Casey Frank picked up the MVP award for the final of the Mexicali Fresh Summer Jam
The 2013 Mexicali Fresh Summer Jam came to an exciting climax on Saturday. After twelve weeks of jousting andjostling the two finalists played out a game worthy of the top billing accorded it in a three game basketball fiesta at Youthtown on Saturday afternoon.
For long periods in the second half it looked as if the more fancied Block City Brawlers would prevail. However a Casey Frank drive on the full time buzzer tied the game and the Birdmen were the stronger finishers in overtime eventually winning 107-101.
The Birdmen (3-9) had the worst record in the regular season but the good size crowd looking on wouldn’t have known as they raced to a 11-0 lead on the back of 6 early points from Chris Fahrensohn. Niasi Malua eventually got the Brawlers on the scoreboard but his team trailed 30-18 at quarter time.
Things improved for the Brawlers in the second quarter, the period highlight being by a monster block from Tohi Smith-Milner followed at the other end of the court by an and-one play. 8 points each from Smith-Milner and Alonzo Burton in the stanza reduced the Birdmen’s’ lead to just 4 points at half-time, 48-44.
The Brawlers took the lead for the first time midway through the quarter courtesy of a Houston O’Riley drive but Carl Buck continually found the hoop for The Birdmen as the lead changed hands a number of times.
The scores were level, 80 apiece with 2:30 remaining, Alonzo Burton connected with a couple of triples to ease his side ahead but Johnny Fesolai and Buck kept the scores close. The Brawlers looked to have secured the win when O’Riley scored from a typical ducking and diving lay-up with 15 seconds remaining to put the Brawlers ahead 89-87.
Following a time-out the final play was left with Tall Black Frank who delivered perfectly, tying the game on the full time buzzer.
Overtime was played at a frenetic pace and although Smith-Milner opened the scoring it was MVP Casey Frank and Buck who took charge to lead The Birdmen to victory in an entertaining game.
Final Score;
The Birdmen 107 (Buck 30, Fahrensohn 21, Fesolai 13, Frank 13)
Block City Brawlers 101 (Burton 30, O’Riley 29, Smith-Milner 23)
LACEY LOWDOWN 