The YMCA Capital City League got kicked off Wednesday Night, and the first games during the summer league did not disappoint. Fans watched as players did their thing, then made sure to get their fill of autographs.
The food available for purchase at the games was sold out due to such a large crowd.
Morris, Burton shine in YCCL Opener
Walnut Creek YMCA (1-0) 133, Capital Orthopedics (0-1) 114
The YMCA team was down a man in Jameel McKay (Iowa State,) who was recovering from an extra workout on Wednesday, and still were able to get the win.
YMCA was lead by Billy Wampler (Drake) and Terrance Bush Jr. (NC Missouri State) whom combined for 61 of the teams 133 points.
Chris Babb’s younger brother Nick (Iowa State,) who also transferred to Iowa State had 17 points on the night. The sophomore looked better than he did at Arkansas – now yes their is not much defense in the league, but he looked comfortable.
Capital Orthopedics challenged, but fell near the end of the game. Ore Arogundade (Drake) was needed to step up for his team and oh did he do that well. Arogundade had a double-double in 31 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. He was also supported by Matt Thomas (Iowa State) who had 27 points.
Phoenix Renewable Resources (1-0) 120, Hannah Homes (0-1) 107
The Iowa State pair of Monte Morris headlined Night One, being on different teams, but combining for 90 points.
Monte Morris lead his team to the win with 47 points and showed off his ball handling skills in the process. Morris will work well with new head coach, Steve Prohm, whom has never been a head coach that did not develop an NBA Point Gaurd.
Morris was backed by a 33 point performance from Kourtlin Jackson (Southern Miss,) who made noise last season in the YCCL. Jackson will stay in West Des Moines for the summer before transferring to Southern Mississippi.
On the other side of the ball, Deonte Burton (Iowa State) took control. The transfer from Marquette showed off his long strides and dunking ability in his 43 point showing, including one that brought up a standing ovation.
“The crazy thing is I don’t [always look for a dunk] it just happens,” Burton said. “I would lie to be known as an all around player, not just a dunker.”
Burton could certainly be used as a momentum switcher in the Iowa State stable as well.
“Momentum is a big part of the game,” Burton said. “If I could change the momentum of the game for our team, I will definitely do it.
ADIO Chiropractic (1-0) 119, Renaissance Granite & Quartz (0-1) 87
It was Georges Niang’s (Iowa State) birthday on opening night, and after a slow start, the fan favorite got going. Niang lead his team with 33 points and nine rebounds. The other Cyclone, Jordan Ashton, showed the crowd that he was no joke, and added 25 points to Niang’s total.
Former Iowa Stater Austin McBeth had nine points, and told us that he is very happy to be back down here around fans.
Seven footer Dominik Olejniczak (Drake) made his debut, grabbing 19 points. Olejniczak said it’s different being from Poland, but he too likes it here.
Another Drake player, Reed Timmer stepped up in his team’s loss. The to-be sophomore tallied 33 points, but could not get the win. Timmer will get good experience playing this role though, which is ultimately what he might step into at Drake.
YMCA Capital City League Standings
(After one of eight games)
1. Walnut Creek YMCA (1-0)
1. Phoenix Renewable Resources (1-0)
1. ADIO Chiropractic (1-0)
4. Capital Orthopedics (0-1)
4. Hannah Homes (0-1)
4. Renaissance Granite & Quartz (0-1)
Night 2 Preview – Friday, June 19 (NOTE: These games played at Valley High School)
5:30pm CT: Phoenix Renewable Resources (1-0) vs. ADIO Chiropractic (1-0) – In a battle of the undefeated’s, Monte Morris and team Phoenix take on big-man filled ADIO. Fans will want to show up early for this one, Morris vs. Niang to see who avoids their first loss.
6:45pm CT: Renaissance Granite & Quartz (0-1) vs. Capital Orthopedics (0-1) – Reed Timmer will step into his team leading role once again when RGQ faces Matt Thomas and Ore Arogundade.
8:00pm CT: Hannah Homes (0-1) vs. Walnut Creek YMCA (1-0) – In the final matchup of the evening, Jameel McKay will make his season debut against Deonte Burton and Hannah Homes. Let’s hope some have video cameras rolling, because that contest will feature more dunks than ever seen before.
