Participants
1. #5 Elmira - shaf5576
2. #10 Linfield - qb4usf
3. #14 Chestnut Hill - Benis
4. North Central - pajamainc
5. Buena Vista - supersloth33

Preview

Linfield - The defending National Champs also come into the tournament as the reigning champ. After losing 4 important pieces; the Wildcats will look to continue their recent success in the Invitational hosting a 7-1 career record. Malcolm Land looks to put the team on his back as this group is full of youth and inexperience.

Buena Vista - Continuing the success over the last two seasons; Supersloth has led his team to the Elite 8 for 3 consecutive seasons. This year will be a bit tougher for them come invitational time as they have a much younger roster than they have been accustomed too. This does not mean that they should be taken lightly as sloth has shown year in and year out that he can win any given year.

Chestnut Hill - The Griffins come into the season looking for vengeance as they saw both their invitational hopes and National Title hopes slip to the hands of Linfield. With a very solidified roster assembled; Benis looks to continue on last season's success and carry that momentum in the invitational as they find themselves one of the favorites.

North Central - After having 0 seniors last season, North Central had a very good run in the Invitational. This season looks to bode much better as they return all 12 of their student athletes and have themselves in the thick of things when it comes to competing for the Dice Roll trophy. PJ always has a very talented squad that usually plays better than one would expect.

Elmira - After missing out on the invitation last season, Shaf finds himself as the preseason favorite to take the Dice Roll crown. The Soaring Eagles may do just that and soar throughout the season into a deep postseason push. There is no doubt that shaf has put together one of the few teams that have the ability to fight for a National Championship this season.

Nice post. I like it!

#10 Linfield Wildcats (1-0) defeats Buena Vista Beavers (0-1) (+15): 88-59

- To start the season the more veteran led Wildcats were able to pull off the big win vs the Beavers. With a young squad at hand, Buena Vista did all they could, but ultimately the press was too much for them to handle as they had 25 turnovers. As you will see throughout the Invitational; the team that wins the turnover battle and the battle on the boards will usually come up as the victor as was the case in this one. In a game that was close in the first half, the Wildcats were able to break the game open in the 2nd half as they outscored Buena Vista 50-28.

Play(s) of the game: With the game still within 10 and almost half way through the second half; Malcolm Land hit a huge three to pause all potential momentum that the Beavers had and started a run to ultimately put the game away.

Player of the game: William Weymouth (SR.) 25 Pts, 2 Reb, 4 Ast and 3 Stl


#14 Chestnut Hill Griffins (1-0) defeats North Central Cardinals (0-1) (+5): 96-69

- In a game that was expected to be closely contested the Benis led Griffins put a torching on the Cardinals. The first half played out just like everyone expected (45-40), but the second half surge put on by the Griffins really showed the type of fire power they have this year as they outscored the Cardinals 51-29. With a win of this magnitude the Griffins seem to have found themselves in great position to have an unforgettable season. Gary Warner (last years MVP) picked up right where he left off with 23 points.

Play(s) of the game: At the start of the second half and the game available to either team to take over, Jordan Wagner took control early as he took his defender 1 on 1 for the isolation connecting on a very acrobatic layup and on the next position hitting a floater to start opening the game up to 9. The lead was never in doubt following this moment.

Player of the game: Wilmer Baltzell (JR.) 23 Pts, 6 Reb, 1 Ast 2 Stl and 1 Blk

Standings:

Team	Record	PF	PA	+/-
#10 Linfield	1-0	88	59	+29
#9 Chestnut Hill	1-0	96	69	+27
#4 Elmira	0-0	-	-	-
North Central	0-1	69	96	-27
Buena Vista	0-1	59	88	-29

Daily Leaders:

Player	Team	Points
William Weymouth, SF	Linfield	25
Gary Warner, C	Chestnut Hill	23
Wilmer Baltzell, PF	Chestnut Hill	23
Malcolm Land, SG	Linfield	23
Clinton Sarris, PG	Linfield	15
Player	Team	Rebounds
Brian Vidaurri, PF	Buena Vista	8
Ryan Johnson, C	Linfield	8
Jason Stalnaker, PF	North Central	8
Franklin Brown, PF	North Central	7
William Loera, C	Chestnut Hill	6
Player	Team	Assist
Steven Brown, PG	Linfield	5
Clinton Sarris, PG	Linfield	5
Earl Scull, PG	North Central	5
William Weymouth, SF	Linfield	4
George Testerman, PG	North Central	4
Player	Team	Steals
William Weymouth, SF	Linfield	3
Wilmer Baltzell, PF	Chestnut Hill	2
Steven Brown, PG	Linfield	1
Ryan Scott, SG	Buena Vista	1
James Eggert, C	North Central	1
Player	Team	Blocks
Ryan Johnson, C	Linfield	3
Clarence Mahle, PF	Linfield	2
Roy Osborne, C	North Central	1
Michael Melendy, C	North Central	1
George Collins, SG	Linfield	1

#4 Elmira Soaring Eagles (0-0) @ #10 Linfield Wildcats (1-0) (+1) :

- The difference here will be the experience of the Soaring Eagles over the mildly young Linfield Wildcats. The young Cats have talent, but not the same amount of depth as the Eagles. While Linfield looks like a sweet 16 caliber team; whereas Elmira looks like a serious contender. I do not like to pick against my guys, which is why I am going Linfield 138-39 almost getting us that sought after 100 point win. JK

Prediction: Elmira by 7

North Central Cardinals (0-1) @ Buena Vista Beavers (0-1) (+2):

- Both teams had a slip up in day one, but need this one tonight in order to continue there hopes for a chance at the title. Both teams held their own throughout the first half, but saw one sided second halves solely dictate the final score. This could be a tight one, but once again where the Beavers are young, the Cardinals return all 12 giving them the advantage.

Prediction: N. Central by 12

Nice write ups! Glad we're still keeping this thing going.

Any chance you'll let me win tonight? You've only beaten me every single time we've played. I think it's time to let me have one.

#10 Linfield Wildcats (2-0) defeats #4 Elmira Soaring Eagles (0-1) (-1): 77-66

- In our first upset of the Dice Roll; the Linfield Wildcats defeat the number four team in the country as they take a commanding lead in the invitational standings. The fans were able to see a great basketball game in the home opener with the division three game of the night. With Fox Sports 12 on hand the whole country was able to see truly how rowdy our 1,200 fans can get. The flow was pretty steady throughout the game as the Wildcats took both halves by 5 & 6. In Elmira's first invitational game, the team seemed to be forcing many of their 3-point attempts causing them to shoot under 29% for the game from long distance. The free throw line was not any more kind as the roaring Wildcat fans helped hold Elmira to 60% from the line.

Play(s) of the game: With Thomas Martinelli doing everything he could to keep Elmira in the game by hitting a huge 3 early in the second half to tie the ball game up at 44; Malcolm Land came right back with a three of his own giving the Wildcats a lead that they would not surrender again.

Player of the game: Malcolm Land (SR.) 22 Pts, 1 Reb, 2 Ast and 1 Stl


North Central Cardinals (1-1) defeats Buena Vista Beavers (0-2) (+2): 85-68

- With both teams having their backs against the wall following an opening night loss; the Cardinals saved at least a glimmer of hope to push for the invitational title with a win over the unranked Beavers. Winning a game this season in the Dice Roll would be a major accomplishment for a team that has 0 seniors. Sloth will be getting his boys ready for the next game and using last nights game as a learning tool. The first half, just like opening night, was a tight knit ball game. The second half turned out to be the difference maker as the Cardinals outscored the Beavers 48-31. Shooting close to 50% from three point land and only allowing 4 assists was the difference maker in last nights game.

Play(s) of the game: The game within 3 with under 17 to go in the game Ryan Bell and Kenneth Koo come up huge for North Central as they hit back to back 3-point shots to increase the lead substantially within a minute. A lead that would not be surrendered again.

Player of the game: James Wideman (JR.) 14 Pts, 1 Reb, 5 Ast and 1 Stl

Standings:

Team	Record	PF	PA	+/-
#7 Linfield	2-0	165	125	+40
#8 Chestnut Hill	1-0	96	69	+27
North Central	1-1	154	164	-10
#18 Elmira	0-1	77	88	-11
Buena Vista	0-2	127	173	-46

Daily Leaders:

Player	Team	Points
Malcolm Land, SG	Linfield	22
Charles Patt, C	Linfield	18
James Wideman, PG	N. Central	14
William Weymouth, SF	Linfield	14
Clinton Sarris, PG	Linfield	13
Player	Team	Rebounds
Eric Langer, C	Buena Vista	13
Jason Stalnaker, PF	N. Central	12
Charles Patt, C	Linfield	9
Michael Melendy, C	N. Central	8
George Jacob, C	Linfield	7
Player	Team	Assist
James Wideman, PG	N. Central	5
Brian Kirchner, PG	Linfield	4
Ryan Bell, PG	N. Central	4
Scott Carpenter, PG	Elmira	4
Kenneth Koo, PG	N. Central	3
Player	Team	Steals
William Weymouth, SF	Linfield	3
Robert Greenway, SG	Elmira	2
George Testerman, PG	N. Central	2
Brian Kirchner, PG	Linfield	2
Jesse Moore, C	Elmira	2
Player	Team	Blocks
Michael Melendy, C	N. Central	3
Jesse Moore, C	Elmira	2
Donald Eichhorn, C	Elmira	2
Roy Osborne, C	N. Central	1
Clarence Mahle, PF	Linfield	1

#8 Chestnut Hill Griffins (1-0) @ #7 Linfield Wildcats (2-0) (SU) :

- For the second night in a row the Wildcats will welcome a top ten opponent; this time with #8 Chestnut Hill. A rematch of last years National Championship and more importantly a rematch of last season's Invitational Championship; Chestnut Hill looks for a different turn of events to occur after losing both games last season. QB has been very, very lucky to have maintained his undefeated record vs Benis, but there is a high likelihood that all of that can change after tonight. The winner of this game is solely in first place and controls their own destiny. After last nights game I learned not to vote against the defending champs.

Prediction: Wildcats by 1 in OT

Buena Vista Beavers (0-2) @ #18 Elmira Soaring Eagles (0-1) (-25):

- The road does not get any easier for the young Beaver squad as they come up against another ranked opponent as they travel to play the #18 team in the land. After a disappointing opening day for the Eagles, shaf has his team ready to turn things around and in all likelihood put get their first win of the invitational tonight. The youth of the Beavers is going to most likely be the difference in the game and most likely lead to a double digit win for the Soaring Eagles. In order to keep their team in the race for the Invitational Championship shaf needs to lead his team to victory tonight.

Prediction: Elmira by 21

Yeah, immediately after accepting the invite last season I regretted it...lol My team will be better by the end of the season. Right now? Not so much... Good luck guys the rest of the way...

#7 Linfield Wildcats (3-0) defeats #8 Chestnut Hill Griffins (1-1) (SU): 71-67

- In a rematch of last season's National Championship; the Linfield Wildcats improved to 5-0 all time vs the Griffins. In a tightly contested game that was pretty evenly matched, the difference maker came directly from the free throw line. The Wildcats shot over 85% from the line while the Griffins shot an awful 58% for the game. The two stars of the game were no surprise as Malcolm Land (24 pts) and Gary Warner (16 Pts, 8 Reb) have been solid all season long. With the win the Wildcats need just one more victory to take the crown in this years Dice Roll Invitational. P.S. Benis may or may not be on suicide watch following another heartbreaker. ;)

Play(s) of the game: As Chestnut Hill gives their last and best hopes at a late game comeback going on a 7-0 run to end the game; the dagger came with under 10 seconds left. With the game brought down to a 1 possession game Steven Brown goes to the line needing just one in order to put the game away for good. The Sophomore hits the first attempt and misses the second on purpose in order to let the time run out and give Linfield the win.

Player of the game: Malcolm Land (SR.) 24 Pts, 3 Reb and 1 Stl

#18 Elmira Soaring Eagles (1-1) defeats Buena Vista Beavers (0-3) (+25): 73-64

- In a game that was expected to be more towards the blowout end, the young Beaver squad was able to play their best ballgame of the early season. Without any seniors Buena Vista was able to stay in the game thanks in large part to John Dolly (14 pts, 8 rebs), but once again it was not enough as the Soaring Eagles were able to edge them out. The 18th ranked team in the land saw solid scoring throughout their starting lineup as four of the five starters were able to score double digits. This game keeps Elmira with a slight chance of being able to compete for the trophy, but with a head to head loss to Linfield; the Soaring Eagles will be hoping for a 3-way tie.

Play(s) of the game: A 2 point game with under a minute and a half left, Elmira comes in clutch from the free throw line ending the game 6-6 on their attempts essentially giving the Eagles a big win in front of the home crowd.

Player of the game: Thomas Martinelli (SR.) 18 Pts, 6 Reb and 2 Stl

Standings:

Team	Record	PF	PA	+/-
#4 Linfield	3-0	236	192	+44
#22 Chestnut Hill	1-1	163	140	+23
#17 Elmira	1-1	150	152	-2
North Central	1-1	154	164	-10
Buena Vista	0-3	191	246	-55

Daily Leaders:

Player	Team	Points
Malcolm Land, SG	Linfield	24
Wilmer Baltzell, PF	Chestnut Hill	18
Thomas Martinelli, SF	Elmira	18
Gary Warner, C	Chestnut Hill	18
William Weymouth, SF	Linfield	16
Player	Team	Rebounds
Charles Patt, C	Linfield	12
Eric Langer, C	Buena Vista	9
William Loera, C	Chestnut Hill	8
Gary Warner, C	Chestnut Hill	8
John Dolly, PF	Buena Vista	8
Player	Team	Assist
Clinton Sarris, PG	Linfield	5
Scott Carpenter, PG	Elmira	4
Jordan Wagner, PG	Chestnut Hill	3
Ryan Hart, SG	Chestnut Hill	3
Samuel Rivers, PG	Buena Vista	2
Player	Team	Steals
Ryan Hart, SG	Chestnut Hill	5
Steven Wansley, SG	Buena Vista	3
William Loera, C	Chestnut Hill	2
Elton Worley, SF	Linfield	2
Clinton Sarris, PG	Linfield	2
Player	Team	Blocks
William Loera, C	Chestnut Hill	2
Wilmer Baltzell, PF	Chestnut Hill	2
Eugene Premo, PF	Elmira	2
Donald Eichhorn, C	Elmira	2
Jesse Moore, C	Elmira	1

#4 Linfield Wildcats (3-0) @ North Central Cardinals (1-1) (+11) :

- After playing 2 ranked opponents in a row the Linfield Wildcats will travel across the country to play the North Central Cardinals. While unranked, the Cardinals are a very solid team and will most likely end the year in the top 25 so they should not be taken lightly. If history repeats itself, the first half will be a tightly contested match and one team will start to pull away towards the end. In this one it seems difficult to pick against the defending champs and I think they will repeat as the Dice Roll Champion in a very tight ball game.

Prediction: Wildcats by 5

#22 Chestnut Hill Griffins (1-1) @ #17 Elmira Soaring Eagles (1-1) (+1):

- In another very important game, Benis and his 22nd ranked Griffins will head over to visit Shaf and his Soaring Eagles. Both teams still have a slight shot at the invitational, but a loss tonight ends all hopes for both teams. Both teams have very solid rosters and a few days ago this game looked to be the deciding game for the championship. I am expecting another close one, but Gary Warner does not go down silently as he leads his Griffins to a very close win on the road.

Prediction: Chestnut Hill by 7

North Central Cardinals (2-1) defeats #4 Linfield Wildcats (3-1) (-11): 92-78

- For the first time in the 3-year history of the Dice Roll Invitational there will not be an undefeated champ and the winner will be decided on the final day thanks to the Cardinals huge win at home over the #4 team in the country. Linfield was outplayed by North Central from the beginning and never really had a shot at coming back from their 12 point halftime deficit. After a strong showing in their first 3 games; the Wildcats have opened the door to North Central and Chestnut Hill to take the crown. North Central was led by Everett Penny who sunk 11 of 14 free throws in the game to help close the door on any Linfield comeback.

Play(s) of the game: With the game finally brought back into a sizeable margin; Linfield had all the momentum bringing the game to within 6 with 4 minutes to go. North Central would come down on the following possession and James Wideman comes up huge with a dagger of a 3- point shot to end all hopes of a comeback.

Player of the game: Everett Penny (JR.) 18 Pts and 5 Reb

#22 Chestnut Hill Griffins (2-1) defeats #17 Elmira Soaring Eagles (1-2) (+1): 72-63

- In a game with a huge amount of magnitude for the second biggest trophy of the season; Benis and his Griffins were able to pull out the win on the road vs a very tough Elmira squad. With the loss by Linfield last night, the Griffins find themselves with an opportunity to win the Dice Roll. Being down 5 at half, the Griffins came out in the second half with vengeance on their mind outscoring Elmira 47-32 to end the game. Ryan Hart was clutch all night, especially from the free throw line going 10-11. The Griffins had 4 players in double figures led by Hart (19). With the loss Elmira falls out of contention for the championship and will look to rebound in the regular season to hopefully turn around a lackluster start to the season.

Play(s) of the game: With two and a half minutes left in the game and the score at 58-55 Mr. Clutch Ryan Hart comes up big once again as he hits a tough 3-point shot to put the game to 6.

Player of the game: Ryan Hart (JR.) 19 Pts, 1 Ast and 1 Stl

Standings:

Team	Record	PF	PA	+/-
#13 Linfield	3-1	314	284	+30
#15 Chestnut Hill	2-1	235	203	+32
#25 North Central	2-1	246	242	+4
Elmira	2-2	213	224	-11
Buena Vista	0-3	191	246	-55

Daily Leaders:

Player	Team	Points
Ryan Hart, SG	Chestnut Hill	19
William Weymouth, SF	Linfield	19
Everett Penny, SF	N. Central	18
Gary Warner, C	Chestnut Hill	16
Scott Carpenter, PG	Elmira	15
Player	Team	Rebounds
Donald Eichhorn, C	Elmira	12
Franklin Brown, PF	N. Central	11
Gary Warner, C	Chestnut Hill	8
James Eggert, C	N. Central	7
Jason Stalnaker, PF	N. Central	7
Player	Team	Assists
Clinton Sarris, PG	Linfield	5
James Wideman, PG	N. Central	5
Robert Wilson, PG	N. Central	4
David Butts, SG	Elmira	4
Jordan Wagner, PG	Chestnut Hill	4
Player	Team	Steals
William Weymouth, SF	Linfield	4
Billy Carter, PG	Chestnut Hill	3
George Testerman, PG	N. Central	2
Henry Feliciano, PG	Chestnut Hill	2
Clinton Sarris, PG	Linfield	2
Player	Team	Blocks
Brandon Holiday, C	Chestnut Hill	2
Ryan Johnson, C	Linfield	1
Jesse Moore, C	Elmira	1
Wilmer Baltzell, PF	Chestnut Hill	1
Kenneth Koo, PG	N. Central	1