Philadelphia Fastball

On Sunday October 9, 2011, the Philadelphia Fastbelles once again hosted the WBCA Pink Zone Asian Invitational.  In addition to the official tournament, the Fastbelles also conducted a pick up "free agent" tournament following the conclusion of the Championship game where players were drafted onto teams to compete with other players from other organizations in a more relaxed environment.  All tournament proceeds were donated to the Kay Yow Foundation as all four teams of young ladies did their best to make a difference during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Special thanks to Northern Liberties Recreation Center and the WBCA!

All-Tournament Team

Niveal Pastrana, Toronto Black Dragons (MVP)

Lee Anne Chong, Toronto Black Dragons

Angie Leung, Toronto Black Dragons

Chelsea Luhta, Phila Fastbelles

Kim Moro-Williams, Phila Fastbelles

Michelle Chan, Phila Fastbelles

Kiana Ye, Philly Lady Suns

Carol Yu, NY ISS Flightz

Official Tournament Preview

NY ISS Flightz: Coach Anthony Yeung has been working hard to get this team of junior ballers to take the next big step.  This team is young, but is right on target for where they need to be given their youth and inexperience.  Don't worry, they'll get there.  They might be small, but dont underestimate their hustle. The triumvirate to watch will be Carol and Karen Yu (no, you're not seeing double), and the relentless Crystal Lam.  Give this team two years, and they'll be in the mix.

Phila Fastbelles: The Fastbelles have won 3 tournaments in a row, dating back to last year's Pink Zone tourney, the Temple Invitational, and the Pre-NACBAIT Classic.  They will be ultrashortrostered this time around, with only 7  (possibly 8) players expected to appear.  So although their playing style will have to change, they're still going to be given overdog status along with the Dragons.  The pink jerseyed Belles will once again look to Chelsea Luhta (2010 MVP) and Kim Moro-Williams to do their thing when it counts.  Tracy Ng will give them some much needed rebounding and interior scoring, while NACBA Top 10'er Ling Lai and All-NACBA PG Shannon Yu can pop treys and handle the rock.  Michelle Chan will rebound and defend.  If Sandy Yu makes it down from Toronto, then more people will be interested in seeing her newborn baby than watching her play.  Basically, if the fastbelles show up with 8 and their secret weapons play, they have a good shot to win and continue their winning streak. If they end up with 6, then it will be a Ben Gay day with an early exit.

Philly Lady Suns:  Coach Diep has everything a coach needs for success- a  big organization backing him, high player turnout, outstanding financial support, a stellar PG, and athletic forwards.  The question is whether this could be the tournament that it all finally comes together. Emily Chen is a hard nosed playmaker, Michelle Phan and Judy Wong are former trackstars that can rebound and elevate to put the rock in the cup,  C Yin Ly is a former All-NACBA selection, PG Whin Brown-Sylla is a well tanned athlete, and Nana Huang is the most up and coming Asian female baller in the City of brotherly love.  The Suns came in 3rd last year, so if things fall into place, they just might sneak into the Chip.  

Toronto Black Dragons: The 2010 NACBAIT Champions, and the 2011 NACBAIT Runners Up will once again form the most talented team in the tournament.  Last year, the Dragons defeated the Fastbelles in pool play, but then ran out of energy in the Finals as they just looked tired.  The veteran core of All-NACBA F Lee Anne Chong, NACBA Top 10'er Danby Wong, and ageless basketball goddess Angie Leung returns; and versatile Viola Cheung also makes a repeat trip to the Pink Zone tourney.  But this year, the big news is that the Pastrana sisters, Anne and Niveal will be coming to Philly to take part.  Their athleticism and speed will come in handy for the Dragons down the stretch.  Toronto has all the right tools to win it all and they are the favorite to take home the 1st place trophy. 

Pool Standings: Phila Fastbelles 3-0, Toronto Black Dragons 2-1, Philly Lady Suns 1-2, NY ISS Flightz 0-3.

Playoffs

Wild Card: Philly Lady Suns def NY ISS Flightz 24-18

Semifinals: Toronto Black Dragons def Philly Lady Suns 53-21

Finals: Toronto Black Dragons def Phila Fastbelles 56-40

Official Game Ball of the Pink Zone Invitational