Game Results:
Neon Ballerz compete valiantly against Barack O'Ballers but fall short of title game
February 27th, 2019
Elizabeth Czekaj launched a half-court shot just before the sound of the buzzer, hoping to accomplish what Gordon Hayward nearly did in the 2010 NCAA title game. As the ball hung in the air for what felt like eternity, the whole arena held their breaths, picturing the unimaginable. But, the miracle was not to be. The ball ricocheted off the backboard, and the Barack O'Ballers raised their arms in celebration.
Both teams were riding a wave of momentum entering Wednesday's semifinal contest, but it was the Barack O'Ballers who eked out a 42-40 victory to punch their ticket to the consolation bracket championship game.
Trailing at first, the Barack O'Ballers got hot from three-point range and kept a lead for most of the game. They had an effective game plan against Neon Ballerz star Owen Burkett, who struggled with foul trouble for the entire game. Halfway through the second half, Burkett picked up his fifth foul and fouled out.
With Burkett out, it was up to Czekaj and the Neon Ballerz's role players to produce. After going scoreless for most of the game, Joshua Miller provided a catalyst. Miller hit a floater to cut the deficit from 36-33 to 36-35 in the waning moments. After the Barack O'Ballers went 1-2 from the charity stripe, Miller marched down the floor and banked in the game-tying lay-up. The Barack O'Ballers still had one last possession to win in regulation. After a potential go-ahead basket clanked off the rim, the Barack O'Ballers secured the offensive rebound, but missed another mid-range shot. The buzzer sounded and the Neon Ballerz had renewed confidence.
Miller made a three-pointer early in the overtime period to give the Ballerz an unlikely lead, 40-37. Unfortunately, their offense would go dry thereafter. With the clock winding down and the score now 40-38, the Barack O'Ballers decided to intentionally foul. Inexplicably, the Ballerz put the ball in the hands of Miller instead of Czekaj, a 94% free throw shooter. Miller missed both free throws and the Barack O'Ballers hit a go-ahead three-pointer on the other end. The Neon Ballerz then missed an opportunity to retake the lead and were forced to play the intentional foul game. The Barack O'Ballers missed a free throw, leaving the door open for the Neon Ballerz. With a few ticks remaining, coach Justin Korman called a time-out to draw up a play. The ball made its way to Czekaj, who was forced to heave the half-court shot before time expired.
Though this result was disheartening, the Neon Ballerz were proud of what they had achieved. Despite not recording a non-forfeit win in the regular season, they stormed into the playoffs winning two straight games before falling three points short of a title game appearance. This was a promising sign in their inaugural season of college intramural basketball.
There are reports that coach Korman has already designed an intensive offseason regimen for his team. Undoubtedly, the Ballerz will come back more determined than ever next season.
Neon Ballerz stave off Tri-State as Owen Burkett has career night
February 26th, 2019
Neon Ballerz compete valiantly against Barack O'Ballers but fall short of title game
February 27th, 2019
Elizabeth Czekaj launched a half-court shot just before the sound of the buzzer, hoping to accomplish what Gordon Hayward nearly did in the 2010 NCAA title game. As the ball hung in the air for what felt like eternity, the whole arena held their breaths, picturing the unimaginable. But, the miracle was not to be. The ball ricocheted off the backboard, and the Barack O'Ballers raised their arms in celebration.
Both teams were riding a wave of momentum entering Wednesday's semifinal contest, but it was the Barack O'Ballers who eked out a 42-40 victory to punch their ticket to the consolation bracket championship game.
Trailing at first, the Barack O'Ballers got hot from three-point range and kept a lead for most of the game. They had an effective game plan against Neon Ballerz star Owen Burkett, who struggled with foul trouble for the entire game. Halfway through the second half, Burkett picked up his fifth foul and fouled out.
With Burkett out, it was up to Czekaj and the Neon Ballerz's role players to produce. After going scoreless for most of the game, Joshua Miller provided a catalyst. Miller hit a floater to cut the deficit from 36-33 to 36-35 in the waning moments. After the Barack O'Ballers went 1-2 from the charity stripe, Miller marched down the floor and banked in the game-tying lay-up. The Barack O'Ballers still had one last possession to win in regulation. After a potential go-ahead basket clanked off the rim, the Barack O'Ballers secured the offensive rebound, but missed another mid-range shot. The buzzer sounded and the Neon Ballerz had renewed confidence.
Miller made a three-pointer early in the overtime period to give the Ballerz an unlikely lead, 40-37. Unfortunately, their offense would go dry thereafter. With the clock winding down and the score now 40-38, the Barack O'Ballers decided to intentionally foul. Inexplicably, the Ballerz put the ball in the hands of Miller instead of Czekaj, a 94% free throw shooter. Miller missed both free throws and the Barack O'Ballers hit a go-ahead three-pointer on the other end. The Neon Ballerz then missed an opportunity to retake the lead and were forced to play the intentional foul game. The Barack O'Ballers missed a free throw, leaving the door open for the Neon Ballerz. With a few ticks remaining, coach Justin Korman called a time-out to draw up a play. The ball made its way to Czekaj, who was forced to heave the half-court shot before time expired.
Though this result was disheartening, the Neon Ballerz were proud of what they had achieved. Despite not recording a non-forfeit win in the regular season, they stormed into the playoffs winning two straight games before falling three points short of a title game appearance. This was a promising sign in their inaugural season of college intramural basketball.
There are reports that coach Korman has already designed an intensive offseason regimen for his team. Undoubtedly, the Ballerz will come back more determined than ever next season.
Neon Ballerz stave off Tri-State as Owen Burkett has career night
February 26th, 2019
The Neon Ballerz are #FinalFourBound! Owen Burkett plowed over Tri-State's defense with 20 points, Elizabeth Czekaj poured in 14, and Joshua Miller added 11, as only three players scored for the Ballerz. With Tri-State taking a 6-1 lead in the opening stages, the outcome did not look pretty. However, the Neon Ballerz responded by scoring points in the paint and putting the "clamps" on Tri-State.
Justin Korman and Owen Burkett led the charge on the defensive end. Channeling his inner Andre Roberson, Korman did not score any points, but was a defensive menace with three steals. Meanwhile, Burkett locked down Tri-State's star players, successfully contesting nearly every shot without fouling.
Offensively, Burkett was a monster, doing his best impression of Joel Embiid. He got to the free throw line numerous times and converted a multitude of lay-ups. On one occasion, he even rebounded the ball off his own missed free throw and drew another shooting foul.
Elizabeth "94% free throw shooter" Czekaj was also tremendous in the win. She exploited the Tri-State defense with backdoor cuts and lay-ups in transition. A few mid-range jump shots solidified a well-rounded day for her in the Central Business District.
Joshua Miller assumed co-point guard duties with Korman in the absence of dribbling phenom Mike Hopp and defensive-minded point guard Oliver Rose. Miller drained several floaters and splashed a three-pointer for his 11 points.
Although their contributions could not be determined by looking at the stat sheet, Bailey Stoltzfus, Katherine Groves, and Scott Carroll had an immeasurable impact on the game, hustling for every ball, fighting for every rebound, and playing stout defense.
With this win, the Neon Ballerz have clinched the Dole Regional and will be the Dole Regional representative at the Final Four in State College, PA. Purchase your tickets now from the official Neon Ballerz store or the Neon Ballerz Ticketmaster page.
Box Score:
Justin Korman and Owen Burkett led the charge on the defensive end. Channeling his inner Andre Roberson, Korman did not score any points, but was a defensive menace with three steals. Meanwhile, Burkett locked down Tri-State's star players, successfully contesting nearly every shot without fouling.
Offensively, Burkett was a monster, doing his best impression of Joel Embiid. He got to the free throw line numerous times and converted a multitude of lay-ups. On one occasion, he even rebounded the ball off his own missed free throw and drew another shooting foul.
Elizabeth "94% free throw shooter" Czekaj was also tremendous in the win. She exploited the Tri-State defense with backdoor cuts and lay-ups in transition. A few mid-range jump shots solidified a well-rounded day for her in the Central Business District.
Joshua Miller assumed co-point guard duties with Korman in the absence of dribbling phenom Mike Hopp and defensive-minded point guard Oliver Rose. Miller drained several floaters and splashed a three-pointer for his 11 points.
Although their contributions could not be determined by looking at the stat sheet, Bailey Stoltzfus, Katherine Groves, and Scott Carroll had an immeasurable impact on the game, hustling for every ball, fighting for every rebound, and playing stout defense.
With this win, the Neon Ballerz have clinched the Dole Regional and will be the Dole Regional representative at the Final Four in State College, PA. Purchase your tickets now from the official Neon Ballerz store or the Neon Ballerz Ticketmaster page.
Box Score:
Neon Ballerz dismantle the Delaware 87ers, move on to Elite Eight
February 24th, 2019
The Neon Ballerz defeated the Delaware 87ers 43-30 in a game they controlled from start to finish. They looked like a well-oiled offensive machine on Sunday night. Leading the way were Scott Carroll and Joshua Miller, each of whom scored 10 points. The offense was humming, as seven different players scored.
Entering the game, the Neon Ballerz were hopeful that they could get their first collegiate intramural victory (excluding forefeits). Despite the optimism, it was quite a pleasant surprise when they found themselves up by 20 midway through the second half.
The Ballerz broke open a tight game in the first half, manufacturing a 14-0 run to increase their lead from 15-11 to 29-11. Mike Hopp showcased his shooting touch with two three-pointers in the first half while Owen Burkett overpowered the 87ers' defense, getting to the charity stripe early and often.
With the outcome all but decided in the second half, the Neon Ballerz decided to put on a show for the fans. Justin Korman delivered a sweet no-look dime to Owen Burkett during a transition sequence that made the crowd ooh and aah. Katherine Groves contributed to the festivities by banking in a three-pointer.
Elizabeth Czekaj played through an illness, doing her best to put together a Michael Jordan "Flu Game." She had 3 points on the night.
Meanwhile, the Delaware 87ers (not to be confused with the Delaware Blue Coats) looked the part of a G-league team. Sloppiness and a lack of rhythm led to offensive stagnation.
Up Next: The Neon Ballerz hope to prolong their cinderella journey through the playoffs when they face Tri-State on Tuesday night. #FebruaryFrenzy #Doesn'tSoundAsGoodAsMarchMadness
Box Score:
February 24th, 2019
The Neon Ballerz defeated the Delaware 87ers 43-30 in a game they controlled from start to finish. They looked like a well-oiled offensive machine on Sunday night. Leading the way were Scott Carroll and Joshua Miller, each of whom scored 10 points. The offense was humming, as seven different players scored.
Entering the game, the Neon Ballerz were hopeful that they could get their first collegiate intramural victory (excluding forefeits). Despite the optimism, it was quite a pleasant surprise when they found themselves up by 20 midway through the second half.
The Ballerz broke open a tight game in the first half, manufacturing a 14-0 run to increase their lead from 15-11 to 29-11. Mike Hopp showcased his shooting touch with two three-pointers in the first half while Owen Burkett overpowered the 87ers' defense, getting to the charity stripe early and often.
With the outcome all but decided in the second half, the Neon Ballerz decided to put on a show for the fans. Justin Korman delivered a sweet no-look dime to Owen Burkett during a transition sequence that made the crowd ooh and aah. Katherine Groves contributed to the festivities by banking in a three-pointer.
Elizabeth Czekaj played through an illness, doing her best to put together a Michael Jordan "Flu Game." She had 3 points on the night.
Meanwhile, the Delaware 87ers (not to be confused with the Delaware Blue Coats) looked the part of a G-league team. Sloppiness and a lack of rhythm led to offensive stagnation.
Up Next: The Neon Ballerz hope to prolong their cinderella journey through the playoffs when they face Tri-State on Tuesday night. #FebruaryFrenzy #Doesn'tSoundAsGoodAsMarchMadness
Box Score:
Neon Ballerz lose lead during lackluster second half, fall to the Hardos 58-48
February 6th, 2019
Owen Burkett and Elizabeth Czekaj each scored 14 points, Mike Hopp added 10, but it was not enough to overcome the Hardos on Wednesday night. Sweet shooting and suffocating defense (2 steals apiece for Justin Korman and Owen Burkett) helped the Neon Ballerz (1-2-0) race out to a 31-28 lead at halftime. Not to be deterred, the Hardos got into an offensive groove in the second half, taking the lead and never looking back. The Ballerz's offense stagnated against the Hardos' tight defense, as their hopes of achieving a winning regular season withered away after halftime.
Looking ahead, with a 2-0-1 record, the Hardos appear primed for playoff basketball. After a win last week, the Neon Ballerz were hoping to pick up some momentum and strengthen their resume. Now, they await their fate as the IM Leagues Selection Committee evaluates their case for postseason basketball.
Box Score:
Game cancelled, Neon Ballerz and Navigators each awarded wins
January 30th, 2019
Much to the dismay of Joshua Miller and other Neon Ballerz players, intramural games were cancelled on Wednesday night due to sub-zero temperatures. Both the Ballerz (1-1-0) and Navigators (1-0-1) were given wins and the final score was recorded 0-0.
Torts Illustrated pulls away from the Neon Ballerz
January 23rd, 2019
What appeared to be a defensive struggle in the first half transformed into a three-point contest for Torts Illustrated (1-0-0) in the second half. Both teams were sluggish offensively in a low-scoring first period. After halftime, though, Torts Illustrated broke out of its slump and started making three-pointers at will.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Neon Ballerz (0-1-0) never relented. Owen Burkett and Elizabeth Czekaj, the team's two stars, contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively. Mike Hopp drained a couple of long jumpers for his five points and Oliver Rose capped off the scoring with two points, making it rain on an off-balance mid-range shot. Meanwhile, Scott Carroll shined in his Neon Ballerz debut, pickpocketing the opponent twice.
Box Score:
February 6th, 2019
Owen Burkett and Elizabeth Czekaj each scored 14 points, Mike Hopp added 10, but it was not enough to overcome the Hardos on Wednesday night. Sweet shooting and suffocating defense (2 steals apiece for Justin Korman and Owen Burkett) helped the Neon Ballerz (1-2-0) race out to a 31-28 lead at halftime. Not to be deterred, the Hardos got into an offensive groove in the second half, taking the lead and never looking back. The Ballerz's offense stagnated against the Hardos' tight defense, as their hopes of achieving a winning regular season withered away after halftime.
Looking ahead, with a 2-0-1 record, the Hardos appear primed for playoff basketball. After a win last week, the Neon Ballerz were hoping to pick up some momentum and strengthen their resume. Now, they await their fate as the IM Leagues Selection Committee evaluates their case for postseason basketball.
Box Score:
Game cancelled, Neon Ballerz and Navigators each awarded wins
January 30th, 2019
Much to the dismay of Joshua Miller and other Neon Ballerz players, intramural games were cancelled on Wednesday night due to sub-zero temperatures. Both the Ballerz (1-1-0) and Navigators (1-0-1) were given wins and the final score was recorded 0-0.
Torts Illustrated pulls away from the Neon Ballerz
January 23rd, 2019
What appeared to be a defensive struggle in the first half transformed into a three-point contest for Torts Illustrated (1-0-0) in the second half. Both teams were sluggish offensively in a low-scoring first period. After halftime, though, Torts Illustrated broke out of its slump and started making three-pointers at will.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Neon Ballerz (0-1-0) never relented. Owen Burkett and Elizabeth Czekaj, the team's two stars, contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively. Mike Hopp drained a couple of long jumpers for his five points and Oliver Rose capped off the scoring with two points, making it rain on an off-balance mid-range shot. Meanwhile, Scott Carroll shined in his Neon Ballerz debut, pickpocketing the opponent twice.
Box Score:
Hoopsfest Tournament Game #1
Date: July 21st Opponent: C & A Auto Sales Result: Loss Score: 21-14
The Neon Ballerz entered their first game with plenty of hope and optimism. However, a sluggish start threatened to dampen their spirit. Their opponent, C & A Auto Sales, scored the first points of the game and added several more before the Neon Ballerz got on the board. Despite the slow start, the Ballerz battled through their opponent's physical, aggressive play to make the game close. Owen Burkett frustrated C & A Auto Sales' big man with tight defense, Justin Korman hustled for every ball, Joshua Miller banked in a single three, and Mike Hopp made plays for the rest of the team. As C & A Auto Sales approached the game-clinching score of 20 points, they began playing recklessly, shooting deep "pizza shot" three-pointers (which, if made, granted the shooter's team a free pizza). With an opportunity at a wide-open lay-up to seal the game, C & A Auto Sales instead foolishly attempted to dunk the ball. The missed dunk attempt briefly gave the Neon Ballerz a glimmer of hope, but they would later fall to C & A Auto Sales on a contested lay-up.
Hoopsfest Tournament Game #2
Date: July 21st Opponent: Team 911 Result: Loss Score: 20-2
After winning the coin toss to gain possession of the ball, the Neon Ballerz executed their prepared play "Trace" to perfection -- taking the early lead 2-0. They could not have expected what would unfold in the next ten minutes. Team 911 obliterated the Ballerz with alley-oops, three-pointers, and an assortment of other shots. The eventual champions of the U18 division would go on a 20-0 run after the first basket was scored. This was, by far, the low point of the Neon Ballerz's 2018 Hoopsfest run.
Hoopsfest Tournament Game #3
Date: July 21st Opponent: Bellwood Ballers Result: Loss Score: 21-13
Believing they were facing Hoopsfest elimination with a defeat, the Neon Ballerz were even more determined entering their third game. This urgency was apparent when they took an early lead over the Bellwood Ballers. Their Ballers counterpart, though, responded by exploiting their size advantage to take a 17-7 lead. Desperate not to suffer another loss, Joshua Miller sprinkled in a series of floaters and the Neon Ballerz scored six unanswered points to trim the deficit to 4. The Bellwood Ballers proved too much to handle, however, as they pulled away for a 21-13 victory.
Hoopsfest Tournament Game #4
Date: July 21st Opponent: RSK Result: Win Score: 20-11
After another heartbreaking defeat, the Neon Ballerz were surprised to find out they had one more chance to stave off Hoopsfest elimination. Led by Owen Burkett's tenacious rebounding and monopolization of the paint, the Neon Ballerz finally unearthed success. Mike Hopp found his shooting touch and connected on a three-pointer to give his team a 5-2 lead. This lead would eventually grow to 8-2 and then 18-6 as Justin Korman locked down RSK's wings and the Neon Ballerz gained confidence. In spite of the wide margin, RSK quarreled with the Ballerz and the referees, claiming that they had the lead. They also attempted trash talking to unnerve the Ballerz. For a little while, these slippery tactics seemed to pay off -- RSK went on a 5-0 run to cut the Neon Ballerz's lead to 18-11. But, the Ballerz were motivated to put the "nail in the coffin" this time. Joshua Miller received the ball in the paint and floated in a hook shot that slowly rolled through the hoop to clinch the win. The Neon Ballerz and their dedicated fans were ecstatic about the win, their second ever over the past four years of Hoopsfest tournaments. It was a bittersweet ending because the Ballerz were informed they had not qualified for the playoffs as a result of their poor point differential. Ultimately, though, this Hoopsfest experience surely finds its place in Neon Ballerz lore as another successful run.