Boston Welcomes Its First Rec League

METROWEST: Players to Watch

By Taylor Pettiford | Metrowest League Coordinator

Tonight, Metrowest will pass a noteworthy milestone for Ultimate Hoops Boston by bringing the region its first ever Rec League. This new hybrid offering has been made available to players over age 35 and/or players with no collegiate/professional experience. The league’s introduction is a true testament to both UH’s growth in the Boston area and how much our state loves basketball. Before we welcome our 28 returnees and 21 newcomers, let’s introduce our teams and rosters:

ANKLE BULLIES (Captain: Keith Rovinelli)

UH Veteran Keith Rovinelli has made the move to Wednesdays and has started taken the reins as captain of Ankle Bullies. His backcourt will be made up of PG-trio CJ Clinkscale, Jorge Fernandez (R) and Roberto Bonilla (R) with sharpshooting Michael McGustus and fellow veteran Irving Azor on the wings. Their post-play will be anchored by 6’5 Michael Biddlecom (R) a Bucknell alum and Roy Melnick (R). Expect to see an inside-out game as this team runs the offense through Biddlecom.

 HUSTLE (Captain: Jeff Raymond)

Following a successful season captaining in our Draft League, Jeff Raymond has expanded the Hustle organization to our Rec League. Perhaps one of the most well-balanced teams, Hustle features speedster Josh Adjei (R) at PG with Draft League veterans Brendan Andersen and Elzey James on the wings. Joining Raymond in paint will be his neighbor, Andrei Tsarou. Brian McLelland (R) and UH Boston mainstay Bobby Jones will add much needed backcourt depth. Last, but certainly not least, Lauren Barbo is blessing our league with her talents and representing for UH’s lady ballers!

 OLD GAME CHANGERS (Captain: Brendan Connolly)

Brendan Connolly makes his UH Boston return with a Rec League roster teeming with talent. The scrappy point guard will be joined by his Herb Connolly workmate, Andrew Christopherson, and summer Draft League champion Adam Rosario in the backcourt. Lefty Tommy Rogers and another Herb Connolly employee, Doug Barcelos, anchor the paint. Riley Traveller (R) and Eric Hayes will each look to prove their worth in UH Boston.

 TAPPED OUT (Captain: Scott Lubarsky)

Captain Scott (Lubarsky) is used to leaving defenders baffled on Monday nights at our Draft League, but takes his talents to Wednesdays and captains Tapped Out. Club GM, Steven Gum (R), highlights the roster along with Draft League standout, 6’5 John Finnerty. Michael Diatelevi (R) will bang in the paint and Mark Stanhope (R) looks to show off his refined skillset. Adding backcourt depth are Jason Torres (R) and Stephen Wang (R) in their first UH seasons.

 UNCLE DREW ALL STARS (Captain: Ben Lee)

Two-time Draft League captain, Ben Lee, returns to UH Boston as captain of the Uncle Drew All Stars. UH referee and former collegiate athlete Tedi George (R) heads up the backcourt along with three-point assassin Grant Hornung. Scrappy defender Oriosto (Otto) Medrano paired with Ben Lee looks to form one of the best defensive units in the league. 6’3 Warren Lane (R), point-forward Michael Morris and veteran Jason Webb will look to clean up on the glass as Juan Campoblanco (R) brings his skillset to the UDAS’ backcourt.

WILDCATS (Captain: Stephen Dion)

Long-time captain and former Draft League All-Star doubles up on his Fall UH experience and joins the Rec League as a captain. We welcome back five former UH Draft League players in guards Jim Lambert, Quentin Nowland, Jon Waters, Jarett Landman and forward Lou Hinckley. Rookie to watch, Mark Albright (R) joins the Cats, as well. Lastly, the Ultimate Veteran and Never Retire Award-Winner, Steve Safran is excited for his expanded role in the Rec League.

 From Westwood to Metrowest and Burlington, of late, the partnership between Ultimate Hoops and Boston has been nothing short of fantastic. We’re confident that the introduction of our first Rec League will do nothing, but bolster the relationship as our market, our talent and our participation continue to grow. We’re excited for 7 p.m. EST when we officially welcome the Rec to Boston!