BAL News
🏀 Season 6 Is Here: Week 1 Recap — Ethan Benne Erupts, Woodpeckers Roll, and the Race Begins
May 23, 2026
Season 6 of the BAL tipped off in electric fashion on May 17th, as five first-round matchups set the tone for what promises to be the most competitive season in league history.
The headliner of the night was without question Ethan Benne and the Tropics, who absolutely dismantled the Gremlins in Game 1. Benne was a man possessed — finishing with an eye-popping 39 points on 19-of-30 shooting, hauling in 8 offensive rebounds, and totaling 9 boards on the night. While Charles Warren kept the Gremlins in the fight with a respectable 32-point, 7-rebound effort (including four triples), and Andrew Makrides added 19 and 5 free throws, it simply wasn't enough. Brad Atkinson quietly orchestrated the Tropics' offense with 9 assists to go along with 9 points. Final: Tropics win big.
Over on the other court, the Woodpeckers made a strong statement against the Titans. Elijah Eberly anchored the paint with 15 points and 3 offensive boards while drawing contact all night. Will Bowen provided the spark from deep, burying 3-of-4 from three and finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and a block. The Titans' offense struggled to find a rhythm — their leading scorer Tyler Barnes managed just 3 points as the Woodpeckers cruised.
In the Bullies vs. Lanc Show matchup, Evan Baker put on a shooting clinic — going 5-of-7 from beyond the arc en route to 21 points. It was a statement opener for the Bullies, who look like a serious contender right out of the gate.
The Dragons and 8 Balls squared off in what turned into a battle defined by defense and physicality. Marqel Wansley led all scorers and Carmelo Cruz chipped in 6 points with a block for the Dragons, but the 8 Balls' depth proved to be the difference.
Week 1 is in the books — and if this opening slate is any indication, Season 6 is going to be one for the history books.
THE FEED
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