Sumar and the Atleticas hope to snap their four-game losing streak Saturday.

There are just three games to go and the Atleticas are hungry to make their playoff push.

They will begin their trek against the leading scorer in the Puerto Rican league.

Elite scorer Monique Martin will be in town Saturday at 7 p.m. when she leads Aguas Buenas into San German to take on the Atleticas.

Martin averages 28 points per game for the team, which has a 6-12 record and is playing for postseason seeding.

The Atleticas enter with an 8-9 mark and are seeking to end the four-game losing streak that has plagued the team.

“There are three regular season games left for us, so now is the time to really start to begin to play our best ball,” Sumar said. “We hope to take the improvements that we made in the last game and push them forward into this game against Aguas Buenas.”

Sumar mentioned improvement – San German had a lot of that in their last game.

After three-straight losses by double-digits, the Atleticas played Morovis to the final seconds in a 71-68 loss on Tuesday.

San German’s defensive intensity was improved in that game, limiting Morovis to just 25-of-67 shooting from the field, while outrebounding the team 40-36.

With the defense getting more stops, Sumar had her most dominant performance of her young pro career, scoring a career-high 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting.

Against Aguas Buenas, the Atleticas will be tested by arguably the best one-two punch in all of Puerto Rico.

Martin averages 28.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game for the team, playing both inside and out for the team.

Her partner in crime is post player Dominic Seals, who averages 17.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

No other player for Aguas Buenas averages in double figures.

In their last meeting with San German on Sept. 11, the duo combined for 50 points and 20 rebounds. The Atleticas won that game 93-86.

“If we keep the two top players off the glass and limit the amount of easy baskets they get, our task will be much easier,” Sumar said. “But at the same time, we cannot yield easy points to their other players, too.”

The game will make the first of a three game in four-day stretch for the Atleticas, who have already clinched a playoff spot.

The only thing left to be decided is seeding. The Atleticas currently sit in the No. 4 slot in the standings.

No matter what happens in the final three games of the season, they cannot move forward and catch the top three teams within the standings (Quebradillas, Carolina and Morovis).

But poor play could drop the team all the way to sixth, which would place the team into the playoffs as the last seed.

“For us, the playoffs start now,” Sumar said. “We may be in no matter what, but we want to enter with momentum and get the best seed that we can.”

The game will be the team’s final home game of the season.

It will be telecast online at http://www.atleticasdesangerman.com.

UPDATED LEAGUE STANDINGS:

Quebradillas 15-4

Carolina 14-4

Morovis 13-5

San German 8-9

Juncos 7-10

Aguas 6-12

Ponce 0-19

Victory is on the minds of the Atleticas tonight

The Atleticas need a win.

To snap their losing streak tonight, they’ll need to beat the last team that they beat.

San German will return to the floor tonight at 7 p.m. in a road tilt with Morovis.

The last time the teams tangled, the Atleticas scored a thrilling 79-75 win.

But they haven’t lost since, entering the game with a 12-4 record.

“Morovis is very good, but lately, we’ve been playing against ourselves,” Sumar said. “No disrespect to our opponent, but if we clean up things on our end and play a full 40-minute game, we think we can beat anyone in the league.”

Playing a full 40 minutes is something that has been lost to San German as of late.

In all three games of the team’s current 3-game losing streak, the Athleticas have been plagued by dry spells and lapses on defense.

In the team’s most recent loss — a 96-81 defeat at the hands of Carolina, the Atleticas allowed their opponent to shoot 51 percent from the field.

They also allowed three players to accumulate 78 of the Gigantes’ 96 total points.

“If you allow 96 points, you’re not going to win very many games – if any at all,” Sumar said. “We know the things we have to fix, but saying we’ll fix them and actually doing it are two different things. It’s up to us to work and correct our lapses.”

Against Morovis, San German will be playing a red-hot team.

The 12-4 squad is led by Angelina Williams, who is one of the top players in the entire Puerto Rican league.

In the teams’ Sept. 25 meeting, she scored 20 points and pulled down 8 rebounds with 6 assists.

But San German won that game thanks to 13 points, 7 assists and 5 steals from Sumar and 19 points from Michelle Gonzales.

But Gonzales will be out of the lineup this time around with an injury and the second meeting between the teams will be on the road.

Sumar said she believes the Atleticas are up to the challenge.

“We’ll be ready,” she said. “I really believe we’ll be ready and we’ll have a good night.”

SATURDAY’S GAME CANCELED; PUSHED TO OCT. 16

San German was supposed to play Juncos last Saturday in a road tilt.

We’re not slacking on updates – that game was not played and was postponed when the home team said they couldn’t get an arena for the game.

The contest has been postponed to Oct. 16 and will serve as the team’s final game of the regular season.

Sumar and the Atleticas look to get back on track

The San German Atleticas are hungry to snap their two-game losing streak.

To do so, they must conquer a nemesis that has plagued the team all season.

The Atleticas return to the floor Friday night in a home tilt at 7 p.m.

On the opposite end of the floor will be the Carolina Gigantes, who earned a 94-80 win against San German just last week.

“We already know what this team does well – it’s just up to us to play harder this time and execute,” Sumar said Thursday night. “I personally look forward to the challenge.”

For two-straight games, one poor quarter has plagued the Atleticas.

Against Carolina, San German was outscored 26-11 in the second quarter — they won the rest of the game by 1 point.

In their last game – a 77-66 loss to Quebradillas, the Atleticas were outscored 26-13 in the first quarter. They held a 2-point edge in the other three quarters combined.

“We have to be more consistent – there’s no question about it,” Sumar said. “If we can play a consistent, solid four quarters of good basketball, we believe we can be among the top teams in this league.”

To beat Carolina, San German knows it must stop two players — post Yolanda Jones and guard Cynthia Valentin.

In the last meeting, Jones was a terror inside, scoring 21 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in just 28 minutes.

Valentin, who averages more than 20 points per game, didn’t play in that game because of injury.

She is rumored to be available to play this time around.

Tip-off for the game will be at 7 p.m. and the game will be televised online at http://www.atleticasdesangerman.com/.

Following the game, San German will have a short turnaround. The team will play a road game on Saturday.

Dribbling is the most important skill for young ballers to learn!

My dear friends and family,

Last night was a tough loss. We had several things not go our way and it was a tough night overall! We will lick our wounds today and get back to work tomorrow to try and fix it.

But today, it’s time for another SL7 Weekly Wednesday Mailbag.

Huge thanks to the beautiful children of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes for the questions and continued support.

To email a question for next week’s mailbag, email to sumarlesliebasketball@gmail.com

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Question 1: What’s the most important skill to learn as a young baller?

12-year-old Victoria, Houma

Thank you so much for the question Victoria. The one important skill I’d say young players need to learn is how to handle the ball. This is important because to be successful, you need to know how to dribble and score — no matter your position. By practicing this, you’ll learn more and will be able to do more on the floor. Every athlete should focus on this skill.

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Question 2: What was the worst basketball injury you’ve ever had?

10-year-old Tyler, Larose

Tyler, unfortunately, I’ve had my share of injuries in my career. But the worst was probably to my knees. I bruised the bones in my knees badly in high school and I had a slight fracture, which caused me to sit out for almost an entire season. In college, I also missed half of my junior season with a broken hand.

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Question 3: Describe your life in 5 words.

12-year-old Kayla, Thibodaux

Kayla, that is such a unique and amazing question! I applaud you for having such a creative mind! My answer to that would be “Happy, Exciting, Glorious, Adventurous, Beautiful.” I have nothing to complain about in any way. I am truly blessed and I love to live every day!

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Question 4: When did you realize you wanted to be a basketball player?

9-year-old Bailey, Thibodaux

Bailey, I realized at the age of 7 that this is what I wanted to do. I was shooting outside by myself one day and I saw my brothers playing ball – it caught my attention. Ever since then, I wanted to be as good as I could possibly be. I want to make myself better in every possible area.

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Thank you all so much for the questions!

Take care and God Bless,

SL7

Sumar and the Atleticas look to get a win tomorrow.

After falling flat against Carolina, Sumar and the Atleticas are hungry to rebound.

They will get their opportunity against another of the top teams in the Puerto Rican league.

San German will return to action tonight against the Quebradillas Pirates — a team with an 11-4 record on the season.

Tip-off for that game will be at 7 p.m. and San German is the home team in the game.

The game will mark the first of four in seven games for San German, who is currently jocking for playoff seeding.

“This is a big week for us, without question,” Sumar said. “We’re rested and we’re ready to play. We believe that will start with a solid performance against Quebradillas, who is a fantastic team.”

A poor 2nd quarter doomed the Atleticas in their last game – a 94-80 loss to Carolina.

After playing close in the first quarter, Carolina roared to a 26-11 advantage in the second quarter to take a 20-point lead into halftime.

in the second half, the Atleticas fired back from a 28-point margin to cut the lead to 11 late. But they never got closer than that in defeat.

Sumar finished with 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in the loss.

San German forward Tyra White led the team with 19 points and 7 rebounds.

“We need to be better than we were in that game,” Sumar said. “We really learned a lesson that you have to play a full game in order to be successful. I think you can expect us to be better and have a better result this time around.”

The Atleticas better peform admirably if they hope to win – Quebradillas enters the game red-hot.

The 11-4 team scored a 75-66 win against Morovis their last time out.

The Pirates are anchored by a slew of prominent American talent.

Former Notre Dame stars Becca Bruszewski and Melissa Lechlitner anchor the Pirates’ offense.

The inside-out duo combine to average 30 points and 10 rebounds per game.

The game will tip-off at 7 p.m.

It will be televised online at http://www.atleticasdesangerman.com/

Atleticas look for their third-straight win!

Sumar Leslie has seemingly mastered the art of the home game.

Now it’s time for SL7 to take her talents to the road.

Fresh of two-straight home victories, San German will play a road tilt with Carolina — the first place team in the league with a 9-3 record.

Tip-off for the game will be at 7 p.m. and a win would continue to thrust the Atleticas closer to the top of the standings.

They currently sit in fourth — 1.5 games back of the top.

“After playing a huge game on Tuesday, here we are again playing the first place team,” Sumar said Thursday night. “These are the games you live to play in as a basketball player. For me, I look forward to both the challenges that Carolina presents me and also the challenges that I face with this being my first road game.”

It’s been quite a while since San German and Carolina have crossed paths.

The two teams played in the season opener on Aug. 21 — a game Carolina won 79-69.

But the Athleticas did not have Sumar and other starters like Tyra White and Kristina Rosario in that game.

Like Sumar, White signed mid-season. Rosario was acquired in a trade the day after Sumar signed with San German.

But even with the new players, Carolina will present a challenge.

Like the Atleticas, they have Louisiana roots.

Former UL-Lafayette star Yolanda Jones anchors the 9-3 team, averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds per game.

The 6-foot-1-inch 28-year-old is assisted by huge scoring threat and former Indiana star Cynthia Valentin, who averages 22 points per game.

But while Carolina gets most of its points with two players, the Atleticas fire back with a team-oriented attack.

Several San German players average double figures — an attack led by Sumar, White and Michelle Gonzales.

Tip-off for the game is set for 7 p.m.

“We cannot wait to see where we stand against another one of the top teams in our league,” Sumar said. “This will be another fun game.”

UPDATED STANDINGS:

Carolina 9-3

Morovis 9-3

Quebradillas 9-4

San German 8-5

Juncos 6-7

Aguas B.T. 3-8

Ponce 0-14

Young kids at home: PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE some more if you hope to have your dreams come true!

SL7 Nation,

I am here in Puerto Rico peacefully enjoying my day! I am a little sore and achey from last night’s game, but God is GREAT and everything is OK!

I started a mailbag a few days ago to collect questions from people at home. I will answer questions every Wednesday, so let’s get going!

I would love to thank the beautiful children of Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes for today’s questions!!

To send and be included in next week’s mailbag, email sumarlesliebasketball@gmail.com

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Question 1: What you’re having a tough time in a game, what do you think about to help you get out of it?

12-year-old Nicole, Raceland, La.

Nicole. First and foremost – thank you so much for the wonderful question!! Adversity actually makes me push harder. I focus on the next play instead of what’s already happened. I don’t focus on myself, I want to make my teammates better so I work harder in every area. It’s hard to do sometimes, yes, but that’s how I approach it! Good luck and again – thanks for the question!!

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Question 2: What is the 1 tip you’d give to anyone who is serious about playing basketball at a high level?

13-year-old Kimberlynn, Houma

Kimberlynn, I would tell you to always keep God first and he will direct you to your dreams. Hard work and dedication is what will get you there. Through God, all things are possible and any dream can come true, I promise you!

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Question 3: How often do you practice and for how long?

10-year-old Matthew, Bourg

Matthew, I cannot stress to you enough how important practice is! I get in the gym for about 2 and a half hours – sometimes just two. I like to work on things that I know I’ll need to use in game situations. Shooting, dribbling, endurance — anything that I feel like I need to help me get better.

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Question 4: Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?

9-year-old Stephanie, Lockport

Stephanie, I’ve played against a lot of really good ones in my career, but the best player I’ve ever played against is myself. I don’t mean that in an arrogant or conceded way. I just mean that I AM MY HARDEST OPPONENT, honestly. I am my own biggest obstacle in that for me to attain success, I need to be willing to put forth the work and effort necessary to make it happen. I may have played against teams as a whole who were good, but I accept any challenge that comes my way!

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Thank you boys and girls SO much for the questions! I hope they help you in your own careers! When they tell you that you can’t go any farther, push and grab those last few inches!

Everything is possible!

God sets no limitations on what his creations can do!

Be blessed!

Till next time,

SL7

Atleticas win again!

Ladies and gentlemen,

That’s why you play basketball!

Tuesday night’s game between San German and Morovis was a drag-out, back-lot brawl. But with the score tied at 75 with 40 seconds to go, the Atleticas made all the winning plays at the end, getting a late bucket and a stop to secure a thrilling 79-75 win.

The victory moves San German to 8-5 and it is the team’s first victory against Morovis this season — the first place team in the league coming into today’s game.

“That was an unbelievable game,” Sumar said following the win. “Both teams gave it their all and we were blessed to make a few plays at the end to pull away. To beat a team of that caliber is huge for us – a great accomplishment.”

Things looked like they’d be easy for San German early.

The Atleticas stormed out of the gates strong and brought a 37-25 lead into halftime.

But out of the lockers, Morovis’ All-Star Angelina Williams got rolling, connecting on three 3-pointers in the third to bridge the deficit.

But every run Morovis made was answered by another from San German, who used stuff pressure defense from Sumar to keep their opponents out of rhythm.

For the game, Leslie finished with 13 points.

But the biggest play Sumar made in the game was a pass.

Down 73-72 late in the fourth quarter, Sumar led a 3-on-2 transition fast break. After faking to the right, Sumar pivoted to the left and hit teammate Michelle Williams for a wide-open 3.

The gym erupted when the shot splashed the basket, which put the Atleticas up for good.

Williams scored a game-high 28 points.

“That was a huge play,” Sumar said. “My first instinct was to go to the rim for a bucket, but she was hot all game, so I found her and she buried it! A turning point in the game for sure.”

With the win, San German will not get a break — they will be challenged again on Thursday by the new No. 1 team in the league Carolina.

The 9-3 foe will host the Atleticas at 7 p.m. CDT.

Sumar and the Atleticas hope to stay on a roll.

Fresh off her 11-point, 4 rebound and 5 assist career debut, Sumar and the Atleticas are hungry for a jump in the standings.

They’ll get their chance to see how they fare against the Puerto Rican top dogs tomorrow night.

After a decisive 82-60 win against Ponce, the Atleticas will return to their home floor tonight to take on Morovis.

The first-place team in the Puerto Rican league, Morovis enters play with a 9-2 record.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. (CDT).

“This is why you play basketball – to play in games against top competition,” Sumar said. “I am not fully acclimated with the league just yet, but to be 9-2, Morovis has to have a great team. I cannot wait to see how we stand against them tomorrow.”

In Sumar’s debut Sunday, it was a tale of two halves for the Atleticas.

With a new lineup trying to mesh, the team limped its way to just a 39-39 halftime tie against Ponce.

But using a second half flurry of sharp shooting and smothering defense, San German outscored Ponce 43-21 in the second half en route to a 82-60 win.

Sumar played 22 minutes in the win, scoring 11 points with 4 rebounds and also 5 assists and 3 steals — both team highs.

“It was a good start,” Sumar said. “The game served its purpose. I got to knock the rust off my game and we got to mesh as a unit. We can’t wait to move forward.”

Morovis enters the game on a roll. In their last game, they defeated 2nd place Carolina by a 81-76 score.

Less than a week ago, they beat San German 87-68.

Morovis is led by American Angelina Williams.

The former Illinois standout averages 18.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.

Tuesday’s game will be broadcast online at http://www.atleticasdesangerman.com

League Standings

Morovis 9-2

Carolina 9-3

Quebradillas 9-4

San German 7-5

Juncos V. 5-7

Aguas B.T. 3-7

Ponce L. 0-14

Victory for San German!

It took Sumar Leslie a little while to get going.

But once she did, a superb debut was created.

Thanks to a second half push, the Atleticas overcame a slow start and rolled to a 82-60 win.

The win makes the team 7-5 on the season.

Sumar finished with 12 points in her debut.

“It was so amazing to be out there playing again for the first time since college,” Sumar said following the game. “Today was a slow start, but we played much better late in the game and did our thing to get a hard-earned win.”

After going scoreless in the opening quarter, Sumar scored 8 of her 12 points in the second to help keep San German’s offense afloat amidst a pesky Ponce team that was hot in the opening half.

With the score tied at 39 at halftime, the Atleticas committed to defense in the second half and smothered their opponent.

Sumar helped lead the defensive charge with two steals in the third quarter, which translated into transition baskets and a 58-52 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Unofficially, she recorded 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in the win.

“It was a little bit rocky at first because I was getting some of the rust off,” Sumar said. “But once I got comfortable, everything got much better.”

With the six-point lead in hand, the Atleticas pulled away late in the game and earned a blowout win.

The team is now 7-5 on the season.

They take the floor again Tuesday against Morovis.

That game will be available at http://www.atleticasdesangerman.com/.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT.