APL just launched their concept 2 shoe and will showcase it’s ability weekly at Oakwood Rec Center. If too much damage is done  we might have to ban the shoe from The VBL.

Athletic Propulsion Labs APL Concept 2 Basketball Shoes

Over the past eighteen months the APL team has worked diligently to engineer the Concept 2 upper, mid-sole and outsole to work in concert with our Load ‘N Launch™ technology to both increase vertical leap and enhance maneuverability on the court.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 03, 2012

Athletic Propulsion Labs® announced today the introduction of its newest, innovative basketball shoe at $175; the Concept 2. With its sleek silhouette, speed lacing system and performance engineered collar, the APL Concept 2 features strategically placed black flow vents. The introduction of a new herringbone outsole incorporates a high grip tread pattern designed to optimize traction and provide maximum surface contact. The Concept 2 contains APL’s revolutionary, compression spring-based Load ‘N Launch™ technology, Banned By The NBA, and designed to instantly increase a player’s vertical leap.* The Load ‘N Launch™ technology is now complimented by a unique, 4-layer insole engineered to work with the high-performance sockliner and internal shank plate. Available in limited quantities, the new APL Concept 2 Basketball Shoe weighs just 15 ounces and features an innovative, two-piece synthetic carbon fiber upper construction, which conforms to the player’s foot using minimal seams and stitch lines to provide superior comfort and maximum performance. Each pair of APL Concept 2 basketball shoes also includes a set of white and black laces.

Athletic Propulsion Labs Co-founder, Ryan Goldston said, “With its unique construction, the APL Concept 2 fits completely true-to-size and provides the secure feeling of a basketball shoe that is designed to perform at the highest level of competition. The upper materials are a combination of the finest synthetics, microfiber mesh and special anti-microbial linings to keep the foot comfortable and performing at the maximum level throughout extended periods of play.” Adam Goldston, Athletic Propulsion Labs Co-Founder, added, “Over the past eighteen months the APL team has worked diligently to engineer the Concept 2 upper, mid-sole and outsole to work in concert with our Load ‘N Launch™ technology to both increase vertical leap and enhance maneuverability on the court. The new APL Concept 2 is a true player’s shoe designed to take your game to the next level in vertical enhancement.”

About Athletic Propulsion Labs®:

Athletic Propulsion Labs was founded in Los Angeles, California by twin brothers Adam and Ryan Goldston, two former University of Southern California basketball players. The company is dedicated to the creation of world-class, breakthrough technology that significantly enhances the performance of athletes in a variety of sports. The inaugural product from Athletic Propulsion Labs®, the patented APL® Concept 1 and the Concours basketball shoe and the brand new Concept 2, feature the revolutionary Load ‘N Launch™ Technology. The patent-pending Load ‘N Launch™ device is implanted in a cavity in the forefoot of the shoe and serves as a ‘launch pad’ by taking the energy exerted by the player and increasing lift with the aid of an intricate, spring-based propulsion system. In biomechanical testing at a leading west coast university laboratory, the Athletic Propulsion Labs® Concept 1 shoes delivered increases in vertical leap of up to 3.5 inches when compared against a leading competitive brand’s most expensive basketball shoe. * Results vary based upon the athletic ability and physical conditioning of the individual. APL® Concept 1, Concours are available at $150 and the Concept 2 basketball shoes are $175. All three styles are sold exclusively on the company’s website at http://www.AthleticPropulsionLabs.com.

APL’s Concept 1 basketball shoes were introduced on March 24, 2010. The NBA ban of the APL® Concept 1 shoes occurred on October 19, 2010 and marked the first time in the 64-year history of the NBA that a shoe was banned because it provided an “undue competitive advantage.”

For more information on Athletic Propulsion Labs, please visit the website at http://www.AthleticPropulsionLabs.com or http://www.APLbasketball.com.

Make sure to join us and support our fund raiser by buying tickets at discount price here.

We will hold a Clinic for kids 9 to 13 prior to our games from 11 to 12.15. $5 suggested donation.

April 14th Semis and Finals.

East and West Sunny sides connect as we project the most exciting final in NBA history Clippers VS The Heat.

D Wade the #1 Star in Miami and one of the best to ever graced the court was spoted rocking VBL snap- back at his birthday last night. He supports our league and inspires us all to achieve greatness!

D.Wade and Zack Andrews

When Dr. James Naismith invented basketball it was a girl sport….

VBL is proud to announce this summer’s main attraction, the Venice Ball Mermaids. Showcasing Venice’s very first and very own female street ball team to compete against local women’s teams every weekend in the mix with the usual VBL festivities. As 2012 is a time for change we have taken it upon ourselves to recruit the finest 8 players to represent the VBL league from a female perspective. It seemed only proper to establish such a team and I would have it no other way. <3 AK 

After the final decision was made to draft the Venice Mermaids into this summer season schedule I decided to do a little research on the history of women’s basketball which began one year after the game was invented in 1891. It was quite a wake up call for how historical this team will be for gracing the legendary Venice Beach courts as their home court seeing as no other women’s team has, let alone a female street ball team.

To catch you up to speed on how far women have come through the constant adversity of our past and to showcase women’s capabilities to balance femininity and athleticism while shattering all stereotypes I’ve provided a brief history lesson from long dresses and combed tresses to baggy shorts and messy buns. (But for those of you not looking for a history lesson from the 1890′s to now skip to the last two paragraphs to see how to make a big splash with the Venice Ball Mermaids and sign-up to receive more information on participation). 

In 1892, following James Naismith’s invention and introduction of the game into American society, Senda Berenson pioneered women’s basketball and began spreading the movement from coast to coast with a specially adapted set of rules for females as to avoid an uproar from mainstream society. The original rules and regulations stated for women were as follows:

6 players on each team on a court that was divided into 3 sections

Each player was to stay in their designated section

No snatching the ball

No holding the ball for more than 3 seconds

No dribbling the ball more than 3 times.

Rules such as these were established to keep female players from ” dangerous nervous tendencies and losing the grace and dignity and self respect one would have her foster.” Other restrictions for the girls were that their hair must be combed to play, no chewing gum, no nicknames or slang and no sitting or lying on the floor. (I would  have been ejected from this league long ago if these rules were still applied).

1893 the first women’s college basketball game was played at Smith College (Berenson’s home court) and no men were admitted to watch.

By 1895 basketball was being played across the country from East to West amongst male and female outcries that allowing women to play competitive basketball was “eroding sacred concepts of womanhood.” Regardless of these nonsensical assumptions and accusations the first known women’s competitive college basketball gradually expanded each year with more colleges offering basketball to their female demographic. 

1896 “Bloomers” were introduced (finally!) after the realizations that maneuvering in a floor length dress might not be beneficial in an athletic environment (duh). Berkley and Stanford also played the very first intercollegiate games while still excluding men from spectating by shielding windows and locking doors. The first known games between two high school girls teams took place during this year as well.

1899-1920′s much deliberation, rule changes, opposition etc took place during this time from Berkley and Stanford banning intercollegiate women’s games to the Olympic commission and AAU believing that women should not play basketball in public. 

Not until 1924 did women get to self govern their own competitions and were showcased as an exhibition at the Olympics

1926 AAU held its first national tournament for women with 6 teams participating

1927-1928 AAU national tournament cancelled

1929 AAU restarts with its first selected All American Team

1930 AAU National championship included 28 teams

1938 3 zone court reduced to 2

1940′s-1970 National and International competitions. Women’s games were becoming more common and slightly more accepted by the majority. Also AAU was no longer the only union holding official women’s tournaments.

1970  Five player full court adopted for women’s competition

1972 Title IX enacted required federally funded schools to fund women’s sports equitably and the AAU established teams of girls younger than the college age.

1973  College scholarships offered to female athletes for the first time and the ABAUSA (Amateur Basketball Association of the USA) replaced the Amateur Athletic Union

1976 Women’s basketball finally makes it into the Olympics with the Soviet team winning gold and USA taking Silver

1978 8 team Women’s Basketball League established (WBL)

1979 WBL expanded to 14 teams

1980 First attempt at a Professional women’s team with the Ladies Professional Basketball Association with 6 teams; played less than a month before failing. Olympics were held but many nations boycotted led by the USA.

1981  WBL played its last season; First women’s NCAA Final Four championship held

1985  Senda Berenson Abbott, L. Margaret Wade, and Bertha F. Teague were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the first women to be so honored with many more to follow in the years to come including: players Carol Blazejowski, Anne Donovan and Cheryl Miller, Nancy Leibman… etc. etc.

1988 Olympic women’s basketball tournament won by the USA

The rest of the 80′s through the 90′s women’s basketball was accomplishing much and gaining more and more notoriety with less friction.

1996 NBA establishes the WNBA with 6 teams; Sheryle Swoops was the first player signed to the WNBA

1997 WNBA played their first game and added two more teams

1998 WNBA continues to expand

1999 WNBA adds four more teams

2000 USA team won Olympic gold medal

2002 Ashley McElhiney became the first woman head coach for a men’s professional basketball team (ABA, Nashville Rhythm); she resigned in 2005 with a 21-10 record

From 2002-2012 much more has been accomplished establishing female basketball as a popular force to be reckoned with and so much more in store for the future. As times change we continue to evolve the game in various ways and women’s street ball is next on the agenda. 

Throughout history women have fought long and hard to claim themselves a spot on the thrown as Queens of the Court and it is now time to take over the blacktop. As we have evolved the game in tandem with the Kings it is only natural for us to expand our sites to the tricks of the trade and seek to compete on the streets. Few women’s outdoor street ball teams have been organized and none have gained the recognition deserving of such respected attention. Not only will these 8 women be the best of the best in the surrounding areas but as with our past we will remain “elegant and graceful” as we compete against our opponents every Sunday, keeping the balance of femininity and athleticism at an equilibrium never before seen in women’s basketball. Both ends of the spectrum have been conquered from college basketball to topless leagues and the Venice Ball Mermaids will succeed in entertaining with talent, charisma and competition while setting a positive example for the girls that seek to follow in our jab steps.

For those interested in making history and think they have what it takes please send your contact information to veniceball@gmail.com as we will be holding try-outs for the best of the West in women’s street ball at the VBL where the game never stops! Must be 18 years or older to compete but we urge the youngin’s to come out and support as they may become the next Mermaids to carry on this newfound tradition. We also will continue the KVBL every Sunday morning starting in May.

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed forward Zach Andrews, it was announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released. Zack had been playing with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League at the beginning of the season and was preparing himself the whole summer @ The VBL and Sacramento Pro-AM.

Andrews, who made the Los Angeles D-Fenders’ roster earlier this year as an NBA Development League local tryout player, has averaged 11.1 points (.603 FG%) and 8.9 rebounds in eight games (all starts) for the D-Fenders this season.

Zach is an outstanding guy who loves to put on a show and give back to the kids. He has a true heart and passion for the game. He has already played all over the world and will continue to spread his wings for a long time to come

2011 Human Highlight

2009 MVP

B.D. getting the boys together for one last all star game before season starts. This game is going to be a highlight reel. Although we will see so much basketball in the next few month, there is nothing better than watching it live in a small venue at a cheap price. See you guys down there!

Stay tuned for our Santa Slam 3rd Edition

STAY TUNED AS WE WILL KEEP IT GOING ALL YEAR LONG>> ALL OVER THE WORLD!

Don’t forget we do it for the kids> They are our inspiration!

Checkout some pics from our last event… Sick wit It and Beast put on a show once again and Venice All Stars hold on to their trophy!

Good Luck to my boys, Clutch, CY aka Dragon and Mark aka “The Heart”. We were standing 10 strong last year but this time only our 3 small guards are there representing. I know they will hold it down strong once again as they are true warriors! Too bad Big Shel had to go back overseas…

Playing in Alcatraz is no joke, matter of fact those are gotta be the worst conditions to play a game after a snowing blizzard. The fog enables you to see the rim from the 3 point line, the air is so wet it is impossible to get grip, it’s so cold it burns your lungs and your fingertips get num and it’s a live show so you have to time for warm ups or anything. YOU GOTTA BE OVER READY! Us Cali boys not use to all that, maybe the Russian could be the favorite!

Will see but this should be exciting. Also shoutout to my boy GSmith who came to play a few games @ VBL this summer. Can’t wait to see that re-match VS Clutch in the original bracket. Don’t forget to put on a show!

Checkout How This Story came to life last year

It was a long journey but we made it happen!

And the AWARDS go to:

KVBL MVP- Mike “Mr Positive”

VBL 2011 MVP
Tarron Williams “Beast”

Tough Smart Unselfish AWARD
Ryan “Cable Guy”  Sunblock

VBL Best shooter 2011
Chad “Agent 99″ W.C.

VBL SWAG Award 2011
Sam “Zig-Zag” United Nations

VBL Defensive player of 2011
Yohann “Male Model” V.A.S

VBL Most improved player 2011
Tim “Spiderman” V.A.S.

VBL Human Highlight 2011
Tim Trew “Prime” United Nations

VBL Meanest Player 2011
Tarron “The Beast” V.A.S.

VBL BEST COACH 2011
Mike “Happy Ball” United Nations

VBL Wildest Player 2011
Mike “Bowling Ball” White Collars

The VBL and Scratch Academy will be coming in all day to compete and show the kids a great time while being healthy!

Recapalooza!

Engaging Youth in Healthy and Creative Activities

Venice, CA- Youth from all over Los Angeles are buzzing about the 1^st Annual Recapalooza! on October 1, 2011 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291 on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Recapalooza! is a growing community based event bringing together youth from all over Los Angeles to engage in the exploration of healthy recreational activities.

Recapalooza! is produced annually by Devoted to Youth (DTY). Devoted to Youth (DTY) is an emerging non-profit organization committed to fundraising, implementing programs and events serving at-risk youth in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles and surrounding cities. Recapalooza is the brain child of Brady Farmer, President of MC Farmer, Inc., a chef and fitness advocate who’s personal mission is to see urban youth live healthier lifestyles. He believes that if youth receive exposure to the myriad of healthy food and recreation options, they will have the ability to make the common sense choices that lead to a fuller and more enriched life. Recapalooza is also Brady Farmer’s way of giving back to the community and broadening the horizons of youth throughout Los Angeles.

In partnership with Project MuszEd and VeniceBall, Recapalooza! brings you the Teenage Battle of the Bands and Talent Competition produced by DJ Qwess Coast. Registrants are judged by a panel of industry executives. The competition is from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and runs right into a line-up of headliners such as The Luminaries, Chali 2na and Cali Swag District, all celebrating music from Venice, CA. In further celebration of music from Venice, the Project MuszEd stage features an All-Star Tribute to music icon Teena Marie, who formerly hailed from Venice. The Project MuszEd stage is sponsored by Warehouse Shoe Sale, who’s street team will be on hand to facilitate prizes, raffles and giveaway items.

For more information on Recapalooza log onto www.devotedtoyouth.org/events

For more information on Project MuszEd log onto www.projectmuszed.org

Artist Line UP

ARTIST

TIME

RainBow Mars Introduction

12:00pm
Christian Brothers

12:10pm
Fatso

12:20pm
Aanysa

12:30pm
Mercedes Robinson York

12:35pm
Benny

12:40pm
S.N.A.P

12:50pm
Project MuszED

1:00pm
BITTER SWEET

1:10pm
Spotlight

1:30pm
Council Men Presentation

1:40pm- 1:55pm
Chasom

1:55pm -2:05pm
Kanary Diamonds

2:10pm -2:25pm
Wood Works

2:30pm -2:55pm TinTin DJ

2:55pm – 3:10pm
Greg Cypes

3:10pm- 3:25pm
Slant

3:30pm -3:35pm Kidd
5mins 2guitar

3:40pm – 3:55pm
Iman Omari

4:20pm – 4:35pm
Still Standing

5pm -5:15pm Dessy

5:30pm -5:45pm
Charlie 2na

5:45pm – 6pm Teena Marie Tribute
15mins

For more cool pics and videos go to http://www.cassyathena.com/

RSVP HERE

Who kept the crowed hyped at all times?

What a great Dunk Contest it was between Carlos Smothers “Los”, Daniel Hyde “MrHyde”, and Rodrick aka “King Small” who was crowned the winner. At 5’7 he is an up and coming basketball star, he is fearless and will try to dunk on anybody!

Here are highlights from the 2011 World Dunk Contest. Great think to see how the art of Dunking has spread its wings all over the globe. White Man Can’t jump is a myth. Seems like Jus Fly and Canada took that one!

Photos By Morris Morning

What a day it was for the VBL’s season finale which took place this past Saturday, September 3rd,
2011 at the legendary Venice basketball courts! We’ve added another page in the history books as the
day was filled with festivities and fun for family and friends. The KVBL finished off its last day of camp,
the Legends’ teams proved they haven’t lost their touch and a team of All-Star players from past and
present VBL seasons played against Hollywood Hoops. The lovely ladies of Venice showed off their skills
on the court during the 2nd Annual Bikini Basketball Game and the Slam Dunk contest was a smash with
5’7” Rodrick a.k.a King Small winning first place with his off –the- backboard -between –the- legs dunk
(East Bay)!

Saturday’s main attraction concluding the day’s excitement took place between The Mean Ones
and (three time champions) Venice All-Stars. Both teams faced off against each other to claim the
title as the 2011 VBL Champions and to take home the VBL trophy hand-crafted by upcoming Venice
Beach artist Flewnt.

Adrenaline was pumping right out of the gate as the All-Stars surged past the Mean Ones in
the first half. With a score of 26-43 going into the third quarter it was #32 Ian a.k.a. “High Energy”
and Mouth Piece’s defensive tenacity which kept the Mean Ones in the game during the second half.
Leading scorer #45 Zach Andrews’ scored 8 of his 24 points in the 4th quarter and as usual assisted Mean
Ones’ come back with numerous dunks.

Street ball legend #1 “Sick Wit It” led the Venice All-Stars with style and foot work as he
continually crossed defenders up. #12 Tim a.k.a. “Spiderman,” #8 “The Beast,” and #0 “The Mute” were
ultimately unstoppable. Although Mouth Piece was able to shut down The Beast in the Fourth Quarter it
was too little too late. Mean Ones defense held the All-Stars to just 8 points in the Fourth Quarter as
they began to play catch up with a 20 point scoring streak. The effort was to no avail for the Mean Ones
though. As the final buzzer sounded Venice All-Stars held the lead at 66-60.

Receiving the Championship title for the 4TH year in a row, the Venice All-Stars will officially
continue their reign as the Kings of the VBL court until next summer. Who will be able to defeat the All-
Stars next season? Stay tuned as we bring you more upcoming events hosted by the VBL during the off
season and keep an eye out for the 2011 VBL DVD featuring this season’s highlights! For the love of the
game we will remain LA’s street ball authority on and off the court.

1pm- Battle of the Old School 50 & over Basketball game

2pm- All Star /Celebrity / KVBL run

3pm- Dunk Contest

330- Bikini Game/Boardwalk classic

4pm- VBL FINALS

  VS

Could the Mean Ones do the incredible and defeat the 3X champions?

The first game was a tie breaker between Sun Block and the NCAA Boys. The winning team
received the #4 seed going into the first round of Play Offs taking place this Thursday at Hollywood
Park. Sun Block’s #45 Will a.k.a. “Porky” dominated underneath with 10 points in the first quarter
and #32 Tony “Tonenator” led the team with 17 points. That wasn’t enough to stop NCAA’s #24 Pat
a.k.a “Stretch,” with 19 points and #11 Gary “Thunder Dunker” with 16 points from dunking over Sun
Block’s players. #9 Deshawn a.k.a “Evolution” led NCAA with 20 points. Needless to say, NCAA got the
victory with a final score of 71-86 over Sun Block who just couldn’t seem to pick up the pace.

Next United Nations faced off against White Collar. With United Nations holding a 10 point
lead at the end of the first quarter, White Collar was unable to bring the deficit any closer than 7 points
throughout the game, ultimately leading to their defeat with a final score of 52-68. Welcoming back
#3 Sam a.k.a. “Zig Zag” into the mix kept the crowd entertained and made defenders dizzy. #3 Izeah
a.k.a “Clutch” and #1 Tareik a.k.a “Predator” led United Nations with 16 points each.

Skid Row battled against Mazel Tough to hang on for the Play-Offs. Skid Row’s consistent but
low scoring was no match for Noah a.k.a. the “Leprechaun” who was unstoppable and led team Mazel
Tough to their 50-54 victory with 19 points, eliminating Skid Row from the competition.

Finishing up the Sunday fun was the rivalry game between Advantage and Venice Beach All-
Stars. Playing for the #1 seed and a Bye going into Thursday’s games the competition seemed close at
the start until the All Stars pulled away in the second quarter establishing a 14 point lead of 28-42 going
into the second half. #11 Tim a.k.a. “Spiderman” led the All Stars into their victory with 28 of their 81
points ending the game with a final score of 72-81 and securing their rank as #1 going into Play-Offs.

We are just getting warmed up! Come join us in Hollywood Park this Thursday, August 25, 2011
at 6pm for the first round of Play-Offs to see which teams make it into the semi-finals on Sunday at
Venice Beach. Which team will walk away with the title of the 2011 Champions of the legendary Venice
Basketball League?

2pm: All star /celebrity showcase game/ lady hoopers/ highlight city.

Nice opener for opener of some intensive exiting games

Semi-Finals

3:30pm: Venice All Stars VS White collars

5pm: Mean ones VS Team Advantage

It is getting down to it come out and enjoy the top teams left, top DJ’s and entertainers, DB & Mouthpiece…

Venice Beach where life is most entertaining!

VBL First Round Play-Offs Recap August 25th, 2011

With stakes high and the energy to match, Thursday’s Play-Off opener between the Mean Ones
and NCAA Boys at Hollywood Park started the evening off. Heading into Semi-Finals, which will be taking
place this Sunday, August 28, 2011 back on our home turf at the world famous Venice Beach courts, the
first quarter was a close one ending with a score of 20-23 with NCAA in the lead. As usual, Mean Ones’
#11 Grinch showed great leadership and sparked his team into action going into the 2nd quarter scoring
11 of his 24 points. The NCAA Boys would not lead for the rest of the game as Mean Ones pulled away
in the second quarter and maintained the lead throughout. #23 Keith a.k.a. “Frost” led Mean Ones to
their 91-76 victory over the NCAA Boys, who are now eliminated from the competition, with 26 points,
finishing the fourth quarter with a 12 point scoring rampage.

Next was what appeared to be a great match up between SunBlock and White Collar but
ended up being more of a blow out for White Collar. With a 20 point lead going into the 2nd half, #69
Ferg a.k.a “Irish Giant” of Sun Block attempted to bring the team back into the game scoring 8 of his
20 points in the 3rd quarter and getting 3 blocks. Supporting efforts failed to cut the deficit by much
and with a final score of 74-62, the victory went to White Collar, removing Sun Block from the final
competition. Led by #99 Chad a.k.a “Agent 99” with a total of 26 points and hitting 6 three pointers it
was lights out for team SunBlock.

As the Sun went down and energy began to drop United Nations and Venice Beach All-
Stars reignited the fire for spectators. The battle between the CEO’s teams was quite a spectacle.
Intensity was fierce as United Nations trailed by 6 at halftime, 38-44. The deciding factor for the All-
Stars to maintain their lead laid in the fingertips of #12 Tim a.k.a “Spiderman” and #9 The Beast as
they consistently dominated throughout the entire game leading the team with 28 and 26 points
respectively. Jon Nash himself hopped off the bench and scored 8 points with high defensive intensity.
With United Nations’ #11 Tim a.k.a “Prime Time” and #24 “Time 4 Some Action” both scoring 16 points
and #12 Nick “Jungle Boy” hitting two 3 pointers and scoring 14 points, United Nations couldn’t seem to
pull themselves back into it and in the end were defeated 73-81.

The last game of the evening was played between Mazel Tough and Team Advantage. Another
deceiving match up, Mazel Tough just couldn’t reduce the lead to within 15 points. Ending the night with
a final victory of 93-69 over Mazel Tough, Advantage’s #0 Rockett led his team with 33 points. Mazel
Tough’s #6 Noah a.k.a. “Leprochaun” just wasn’t enough this time to stop Advantage from bulldozing
them on the inside. Noah led his team with 22 points hitting 4 three-pointers from the perimeter.

Going into Sunday’s games the Venice Beach All- Stars will be playing against the White Collars
and the Mean Ones will be up against Team Advantage. The first tip-off will take place around 1pm.
Come join us this Sunday, August 28th, 2011 to see who will advance to the Final game next Saturday,
September 3rd, 2011 to claim the Venice Basketball League Championship title. DO NOT FORGET to bring
the kids for our LAST Sunday Funday with KVBL and The Natural Leaders Camp which starts at 9am with
breakfast and lunch provided.

The top high school kids are back at it again Friday and Saturday.

The Skills challenge & Dunk Contest is at 4pm on Friday

The Elite 24 game is at 3pm. It’s first comes first seating so come early as the event will reach capacity.

These youngsters are the future stars of The NBA and will put on a show… VeniceBall style!

Photos: By Nick Ansom

We can only Hope the sun comes out this year!.. And that they will Dunk as well as these phemoms!

This is this Thursdays August 25, 2011 Playoff Schedule to be played at :

 This park has produced many greats and is a staple for basketball in Los Angeles. The park was built in 1953 and has been kept the same for all these years. This is the original streetball court.

Expect the best action so far!

The Hollywood Rec center.

1122 N. Cole Ave.

Hollywood Calif 90038

Game 1 begins at 5:30 pm.

 Game 1- 5:30pm

NCAA VS. MEAN ONES

Game 2- 6:30pm

SUNBLOCK VS. WHITE COLLARS

Game 3- 7:30pm

UNITED VS. VENICE ALL STARS

Game 4-  8:30pm

TEAM ADVANTAGE VS. MAZEL TOUGH

With Hollywood on the horizon for Play-Offs, competition and intensity was high on the court
this weekend at the infamous Venice Beach. Each of Sunday’s games determined the final rankings for
the teams that made it into play-offs.

The first game was a tie breaker between Sun Block and the NCAA Boys. The winning team
received the #4 seed going into the first round of Play Offs taking place this Thursday at Hollywood
Park. Sun Block’s #45 Will a.k.a. “Porky” dominated underneath with 10 points in the first quarter
and #32 Tony “Tonenator” led the team with 17 points. That wasn’t enough to stop NCAA’s #24 Pat
a.k.a “Stretch,” with 19 points and #11 Gary “Thunder Dunker” with 16 points from dunking over Sun
Block’s players. #9 Deshawn a.k.a “Evolution” led NCAA with 20 points. Needless to say, NCAA got the
victory with a final score of 71-86 over Sun Block who just couldn’t seem to pick up the pace.

Next United Nations faced off against White Collar. With United Nations holding a 10 point
lead at the end of the first quarter, White Collar was unable to bring the deficit any closer than 7 points
throughout the game, ultimately leading to their defeat with a final score of 52-68. Welcoming back
#3 Sam a.k.a. “Zig Zag” into the mix kept the crowd entertained and made defenders dizzy. #3 Izeah
a.k.a “Clutch” and #1 Tareik a.k.a “Predator” led United Nations with 16 points each.

Skid Row battled against Mazel Tough to hang on for the Play-Offs. Skid Row’s consistent but
low scoring was no match for Noah a.k.a. the “Leprechaun” who was unstoppable and led team Mazel
Tough to their 50-54 victory with 19 points, eliminating Skid Row from the competition.

Finishing up the Sunday fun was the rivalry game between Advantage and Venice Beach All-
Stars. Playing for the #1 seed and a Bye going into Thursday’s games the competition seemed close at
the start until the All Stars pulled away in the second quarter establishing a 14 point lead of 28-42 going
into the second half. #11 Tim a.k.a. “Spiderman” led the All Stars into their victory with 28 of their 81
points ending the game with a final score of 72-81 and securing their rank as #1 going into Play-Offs.

We are just getting warmed up! Come join us in Hollywood Park this Thursday, August 25, 2011
at 6pm for the first round of Play-Offs to see which teams make it into the semi-finals on Sunday at
Venice Beach. Which team will walk away with the title of the 2011 Champions of the legendary Venice
Basketball League?

WILL ANYONE TAKE DOWN THE VENICE ALL STARS THIS YEAR?

AUGUST 14th 2011 Schedule
OPENER  1pm: UNITED NATIONS VS TEAM ADVANTAGE   68-90

SHOWCASE 2.15pm: VENICE ALL STARS VS NCAA BOYS  Big Upset 62-63

RIVALRY 3.30pm: MEAN ONES VS MAZEL TOUGH  69-60

MAIN EVENT 4-45pm : SUNBLOCK VS WHITE COLLARS 52-41

AUGUST 21st LEGENDARY COURTS

MEAN ONES HAVE A SECURED 3rd SEED IN THE VBL

1pm – The Opener of the legendary day.

SUNBLOCK VS  NCAA BOYS >> playing for a tie breaker for 4th seed

WIN OR GO HOME >> WINNERS GO TO HOLLYWOOD

2.30pm – Rivalry Game

Battle of the loosers >> Playing for the 6th spot

9 MAZEL TOUGH VS #7  WHITE COLLARS

4pm – Road to Hollywood >> Playing for the 6th spot

#6 UNITED NATIONS VS #8 SKID ROW

5.15pm – MAIN EVENT  

VENICE ALL STARS VS TEAM ADVANTAGE  >>Playing for the # 1 spot

THURSDAY AUGUST 25TH  PLAYOFFS @ HOLLYWOOD PARK

#1 SEED GETS A BYE

6.30pm: #2 VS #7

7.45pm: #3 VS #6

8.30pm: #4 VS #5

AUGUST 28TH SEMI FINALS 

#1 VS winner of #4 & #5

Winner of  #3VS #6 VS #2VS #7

SEPTEMBER 3rd 2011

VBL FINALS

+ CELEBRITY GAME + DUNK CONTEST + ALL STAR GAME!

7-10pm Showing of DVD on Venice Recreation Center

#1-”Venice All Stars” Money players (3 x champions) 6-0
#2-”Team Advantage” Ol’ schoolers 4-0
#3-  “White Collars” Rep Interactive 5-2
#4-Venice Beach “Mean Ones” 5-2
#5- “United Ballers” of the World 3-3
#6-  Skid Row “Ambassadors” 3-3
#7-  “NCAA Boys” Stay in School 3-4
#8-  Real Goods “SunBlock”  3-4
#9-  Ivy League “Team Mazel Tough” 2-4
#10-  South of the border “Jalopenos” 1-3

VBL Top-Notch have made an entrance with a 3-0 entrance into The Nike Real Run @ Inglewood High School

Come check us out on Thursday 7pm as we take on LA Unified (Baron Davis Team)

The Great thing about this league is that you never know who might suit up.. With Josh Smith and JR Smith last week, Bobby brown and Pooh Jeter leading the league, we really encourage everyone to come out and witness some incredible games!

$5 @ the door

Monday – Thursday 6-9.30pm

High school games are the opening games. These youngsters have mad game!

As always we will be in full effect Sunday @ the beach but in the mean time check out the rest of the action!

Make sure to go and visit all the amazing basketball festivities that are happening all week end long

Adidas Nation @ HAX>> Press and well connected people only!

Nike 3 on 3 @ Staples Center LA Live

>> VBL TEAMS REPRESENTED VBL GOONS & UNITED NATIONS 2010 CHAMPS

DREW LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

http://www.saynoclassic.com/

This is history in the making once again! Will Team Advantage be able to Win The Nike 3on3 and come back to the beach and beat the champs once again? We shall see… This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Dcypher one of the best in the game came up with amazing logo for us

TEAMS:

10 Teams will represent the world and display every form/ style/ technique there is of playing the game we all love!

#1- ”Team Advantage” Ol’ schoolers 5-0

#2- ”Venice All Stars” Money players (3xchampions) 6-1

#3 -Venice Beach “Mean Ones” 5-2

#4-  “NCAA Boys” Stay in School 4-3

#5 – Real Goods “SunBlock”  4-3

#6-  “White Collars” Rep Interactive 3-4

#7- “United Ballers” of the World 3-4

#8 – Skid Row “Ambassadors” 2-4

#9 -  Ivy League “Team Mazel Tough” 1-5

#10-  South of the border “Jalopenos” QUITTERS

WHAT UNITES US ALL

No games this week end. This will be the only Sunday OFF for us during the whole summer! Make sure to go check out the Art in the streets Exhibition at MOCA. ITS FREE ON MONDAYS.

The Hari Krishna will be taking over the courts and the entire beach. Make sure to have a dance and celebrate what ever it might mean to you.

SEE YOU GUYS AUGUST 7TH FOR THE BEST VENICEBALL SO FAR

GREAT VBL SPECIAL AS WE TOOK PART OF THE SUMMER FEST

The day started with a 50 and over basketball game, picked up with an All Star Game with special celebrity guests and ended up with the most sexy stylin ballin ladies ever. Special Shoutout to The Lingerie Basketball League who played their hearts out and were the crowds favorites.

Photos speak for themselves!

PIC OF THE DAY

I’ve been coming to the VBL for a few seasons now, and the atheles and competition keeps on getting stronger!!

Being able to capture these incredible players is always inspiring and I love how everything is so improvised and in the moment… I never know what to expect!

I love the vbl!!

thank you for this unforgettable moments!

Venice Part One 1905-1950

Venice, originally called Venice of America, was advertised as a Mediterranean get away to Americans living in the middle of the country. Between 1900 and 1925 there was a rush to Los Angeles sparked by a desire for real-estate and oil drilling. Most of the migrants were Mid-Western babbitry leaving behind the dearth of the dust bowl for what seemed like an American Riviera. This rush gave Los Angeles widespread recognition in much the same way that the Gold Rush gave San Francisco international recognition. However, rather than traversing the sea as most migrants did to reach San Francisco, migrants to Los Angeles traversed the American desert.

It is interesting to note that one of the first large groups to immigrate to Los Angeles came from the Mid-West. Although it has been nearly a hundred years since this time, the persistence of Mid-Western values can be seen in many different facets of the city.

Venice canals in 1909

In addition to canals, Venice also had amusement parks, large swimming holes, skating rinks, and Venice Beach. For these reasons, Venice became known as The Coney Island of the Pacific.

Venice owes both its success and failing to the rush for real-estate and oil-drilling. Originally designed as a resort town, Venice became overpopulated and overrun with oil drills in 1925, causing its water and sewage systems to over-exhaust and its remaining waterways to clog. By the 1950s, Los Angeles had neglected Venice for so long that it become known as the “Slum by the Sea.”

The Ocean Park Plunge in Venice which allowed visitors a choice of heated or ocean temperature salt water bathing

View of Abbot Kinney Pier in 1907 with Auditorium, Ship Cafe, and Dance Hall

Bathing beauty content on the beach

Venice Beach on a Sunday afternoon in 1926

Coach Matisse "handling" the kids with care

The counter culture of Venice Beach expands during the summer season as tourists and locals gather to observe the spectacle that is the Venice Basketball League.  As the epicenter of Los Angeles’s street ball authority, the Venice courts are the embodiment of a Baller’s dream. Showcasing talent and inspiring youth, Venice’s progression is recognized worldwide. With teams drafted from all walks of life and from every corner of the world, VBL’s global community draws a melting pot of fans and players.

Positivity, activity and well- being is epitomized by the VBL on a weekly basis during the competitive summer games and the free kids camp, known as the KVBL, that is offered at 9am on Sunday mornings. Every kid is given the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities on the beach, enabling their athletic and intellectual aspirations to flourish under the sun. The KVBL’s fundamental intention has been to provide an encouraging and educational atmosphere for the kids to exercise and improve their many talents in front of a supportive audience free of charge.  Kids from all areas in LA are given the resources to manifest their athletic and intellectual capabilities with the only requirement being to bring a positive attitude. Fostered by the collective love for the game and sustained by the influence of community involvement, VBL has organically established itself as a true Hooper’s haven.

This Sundays games will take place @ Glady’s Park on 6th and Gladys. Bobby Grace will be there to hand out backpacks to the kids and make a speech to our community.

OPENER Noon

White Collars VS  “NCAA Boys” Stay in School

RIVALRY GAME 1.15pm

United Nations VS Mazel tough
SHOWCASE 2.45pm

Sunblock VS Team Advantage
MAIN EVENT 4pm

Venice All Stars VS  The Mean Ones

Mazel Tough (1-2) VS South of The Border Jalapenos ( 1-1)

RIVALRY GAME 2pm

United Nations ( 1-2) VS Real Goods Sunblock (1-2)

SHOWCASE 3.15pm

“NCAA Boys” Stay in School (1-3) VS The Mean Ones ( 3-0)

MAIN EVENT 4.30pm

Venice All Stars (4-0) VS Skid Row “Ambassadors (2-1)

July 24th Ball Games at Glady’s Park in Skid Row

FEATURED GAME OF THE DAY

36 “White Collars” Rep Interactive (2-2) VS  55 Team Advantage ( 2-0)

Players of the game – WC: Tyler aka ” That 70′s show” 16 pts, 4 rbds, 3 asts

- TA: Kenny aka ” Mr Fab” and David “White shadow” with 12pts

RIVALRY GAME

2pm: 59 Real Goods “SunBlock” (1-2) VS  42 South of the border “Jalapenos” (1-1)

Players of the game – Sunblock: Toni “Tonenator” 16pts 8 asts

SHOWCASE

59 Team “Mazel Tough” (0-3) VS  67 Venice All Stars (4-0)

Players of the game – MT: Evan aka “Nice & Big” 16pts, 11rbds, 3blks

- VA: Tarron aka ‘The Beast” 28 pts 9 rbds 4 asts

MAIN EVENT

52 NCAA All Stars (1-3) VS 56 Skid Row Ambassadors (2-2)

Players of the game: -NCAA:  Deshawn aka “The Martian” 16pts, 5 dunks, 8 rbds, 4blks

- Skid Row:  Crushow aka ” Cru” 16pts, 12pts in 4th quarter, 5 asts