Before Bingo’s All-Stars started their rivalry with R2K, there were the Pops 5 and Team 914 (Powerful Inc.) rivalry that’s been going on since 2003. They met in consecutive classic championship games back in 2005 & 2006. Both clubs got reacquainted once again Saturday afternoon as Team 914 went to go 3-0, while Pops 5 – The Legacy – were looking to go 2-1. A typical Pops 5/Team 914 game included up and down runs, highlight moments such as Obadiah Toppin’s ally-oop dunk (below) and hard nosed defense in the final stretch. Key plays made in the final moments from Stixx Williams and John Strickland – and key free throws by Burtt, Jr. sealed the deal for Pops 5 – The Legacy as they knocked off Team 914, 110-103.

Queensbridge had a comfortable lead going into the fourth quarter Saturday vs R2K. Up by as many as fifteen points, the W for them looked inevitable. But when the opposition has Dwight Hardy, the game is never really over – and it wasn’t. Hardy exploded for 12 points in the fourth – outscoring Queensbridge 32-19 in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. Not even a minute had gone by in the overtime session, Hardy converted on three consecutive three-point shots, bringing R2K to a nine point lead, 89-80. Queensbridge never fully recovered as the Hardy storm hit them so hard that they were outscored in the overtime session 27-3, losing in overtime 107-83. Hardy scored 17 points in the overtime session, giving him 50 for the afternoon.

Rashamel Jones of Hoop Street looked to get his team their first victory of the 2009 campaign, but Rosedale Trailblazers, another team looking for their first win, wasn’t going to allow it. Big time play from Anthony (last name undetermined) of Rosedale compiled for 26 points in the absence of Ryan “Special FX” Williams, sparked the team into a key victory over Hoop Street 104-97. Rashamel Jones led Hoop Street with 38 points. GNC All-Stars went 2-0 by defeating the Young Ones 102-84, led by Craig Taylor’s 25 points with 18 coming in the first half. Von Allen of Young Ones led them with 34 points, 20 coming in the second half for the up and coming Young Ones coached by Dyckman’s Kenny Stevens.

The weekend nightcap featured the on-going rivalry between Bingo’s All-Stars and R2K. R2K coming off the victory on Saturday vs Queensbridge were looking to go 2-0 on the weekend. Bingo’s All-Stars had other plans – going 3-0 on the season. Bingo’s All-Stars got off to a hot start, led by Momo Jones and reigning 2008 MVP Mike “Optimus Prime”Glover. R2K turned up the gears in the second half – just like they did versus Queensbridge. They outscored Bingo’s All-Stars 25-15 in the third quarter, behind Hardy’s 14 third quarter points and the help from big man T.J, Stokes (22 points overall). The fourth quarter became very interesting because R2K climbed back to being down by 3 points late in the game. There wasn’t an answer for Hardy the entire second half. Another 16 points by him in the fourth brought R2K back to within one 99-98. MVP Glover scored a huge basket as the shot clock expired with one second remaining, giving his team a 101-98 lead. Hardy attempted a three-point shot at the end to tie the game but missed. Bingo’s All-Stars would go on to defeat R2K 101-98, led by Momo Jones’ 30 points and Glover’s 23 points. R2K were led by Hardy’s 48 points and Stokes’ 22 points.