The Charleston Mountaineers and San Jose Fighting Amigos lead their respective divisions at the halfway mark in Season 31, with perennial power and two-time defending champ Philadelphia showing no signs of slowing down.
The big surprise is favorite Milwaukee, pulling into the all-star break in last place and preseason favorite in the West, Seattle, registering a 1-4 record thus far.
EAST LOADED AS ALL STAR GAME AWAITS
It's no surprise that the East is favored to win the 31st All Star clash. Any team that has the MVP of the last two seasons, Hrundi V. Bakshi, coming off the bench, has got to be considered a powerhouse.
But, keep in mind that although the East leads the west 20-10 overall in the star contest, the West has won the last four contests.
Also, consider the stars that did not make the team:
* Guard Lemon Jell-O of Charleston, who would be a starter on the West squad.
* Guard Jerry Curl of Philadelphia, who would also start on the West.
* Hall of Fame forward Sagittal Occlusal, who is the only member of the Fighting Amigos starting lineup to NOT make the team.
Other Notes:
--The only rookie in the game will be forward Bruno Patanal of Milwaukee.
--Mamadou Zongo of Charleston ties Uncle Bob Masterson for most all star game appearances with 10.
--Zongo's eigth all-star start moves him into second all time behind the nine of Curly Hogbottom.
--Boone Doggle of Philadelphia's seventh all-star game ties him for the sixth most appearances.
--Doggle's seventh start moves him into a tie for third in starts with Uncle Bob Masterson.
--Zongo is currently fifth-highest in points scored in all star competition, tied for first in steals, second in three-point baskets, fourth in assists and third in blocked shots.
--In just two all-star games, guard Cheetos Jones of Philadelphia is the all time all-star game leader with 16 three-point baskets.
--Doggle currently third all-time in all-star rebounding.
LAST TIME AROUND FOR ZONGO, DOGGLE
The MBA will be losing two of its greatest stars of all time at the conclusion of this campaign.
Hall of Famers Mamadou Zongo and Boone Doggle have both announced that they will retire following Season 31.
Zongo, who has played at the highest of levels for 17 seasons, will retire as either the second- or third best guard of all time behind Uncle Bob Masterson and (currently) Cappy Gambol. Zongo, who has played for six of the 10 league fanchises, will finish his stellar career among the top four players ever to play in the league.
Doggle, the tallest man at 6-10 to play the small forward position, will finish a seven-year run as either the third- or fourth-best forward ever behind Curly Hogbottom, the active Sagittal Occlusal and right there with the great Link Lennex of Houston. Doggle has played for four franchises in nine seasons.
Also hanging it up, longtime Charleston great Benny Gumm, now toiling for Seattle, Charleston starting forward Soh Cah Toa and longtime starter Jebediah Wachnut of Sacramento. Gumm will retire with a shot to make the Hall of Fame via the Veteran's Committee.
