baseball

Caleb Bellach Remembers Harald Frey Being One Of The Most Supportive Teammates That He Ever Had

Caleb Bellach (201-F-2001, college: Montana Tech) is a 201cm forward from Manhattan, Montana that began his rookie season in Germany with Team Ehingen Urspring (Germany-ProB) but had to go after only 5 games averaging 5,6ppg and 3,0rpg in 18 minutes time. He began his basketball career at Manhattan Christian High School and then played 2 seasons and 28 NCAA games with Montana State University. He then finished at Montana Technological University (NAIA) playing 3 seasons and 82 games averaging 15.2ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 75.3%, 17.7ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 79.4% in his second season and in his third season averaged 13.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 81.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball before signing with Team Ehingen last summer.

Thanks Caleb for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel to be able to play overseas?

I feel extremely blessed to get the opportunity to continue to play the game I love overseas. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was in Highschool! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the right people around me and help me with this journey to get the opportunity!

How aware are you that one doesn´t see many NAIA guys reach overseas. Does knowing that motivate to heighten your work ethic as a rookie to a new level?

I know NAIA players may often get overlooked in some areas because we may go to some smaller schools but at the end of the day it’s how you play the game. I think knowing that just pushes me to go out there and prove something. No other choice than to be the most confident player on the floor!

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

To be honest I don’t know too much about Germany or its basketball until the last few months! The little I do know comes from my former teammate and roommate from Montana State, Finn Fluete who is from Essen, and now plays for Duesseldorf. But I’m super excited to get over there and learn and experience a new culture and meet some great new people and play the game we love!

Have you had any friends, former opponents or teammates play overseas and in Germany besides Finn Fleute?

I also have multiple teammates from my playing career that are playing overseas! (Harald Frey, Jubrile Belo, Abdul Mohammed, Sindou Diallo, Dalton Hommes)

Ehingen is a program that has been known of developing young players well. What were the main reasons for you joining this organization?

Coach Hübner and I were able to chat for a long time and everything he was saying just sounded like a perfect fit for me! I feel like there’s always things to grow and develop regardless of age and I believe that I will be able to come in with a little bit of a leadership role!

How did the talks go with head coach Johannes Hubner? What did you enjoy most about his basketball philosophy?

Coach Hübner is a great coach and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him! He said that the style he likes to play was very similar to the style I was used to playing at Montana Tech, and he made it pretty clear the role he thinks is best for me!

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say that my best play comparison is Demar Derozan? But I’m not sure lol! Maybe Gordon Hayward as well.

You’re a player that can fill the stat sheet well and seem to be a guy that can do a bit of everything. How well defined is versatility in your game?

I feel like I can score the ball at all 3 levels, when your game is well rounded and not 1 dimensional it opens up so many more opportunities on the floor for myself as well as my teammates!

You won 3 titles in the NAIA. How much of a leader are you?

I have had to lead by example since high school, my dad was my high school coach so there was no other choice! I feel ready to go and the best way to lead is by doing it first!

You shot the 3 ball really well in 2 of your 3 NAIA career and topped it off at 38% in your last year. How would you describe your shooting potential as you start your rookie season? What is your biggest goal with your shooting this season?

I feel like I have the potential to shoot above 40% but it all depends on the type of shots I’m taking, sometimes in college I would maybe take a lower percentage shot but I knew I could make the shot because I had before! My biggest goal for shooting this season is honestly just making enough to win games and taking the right shots for the team!

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

My defense has always been a weaker point of my game but the last 3 years I’ve really tried to work on it, I feel like it comes down to who wants it more.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game?

I’m working on being more consistent with my finishing around the rim about 10 feet and in. As well as my ability to get down hill and then make adjustments as I read the defense, making the best play possible for the team!

You began your college career at Montana State University (NCAA) and played there from 2019-2021 and played only 28 games. How much did Covid hamper your time there? Could you take any positives from these 2 years?

Montana State and coach Danny Sprinkle were great for me, I was a young 18 year old with no experience. I grew as a person and player and there is no way I would be where I am today without going through the Covid years and without having to grind out 2 years. It made me have a new view on the game and honestly made me fall in love with the game again!

How much of a role model was upperclassman Harald Frey who played the last 2 seasons in Germany´s top league BBL and will play in top Spanish league ACB this season? What were you able to soak up from his game?

Harald was a leader for our team, he’s always been one of the most supportive teammates I’ve ever had. He never hesitated to help me with anything or give me any sort of advice. I literally could ask him for anything or any help and Harry would be there for me, that’s the type of guy he is. I’m super greatful that when I was a freshmen I had such a great teammate to look up to.

What was it like being teammates with Fin Fleute? You could have a reunion in Germany this season.

Finn was always down to do whatever. He was always excited to explore. He is one of the strongest and nicest dudes I know. I haven´t seen him in a few years but we will link up in Germany again.

After playing in the NCAA for 2 years you then too a big step back moving to the NAIA and playing for Montana Tech. Was this a tough step mentally and did you develop a chip on your shoulder?

I felt like taking that step “back” I had to go out and prove that I was the “man” at that level. I had no other choice than to be the most confident dude and the floor. I just tried to be an absolute killer.

You won 3 Frontier conference titles at Montana Tech. Which one was the most sweetest?

They were all sweet in their own way, I would say the 1st one just because the last tech team to do it before we did it the first time, my dad was a member of the team. My dad only got 2 however so now I got 1 up on him hahah

How did head coach Adam Hiatt groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Hiatt believed in me from day 1, he recruited my from my sophomore year of high school and told me then that I could play professionally one day. I truly owe Coach Hiatt so much for allowing and trusting me to come in and help him change the program. He will be family for life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Asa Williams?

Probably about 50-50 but we will go with me

Who is the best player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

Paolo Banchero or Jaden McDaniels

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Harald Frey Xavier Bishop Sindou Diallo Asa Williams Chrishon Dixon

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

Micheal Jordan Kobe Bryant Kevin Durant Dirk Nowitzki

Who is your GOAT and why?

Micheal Jordan, he changed the game and it’s the driving reason we are where we are today

Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I did not!

Thanks Caleb for the chat.

Uzziah Dawkins(Lok Bernau) Has Been A Leader All His Life And This Season Guiding The Young German Alba Berlin Players

Uzziah Dawkins (188-G-1999, college: Converse) is a 188cm from Spartanburg, South Carolina playing his rookie season in Germany with Lok Bernau currently averaging 18.8ppg, 3,3rpg, 2,4apg and 1,9spg. He began his basketball career at Spartanburg high school and then played 2 seasons at Erskine College averaging 6.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 57.7% and 9.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 79.3%. He then played a season at Davidson Davie Community College (JUCO) averaging 7.7ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 60.8%. He then finished at Converse College (NCAA2) averaging 14.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 65.3% and in his last season averaged 19.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Uzziah for talking to germanhoops.com You’re a rookie overseas with German pro B team Lok Bernau. How thrilled are you to be playing your rookie season in Germany?

I am very thrilled! This is a dream come true so I’m excited to get started and make the most of this opportunity.

You’re an ex juco and Division 2 player. Not many guys with a resume like yours make it overseas. How blessed do you feel and do you have a chip on your shoulder?

I am blessed to be in this position but I am also blessed to have played juco and division 2 because it made me the player and person I am today. I do have a chip on my shoulder because I know how hard it was to get here and I know how hard it is to stay here and be successful but I’m ready for it.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you ever had any former teammates of friends or ex opponents ball in Germany?

I’ve learned a lot more recently and since I have been watching I can tell that the basketball here is very competitive and there is some great talent. I also have had a few friends play in Germany years ago.

You have joined the organization Lok Bernau. What were the main reasons for joining besides liking it´s family atmosphere?

I really enjoyed the talks I had with coach Oppland leading up to signing. I can tell winning is important to him and from watching film it seems like there are guys on the team already who are passionate about winning so I love that.

How cool will it be battling everyday against some of the best young talented Germans? Guys like Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner began their careers there?

I think it’s going to be great for me and it’s only going to make me better. That’s exciting because that’s shows you just how good the competition here is to have produced great players like those 2 guys.

How did the talks go with head coach Dan Oppland? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

The talks were great and that was another reason I fell in love with the organization. From the talks I can tell he wants to play fast,smart and tough and that’s something I love to do.

You will belong to the older guys on the team. Are you ready to be a leader for the young Germans? How would you classify your leadership skills?

Yes I am ready. I have been a leader on the majority of the teams I have been on so now at this age it’s something that comes natural so I am ready to lead on and off the court. I would say my leadership skills are great I am someone that likes to lead by example but I also feel I can verbalize in a way that make people want to listen.

You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would compare my game to Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving. I watch a lot of film on those two guys so I steal a lot of things they use and try to implement them in my game.

Talk a little about your game. You can fill the stat sheet with ease. What is your biggest strength on the court?

I would say my biggest strength is scoring but I think the best part of my game is being versatile and not just scoring from one area of the floor. I can post smaller guards, mid range, catch and shoot 3s or off the dribble so I think that´s what makes me most affective.

You have continued to improve your three pointer and were near scratching the 40% mark. How would you classify your three development and what is your goal this season with your shot?

My development has come a long way thanks to some great coach’s who believed in me and countless hours in the gym have got my shot where it is today. I want to keep extending my range and getting my shot as fast as I can and shoot over 40% this year.

Your also a very determined defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become in the next years?

I feel like over the years that’s been a part of my game that has grown a lot. I try to pride myself on not getting scored on so that’s big to me. I want to continue to grow and be an even better on ball defender and off ball defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to improve your game best?

This summer has been more about getting a lot of reps in different pick and roll coverages and making the right reads because I feel like that is something used a lot at this level and I want to be elite in that.

You began your career at Erskine College (NCAA2) averaging 6.6ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 57.7% and 9.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 79.3%. What kind of an experience was it playing for Lee Sartor? How did he help your game best in your younger years?

A lot of people don’t know but coach Lee was one of my first basketball coaches when I was a little kid so he has been helping me as a basketball player for many years before I even got to college. When I got to college he just believed in me and gave me a chance to do the things he helped teach me over the years.

You then played at Davidson Davie Community College (JUCO) winning a chip and averaging 7.7ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 60.8%. What was so special about that team?

The special part about that team was that we were a big family and we were competitive. Being on that team made me a winner and showed me what it takes to win a championship so that was big in my development as a player.

Every guy I have interviewed that played Juco has said that Juco was a grind, but all worth it. How was it for you?

That’s really the best way to describe it. For me it was the best experience in my life on and off the court. It made me grow up but having a great coach like Coach Ridge who really cares about his players more than winning made the experience that much better.

You then finished at Converse College (NCAA2) averaging 14.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.9apg, FGP: 54.8%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 65.3% and 19.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.0%. Your game made big strides in these 2 years. How did you become a better player?

I would say the work I put in over the summer getting my body in shape conditioning lifting and staying in the gym helped me take my game to another level when I got to converse.

You had some massive games at Converse against NGU and Coker just to name a few. What was your biggest highlight on the court at Converse?

My biggest highlight at converse would be against NGU when we came back to win trailing by 14 points with about 6 minutes left. I scored my career high and got my first double so that was a big game for me but it was also a big win for the team because we needed that conference win.

How did head coach Nick Pasqua groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Pasqua helped me so much taking my game to the next level and believing in me. He gave me a chance to play basketball when a lot of schools didn’t. Coach P loves the game and he’s an offensive guru when it comes to basketball so his offense and putting me in the right spots to make plays helped prepare my game to have a breakout college season but also prepare me for the next level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or CJ Jamison?

Me and Cj had some great practice battles but I usually win.

Who is the best player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

The best player I played in college would have to be Jordan Floyd.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

Javeon Jones, LJ Rogers, Emandi Brooks, Jaywaun Washington, Bosko Bojovic

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron, Steph, Shaq, Jordan, Kobe

Who is your GOAT and why?

Lebron James, I think Lebron is the goat because he has surpassed all the expectations that people had for him and has been great for such a long period of times. There’s nothing on the court he can’t do

Did you see the sequel to the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I have not seen the sequel.

Thanks Uzziah for the chat.

Jaylen Alston Dazzles Basketball Germany Flirting With A Quadruple Double Of 47 Points, 32 rebounds, 8 Assists And 8 Steals

Jaylen Alston (193-G, college: WSSU) is a 193cm guard form North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro B team Team Ehingen. He began his basketball career at Eastern Guilford high school. He then played a season at Gardner-Webb University (NCAA) and then played at Winston Salem State University and in his last 2 seasons averaged 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after scoring 47 points in a big win over the RheinStars Cologne.

Thanks Jaylen for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 114-110 victory over top team RheinStars Cologne. You played them tough in the first game. How motivated was the team this time to win?

The team was really motivated to get the win. We really need to get back on the right track so I think we started off the right way by taking out a top team.

was only your second win of the season with them as you came late to the team in December. What felt greatest being able to win this in front of your own home fans?

The greatest part was definitely being able to win in front of the fans. They come and support us at every game in regardless of the outcome, they still come back game after game to see us play.

This was the second loss in a row in OT for the RheinStars. Could it be that teams are scouting better against them now in the second time around?

I would definitely say teams are scouting them better. Coach had us watch some film on them this week so we were really logged in on knowing who was who and understanding the type of caliber each player brought to that team and take out their strengths.

What did the team focus most on going into the game? How much was taking care of the ball an issue? You had 18 team turnovers in the first game?

The team focus is mainly on rebounding and playing under the correct pace at times the game can get a little fast and we like to be able to switch and make them play to our style. The issues with turnovers happen, but we do try to limit them. Coach always wants us to stay below 14 turnovers in the game because taking care of the ball is usually a pivotal point who wins the basketball game.

valuable is it having a guy like Finn Doentgens? He scored 3 of the first 4 team baskets?

A guy like Finn is really valuable. He brings great size and experiences. This is his second year playing pro B. He did help us get started scoring three of the four baskets and that’s what we need from him honestly every game because having a guy like him in attack mode puts pressure on a lot of other things big guys.

It took you a while to get going, but you had 6 points in the first quarter? Of course there were30minutes more of playing time, but did you feel like you could have a great scoring day after 1 quarter?

Yeah, I honestly don’t worry too much about scoring. I just tend to allow the game to come to me and whatever is taking place. I’m fine with as long as my team is winning so we won the first quarter of the game and I was happy with that result. I always feel like I can have a great scoring day just because I’m a volume guy and I can score different ways. I don’t necessarily need the ball in my hands for 40 minutes to score 30 or 40 points a lot of times my points are from second chance.

I totally love Travis Davis. He finished the first quarter with a lay in. Does his speed and quick finishes sometimes surprise you?

Honestly, Travis’s speed quickness does not surprise me just because I’ve been seeing it for a while since I’ve been here and I love that he has that to his basketball game and most guards tend to struggle staying in front of him and he’s also good with finishing at the room with his floater or being able to find the right team open, which gets our offense going.

In the second quarter the RheinStars punched back and held Ehingen to little points in the last 5 minutes. What was key for them coming back?

Key for coming back was for us to get back into what we did in the first quarter because being shot away from getting inside and making finishes at the rim and then we also had too many careless turnovers that lead to them gaining a little bit of momentum.

In the third quarter Ehingen fought back and you showed you’re a walking bucket scoring 9 points in a row. Did you feel that this was a time to take more responsibility or were you only doing what the defense was giving you

I honestly was just doing what the defense gave me. I tend to just see how they want to play me or other teammates so whether the opportunity is for me to score the ball or for my teammate to have the ball I’m fine with either option, but it was just great to have a little bit of momentum and scoring to push us forward with a little bit of a lead in the quarter

The RheinStars went on a little run in the third quarter and continued it going into the fourth quarter. How tough was it defending this RheinStars Cologne team that has a good mix of old and young legs?

Their team is very tough to defend. They have a great point guard along with a pretty good big man so that combination is tough when you’re in the pick and roll and they also do a great job of keeping the shooters inside the right spot so that way, you have to really decide what do you want to stop and be able to honestly switch to make yourself be there for every catch when the ball is being.

The fourth quarter was a real battle. Ehingen could of won the game, but allowed the opponent to come back and tie the game? Did Ehingen lose a bit of intensity in crunch-time to secure the win

Yeah, we definitely allowed them to come back inside the game. I’m honestly not too happy with the last possession in the way the ref called the valve for us but sometimes you have to live with those results and just keep playing so I feel like the urgency and intensity was there. We just simply gave up a bad possession for that moment.

the first OT you missed the second free throw. If you had made it, you would have won. Were you feeling some nervousness?

wasn’t feeling any nervousness. I honestly feel very confident whenever I’m shooting a ball even more confidence than I’ve ever felt in my career lately so it just simply was me missing a shot, but I know in my head I will make the next one.

In the second OT Simon Fransis made a trey with a dime from you and Jorke Aav made free throws to win.. Did Ehingen want it more at the end?

Yeah, we definitely wanted it more in the end. We honestly had a quote that we were saying the entire fourth quarter going into the overtime and it was “winners are going to win” and at the end of the day we do our job we know the results are going to favor us and that is what I felt like pushed us over the edge

How valuable is it adding a guy like 30 year old Simon Fransis from Sweden? What key element does he give the team besides experience?

Simon is very valuable. He brings a lot of experience and intelligence with a great IQ so having him on the floor all the time balances out what we have with younger guys on the team and he also is a threat and we can switch a lot of positions on defense so his versatility along with my versatility is something that can help with going into the future.

I don´t even have to ask you if this was your best career game. 47 points, 24 rebounds, 8 assists and 8 steals. I mean that´s crazy. How does that feel?

It feels pretty good. I was just really happy with the results because all those stats honestly don’t matter if we don’t win the game so it’s a great feeling seeing everybody happy for me even my teammates. They were cheering me on to go for 50 so that just means a lot for them being happy for me in every moment

Was that the most points in your career? You had a 35 point and 34 point game at Winston-Salem.

Yeah, they had to be the most. I had one game before where I scored 42 so I would say the 47 points is the most I’ve ever scored in a basketball game.

mean that isn´t in the same league as a Kevin Love. Your in your own galaxy. Did that stat line surprise you when you saw it?

stat line definitely surprise me. I was more surprised with the amount of steals along with the amount of rebounds since people look over every day so when they see the stats people are thinking I was joking about how many rebounds I had.

Does reaching 47 points give you that inner thought hmmm maybe I can reach 50?

No honestly reaching 47 doesn’t really give me the thoughts of 50. I just let the game come to me so whatever happens it’s fine with me as long as I see my team having more points than the other team.

You would have reached 50 with better three point shooting. Does knowing that give you that extra boost to go into the gym a little early on Monday or even on Sunday to work on your shot?

Yeah, I was saying the three-point shooting was something that gave me a boost regardless just because recently I haven’t put in some great reps inside of practice and I’ve seen the ball going in so for me I just want to pick up my percentage on shooting the three ball.

What was your personal favorite play of the game?

Honestly, my personal favorite play in the game had to be the last possession, seeing all of our guys ready to rebound and try to fight for the ball to seal the deal.

Did you get any special messages from people besides family and friends from people you may not have expected it from

I got some messages from old teammates, old coaches, along with new people in Germany that I wasn’t too familiar with but my most special message came from a couple of young fans and they were just so happy with the game yesterday and so things like that really make my day make me want to play harder and for the fans.

Thanks Jaylen for the chat.

The EPG Guardians Koblenz Snap 3 Game Losing Streak Defeating The Artland Dragons 79-64

Both the Artland Dragons and EPG Guardians Koblenz were riding losing streaks and the most positive thing going into the game in the CGM arena was that one team would finally have ended their drought. The Artland Dragons had a horrible season last season that were saved at the end to stay in the Pro A and this season the same sort of turn of events have occurred again despite a great start to the season. The Artland Dragons began with a bang winning their first 4 games, but since had a 10 game losing streak under the guidance of ex Koblenz coach Pat Elze. The EPG Guardians Koblenz had riden a 3 game losing streak since their fantastic home win against the Tigers Tuebingen. The EPG Guardians had to find a way to buckle down on defense as they had given up an average of 93 points in the last 3 games. On a cold Sunday afternoon, the game was close at half-time, but in the second half, the EPG Guardians Koblenz stepped up their game finally hitting shots and getting stops helping them control the game. Basketball can be that easy. “This was a super game for us. This game was a lot different from the last one in Giessen. Everybody gave a great effort. We played good defense and shared the ball really well on offense”, stressed EPG Guardians Koblenz guard Jakob Hanzalek. The losing and blues continued for the Artland Dragons as a disastrous third quarter cost them the game. In the fourth quarter with the exception of a few minutes, it was a cake walk for Koblenz. “We began well as our zone worked well. Both teams went on runs. All was ok at the break. Our offense couldn´t execute in the third quarter. We played too wild. Scoring 3 points in 8 minutes won´t help you win”, stressed Artland Dragons assistant coach Markus Jackson. “It was an us week. We had a great week of practice. We didn´t even look at video of the Giessen game and didn´t watch film on Artland until a day before the game. We just focused on us. We looked like a team. We executed well and there was no selfishness. We all trusted each other. Bradley played a great game. We wouldn´t have won without him”, warned Ty Cockfield.

Allin Blunt away jumper

The first quarter showcased a good start by the EPG Guardians Koblenz, only to see the Artland Dragons go on a run to steal the lead at 19-17 after 10 minutes. Koblenz came out punching going on a swift 6-0 lead as Czech Republic forward David Bohm (205-F/C-2001, college: EWU, agency: Octagon Europe) and American Michael Bradly connected on consecutive three´s. Boehm continued to be aggressive and display his versatility scoring a lay in for the 8-3 advantage. Koblenz got sloppy on defense getting fouls allowing Artland to come back via the free throw line trailing only 10-8. Basketball will always be a game of runs as the EPG Guardians jumped out on a 7-2 run to lead 17-10. In the run, Koblenz received good support from their bench as energetic guard Yassin Mahfouz nailed a three point bank shot and Leon Friderici scored on the drive. However Artland didn´t wilt like a flower, but chipped back at the Guardians lead step by step drawing fouls. Young German Thorben Doeding scored as did German big man Robert Oehle. Artland stayed aggressive on defense getting stops and American Taylor Johnson who played at Dartmouth College (NCAA) drilled home a trey in the last seconds. They also did a super job keeping Cockfield to 0 points. “They came back by getting to the free throw line. Cockfield did too little. He had to drive more. We defended well at the guard position”, stressed EPG sport director Thomas Klein.

Tajh Green at the FT line

The second 10 minutes was a tale of 2 quarters as the Artland Dragons rushed out on a big run, but couldn´t hold the momentum as the EPG Guardians Koblenz fought back and stole the lead back leading by 4 points at half-time. Ty Cockfield got Koblenz on the board first finally making his first field goal nailing a three pointer for the 20-19 advantage. The Artland Dragons then had their best phase of the game going on a 10-0 run to lead 29-20. Ex Dragons Rhondorf guard Badu Buck who recently came from Pro B team Berlin Braves went on a scoring spree scoring 5 points. He had a good week of practice and gave big energy hitting a three and some free throws. Artland continued to be aggressive attacking the rim as ex Missouri State forward Lamont West scored as did ex Benedict College (NCAA) forward Tajh Green scored in the paint area. Artland did a great job keeping the Guardians out of the zone and keeping Cockfield at bay. The Guardians didn´t have Boehm on the court as he couldn´t take his momentum from the first quarter and just produced bad offensive decisions. However the EPG Guardians Koblenz came out of their funk after being stopped on 9 straight possession and went on a 19-4 run to lead 38-34 at the break. In the run David Bohm continued to execute at a high rate steering 8 points while Bradley nailed another three pointer and German big man Moses Poelking made a lay in. The most spectacular play of the game occurred on the last play with 5 seconds. Ty Cockfield went coast to coast and it seemed like he would finish himself, but at the last second kicked the ball to the left wing as Jakob Hanzalek made a buzzer beater trey. “At the last second help came for Cockfield as he was already in the air. He saw me in corner. It was a super pass on a great drive. My shot felt good”, stated Jakob Hanzalek. “Boehm got us back in the game. His game gave us more space on offense to open up things”, said Thomas Klein.

David Boehm at the FT line

In the third quarter came the turning point of the game as the EPG Guardians Koblenz broke open the game going on a massive run and led by 16 minutes after 30 minutes. Moses Poelking made a free throw and Top Pro A assist man Buzz Anthony made a pull up jumper to trail 39-36. Then out of seemingly nothing the EPG Guardians Koblenz shifted up a few gears and ran over the Artland Dragons going on a 17-1 run to lead 56-37. In the run the Guardians executed well from downtown getting 3 three´s from Bradley, ex BBL player Leon Friederici and Cockfield. The Guardians also played inside out basketball getting points in the paint from Boehm and American Ben Stevens while Bradley also added a pull up jumper. Koblenz was in a groove while Bradley continued to fill the Cockfield void who wasn´t as his best with his shooting percentages, but when shots aren´t falling,he simply created for others dishing out 8 dimes in the game. Koblenz also stepped up their defense closing down their bigs with no penetration and forcing many turnovers. Artland stopped the run with a Taylor Johnson trey, but couldn´t make any ground. “We began the third quarter the way we stopped the second quarter. I think like we did the same things, but just with more energy”, commented Jakob Hanzalek. “The third quarter cost us the game. We forced too much and didn´t play smart. When you get hit by a run like that, you lose a little faith”, expressed Markus Jackson.

Brandon Thomas with the drive

In the fourth quarter the EPG Guardians managed their lead well and with a few slip ups, finished the game strong and never let up and never allowed them to get under 10 points. Both teams executed well on offense and just punched back and forth. The Artland Dragons got some early three´s from Green and Anthony to cut the Guardians lead to 14, but Koblenz always had an answer. Boehm and Friederici added back to back lay in´s to lead 69-50. Then came a little lapse by the Guardians as they allowed up a 6-2 Dragons run as they were a bit passive. They got free throws from 40 year old Brandon Thomas and 2 lays from the freak athlete Tahj Green to trail 71-58. But the EPG Guardians escaped from their momentary down phase punching back on a 5-0 run to lead 76-58. You can´t totally shut down a Cockfield who contributed 4 points. The Artland Dragons were tired which led to a loss of concentration. Artland got 2 more three´s from Thomas and Doeding, but it was too little to late as Koblenz closed out 2024 with a victory. “We did a job staying focused even when up by 15 points. Bradley and Boehm really stepped up today and played great”, said Jakob Hanzalek. “The fourth quarter was ok for us. We got tired and just didn´t have the strength. We fought to the end though”, stressed Markus Jackson. The EPG Guardians Koblenz were led by David Bohm with 20 points. Ty Cockfield added 17 points and 8 assists while Michael Bradley also scored 17 points while the Artland Dragosn were led by Tajh Green with 16 points while Brandon Thomas added 10 points. The EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 38% from the field and 34% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Artland Dragons shot 33% from the field and 33% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 15 turnovers.