Los Angeles–

Photos by Anna Forsström

Södertalje—

Sweden has been pretty active over the year in the world of basketball and they don’t seem to be slowing down with the list of talent participating in some of the world’s highest leagues. Over the weekend in Södertälje, the Final Four For the Under 20/18 were played and chance to take a look at the upcoming talent crop.  Also, WNBA La. Sparks guard, Farhiya Abdi continued with her consitent play posting 9 points in nearly 21 minutes of action on Sunday evening in a preseason match up against the Oklahoma Shock.  In Europe, Thomas Massamba and his Lukoil squad have advanced to the finals of the Bulgarian league. Take a look below at the results from this weekend’s tournament.

Results, HU20:

Final: Solna – Borås 70–58
Third Place: Södertälje – Ullvi 89–63

All Star Team:
Tobias Borg, Södertälje BBK
Eddie Alm, Borås Basket
Niklas Larsson, Solna Vikings (MVP)
Kevin Katheka, Ullvi Basket
Jesper Eliasson, Solna Vikings

Results, DU20:

Final: Northland – Södertälje 79–61
Thirdplace: Uppsala – Lidingö 57–40

All Star Team:
Elin Gustavsson, KFUM Uppsala
Allis Nyström, Northland Basket (MVP)
Amanda Tivenius, KFUM Lidingö
Ulrica Holmqvist, Södertälje BBK
Josefin Vesterberg, Northland Basket

Results, HU18:

Final: Uppsala – Fryshuset 90–58
Thirdplace: Södertälje – Göteborg 86–69

All Star Team:
Ludvig Swanström, Södertälje
Jakob Merlenius, Uppsala
Anes Zekovic, Uppsala (MVP)
Jakob Stenhede, Göteborg
Robel Gebremeskel, Fryshuset

Resultat, DU18:

Final: Luleå BG – Uppsala 83–53
Third Place: Södertälje – Alvik 62–57

All Star Team:
Sigrid Sandström, Uppsala
Emma Eriksson, Luleå BG (MVP)
Rebecka Garderyd, Luleå BG
Katharina Fasth-Gillstedt, Alvik
Jelena Jakovljevic, Södertälje

twitter@woodlawnpost

twitter@andrwmitch34

SODERTALJE—

Media day kicked off for the Women’s Swedish National team as they prepare for 2013 European Championships in France in June. The women will partake in a series of games to be hosted from May 31st to June 2nd in Sodertalje.  Some of the teams particiapting are Great Britain, Latvia and Turkey.

Other News from Around The League

• Peter Oqvist stays with Sundsvall
• Tommie Hansson leaves 08 Stockholm
• Joakim Blom stops with Elite league
• Johan Jeansson signs with Uppsala for two years
• Udominate signs Evelina Estola

twitter@andrwmitch34

twitter@woodlawnpost

SWEDEN —

Jonas Jerebko and Jeffrey Taylor will be leading the EM troop into European competition this fall.  Both have been home in Sweden visiting family and friends before returning back to the USA to train for their respective NBA clubs.

Other News From Around Sweden

• Udominate Basket has signed  Sofia Jakobsson and  Josefine Loob.
• Jämtalnd signs Omar Zaghden

twitter@andrwmitch34

twitter@woodlawnpost

KINGS CAPTURE 2013 SM GULD Photo by: Anna Forsstrom

Södertälje—

At Just 36 year’s of age, Vedran Bosnic has collected his first title in only his second appearance in the finals as the Södertälje Kings defeated the Sundsvall Dragons in Game 6 of an overtime 109-104 thriller  in front of a crowd of 1825 fans in Taljehallen on Tuesday night. The unsung hero of the night was American pointguard John Roberson who arrived to the team just around seasons midpoint scoring a season high of 42 points in a epic playoff battle.

Toni Bizaca was crowned this seaosons MVP

This seasons MVP Toni Bizaca finished with 23 points and Kenneth Simms added 15 points. Dino Pita added 13 points and Tobias Borg 12.

Sundsvall  Dragons who  will return the core of their team with Alex Wesby, Jakob Siguardson, and Hylnur Baeringsson put on impressive efforts in order to climb back  despite falling behind in the series. Sigurdarson finished with a team high of of 27 points. Congrats to Adnan Chuk, Alexander Lindqvist and Martin Palhmblad on capturing the 2013 SM GULD!

Statistics from Game 6:

Kings: John Roberson 42, Toni Bizaca 23, Kenneth Simms 15, Dino Pita 13, Tobias Borg 12, Alexander Lindqvist 2, Adnan Chuk 2.

Sundsvall: Jakob Sigurdarson 27, Anton Gaddefors 16, Alex Wesby 16, Hlynur Baeringsson 14, Michael Cuffee 13, Tom Lidén 10, William Gutenius 6, André Nilsson 2.

Game-by-Game breakdown of the SERIES:

GAME 5: RECAP

The Kings outlast the Dragons in Game 4: Photo by Anna Forsstrom

 GAME 4: RECAP

In Game 4, Tobias Borg scored 19 points to lead to the Sodertalje Kings to a 84-75 victory over the visiting Sundsvall Dragons to go up 3-1 in the series. Kenneth Simms finished with 18 and both Toni Bizaca and John Roberson finished with 16 each. Jakob Siguardson led the Dragons with 21 points. Baeringsson added 17 and Alex Wesby finished with 15.

Tom Liden helps Sundsvall Dragons to first victory of series 2-1: Photo by Anna Forsstrom

GAME 3: RECAP

Hlynur  Baerinngson (18 points) Alex Wesby(16 points) Tom Liden (14 points) and ( Mike Cuffe 13 points ) gave life to the Sundsvall Dragons whom after falling behind 2-0 in the series defended thier homecourt in Sundvall in 80-75 victory over the Sodertalje Kings. The series 2-1 in favor of the Kings whom were without sharpshooter Dino Pita (illness) got 16 points from Toni Bizaca and 12 from Martin Palhmblad who filled into Pita’s role.

GAME 2: RECAP

Dino Pita( 13 points) stepped up to provide a spark for the Kings as they moved 2-0 to lead the series with a 76-74 victory over the Dragons in game 2.

John Roberson and Kings close out Game 2: Photo by Anna Forsstrom

The Kings got a solid overall performance from its core of Simms (16 points, 13 rebounds) and Bizaca (15 points) and Adnan Chuck adding 13 points in the win.

The Dragons continue to hang around the 70 point column over the course of the first couple games. Icelandic sharpshooter Jakob Sigurdarson led the Dragons with 23 points on the night.

Adnan Chuck and Sodertalje Kings steal game 1: Photo by Anna Forsstrom

Mike Cuffe and Hylnur Baeringsson chipped in with 16 points.

GAME 1 :RECAP

The Big Three of Toni Bizaca (24 points, 5 rebounds), John Roberson (17 points, 6 rebounds) and Kenneth Simms (14 points, 14 rebounds) led the Kings to a 72-66 road victory against the Sundsvall Dragons.

Jakob Sigurdarson led the Dragons with 25 points in the series opener. The Kings take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Other News From Around The League

• Andreas Karlsson signed a new 2 year deal with Jamtland Basket
• Viktor Gaddefors has declared for the NBA Draft
• Paul Burke will take the off season to get a go to  player for next season. ” What we missed last season is a go-to-guy. I will look to address that in the offseason,says Burke.” The Norrkoping Dolphins only have a couple of players under contract inlcuding Edgars Jermanovs and Pierre Hampton.

Written by Andrew Mitchell for Woodlawn Post

twitter@andrwmitch34

twitter@woodlawnpost

Norrkoping—

It’s been a historical wave for Lasse Johansson and his caoching career. After capturing a place in the European Championships as the National Teams Head Coach over the summer of 2012, winning his first SM Guld in 2013, now he will lead the Norrkoping Dolphins into Euro Cup play next season?  Nods that this season’s MVP Elisabeth Egnell will return provides the team with a steady leader.

Other News From Around The League

• Christopher Ryan signs back with LF

twitter@andrwmitch34

The NBA’s first-born Swedish basketball player Jonas Jerebko takes some time out for the world to meet a man’s best friend, his canine companion, Hank. Take a look at the video below to get a full introduction of the person that greets the Swede after long road trips, practices and home games.

http://bit.ly/OffTheCourtJonasDog

Jeffrey Taylor Will Join National Team

After a successful rookie campaign, the second Swedish-born player to be drafted  into the NBA (Charlotte Bobcats)  has announced his plans to join the team for European Championships in 2013.

twitter@woodlawnpost

twitter@andrwmitch34

SOLNA—

Woodlawn Post (Sweden) previews a couple of players from a long list of talented preps who have the potential to land in a collegiate program or in the professional ranks in the near future. Sweden, a hidden gem for basketball talent,  is the home to several talented players such as Jonas Jerebko ( Detroit Pistons) Jeffrey Taylor ( Charlotte Bobcats) Farhiya Abdi (Los Angeles Sparks) and many others.

With the finals of the Men’s basketball league taking place this week, Woodlawn Post (Sweden)  caught up with Sports Chief Frank Afzelius (pictured below to the right) from the Solna Vikings to talk about the future of  Niklas Larsson and Jesper Eliasson.  Frank, a graduate of Hawaii Pacific, had the pleasure of coaching these young gentlemen during the 2012-2013 season after serving as an assistant on the Division 1 club for Solna Vikings Organization and was gracious enough to provide us with a bit of insight on the skill level of both players.

 Niklas Larsson,  is 200cm (height)  and has the ability to play up to four different positions ( point guard to forward). “ He’s about 6 ft5/ 6.ft6 and has played multiple positions for us. His natural  position would be at the two or three position in a higher level or at the collegiate level. He shoots the ball very well from outside but has an great midrange! With the dribble or just catch and shoot,” says Frank 

Frank Afzelius

Larsson served as the Captiain for the Swedish U18 National team last summer and did well in the European Championships. He also received the Rookie of the Year Award in the Swedish Top league last season. This year he averaged around 10 minutes per game.  “ This year with a new coach for the Men’s team, he was able to compete against the Americans at his position and learn a few things during practice. Off the court he is a great kid who handles his business in the classroom, says Frank.

His stat line for this season in the second division are:

16.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 3.5 ass in 31 min this season. He is shooting 46% from 2s and 35.6% from 3s.

The second player that has made a name for himself  is , Jesper Eliasson. He stands at 205cm ( 6ft7/ 6ft8) and plays the forward  position.

“ He runs the floor well, has amazing hands with a knack of just being in the right place at the right time, especially when it comes to rebounding, says Frank.

Just two summers ago,  Eliasson found himself ranked as the 37th best European prospect in the Class of 1994. However, an injury would sideline him for up to 7 months during last season. He suffered  a stress fracture on his knee tendon.  This season after successfully recovering, he made his way onto the court playing in both the top league and second division.

“ As a player he is one of the smartest kids that I have coached, always in the right place and almost always making the right choice, says Frank 

His stat line for this season in the second division are:
10.1 pts, 11.6 rebounds ( 4 of them are offensive.) He shot 56.7% from the field and 76.3% from the free-throw line.

As the year comes to an end, we hope to see these two young players in someone’s program around the nation.

(Solna Branten and Orongo Dragons which is the development team for Sundsvall Dragons. Sundsvall also have 4 players that receive significant min in the top league.)

Other Players To Watch

• In the video, you should take note of a kid who’s around 6’10-6’11. He is  a good athlete who has good touch. He hasn’t played very long but has a lot of potential. He is a junior right now.
• There is another player who wears #11 who also has potential but needs to improve on his practice habits. Overall, he is a great on ball defender, athlete and can shoot the ball.
• Check out the two games posted are against the teams that have players from both the top league and the second division team. Its Plannja’s (LF Basket) and Sundsvall Dragons development teams.

• Niklas Larsson #6  and Jesper Eliasson  #12.

Photo by Anna Forsstrom

SWEDEN—

The Swedish Champions have been crowned in the Women’s League (Norrkoping Dolphins) and now the Sodertalje Kings and Sundsvall Dragons are set to pair up for the Men’s Finals beginning on September 18th in Sundsvall. The Kings will make their second consecutive finals appearance and the Dragons 2nd trip in 3 years( SM GULD 2010-2011). It’s the best of Seven Series.

NBA WEEKEND

• Jeffrey Taylor and Jonas Jerebko squared off on Friday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills with Jerebko’s Pistons coming out victorious. Jonas finished with 21 points. On Saturday night, Jeffrey Taylor scored 9 points (3 rebounds) in a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

EUROPE

• IMOS Brno picked up  a win over the weekend in the first round of the playoffs. Swedish forward Farhiya Abdi (188-92) fired 22 points and 6 rebounds for the winners.
• Divison 1 Taby Basket is crowned champion. Boras Basket places 3rd.
  

twitter@woodlawnpost

twitter@andrwmitch34

Norrköping—

SM GULD TO DOLPHINS!!!!!!!!!!! The Norrköping Dolphins closed out the series 3-0 gaining Lasse Johansson (Coach Of The Year/Head Womens National Team Coach)  his first ever SM GULD TITLE with a 72-59 victory over the Solna Vikings in front of a record crowd of 2,038.

Former Michigan State Spartan, Lykendra Green led the Dolphins in the final game with 22 points while Elisabeth Egnell added 20 points in the third and deciding game in Stadium Arena on Tuesday night. Malin Asa finished with 17.

Norrköping Dolphins – Solna Vikings 72–59
(17–17, 24–12, 15–16, 16–14)
Norrköping: Lykendra Johnson 22, Elisabeth Egnell 20, Malin Aasa 17, Tamar Gruwell 5, Johanna Källman 4, Hanna Johansson 3, Mi Enlund.
Solna: Christy Bacon 14, Eureka Brooks 13, Katarina Andersson 12, Katarina Ristic 9, Anna Spyridopoulou 6, Vakina Volonaki 3, Katarina Milenkovic 2.
Attendance: 2, 038.

News and Updates

• Hanna Johansson wins Rookie Of The Year in Swedish Womens League
• Elisabeth Egnell wins Forward Of The Year in Swedish Womens League
• Tommie Hansson will lead the Under 20 team
• Brandon Barton Signs to LF Basket
• Jens Tillman Head Coach At Northland Basket
• Fredrick Julamo and Hakan Larsson to LF Basket
• Brittney Smart Guard Of The Year in Womens League

Written by Andrew Mitchell for Woodlawn Post

twitter@andrwmitch34

twitter@woodlawnpost