This past weekend was busy for a few LNBP teams who came to Southern California to  gear up for the 2012-2013 season. The Soles of Mexicali finished up their US tour with a pair of wins in San Diego getting little resistance from the San Diego Surf this past Saturday and Sunday. Niccheaus Doaks, Mike Fraser, Justin Griffin and Michael Lizarraga, who will likely be the core of the Soles attack this season saw medium action against the Surf though showed a defensive intensity and noticeable chemistry while on the floor together.  Doaks and Fraser up front will attack the glass and will make an interesting pairing in the frontcourt. Lizarraga adds to the front line in that he can step out for a little knockdown...time will tell if he'll get the green light from 'threelandia.' Griffin is quick, can get to the rack though his pull up looked on this weekend, maybe the fruits of his off season work outs. The Soles will likely send 2-3 players packing this week and are rumored to be signing another big this week to add to their depth in the front court.

In LA, the Halcones of Xalapa had a few tune ups integrating new acquisitions like Lorenzo Mata, Delonte Holland, Sammy Monroe, Devon Pearson and Gregory Vargas. Yesterady, Xalapa, which is certainly in the mix as one of the favorites to win an LNBP crown this year, battled Open Gym Elite  and lost 95-93. It was the second lost of the Xalapa's three game tour and it came as Lorenzo Mata's last second put back was ruled no good, which if it counted would have given Xalapa the win. Landry Fields (yes, that Landry Fields) was the top scorer for Open Gym Elite with 35. Delonte Holland led Xalapa for the second game in a row with 19.