| When you pick
a player of the week, month, year, whatever -- people always seem
starstruck by whoever scored the most points. But as Steve Nash
has proven, you don't have to lead even your own team in scoring
to make an important contribution. A St. Pat's alum, this power
forward clearly loves the game, and always plays tough on both ends
of the court. He hit big free throws and made even bigger buckets
during that crucial series of games where Coyote's went from the
YKBA basement to but a few floors below the plush penthouse occupied
until just recently by Ryfan. And his 10 ppg average doesn't truly
reflect the kind of impact the man can have on a game. Down the
stretch in back-to-back games against Jose Loco's, a deer-in-headlights-looking
Jason Melanson could be heard whaling "I can't guard him, he's
too strong for me." Anyone who can strike fear into the heart
of the fearless fouler better known as Melanson is definitely not
a guy you want backing you down in the post.
Aside from the offensive glass, Nitris also made
significant contributions to another board in 2005, as he unofficially
logged more posts using his actual name on YKBA trashtalk than
any other character in the YKBA. (Though Nitris is obviously a
nickname, referees in the Xmas tourney referred to him as such
at the scorer's table as they couldn't remember what his real
name was.) Yes, Nitris' posts ignited controversy and a flurry
of weak-kneed anonymous posters trying to talk tough. In one memorable
incident, Nitris offered to take on any and all comers, but alas,
none of the posters in the night were willing to show their face
in the light. His number of posts has dropped off in recent months,
but his point total on the court has only been climbing, with
a 22-point outing against NWTel on Jan. 9.
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