VBL / VWL Semis
VBL Semifinals Game 1 Recap: Timeless Shocks #1 Westside War to Advance to VBL Finals
The #5 seed Timeless delivered the biggest upset of the season, knocking off the previously undefeated #1 seed Westside War with a 62-52 semifinal victory. Behind a fourth-quarter explosion and Baby Jordan’s brilliant 26-point performance, Timeless proved they belong on the biggest stage, punching their ticket to the VBL Finals.
Westside War came out firing on all cylinders, storming to a 22-9 first-quarter lead fueled by Jordan Robinson’s inside dominance and Eric Watson’s shot-making. Robinson finished with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting, while Watson tallied 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Jayson Moore chipped in 9 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including a key triple, while Corey Hall (7 points) and Kaison Randolph (6 points) added solid contributions. The War entered halftime ahead 27-23, still in control despite Timeless clawing back.
Momentum swung in the third quarter when Blane “Twin” knocked down a game-tying three, and Baby Jordan followed with back-to-back buckets to give Timeless their first lead at 30-26. Although Westside regained a slim 37-33 edge heading into the fourth, foul trouble began to play a role, with both Juice and Mar Harris picking up their fourth fouls early in the quarter. Twin eventually fouled out, but Westside failed to capitalize.
That’s when Timeless exploded. Baby Jordan took over, scoring 13 of his 26 points in the final frame, while Juice buried clutch shots en route to 16 points, 6 assists, and 3 triples. Mar Harris added 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, and Milan Kis, aka Spare Tire, drilled a timely three-pointer during a decisive 13-0 run. Timeless outscored Westside 29-16 in the fourth, flipping the game with resilience, poise, and a fearless approach.
For Westside War, the loss stings as their undefeated run comes to an abrupt end. Despite shooting over 70% from the field across multiple players, they couldn’t withstand Timeless’ relentless second-half push. Missed opportunities to exploit foul trouble ultimately cost them a chance at the Finals.
Timeless, meanwhile, rides the momentum of this statement win into the championship game, proving once again that seeding means little when heart, composure, and execution take over.
VWL Game 2 Semifinals Recap: LadySweat Flips the Switch, Crushes WHN 47-17 to Return to VWL Finals
When it’s playoff time, the defending champs LadySweat just hit a different gear — and tonight was no exception. In their semifinal matchup, LadySweat completely took over, storming past WHN with a 47-17 statement victory to punch their ticket back to the VWL Finals.
Early on, it looked like WHN might make things interesting. They came out with confidence, grabbing a quick 4-0 lead thanks to Kameria (#3) and Icey (#10). For much of the first quarter, it was a gritty back-and-forth, with WHN trailing just 5-4 after the opening period. Icey shined as the lone spark for WHN, scoring a team-high 12 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting, while Kameria added 3 points and Seven (#15) chipped in 2. The fight was there — but then LadySweat flipped the switch.
Once the defending champs found their rhythm, they unleashed the type of firepower that only comes with championship DNA. Ruth (#5) got them going with a clutch bucket to take the lead, and from there, LadySweat exploded on a 19-2 second quarter run that completely broke the game open. The champs started raining threes, locking in defensively, and showing why they’re built for these moments.
Player of the Game Toni Romiti (#10) led the charge, putting on an absolute shooting clinic. Toni finished with a team-high 14 points, torching the nets with 5-of-6 shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 from deep. Hayley (#2) joined the barrage, knocking down two triples for 8 points, while Chy (#0) stayed perfect from the field with 7 points (3-3 FG). Shereen (#3) added 6 points on 75% shooting as LadySweat’s depth and balance overwhelmed WHN on both ends.
With the win, LadySweat improves to 3-4 on the season, but more importantly, they remind everyone that records mean nothing once the playoffs hit — because the defending champs always rise to another level when the lights are brightest.
Now, the stage is set. It’s LadySweat vs. Hoopbus for the VWL Championship. The reigning champs against the undefeated #1 seed. Legacy vs. Perfection. The biggest stage awaits.
VBL Semifinals Game 2 Recap: BBJ Advances to VBL Finals Behind Buddha Boyd’s Big First Half in 56-40 Win Over Hidden Empire
BBJ kept their strong season alive with a commanding 56-40 semifinal victory over Hidden Empire, punching their ticket to the VBL Finals. The matchup began as a back-and-forth battle, with six lead changes in the opening quarter as both teams traded blows. Hidden Empire leaned on Jus “Baby Bron” (#45), who scored 6 early points, and strong inside play from Mr. Merryweather (#7) to keep pace. At the end of the first, the teams were knotted at 13-13.
The game began to shift in the second quarter when Buddha Boyd caught fire, nearly perfect from the field as he scored efficiently inside and out. His presence was undeniable, finishing the half 5-for-6 from the floor while giving BBJ the spark they needed to take control. Buddha’s performance not only set the tone for BBJ but also proved why he’s a legit VBL veteran, showing that the number 43 has never looked better. A 16-4 BBJ run, capped by a Drew Bournes triple, gave them a 31-23 halftime lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
In the second half, BBJ’s depth and balance carried them. Hezi God arrived late from his Big 3 Celebrity Game flight and immediately provided a lift, scoring 8 quick points in the third quarter to extend the lead. Alongside him, Darae Elliot (12 points, 6-8 FG) continued his efficient scoring, while Treydeuce (3-3 FG) chipped in key baskets down the stretch. BBJ’s ball movement and composure were on full display, as they closed the game shooting over 70% from the field to seal the victory.
Hidden Empire didn’t go quietly, battling to the very end. Gabe (#25) led the way with 9 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 5 in the third quarter to keep his team within striking distance, while Navar Elmore (#22) added 7 points with a big three. Watts (#23) connected on a late triple, and Brad Ezewiro (#9) anchored the paint with his interior presence. But ultimately, BBJ’s balanced scoring and Buddha’s standout first-half performance proved too much, ending Hidden Empire’s playoff run after their upset of the #2 seed TruHeights the week before.
Now, BBJ advances to face their arch nemesis Timeless in the VBL Finals — a rematch of a controversial regular-season clash that went in Timeless’ favor. With championship stakes on the line, this rivalry game is set to be one of the most anticipated Finals matchups in VBL history.
VWL Semifinals Game 2 Recap: Hoopbus Stays Undefeated, Rolls Past GRG 38-10 to Advance to VWL Finals
The undefeated #1 seed Hoopbus continued their dominant season with a 38-10 semifinal victory over #4 seed GRG, improving to 7-0 and punching their ticket to the VWL Finals. The night belonged to Christina Ellis, who delivered a rare and incredible triple-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 steals, proving once again why she’s one of the league’s most impactful two-way forces.
The game opened with GRG showing fight and flashes of offensive rhythm. Ollie(#2) opened the scoring to give GRG an early 2-0 lead, and alongside Jessica (#10), who also went 2-for-2, helped GRG keep pace through the first quarter. Vee (#25) added a key basket, and with Allahya and Jessica combining for 8 points, GRG trailed just 14-10 at the end of the first, their strongest quarter of the season.
But from there, it was all Hoopbus. Behind Christina’s relentless defense and glass dominance, Hoopbus completely shut out GRG the rest of the way, holding them scoreless over the final three quarters. On the offensive end, Baller Bree (8 points, 4-9 FG) sparked a decisive third-quarter run with back-to-back buckets, while Janae and Destiny each chipped in 6 points to keep the pressure on. Lynadia added 2 points off the bench as Hoopbus showcased the kind of depth and balance that has made them the league’s top seed.
Though GRG ultimately fell, their early execution provided glimpses of promise. With Ollie and Jessica both perfect from the floor and the team’s ball movement creating quality looks, GRG’s first-quarter fight demonstrated an offensive identity they can continue to build on moving forward.
In the end, however, Hoopbus’s suffocating defense and Christina Ellis’s historic 14-14-10 triple-double were simply too much to overcome. With the victory, Hoopbus remains unbeaten and now turns their attention to the biggest stage of the VWL — the Finals — where they will face the reigning champions LadySweat in a battle of heavyweights for the ultimate crown.