iS8/Nike Playoffs Round One Part 2

SOUTH JAMAICA, N.Y. - After a two-game schedule on Friday, the iS8/Nike Fall Tip-Off Classic's playoff action continued on Saturday, as 12 of the tournament's elite clashed in six match-ups on the hardwood of the Intermediate School 8 gymnasium in South Jamaica, N.Y.

The only day this weekend where spectators could come to see the Classic, round one wrapped up with some fierce competition advancing to the iS8's Sweet 16, where they will play the tournament's top seeds.

With the stakes being high, it was expected that all squads would bring their best game, highlighted by their best players. However, three contests displayed major lopsided victories where only one of the two contenders in each matchup were eager enough to effectively fight to make it to the iS8's second round.

Playaz Club-Juniors Bump Kendall Madison, 62-49

In a game where the pace had slowed to a coffee drip, Playaz Club-Juniors (N.J.) and the Kendall Madison Playaz appeared to be balanced in talent, skill and game speed. Playaz Club led by only six points in the first quarter, 17-11. It was more of the same in the second quarter, as Playaz led 30-21 at halftime.

Plagued by low rebounding numbers and the inability to cash in on the high-percentage shots on the inside, Kendall Madison could not overcome the near double-digit deficit into which it had fallen. Instead, the Playaz Club just increased its advantage to as much as 16 points, 42-26, late in the third period.

With no answer in sight to stifle and match the Playaz' point production, Kendall Madison was stuck with no chance to advance.

Playaz Club-Juniors' Mike Young recorded a game-high 20 points, while teammate Kavon Stewart added 11 points. In the loss, Kendall Madison's Anthony White scored a team-high 15 points.

Playaz Club-Juniors will play the New York Panthers on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Intermediate School 8. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

Washington, Riviere Lead Slowbucks Over Bayshore, 80-52

Sometimes big things come in small sizes and sometimes big things come in big sizes. However, Slowbucks.TV/2 The Rack had both.

With the one-two punch of the high-low combination of Jordan Washington (team-high 23 points, 19 in the first half) and Jameike Riviere (20 points in three quarters, 11 in the third phase), Slowbucks pounded Bayshore to advance to the second round of the playoffs, 80-52.

At first, Bayshore was not an easy competitor. In fact, despite holding a 21-13 advantage, which was extended to 10 points, 23-13, in the second quarter, Slowbucks.TV/2 The Rack was forced into a lull by Bayshore. Led by Byson Lissiter (26 points, 15 in the first half), Bayshore was able to cut the deficit down to a three-point differential, 25-22, at the 4:50 mark of the second period.

Still, Slowbucks' Washington dunked the ball in the well each time teammate point guard Riviere fed him on the inside. And, just like that, Slowbucks/2 The Rack went on a 16-6 run for the remaining 4:41 of the half, closing out the first stanza 41-28.

In the third quarter, Bayshore attempted to find footing to climb the huge mountain of a deficit in front of them. But, Slowbucks kept moving forward.

Riviere effectively facilitated the offense, as well as directly contributed to the point production with jumpers, lay-ups and free throw opportunities. His efforts extended Slowbucks/2 The Rack's advantage to 26 points by the three-minute mark of the tertiary period.

Slowbucks led by as much as 30 points in the fourth quarter, 78-48.

Slowbucks' Tarik Raynor added 15 points to the win.

Slowbucks/2 The Rack will play NIA Prep International on Friday, Oct. 14, at Intermediate School 8. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Shooting Stars Rocket Over Starrett City, 70-41

Starrett City, which were without the services of key player Tyler Whitehead, trailed Shooting Stars quickly, never changing the course of the game. Taking an early six-point advantage, 16-10, Shooting Stars never relinquished its hold on the game, advancing to the second round on a 70-41 trouncing.

In the second quarter, Shooting Stars lifted its lead to 15 points, 30-15, after a nice string of action from Steven Gomez (game-high tie 20 points, 14 in the first half). Overall, Shooting Stars proved too hot for Starrett City to handle, not being able to get consecutive shots off outside or inside.

Shooting Stars' bigs kept Starrett from getting warmed up by staying on each board and loose ball.

By halftime, Shooting Stars led by 10 points, 30-20.

With the paint remaining fruitless for Starrett and Shooting Stars continuing its momentum in the third quarter, Shooting Stars elevated its lead to 23 points, 50-27, after K.J. Lee (game-high tie 20 points) netted a deuce just before the close of the quarter.

Shooting Stars led by as much as 32 points, 70-38, late in the fourth and final phase.

Shooting Stars' Kentan Facey added 14 points to the win. Meanwhile, Starrett City's Ibra Toure and Lavar Harewood netted a team-high 12 and nine points, respectively, in the loss.

Shooting Stars will play Ben Gordon All-Stars on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Intermediate School 8. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:45 p.m.

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