Summer League is in stretch run
The Hawai’i College Basketball Summer League has become like that proverbial box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get.
Injuries and absences were again significant factors, as only five current players from the University of Hawai’i roster were available for the two games on Thursday night.
In the first game, Wealth Strategy Partners knocked Solar Universe out of sole possession of first place with a 106-87 victory.
Wealth Strategy does not have any current UH players on its roster, but former Hawai’i Pacific star Llewellyn Smalley was added to the team a week ago and has since led them to two wins. He scored 23 in the upset of Solar Universe, and former UH star Julian Sensley added 11.
Solar Universe entered the game in first place at 6-2, but played without several key players, including incoming UH sophomore Negus Webster-Chan. Starters Derrick Low and Zane Johnson also did not attend the game.
UH redshirt freshman Dyrbe Enos got extended minutes for Solar Universe because of the lack of players, and he responded with 18 points, including four 3-pointers, and nine rebounds.
UH senior guard Brandon Spearman arrived midway through the first half, but still managed to score 14 points and grab four rebounds without warming up. Incoming freshman Niko Filipovich added two points and three assists.
In the second game, incoming UH freshman center Stefan Jovanovic had 20 points and eight rebounds to help lead National Fire Protection Co. to a 105-99 victory over Grantco Pacific.
Incoming junior Garrett Nevels was not in attendance for National Fire, and sophomore Isaac Fotu remained out with a knee injury.
Wesley Armbrust led National Fire with 36 points, and Jeff Greer added 25. UH graduate assistant Nick Milan scored 16.
Grantco Pacific, which led by 12 at halftime, received another all-around entertaining performance from UH redshirt freshman Aaron Valdes. He finished with 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds – one board short of a triple-double.
Fellow reshirt freshman Caleb Dressler was not in attendance for Grantco Pacific. Kona Makaula, a graduate of Academy of the Pacific, hit seven 3-pointers and scored 30 for Grantco.
The regular-season will conclude with two games on Saturday at Manoa Valley District Park. The playoffs will begin next Tuesday, and all playoff games (August 6, 8 and 10) will be played at Maryknoll School Gym.
Current standings:
Central Medical Clinic 6-3
Solar Universe 6-3
Clark Hatch Fitness 5-4
National Fire Protection Co. 5-5
Wealth Strategy Partners 4-5
Grantco Pacific 2-8
Game photos courtesy Brandon Flores / www.brandonfloresphotography.com
That what you get when there is no scoreboard showing who scored what. I thought the UH players other than Valdez had an extremely sub par night. If UH has a chance in getting Wesley Armbrust to walk on 100% take it because he is a gem in the rough, might not be a diamond but he is a gem in the rough. I believe the finals are going to be on Olelo so everyone please watch and tell me if I am wrong about Armbrust of Fields but in my mind we need them on our team!
Hey Jovan,
Welcome to the “Melting-pot of the Pacific” where “Aloha Spirit” perpetuates.
Hope you have had acclimated yourselves a little more;
Accustomed somewhat to a culture that might be different to a certain degree, which is very understandable (we will be flattered)!
From the excellent performances at the CSL, you had had shown to fans that how sound your fundamental skills, athleticism in MBB.. Encouraging career successes will be ensured, as creditable to yourselves as well to Mr. Douglas Mitchell of Bishop Montgomery, Torrance CA.
We’re going to be proud of you!