Buffalo, NY-  Kronies Jamfest 2 is finally underway.  Twelve teams faced off in the hot summer gym this past Sunday at the Knights of Columbus to begin their pursuit of a Kronies Jamfest Championship, Buffalo’s most coveted basketball title.  Seven new franchises registered for the summer league to see if they have what it takes to compete with Buffalo’s best basketball players.

In the first game of the day Papa Jake’s squared off against Square Bob Sponge Pants.  Both teams came out firing and ready to go.  Adam LaFluer made his mark early on Kronies Jamfest with 16 points in the first half, leading Sponge Bob Square Pants to a 40-32 halftime lead.  Dave Hall had an excellent Kronies Jamfest debut leading Papa Jake’s with 23 points, including a strong one-handed contested dunk, but it wasn’t enough.  As the second half wore on Sponge Bob Square Pants opened it up a little more as fatigue began to set in with Papa Jake’s, who played the entire contest with five players, and ended up with the win 68-53.

Game 2 was a grudge match as Victor’s (formerly known as Fusion) squared off against Paper Beetch, whose captain Jordan Vaccaro was named MVP of the Western Conference Championship game last session playing for Fusion.  Emotions were high and Victor’s played tough, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Paper Beetch who were led by Vaccaro (14 points) and John Papincak who scored 26 points in his Kronies Jamfest debut.  Final score 54-43.

In the third game Nick Pfohman and the Flint Tropics took on the Wacky Waivable Inflatable Arm-Flailing Tub Men led by captain Jon Matchette.  Nick Pfohman (21 points) established himself early, scoring 14 points in the first half leading the Flint Tropics to a two point lead at the break.  In the second half WWIAFTM’s big man Rob Jacobs (20 points) was nearly unstoppable, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the balanced attack of the Flint Tropics.  Final Score 58-51.

The 6pm game featured two more returning franchises from last session as the Billies squared off against Norlfolk N’ Chance.  Norfolk N’ Chance got everyone involved as four of their six starters dropped eight points or more.  The Billies got off to a slow start and battled from behind for most of the game despite a strong effort from Tom Cavanagh (11 points) and Richie Lynch (9 points).  In the end Norfolk N’ Chance was too much for the Billies.  Final Score 49-39.

In the 7pm game Tim Book and Ebony & Ivory took on Chris Wagner and Swagged Out.  The game featured two of last season’s most prolific scorers in Jerry Shanley and Randy Martin.  In the first half Ebony & Ivory played good team basketball and got out to a 27-21 point lead, but in the second half the game turned into the Jerry Shanley Show as Shanley scored 28 of his 35 points in the second half and carried Swagged Out to a 54-51 point victory.  Despite the loss both teams looked good and should have a chance to compete for a title in the division.

In the final game of Week 1, Court Justice faced the Shining Force.  Court Justice came ready to play and raced off to a quick lead behind the strong play of Ed Stephens (22 points) and Bill Russell (21 points).  Court Justice looks to be another quality team to compete in Kronies Jamfest, while Shining Force will be looking to bounce back next week with their official roster in place.

So the stage is now set, the new franchises have been introduced, and Buffalo’s #1 basketball league is officially underway.  Good luck to all.

League A Top 10 Scoring Leaders:  John Papincak 26, Adam LaFluer 26, Ed Stephens 24, Dave Hall 23, Bill Russell 21, Dwayne Jackson 16, Jordan Vaccaro 14, Jon Burgio 14 Joe Magauero 13, Chris Meyers 13.

League B Top 10 Scoring Leaders:  Jerry Shanley 35, Nick Pfohman 21, Rob Jacobs 20, Jasen Ineson 16, Jeff Easton 13, Mark Giordano, Dean Antalik 12, Tom Cavanagh 11, Andy Tate 10, Randy Martin 9.

Schedule | Standings | Statistics  (Links will be active by Wednesday)