, the standings are pretty clear and are as follows: in fourth place are the Miami Heat, coached by Michael Barbookles, with a record of 1-6; in third place are the Brooklyn Nets, coached by Matt Poveromo, with a record of 3-4; in second place are the L.A Lakers, coached by Mr. Waaland, with a record of 3-4; rounding it off in first place are the New York Knicks, coached by Paul Nienstadt, with a record of 7-o.

MATTHEW BARBOOKLES FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

The Knicks have already locked in the number one spot for the playoffs with their undefeated record, while the other slots are still up for grabs. The team that everyone seems to be talking about is a team that does not have the best record in the league, but seem to be on the rise: The Miami Heat. The 1-6 Miami Heat are the come up, winning their last game against the Brooklyn Nets. The Heat are only 1 game out of the first place position and is looking to move up in the standings. Miami has lost 5 games by 10 points or less. When first year coach, Michael Barbookles was asked what the problem with the team is, he replied, “I think that it is our bench play that is killing us.  I would take our best five over any other five in the league but, they are not allowed to play the whole game, so when they are not on the court, we get killed.” The Heat is led by Rob Delguidice, Matthew Barbookles, Dylan Sanchez, Kevin Roman, and Josh Mallard. Together, these five players are pretty good at putting together many fourth quarter comebacks, but, unfortunately, can not complete these comebacks.

On Wednesday, Miami took another loss to the 7-0 Knicks, but the Heat is coming together nicely, only losing by 5 points in a 62-67 game. Rob Delguidice and Matthew Barbookles led the way in scoring combining 40 points, but that was not enough to beat out the Knicks.  After the game, when Dylan Sanchez was asked how the team is coming together, he replied with, “I believe that several of our star players are starting to heat up at the right time.  With the playoffs right around the corner, it is really a good time for that. Even though we have only won a singular game, I believe that we will make some heads turn in the upcoming weeks and hopefully we will come up big in the playoffs.” Miami can do some great things, they just have to put their minds to it and come together as a team. 

The Miami Heat are heating up as of late and hopefully will continue their great play right into the playoffs. The Heat have just as good a chance as any other team in the league. Nothing matters until the playoffs. Come out every Wednesday at 8 and 9 o’clock to see if this team on the rise can rise above all.