VBL / VWL Week 6
Truheight vs Timeless (54-47)
Truheight continued their stellar run in VBL Week 6 with a gritty 54-47 GameBreaker win over Timeless, improving their season record to 5-1. In a game full of momentum swings and tough possessions, Truheight leaned on their defense, shot-making, and leadership from multiple players to secure the victory. Deshaun Highler delivered a Player of the Game performance, leading all scorers for Truheight with 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting, along with 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block. His poise and midrange efficiency helped anchor Truheight’s comeback after falling behind by 10 points in the first half.
The game opened with Truheight taking an early 4-0 lead before Timeless responded with a run of their own to take a 16-14 lead after the first quarter. By halftime, Timeless had extended their advantage to 28-18, but Truheight refused to fold. The turning point began with Amos Hines, whose 4 steals and relentless pressure set the tone defensively. He also delivered the highlight of the night with a slick no-look bounce pass that led to a monster poster dunk by Vieux, igniting the bench and energizing the comeback.
In the second half, Truheight came alive. Mark Chin hit a clutch three-pointer in the fourth to give them a 42-40 lead, finishing with 10 points. Bernard Ireland was key down the stretch, scoring 8 points on 75% shooting, while Brandon Jamar stepped up during the GameBreaker period with critical buckets to help close the game. Truheight’s depth, communication, and ability to execute in the clutch continue to be the pillars of their success this season.
While Timeless dropped to 2-4, they put together a strong showing, led by Baby Jordan’s 11 points and Juice’s 10 points and 6 assists. Danthony Thomas was perfect from the field (4-4) with 9 points, helping Timeless build their early cushion. But Truheight’s collective will and defensive intensity were simply too much down the stretch, as they solidified their position near the top of the standings with another statement win.
Crep Protect vs United Nation (48-28)
Crep Protect evened their record to 3-3 after a dominant 48-28 win over United Nation in Week 6 action at Venice Beach. From the opening tip, Crep Protect controlled the pace with physical defense and efficient scoring, jumping out to a commanding early lead and never looking back. The team was led by Solo Bailey (#1), who earned his first-ever Player of the Game honors at VBL, finishing with 16 points, 2 steals, and 7-of-13 shooting from the field. After the game, Solo shared that the moment was special to him, as a homegrown Venice talent who’s been coming to the courts since he was 6 years old with his dad.
Crep Protect set the tone early, building a 24-8 first-quarter lead, sparked by Lefthand Dom (#15) who poured in 10 points in the opening frame and finished with 14 on 6-of-9 shooting. The momentum continued into the second quarter, where they extended their lead to 34-17 by halftime. Eric Howlin provided a perfect outing with 8 points on 4-of-4 shooting, while Sheldon “Jauggernut” Bailey added a tough 8 points and 6 rebounds, anchoring the team defensively and on the glass. Crep Protect’s ability to maintain offensive rhythm and defensive intensity for four straight quarters highlighted their most complete game of the season.
Despite the final score, United Nation (1-5) showed flashes of offensive promise. The game began with Ivanjoe (#15) scoring the game’s first bucket to give United Nation an early 2-0 lead. He followed it with another quick score to keep things close before Crep Protect surged ahead. Quies (#13) chipped in a perfect 5 points on 2-of-2 shooting and a made free throw, helping stabilize the offense during the early run.
The second quarter saw a stronger push from United Nation, led by two USC Men’s Basketball players making their VBL debuts: Chad Baker (#2) and Jonah Goorin (#25), who both arrived late but made an immediate impact. Jonah finished with 9 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting, including a smooth three-pointer, while Chad added 4 points on 2-of-2 shooting, showing polish and efficiency in limited time. Alek (#13) also had a perfect shooting night with 4 points. While the early deficit proved too large to overcome, United Nation’s second-half scoring and high-efficiency performances signal upside if they can get a full, on-time squad together moving forward.
Westside War vs Hidden Empire (49-36)
The undefeated Westside War (6-0) continued their dominant campaign with a 49-36 win over Hidden Empire, showing once again why they’re the top seed in the league. The win was anchored by Player of the Game Jayson Moore, who delivered an efficient 14-point outing on 7-of-8 shooting, 5 rebounds, and the highlight of the night — a vicious poster dunk that ignited the crowd and capped off a huge third quarter for the War.
Westside jumped out early, opening the game on a 5-0 run behind Rick Maganga’s strong drive and Corey Hall’s three-pointer. Jordan Robinson also made his presence felt early, scoring 6 first-quarter points to help establish a 17-9 lead. Corey Hall remained flawless throughout the night, finishing with 11 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting, including a deep three that halted Hidden Empire’s second-quarter momentum.
Hidden Empire managed to cut the lead to just two points midway through the second quarter with a 6-0 run, but Westside’s depth proved too much. Kaison Randolph and Ray Bass chipped in timely buckets during a 14-6 run that closed the half. The third quarter was all about Jayson Moore, who scored 8 of his 14 points in the frame, helping Westside maintain separation. Jordan Robinson rounded out a balanced effort with 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while the War’s defense locked in to close out another statement win.
Despite the loss, Hidden Empire (1-5-2) showed heart and flashes of potential against the league’s top team. IAmSmooth (#45) led the charge early with 9 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a three-pointer, keeping Hidden Empire within reach in the first half. The squad made a push in the third quarter with Ziggy (#25) scoring 8 points on 4-of-8 shooting and Chris Staples (#7) adding 6, cutting the lead to just four points at one stage.
Unfortunately, Hidden Empire couldn’t capitalize on key offensive opportunities down the stretch, finishing just 1-for-10 from beyond the arc and 37% from the field as a team. Marcus Driscoll (#23) added a late spark, but Westside War closed the game with a clutch 6-0 run. While the final result wasn’t in their favor, Hidden Empire continues to build chemistry with each game and showed that they can hang with anyone on the court.
WHN vs GRG (55-46)
In a thrilling VWL Week 6 battle at Venice Beach, WHN improved to 4-2 with a gutsy 55-46 comeback win over GRG. Despite starting the game with a 10-point penalty for tardiness, WHN overcame a 19-5 deficit behind the scorching shooting of Ashley Jenkins (#5), who earned Player of the Game honors with 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc.
GRG came out strong, jumping to a commanding lead with early buckets from Kelly Santos, Vee, Keena Lawson, and a three from Via. But once Jenkins caught fire, WHN flipped the momentum. She knocked down three straight triples to fuel the comeback, while Eve (#25) added 12 points to help WHN take a surprising 28-27 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The comeback was a full team effort. Kameria (#3) dropped 8 points on 4-of-9 shooting, while Coach Priscilla Walker (#10) suited up and delivered across the board with 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, showing poise and leadership on the floor. Fuego also brought the energy and hustle that helped seal the win. WHN’s defense tightened in the second half, holding GRG scoreless in the third quarter and closing out the game with discipline and confidence.
Although GRG fell to 0-6, their offensive execution showed major strides. Via led with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Keena Lawson added 10 points on 5-of-6 from the field. Vee contributed 7 points, and Kayla V went a perfect 3-for-3 for 6 points. Despite the final score, GRG’s improved shot selection and efficiency were bright spots in a hard-fought contest.
BBJ vs Cough Syrup 61-60
In one of the most electrifying games of VBL Week 6, BBJ pulled off a dramatic 61-60 victory over Cough Syrup in Elam Ending, improving their season record to 4-2. The high-stakes battle was filled with momentum swings, clutch plays, and a late-game comeback, capped by Zach Hinton’s game-winning bucket—despite him arriving late to the game.
BBJ opened with a bang, knocking down back-to-back threes from Buddha and Trey “Velvet Durag” Savage, sparking a quick 6-0 lead. Savage was red-hot early, scoring 11 of his game-high 23 points in the first, finishing 10-of-15 from the field with 3 rebounds and a block. BBJ led 20-18 after one, then stretched it to 31-25 by halftime behind efficient buckets from Treydeuce (11 points, 5-of-5 FG) and Vic Costa, who hit a crucial three late in regulation.
Cough Syrup fought back with resilience and firepower. Slim (#5) led the charge with 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-2 from deep, while Billy Preston (#25) added 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Aj Harris (#1) chipped in 13 points, helping Cough build momentum in the second half. A key 9-0 run flipped the game in their favor, and by the time the Elam target score was set, Cough held a 58-50 advantage, looking poised for the win.
But BBJ wasn’t done. Player of the Game Trey Savage stayed aggressive, and Zach Hinton—despite arriving late—made his presence felt in the clutch, scoring the team’s final four points, including the Elam Ending game-winner in traffic. BBJ’s defense tightened just in time, holding Cough scoreless down the stretch to secure the comeback win. With the victory, BBJ continues to cement its playoff position, while Cough Syrup (2-4) showed they’re still one of the most dangerous offensive units in the league.