Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 8/18/24
After a grueling Saturday of play that started at 6:45 am and ended past 10 pm, players were back on the court by 7 am on Sunday to determine the Ice Bowl champions.
Men’s Small Ball Singles
Final: Canales def Esser 15-7, 15-13
The Men’s Small Ball Singles guaranteed a first-time Icebreaker champion, as neither Leo Canales or Sam Esser had ever won an Icebreaker title. With both playing in their second Icebreaker final, Canales seized control in game one, building a 10-2 lead with a perfect reverse serve to the left and power ceiling fist balls. “I was pretty sore in there,” Esser would later say.
After a comprehensive first-game win, Esser appeared to be in control in game two, leading throughout and eventually serving at 13-10. With his first WPH pro singles title within his grasp after five Race 4 Eight finals appearances and his second Icebreaker final, Canales reeled off five consecutive points to get the monkey off his back and join the most elite club in the WPH.
Women’s Small Ball Singles
Final: Daskalakis def Esser 15-1, 15-13
Handball’s all-code superstar Danielle Daskalakis arrived at the Ice Bowl on a mission to win her second Icebreaker and left no doubt from her first match. After overwhelming two-time Icebreaker champion Ashley Ruiz in Saturday evening’s semifinal, Daskalakis continued her outstanding play in the first game of the final, allowing five-time Icebreaker champion and defending Ice Bowl champion Mikaila Esser just one point in the first game of the final. Esser was more competitive in game two, nearly forcing a tiebreaker. “We were working on keeping the ball high and deep and keeping Danielle back,” Mikaila’s coach and husband said of their second-game gameplan.
Men’s Big Ball Singles
Final: Siordia def Chava 15-8, 15-10
The Big Ball singles became a battle of attrition, as finalists Oscar Siordia and Chava Cordova each played eight matches in 24 hours, including four on Sunday morning. Siordia overcame “The Bear” Jerry Vicencio in a razor-close semifinal, while Chava Cordova played an equally close tiebreaker against Phoenix’s Albert Pizano. Siordia summoned the energy and shot-making to take his second Icebreaker title, relying on his steady defense and timely kills to defeat Chava for the second time at Clark Park.
Men’s Big Ball Doubles
Final: Team Cordova def Team Samzon/Boxer 15-12, 15-12
Team Lucho/Danos stunned the best 3-Wall Big Ball players in the world, overcoming the Martinez twins after a slow start in their opening round and steamrolling the rest of the field. The combination of Lucho playing offense and ending rallies and Danos playing steady and keeping the rallies alive, the Cordovas were unbeatable, even against big ball legends Samzon Hernandez and Boxer Rosales in the final.
Men’s Big Ball B Doubles
Finals: Team Cruz/Avila def Team A. Cordova/Gardea 15-12, 9-15, 15-12
Do not be fooled by the “B” title – these guys are top players. The B in big ball is essentially what the qualifier is to the Race 4 Eight tour. Team Flores defeated last year’s pro doubles champions in the pro doubles, only to lose in the quarterfinals of the B doubles.
Team Samuel Cruz and Rafa Avila stormed through the upper bracket to meet rising stars Andres Cordova and Moses Gardea. In one of the event’s most spirited and competitive matches, Team Cruz/Avila prevailed in a close tiebreaker.
WPH Lifetime Achievement Award: Tom Flores
The WPH proudly awarded Tom Flores the WPH Lifetime Achievement Award for his incredible generosity, professionalism, and extraordinary efforts in organizing and hosting dozens of WPH Outdoor events. The World Players of Handball is incredibly appreciative of Tom’s efforts in mentoring players and hosting events to inspire the current and next generation of handball stars
2024 Ice Bowl Sportsmanship Award Winner: Jab Bike
Former Icebreaker MVP and current top 15 pro Jab Bike made the eight-hour drive from his home in California solely to help the WPH crew throughout the entire 2024 Ice Bowl. Unable to play due to an injured left elbow, Jab arrived first at Clark Park each day and was the last to leave, volunteering to referee, find referees, line judge, film, clean the park and so much more throughout the event. Jab became the first WPH Sportsmanship Award winner to not enter the event. Wow!
Thank you!
There are so many names to thank for making what most of the players called the best tournament in the history of Clark Park. Lolita de Vincent, Dave Vincent, Tricia Fink, Jab Bike, Ashley Ruiz, Scott Cleveland, Jim Verhaghe, Jesse Aranda, Doug Woods, Jeff Healam, David Fink, and Ryan Watkins are just a few that made the event so special. Thank you!
All brackets and info for the 2024 WPH Icebreaker HERE
Big Ball at the September 20-22, 2024 Tucson Memorial. Enter HERE
2024/25 Race 4 Eight schedule and entries HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer