I-5 All Stars take out SDB Galaxy Girls 255-172

Photo by Axle Adams

When serious rivals meet, you know they are going to be giving it their all.  They will push a little harder, give a little extra, and fight a little longer.  All of the is true whenever the I-5 All Stars and Galaxy Girls meet, but was especially true last night.  From the opening whistle to the final second of the final jam, these two teams fought this one out. 

Right off the line, Lex Celerator of I-5 and Flyin' Hawaiian of SDB had to fight through an incredibly tough pack.  Hits were delivered, openings found and closed with an incredible rapidity, and two very smart jammers found themselves in a rolling scrum.  Lex managed to pop out first for lead jammer status, but Flyin' was only about a quarter of the track behind.  Lex took some rough treatment through the pack on her scoring pass and had to call it off with only three points.

The second jam was scoreless as Lilly Lightning and Dee Stroir quickly made their way through. Lilly couldn't gain any separation and was forced to call it off as they raced for the back of the pack on their scoring pass.  The third jam had a quick four and out giving Galaxy the lead.  They would hold that lead for all of two jams before Lex Celerator finally broke free for a 22 point tear.  Flyin' Hawaiian grabbed the lead back, putting up 15 points in a power jam while new I-5 Skater, The Archer, sat idle in the box. 

This one looked to be a back and forth burner with both packs holding strong.  I-5's precision blocking and solid pack-work against the ebb and flow SDB was setting up between their offensive and defensive blocking.  There was some awesome strategy at play with Galaxy moving from the back to front of the pack, leading their jammer through an opening while they set up their four wall to force I-5 back.  I-5 countered with some very solid walls of their own and breaking apart the SDB's defense with some incredibly solid offense of their own. 

It wasn't until the 12th jam, about halfway through the first half that Lex was able to break out for 23 points and her fellow jammers added a few more to outscore SDB 28-0 over three jams and take the lead for good at 72-50.  While the Galaxy Girls held strong after that run and outscored I-5 14-12 over the final 9 jams of the half, they didn't seem to be able to catch the strong breaks they needed to close the gap.  Halftime stood at 64-89 in favor of I-5.

Photo by Frank Blau

The second half saw the Galaxy Girls come out swinging for the fences.  They were clearly moving to a very physical game, looking to wear down I-5 and create opportunities for their jammers.  Unfortunately, they were up against some very intense discipline in the person of a very precise I-5 pack, and SDB began to get a bit sloppy.  Blocker after blocker was sent to the box creating advantages in the pack for I-5 which they took full advantage of.  By the 8th jam, I-5 had extended their lead to 59 points, when a perfect storm hit. 

SDB had a full penalty box with Lex Celerator lined up against Flyin' Hawaiian.  Hawaiian was sent off almost immediately, as was another blocker... while a third blocker was standing in the box leaving a single blocker and no jammer on the track for SDB.  This continued, with blockers coming in to add to the pack for SDB, but being sent off almost as quickly.  Flyin' Hawaiian came racing in after her time was up, but cut the track and was sent directly back off.  Meanwhile, Lex Celerator was skating pass after pass only having to get by one or two Galaxy Girls to score another grand slam.  By the time the jam timer ended it, Lex Celerator stood with a NW Junior Derby ranked play record 40 point jam putting I-5 on top 179-80 with about 15 minutes to go.

The rest was back to the knock-down drag out derby.  While Lilly Lightning, DisLykher and Tina Angst put up some solid numbers, I-5 would answer back immediately.  There were some questionable plays on both sides (and the pictures exist to show just how questionable some of it was), and injuries began to pile up.  Flyin' Hawaiian was taken out by a high block to the throat, Voodoo lady Googoo was involved in a pile-up and came out of it with a broken nose, and Rosie D Kreamher was taken out of the penalty box to be checked out by the athletic trainers.  It was a tough one, and in the end I-5 stood tall with a 255-172 win.

Three cheers for I-5

Lex Celerator - It almost goes without saying that this girl is a superstar.  Adding a 40 point jam to her long list of accomplishments simply cements her in the annals of junior derby even more firmly.  To top it off, she had six double digit jams and scored 180 of her team's points.  Simply amazing.  Oh, and don't worry.  She's young yet, she'll be around the junior circuit for a few more years!

Hunther Down - With two big hits, three jammer stops, an assist on another big hit and an open hole, Hunther Down was a beast in the pack.  She firmly directed the action, sometimes even physically moving her teammates into a position to make a big play.  Her smart pack play more than earns her the second cheer.

Dee Stroir - With all of the excitement around Lex, it is sometimes easy to forget that I-5 has another speed demon on the track.  With 55 points of her own and two double digit jams, Dee added to her team's success in a big way.

Three cheers for Galaxy Girls

Lilly Lightning - If there is one thing to be said about Lilly, it is that she absolutely, positively, will not give up.  All through the game she put up numbers, capping it off with a 29 point power jam in the second to last jam of the bout.  With 72 of her team's points, Lilly is very definitely living up to her name and her reputation.

Enurgizer Bunny - 6 clean stops and two open holes had Bunny leading the jammer stats for SDB.  And if she had been clean on several more of thos, she would have had big hits and even more stops on her record.  An incredibly agile skater, Bunny is very definitely a force to be reckoned with in the pack.

Flyin' Hawaiian - This girl is a joy to watch.  A strong, physical jammer, she has an ability to lay down her own big hits, create her own opennings and even had a jammer stop with the star on her own head.  Watch for her, she's going places!

Yes, I am "borrowing" the system of the great Elwood Bruise. As he has said "have at it!" I am not feeling all too guilty. basically, a blocker has three categories: jammer stops, open holes and big hits. Jammer stops have to keep the jammer from getting through the pack in a significant way.
B - Big hits are, well, big hits, but they have to be clean and they have to be significant.
S - Jammer stops have to keep the jammer from getting through the pack in a significant way.
O - Open holes are awarded for creating an opening for your jammer to get through.
A - Assists are awarded if you contribute significantly in a play which gives your teammate the ability to make a big play.
Remember, this is only based on what I can see. If I missed a big hit for you, I am sorry!

Blocker Stats I-5
Gory Locks B-2, S-2
Liv Vicious O-1
Audrey Headburn B-1, S-1
Short Fuse S-1, O-1
Lex Celerator B-1
Sierrated Blade B-2, S-1
The Archer O-1
HuntHer Down B-2, S-3, O-1, A-1
Death by Beth O-1
Kitty Clawberator S-3

Blocker Stats SDB galaxy Girls
Stella Mental B-1, S-3, O-1
Mal Intent O-1
DisLykeHer S-2
Tina Angst B-1, O-1
Rockin' Red B-1, S-1, O-1
Rosie D Kreamher B-1, S-2, O-1
Brutiful Beast S-1
Voodoo lady Googoo B-1, S-2
Enurgizer Bunny S-6, O-1
Evil Mac'Nevil B-1, S-1
Evil O S-3

Ejections
Enurgizer Bunny fouled out at 4 seconds remaind

Seattle Brats victorious in b-team brawl, 137-59

Photo by Frank Blau

Last night at the Southgate Roller rink, there was history made, there was blood on the flat track, there was a huge crowd, and there was roller derby.  My, yes, there was roller derby! I-5 and the Seattle Derby Brats brought two teams each to captivate the crowd and show the world what the future of roller derby would look like.  I gotta say, they showed it pretty damned well.

First up was the B-teams in an abbreviated bout consisting of 20 minute halves.  Both of these teams consisted of players from the leagues' A teams who were not rostered for the later bout.  I-5 added in the top of their B-team and SDB brought in several of their home team players to round out their roster.  I have to say, personally it was a pleasure to see some of the home team players from SDB on the track, and to see the up and coming players from I-5.  It was clear from the outset that there is some serious talent on its way to the A team level.

Right out of the gate, Pooky Poundya and SDB went on a scoring tear.  Their jammers seemed to have a stealth field as they approached the back of the pack and their blockers had extremely solid three and four walls.  Blazin' Daze and Li'l Mame are going to be ones to watch as I counted multiple big hits, stopped jammers and opened holes for both of them.  SDB managed to outscore I-5 78-23 in the first half.

The second half found the I-5 B's on their heals, but fighting back hard.  This team never stopped.  While SDB smelled the victory, I-5 gave them some solid reminders that the game was only half over.

Their transitions from defense to offense in the pack were awesome, and they did a great job of causing chaos, allowing Maya Massacre to put up two double digit jams and Maky Splatterhead to round out the second half scoring in the final jam of the game.  While the final score found them down nearly 80 points, it was clear that the I-5 discipline was holding this team together.  As they get a little more sizer and experience, these girls are going to be awesome.

In the end, though, SDB stood triumphant, 137-59

Three cheers for SDB:

Since I had two scoring  helpers this time (Thanks Shannon and Heather!), I got the opportunity to track blocker stats.  Yes, I am "borrowing" the system of the great Elwood Bruise.  As he has said "have at it!" I am not feeling all too guilty.  basically, a blocker has three categories: jammer stops, open holes and big hits.  Jammer stops have to keep the jammer from getting through the pack in a significant way.  Big hits are, well, big hits, but they have to be clean and they have to be significant.  Open holes are awarded for creating an opening for your jammer to get through.  Remember, this is only based on what I can see.  If I missed a big hit for you, I am sorry!

Blazin' Daze - This girl was a blocking machine.  Four big hits, two open holes and two jammer stops to her credit made her the standout blocker not just of her team, but of the game.  Only complaint would be that she tends to throw high.  Get lower, Daze!

Lil' Mame - While she didn't have the big hits Daze did, this blocker was a positional goddess.  Clever positioning and good use of her shoulder gave her three stops of her own as well as two openings.  She definitely did her mama proud in the pack!

Pooky Poundya - Jammer, jammer jammer!  When I first saw her play a few years ago, I could see the potential.  Now?  That potential seems nearly realized.  She was a terror for the I-5 pack, putting up serious points in nearly every jam she was in.

Three cheers for I-5:

Lip Smack-her -  Three stops, three openings and a couple of big hits made Lip Smack-her a definite standout in the I-5 pack.  One of the A-team girls rostered on the B team for this bout, she definitely showed that she has what it takes to play both offense and defense against a strong SDB team.

Pit Bully -  This one was tough, because there were five I-5 blockers with some great stats, but Pit Bully  edged them out by a single stop, so she gets my second cheer!

Maya Massacre - While there was a lot of great potential on the I-5 jammer line, Maya Massacre taking 33 of the 36 I-5 points in the second half definitely earns her the third cheer for her team.  She seemed to borrow heavily from the SDB tactics and took full advantage of every opportunity.  Add to that, her blocker stats had her solidly upper echelons.  Watch this skater!


Blocker stats SDB 
Toni the Tiger  S-2
Retro Riot B-1, S-3
Blazin' Daze B-4, S-2, O-2
Azonic S-1
juVnile S-1
Lil' Mame S-3, O-2
Salami Stompson B-1, S-2

Blocker Stats I-5
Malice in Wonderland B-1, S-1
Miss B. Haver O-2, S-1
Lip Smack-Her B-1, S-3, O-3
Mag-I-Netic  O-1
Pit Bully B-1, S-2, O-1
Jess Trippin S-1, O-1
Maya Massacre B-1, S-2
Re Pound Skull B-1, S-1, O-1
Lil' Miss Chaos B-1, S-1, O-1
Izzy Xterminated S-3
Helle Diablo O-2
Maky Splatterhead S-1

Bout Preview! I5RG vs SDB Galaxy Girls

One of the things I love to watch is skaters who know each other well skating against each other on the track, and these two teams definitely know each other.  Most of them have skated with or against each other for the last few years, and it has always been a battle on the track when the whistle blows.

Last season, it could actually be said that these two teams never really faced each other full on.  Their one schduled bout found the Galaxy Girls very short handed and they filled in with Kitsap Derby Brats.  While the bout was a great one, I am certain that SDB wanted to take on their cross-town rivals with their full team.  The only other chance for them to bout never materialized, as I-5 beat the Rosebuds and the Galaxy Girls lost to the Reservoir Dolls in the finals, putting them in different brackets.

So this?  This will be the first time in over a year that these two derby powerhouses will have a full on bout.  You know they are going to bring it all and leave everything on the track!  SDB tends towards solid derby fundamentals and highly physical play through the stretch.  I-5 has some of the most precise strikes out there, and their speed is unmatched.  I won't be surprised if this one comes down to the last few jams!

SDB Galaxy Girls -

Stella Mental #0, Mal Intent #2, DisLykeHer #5, Lilly Lightning #12, Tina Angst #15, Rockin' Red #17, Rosie D. Kream-Her #21, Brutiful Beast #22, Voodoo Lady Googoo #25, Enurgizer Bunny #42, Evil Mac'Nevil #44, Beatin' Bam!!B #444, Evil-O #666, Flyin' Hawaiian #808

Ones to watch - Flyin' Hawaiian is an awesome blocker, delivering some of the best hits I have seen.  She's been doing a pretty fair turn as Jammer as well.  I think she would be considered a favorite for triple threat, but she sometimes tends to go solo a bit.  Also watch for Stella Mental.  She's got some incredible derby knowledge and her ability to analyze a pack and bring her team's strategy to bear is awesome.  Lastly?  Brutiful Beast. She's awesome in the pack. Period.

I5 Roller Girls A -
Gory Locks #5, Liv Vicious #6, Audrey Headburn #9, Short Fuse #14, Lex Celerator #18, FeeBeeSting #21, Smash Ketchum #24, Sierrated Blade #25, The Archer #27, Hunt-Her Down #35, Death By Beth #52, Karmic Death #55, Kitty Clawberator #88, Dee Stroir #9

Ones to watch - Lex Celerator is a given in this category.  Whether she's in the pack or on the jammer line, she gives 110%, which often seems to be about 20% more than she needs.  She's fast, agile, and can deliver the big hits.  Hunt-Her Down is another extremely intelligent derby player.  Just like Stella Mental, she has an uncanny ability to get her and her teammates exactly where they need to be in the pack.  I will also be watching Dee Stroir.  She's Fast.  Very fast!

As if that weren't good enough, this is actually a double header! The I5RG and SDB B teams will skate in a full contact bout as well!  The B team for I-5 trains full contact, but skated positional derby against SDB last year.  This year, SDB is bringing their full contact home team girls along with some the non-rostered Galaxy Girls to form a team against I-5.  Looking through the I-5 roster, it looks as though a lot of these girls have skated with and against each other in the past.  Should be awesome!

SDB B Team -
Ari Vederci #11, Toni the Tiger #19, Retro Riot #21, Blazin Daze #253, Demon all Burn #29, Isa(Re)Bel #303, Spring Violence #31, Azonic #33, tSAMnami #330, Pooky Poundya #34, juvenile #43, Lil' Mame #440, Ivana Nihilate #50, Salami Stompson #51

I5 B Team -
Tiny Terror #2, Mallice In Wonderland #4, Miss B. Haver #8, Lip Smack-Her #12, Mag-I-Netic #13, Pit Bully #15, Jess Trippin #22, Sadie SyRuM #23, Maya Massacre #26, Re Pound Skull #33, Lil' Miss Chaos #34, Izzy Xterminated #46, Helle Diablo #86, Maky Splatterhead #94

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't give each team a bit of a plug.  Both of the A teams for these leagues are looking to get to the Bay Area this year.  SDB is playing against Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz, I5 is playing against Santa Cruz.  As you can imagine, they are fund raising like crazy!

To support I5's effort, head to Menchie's Frozen Yogurt - 2620 California Ave Sw, (by the new Safeway) before or after the bout, mention the phrase "junior derby".  SDB will be having a bake sale at the bout as well as special Galaxy Girl merchandise. If you buy an SDB patch or drink coozie, all of the proceeds go to their California trip.

So head on down to the Southgate Rink this Saturday!

When:  Doors at 5:30
Where: Southgate Roller Rink in West Seattle
How Much?  $8, $20 for a four person family.
Buy your tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/226754, or you can get tickets at Southgate Roller Rink or Fast Girl Skates!

Junior Derby at The Big O

Weekend before last, I got to go to The Big O as an announcer.  The best part?  They gave me almost all of the junior derby!

All of the action took place on Saturday, starting early... 10am is early, right?

First up was the the hosting team , the Rerservoir Dolls vs a newcomer to inter league play, the Lava City Sparks!  It was a treat to see them since I have been anticipating their arrival for over a year now, and they did not disappoint.

Reservoir Dolls played hard, with Rattle Skate, Roma Mafia and Spunkee Bruizer earning standout spots in this 30 minute challenge bout, but I think the true stars were the Sparks.  Reservoir Dolls were dominant.  Their skating and strategy were excellent, and they well outscored their opponents, but the Sparks stayed in it no matter what it said on the scoreboard.  The future looks bright for this team, and I look forward to seeing more of them as they progress.  Hopefully, they will be able to join in the regional competition soon!

Next up was another one I was very much looking forward to.  Reservoir Dolls against a Rosebuds team with something to prove.  Last season, the Rosebuds went nearly undefeated until the championship games.  The month of lag time between the end of their season and the finals seemed to have really hurt them and they ended up taking some hard losses.  Reservoir Dolls were one of their only regular season losses, who shocked them last May with a 1 point victory.  This time, the Buds were out in force, and were not going to allow that to happen again. 

From the first jam, it was a knock-down fight in the pack as these two teams both seemed to be playing a physical, high strategy game.  The Dolls held their own for quite some time, but penalties began to have a very detrimental effect.  Their jammers were spending too much time in the box and their blockers seemed to want to keep them company.  The Buds were treated to multiple power jams against a weakened pack, and the scoreboard swung irrevocably in their favor.  I know these names by heart, as I am sure many NW junior fans do, but I'll say them anyway: Scream Cheese, Cheese Grater of Despair and Jesus Feist.  Mike Chexx said Jesus Feist is one of the smartest skaters on the track today.  I am inclined to agree.

Finally, there was a full bout with the Rosebuds against the Sparks.  Once again, the Buds were in awesome form.  Against this new team, they were nigh on unstoppable.  While they rolled to a nearly 200 point victory, I have to hand it to the Lava City juniors. 

These girls just do not give up.  One of their skaters took a tumble after a huge hit which I was absolutely positive was going to take her out of the game.  Sure enough, two jams later, there she was with the star on her head fighting to get through the impossibly strong Rosebuds front wall.  This same skater took an inredibly hard shoulder block and skated through it.  Her tenacity was a physical metaphor for what I saw in her entire team.  No matter how hard they were being hit, they kept on going.  That kind of can do attitude is a credit to them, and will serve them well as they take these losses back home and learn from them.  Heck, even during the tournament I saw them beginning to utilize the things they were seeing from the Dolls and Buds.  I look forward to seeing them again!

I really had a great time watching these bouts.  While they were not a part of the ranked regional play, it was awesome to see 3 teams who were obviously loving the heck out of their sport, and enjoying the time on and off the track together.  We often say in the junior ranks, "The Future of Derby is now", new teams like the Sparks remind me that the future is only just beginning.