Reignmakers: A Global Organization

Some of you may not know that the Reignmakers are not only a Brunswick Men's League basketball team, but have affiliates in the WRBA (Women's Rec Basketball Association), RDBL (Rec Developmental Basketball League), and even have players reaching out overseas.

We have kept you up to date on the Reignmakers season, 8-1 atop the division leader board, but there are other areas of which we have yet to cover. Mainly the RMaker Ladies and other players who have contracts under the Reignmakers organization.

We have briefly mentioned Brent Hunter, playing for the Reignmakers D-League affiliate, The Driving Drizzle.

The Drizzle have recently made it to the second round of the playoffs with Brent Hunter leading the way. Hunter finished second in the MVP voting, while averaging 23 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1 block per game. He is currently making his mark in the playoffs by scoring game high's of 33, 37, and 42 in consecutive playoff games. A playoff MVP is definitely in the bag as long as Hunter can carry his team to the D-League Championship next week in Austin, Texas.

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The RMaker Ladies, coached by former D-Leaguer Kyle Knapik, are in their first year of exsistance in the WRBA. Knapik, a former Drizzle player, averaged 10.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in six seasons in the Developmental League and played five games with the big boys during his last of those six years. He retired early and was quickly involved in the team's management and high brass. He was never the greatest player on the floor, but was most certainly the brightest, which helped him to quickly rise the ranks in the Reignmaker organization.

Knapik petition the WRBA and the Reignmakers themselves to organize a women's team, one which he wanted to coach himself. Within two years and company approval, the Lady RMakers are already seeing success in their short tenure. The team currently sits at 4-7 after starting the year losing five straight games. Knapik's coaching style, much like Jason Hunter's style with the Reignmakers, involves and up-tempo attack on offense and defense.

"We will be the most conditioned...well we are the most conditioned team in the league I believe," Knapik said in a phone interview yesterday. "We have some great talent. Ladies who want to work, who want to run...and that's what we do."

The Lady RMakers are lead by a grouping of four ladies, who gather most of the minutes per night. The remainder of the team has consisted of women's D-Leaguers on most nights and has even had the team only dressing 4 players on one night.

The four-way tadem of Jenny Rohn, Ashley Bukach, Kathy Higgins, and Maegen Sands combines for about 60 points a night, on every given night. Here is a look at some season stats:

Jenny Rohn, G
12 ppg, 7.8 assist-g, 87% FT

Ashley Bukach F
16.3 ppg, 4.5 assist-g, 5.4 reb-g, 43% 3P

Kathy Higgins G/F
13.3 ppg, 4 assist-g, 4 reb-g, 50% FG%

Maegen Sands G/F
15.8 ppg, 3 assist-g, 1.8 steals-g, 44% 3P

The ladies work hard every night and have begun a season turnaround as the playoffs are not out of the question.

"We are young and hungry now after winning our last three...four out of five," Coach Knapik said, "With an organization such as the one we are in, it can only be better things to come."

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The final link in the Reignmakers organization come from across the sea, on the other side of the world, in the Middle East.

Michael Giardina is currently playing overseas in Afghanistan for the US Division 67 team in the World Classic Basketball Champions League.

Michael was signed to a new "diplomatic contract" three seasons ago ($3 million over four years), which actually does not affect the Reignmakers salary cap here in the States. As long as Giardina is playing overseas, he earns his contract tax-free along with being eligible to return to the team at any time.

Giardina is currently averaging 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals a game for Division 67 in his "sixth-man" role off the bench. He was awarded "Player of the Week" honors after he rolled off two 15 point games in a back-to-back, and recorded a triple-double (the first in the young Champions League) after grabbing 10 rebounds and having 10 steals.

Giardina will soon return home and may be quite an addition come summer if the Reignmakers choose to play consecutive seasons.

"I've played with Mike and what he brings in defensive intensity, on the glass, and all-around effort is second to none," Coach Hunter said. "We would definitely welcome him with open arms if the team had him back. Any time you get another stopper like him...it's a good thing."

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In Reignmakers news, the team plays this Monday night, 8:50 start time, against the 1-6 Firehouse. The team may be without Jason Hunter as he attends to a family issue, but they hope to have him suited up throughout the night.

Brandon Hunter also surpased the 200 point total after last weeks 25 points, as he currently stands at 207 points. He is also only 22 rebounds away from 100.

Kerry Hunter, 87 points - 69 rebounds, and Jason Hunter, 99 points, are next in line to reach statistical milestones.

The team has totaled 536 points (59.6/game) and 293 rebounds (32.6/game) this year.