Nates Notes| Championship Weekend Recap

Division 3

#1 Minnesota Tenderloins vs. #2 Pantera Legends

The first championship game of the evening was between the top two seeds in Division 3. The #1 seeded Minnesota Tenderloins squared off with the #2 seeded Pantera Legends. At the start season both these teams were picked by league analyst’s to finish 1 and 2 and meet in the Championship game. The Tenderloins capped off an undefeated regular season (7-0) in Week 7. While the Legends finished with a (6-1) record, their only loss coming at the hands of the Tenderloins.

So this was the big game, dubbed as “the rematch” and both teams came to play. The Legends began the game utilizing their height advantage and got easy points in the paint, however as the game progressed the Tenderloins found their offensive flow and for a stretch they were simply lights out. The Tenderloins built a 10 point lead early in the second half, but the legends would not quit. They rallied back from a 10 point Tenderloin lead and won the game as the game expired (59-58) with a tip from C Alvin Trinh (25 Points, 16 Rebounds) after a missed field goal by G Richard Hak (15 Points, 4 Rebounds, 4 Assists).

The resilient Legends came away with the victory, however there were moments in this game where they looked to be finished and it seemed as if the Tenderloins were just going to waltz to the trophy. Mike Roha led all Tenderloin scorers, Roha finished with (19 Points and 3 Rebounds), JP had a sub par game when it came to rebounding, he finished the game with 2 rebounds to go along with 15 Points. Richard was the third and final Tenderloin player in double figures as he finished with 13 Points and 1 Rebound.

The Pantera Legends are now the inaugural Division 3 Champions, this season has been very productive for this team, F Dylan Liebelt was also named the Divisions MVP of the regular season.

Division 2

#1 Wonton Soup vs. #3 Quiksilver

In Division 2 the only two teams to be crowned Division 2 Champions met in the final match-up of the evening. #3 Quiksilver of the eastern conference entered the game fresh off a victory over the #1 seeded Eagles. #1 Wonton Soup of the Western Conference advanced to the Championship game with no problem, defeating #2 Dream Team via forfeit (ineligible players).

With the table set for a great game, Quiksilvers offense got off to a quick start G Kenny Lee (24 Points, 11 Rebounds) opened up the game where he left off in the conference finals with 2 consecutive 3 pointers. Quiksilver seemed to have the game under control with multiple players scoring early in the game. Harry Yoo (16 Points, 4 Rebounds) established himself as Quiksilver’s go to post player early in the first half, his patented sweeping hook shot seemed to do the trick on offense as he could not be stopped. Brandon Kinard (9 Points, 3 Rebounds) picked up the scoring slack on multiple possessions when Lee and Yoo were eliminated from the offensive possessions by the Wonton Soup defense.The X Factor for Quiksilver was predicted to be John Dang he finished the regular season averaging (8.8 ppg), however in this championship game he was virtually nonexistent out there of the floor, he finished with (4 Points, and a game high 7 Rebounds).

While those players were the offensive source for Quiksilver, the champs Wonton Soup responded blow for blow with every move Quiksilver made. The catalyst leading the way for Wonton Soup was F Jaime Villalobos. Villalobos finished with a team high (22 Points, and 6 Rebounds) Robel Kevorkian (15 Points, 6 Rebounds) helped keep the floor spaced and busted the game open with his accurate 3-Point shooting. Aaron Sanchez (14 Points, 7 Rebounds) emerged from his previous slump in the conference semi finals where he scored 6 points playing virtually all 40 minutes. Even though Quiksilver made runs throughout the game and threatened Wonton Soup countless times, Wonton Soup proved why they are indeed the reigning champions.

Wonton Soup becomes the first team in IBL history to record a 3-Peat. This is also the second team to go undefeated (10-0) and finished with a championship.

There is speculation on whether Wonton will return for Season 6. In an interview after the trophy was awarded G Josh Johnson said “I don’t think anyone in the division can stop us” when responding on the question on whether the team would indeed return for a 4th season Johnson said “Yes, we will comeback and defend the trophies SWAG”

Division 1

#1 Morningwood vs. #3 Knicee

In the main event game of the evening, the Division 1 Championship, #1 Morningwood took the floor to battle it out with #3 Knicee. This was the second championship game in which the two teams met. Back in Season 2 Morningwood won their second IBL Championship by defeating Knicee (then Like Water). The circumstances were the same for this game as well Knicee was the #3 seed with a 5-2 record while Morningwood was the #1 seed with a 7-0 record. In season 2 Morningwood blew out Like Water (73-36) for their second consecutive Championship. With both teams having virtually the same roster with an exception to (Andrae Lockett (M-Wood), Lionel Brown and Jesse Jimenez (Knicee).

Knicee gave a valiant effort behind the play of
Jesse Jimenez (22 Points, 5 Rebounds) but just could not get over the hump, they kept the game close and never let the lead extend to more than 12 Points, Lionel Brown (12 Points, 4 Rebounds) was the teams second leading scorer. Big Man Odell Howard rounded out the top 3 scorers, he finished with the games only double double 10 Points, and 12 Rebounds.

The key behind Morningwood’s success was
Shown in this game. They showed why they indeed the team to beat. They have so many offensive options and they work well together. Even though big man Dewayne O’Neal (8 Points, 8 Rebounds) didn’t have a big game the Pickett brothers picked up the slack for the team, Diahnte led all scorers with (20 Points, 2 Rebounds and 2 Assists) while Derrick recorded 18 Points and 5 Boards. Marcus Pringle and Andrae Lockett finished with 8 Points apiece to round out the game’s top performers.

Morningwood now captures their 4th Championship in 5 Seasons. This was indeed a close game and Knicee proved to be a worthy opponent. At the end of the day the game was up for grabs late and Morningwood wanted it more simple as that.

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+ Game Previews, recaps and write-ups are articles written by Nathan Apolonio.

Nates Notes| Playoff Recap | Division 2 Conference Semi Finals

#1 Eagles vs. #4 Secret Agents

An unnecessary foul with seconds remaining in the game cost the Secret Agents the game as they fall 55-52 to the Eagles.

The Eagles entered the game as the higher seeded team but for the majority of the game the Secret Agents were playing like they were the top seed. The Secret Agents were fresh off a quarterfinal victory over The Revenge 2 weeks earlier while the Eagles had a 3 week layoff.

From the onset of the game, it looked as if the Secret Agents would continue their “Cinderella” season and waltz into the conference finals. The Eagles looked rusty and stagnant while the Secret Agents were hyped and ready to go. As the Eagles began to make a run to cut into the Secret Agents early lead, tragedy struck. On a rebound attempt late in the first half, the Eagles leading scorer and perennial 3-Point threat Eric Imperio  went down with an ankle injury. Their second leading scorer Richard Vasquez (14 Points, 9 Rebounds) was in foul trouble and Evin Imperio was the teams only source of offense.

As the second half got underway, the Eagles began to attack the basket, attempting to get to the free throw line, Vince Pryor (16 Points, 5 Rebounds) gave the Eagles a much-needed spark off the bench in the second half. While the Eagles were on their run, the Secret Agents led by Lonnie Bradshaw (20 Points, 13 Rebounds), Red San Miguel (12 Points), and Darryial Morris (12 Points, 8 Rebounds) were doing everything in their power to not let the lead slip away.

As the game was coming to a close the Eagle cut the lead to 2 with under a minute left, after a dry offensive possession from the Secret Agents the Eagles scored and tied the game at 52 apiece.The Secret Agents turned over the ball with their next possession, after a timeout by the Eagles they inbounded the ball to Evin Imperio ( 19 Points) with 6 seconds left on the game clock, Imperio took three dribbles and heaved a shot from 4 feet behind the 3-Point line, as he was coming down a Secret Agent player low bridged him, the foul sent Imperio to the free throw line to shoot 3 free throws. Imperio made all three free throws and iced the game for his team. Although there was 1 second on the clock the Secret Agents had no time-outs left to advance the ball thus leading to the Eagles advancing to the conference finals.

#2 Warriors vs. #3 Quiksilver

Behind a huge effort from Harry Yoo (24 Points, 7 Rebounds) Quiksilver makes little work of the higher seeded Warriors and advance to the conference Semifinals following a 70-56 win.

Kenny Lee (18 Points, 10 Rebounds) shouldered the scoring load behind Yoo. John Dang  (14 Points, 6 Rebounds) took a backseat to Yoo and Lee and was the Quiksilvers third leading scorer.

Domo Cole [Warriors] (16 Points, 6 Rebounds) led all scorers for his team. Louis Cole [Warriors] (15 Points, 8 Rebounds) was the Warriors  second leading scorer, Kenny [Warriors] (12 Points, 6 Rebounds) rounded out the game’s top performers.

#3 Quiksilver will meet the #1 Eagles in the Eastern Conference Finals.

#1 Wonton Soup vs.  #4 Double Dribble

Wonton Soup shows why they are the divisions two-time defending champion as the eliminate Double Dribble from the post season for the third consecutive season following a gritty 60-54 win.

Jaime Villalobos [Wonton Soup] (24 Points, 11 Rebounds) led all scorers for the game, Diahnte Pickett [Double Dribble] was the games second leading scorers with (17 Points, 5 Rebounds). Desean Collins [Wonton Soup] rounded out the games leading scorers with (15 Points)
each.

Jesse Jimenez [Double Dribble] (10 Points, 3 Rebounds), Charlie Hinjosa and Andrae Lockett [Double Dribble] (9 Points, 5 Rebounds) were notable performers for the game.

With the win, Wonton Soup advances to their 3rd straight conference finals. They will take on the #2 Dream Team.

#6 Cali Raisins vs. #2 Dream Team

The Dream Team defeats the Cali Raisins with a tip in as time expired for a 45-44 win. They now advance to the conference finals where they will take on the conferences top seed Wonton Soup.

The Raisins forget to box out and allow Brandon Taylor [Dream Team] and easy put back opportunity.

Kwasi Mensah [Cali Raisins] (15 Points, 7 Rebounds) led all scorers for the game, Brandon Taylor [Dream Team] (14 Points, 4 Rebounds) A.J Miles[Dream Team] (13 Points, 5 Rebounds), Jordan Ramos [Cali Raisins] (11 Points, 5 Rebounds), and Demetre Smith [Dream Team] (10 Points, 11 Rebounds) were the game’s top performers.

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+ Game Previews, recaps and write-ups are articles written by Nathan Apolonio.

Nate’s Notes| Division 2 |Semi-Finals| Game Preview

The Division 2 Semi Finals will feature 4 teams. Two from the Eastern Conference (#3 Quiksilver-#1 Eagles) while in the Western Conference (#1 Wonton Soup-#2 Dream Team)
Will battle it out for a chance to represent the conference in the championship game.

The Eagles and Quiksilver will square off in a rematch of the first game of the season where Quiksilver came out victorious (63-59). That would be the only game the Eagles would lose in the regular season, they tallied 6 consecutive victories to end the regular season with a (6-0) record and the #1 overall seed in the conference. Quiksilver on the other hand had a similar season losing only two games and finished with a (5-2) record and the #3 seed.

Quiksilver has stormed through their playoff opponents while the Eagles almost fell to the #4 seed the Secret Agents in the conference semi-finals, while Quiksilver is seeking their first trip back to the finals since defeating Hollyway in Season 2, the Eagles are in their rookie season and have surpassed anyones expectations by far.

Both teams match-up well in terms of size, but the one advantage that the Eagles have, being stacked with shooters, the Imperio brothers lead the team in 3-Point makes. Eric Imperio will not be 100% for the game as he suffered an ankle injury in the semi final game against the Secret Agents. Quiksilver will have to put a hand up on defense or their season will end.

This game should be intriguing to say the least, however the winner of this game will be the “underdog” in the finals.

In the Western Conference two powerhouse teams will battle it out for the right to represent the conference in the Divisions final.
The #1 seeded Wonton Soup (7-0) will battle it out with the #2 seed the Dream Team (6-1), the two teams met in Week 5 with Wonton Soup coming out on top with a. 64-55 win.

Wonton is in pursuit of their 3rd straight finals appearance where they are (2-0) in previous trips. Both teams have had their fair share of “scares” in the playoffs thus far. The Dream Team almost didn’t make it to this game, they defeated the Cali Raisins in the conference semi’s with a tip-in as time expired, while Wonton Soup withstood every blow that Double Dribble could throw at them.

Both these teams are equipped with a roster that has a championship pedigree. Wonton Soup has had the same roster for 3 seasons with the exception of (Robel Kevorkian, Desean Collins, and Jaime Villalobos) who joined them after their first championship run in Season 3.

The Dream Team doesn’t really have a post presence, in fact all of their players are about the same height. The majority of their scoring is done from the 3-Point line (50 3-Pt Makes) for the season. They exploit other teams on the defensive end by using their quickness which leads to tons of fast break opportunities.

Wonton Soup has 3 offensive options, Jaime Villalobos (13.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg) Desean Collins (8.6 ppg) and Aaron Sanchez (18.6 ppg, 10.0 rpg). In the Semi Finals Sanchez (6 Pts., 7 Rbs) had an off game but Collins (15 Pts) and Villalobos (24 Pts, 11 Rbs) picked up the slack.

Wonton Soup should take the game if all their players show, however you should not count out the Dream Team, they are a resilient bunch hungry to win and defeating their rivals with a trip to the finals at stake would make it all that much sweeter.

Eastern Conference Final	PTS	REB	APG	SPG	BPG	TPG	2PT%	3PT%	FG%	FT%
Advantage	E	Q	Q	E	E	E	E	–	E	E
Eagles	69.5	36.9	6.9	4.4	1.5	4.6	0.53	0.34	0.47	0.58
Quiksilver	55.6	38.1	7.9	4.3	1.4	8.8	0.48	0.34	0.45	0.50

Western Conference Final	PTS	REB	APG	SPG	BPG	TPG	2PT%	3PT%	FG%	FT%
Advantage	W	W	W	D	W	D	D	D	D	W
Wonton Soup	66.9	31.5	6.4	4.1	1.9	6.9	0.59	0.29	0.46	0.60
Dream Team	63.6	24.7	4.7	5.4	1.7	5.1	0.63	0.34	0.51	0.46

Division 2 Champion will be crowned when East meets West.

Nates Notes |Playoff Recap| Division 1 Semi Finals

 

 

 

#1 Morningwood vs. #4 Washed Up

The predicted “IBL Classic” was all but a classic in the end. Morningwood dominated a shorthanded Washed Up team who lacked half its roster for the entire 1st quarter and half of the second. The result a 101-59 Morningwood win. The sad thing about this situation, is that we will never know how the game would have been if both teams had their full roster.

Morningwood jumped out to an early 25-5 lead and never looked back. Washed Up tried shooting themselves back into the game but with the missed jumpshots they only dug a deeper hole to get out of.

Rich Cobarrubias led the defending champions in the scoring column he finished with (26 Points,3 Rebounds ), Diahnte Pickett (21 Points,2 Rebounds) was the second leading scorer for Morningwood who finished with all 5 starters in double figures. Dewayne O’Neal finished with (14 Points, 14 Rebounds), Andrae Lockett had (17 Points, 2 Rebounds), Derrick Pickett finished with (13 Points, 9 Rebounds, 6 Assists) and Marcus Pringle rounded out the top 6 Scorers with (10 Points, 2 Rebounds).

Tony led all Washed Up performers with 26 Points, 5 Rebounds and Michael Earl finished with 15 Points and 6 rebounds, those were the only two Washed Up performers to finish with double figures.

#1 Morningwood will take on the #3 Knicee in the Finals.

#4 Washed Up seemed poised to make a strong run at the championship but after this game many questions will have to be answered.

#2 STAT vs. #3 Knicee

With a trip to the championship on the line, Knicee pulls an upset over the higher seeded STAT team. The game could have went either way but the resilient Knicee team proved to have a championship pedigree and pulled out all the stops in this 60-55 win.

STAT got off to a hot start with G Jimmy Nguyen (9 Points, 3 Rebounds) hitting 3 of their first 4 shots, all from 3-point range. Every thing seemed to be clicking for STAT in the first quarter. When the second quarter got underway Knicee’s guards Jesse Jimenez (17 Points, 5 Rebounds) and John Dang (14 Points, 6 Rebounds) went to work.The pair of guards had too much foot speed for the STAT guards to handle and strung together a run fueled by multiple lay-ups.

Anthony Cockrell (21 Points, 6 Rebounds) led all scorers for STAT, Jimmy Nguyen (9 Points) was second in command in the scoring column, Brandon Kinard finished with 8 Points and 3 Rebounds to round out the top 3 scorers for STAT.

The story of the game was Knicee’s ability to connect with the proverbial “counter-punch” they countered every move STAT made, responded to every run and down the stretch made crucial hustle plays, that is what won them this game.

Knicee was led by Jesse Jimenez who finished with (17 Points, 5 Rebounds), John Dang was second in the scoring column and finished with (14 Points, 6 Rebounds) Odell Howard (12 Points, 15 Rebounds, 7 Assists) rounded out the top 3 scorers for Knicee.

Knicee advances to their 2nd Championship game in the teams short existence, they were dominated in the Season 2 Championship game by the same team they will take on this Sunday the defending champs Morningwood.

STAT bows out in the semi-finals for the second consecutive season, last season STAT lost to Morningwood who became the eventual champions. Rumor has it they will be pursuing Restricted Free-Agents Jaime Villalobos, Ralph Chavez and Desean Collins to fill the void of [PF] Anthony Fitzpatrick (Released) and [C] Danny Longmire (Retired) for Season 6.

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+ Game Previews, recaps and write-ups are articles written by Nathan Apolonio.

Nate’s Notes| Division 1 Championship Game Preview

#1 Morningwood vs. #3 Knicee

With the qualifying rounds behind us and season 5 coming to a close, two teams (#1 Morningwood- #3 Knicee) have proven that they are the top two teams in the division. They will battle it out this Sunday (Sept. 18th) for the right to call themselves CHAMPION. Knicee will have their hands full as they battle it out with a the defending champions.

Both these teams took different paths on their way to the Championship game, after finishing the regular season with a flawless 7-0 record, #1 Morningwood remained true to their seed and handled #8 Dictators in the quarterfinals, in the semi-finals took care of business defeating #4 Washed Up by a very, very large margin.

#3 Knicee finished their regular season with a 5-2 record in a tie for 2nd place but lost the tiebreaker to STAT in a Week 5 match-up. Knicee began their playoff run with a forfeit win over #6 iBall they advanced to the semi-finals where they pulled an upset over the #2 seed STAT.

For Morningwood this is their 4th Championship game appearance; they are (3-0) in Championship Round games. This is Knicee’s 2nd Championship Round game, they are (0-1) the loss coming to none other than Morningwood in Season 2 when Knicee was known as (Like Water).

This game is important to both franchise’s; Morningwood looks to continue their “Boston Celtic” dynasty ways and capture their 4th Championship in 5 seasons. Knicee looks for revenge and hope to pull an upset for the ages over the reigning champions.

The two teams met in Week 4 with Morningwood coming out on top with a double-digit victory, that was also the game where Morningwoods leader Derrick Pickett went down in the first quarter with an ankle injury that kept him out of action for 5 Weeks. Pickett is now back in the Morningwood line-up and has guaranteed a victory over Knicee to claim his 4th well technically 5th (Wednesday League) IBL Championship.

The addition of PG Jesse Jimenez has proved to be crucial to the success of this Knicee team, without Jimenez I can honestly say this team would not be in this position, Jimenez who play last season for STAT was signed by Knicee who lacked a true point guard. His defensive and athleticism has bothered other guards. He will be the X-Factor for Knicee in this championship game. Morningwoods X-Factor has always been and will be their 3-Point shooting, no one player has been responsible for Morningwoods success all of their Championships have been won with a consistent team effort.

Morningwood enters the game, with an advantage in every statistical category with the exception of APG where Knicee has a slim advantage. They are by far the heavy favorite to win this game and repeat as Champions for the 2nd time in 5 seasons.

There are only 4 Knicee players (Odell Howard, John Dang, Richard Hak and Minh Thong) who are still on the team since their last championship game appearance. There is no doubt that all these players are hungry for the division ultimate prize.

Morningwood should take this game by 20 or more points, they have too many weapons for Knicee to contain. Both teams have depleted benches so their will be few substitutions throughout the game.

Bottom line is Morningwood will capture their 4th Championship in 5 Seasons.

Division 1 Final	PTS	REB	APG	SPG	BPG	TPG	2PT%	3PT%	FG%	FT%
Advantage	M	–	K	M	M	M	M	M	M	M
Morningwood	72.3	34.0	7.1	6.7	3.4	6.7	0.58	0.35	0.49	0.56
Knicee	63.2	34.0	8.7	5.8	1.1	7.9	0.53	0.33	0.46	0.46

Nates Notes| Playoff Recap | Division 2

 

 

#5 The Revenge vs. #8 5 Guys 1 Cup/ #4 Secret Agents

The Revenge handles the #8 seeded 5 Guys 1 Cup but run out of magic as the fall to the #4 seeded Secret Agents.

The Revenge entered the game as the higher seeded team at #5, 5 Guys 1 Cup ended the regular season on a run that landed them in the #8 spot. Both these teams squared off in an opening round match-up for the right to meet the #4 Secret Agents who were in attendance waiting on their future opponent.

The Revenge controlled the game and came out with a 52-36 victory. Alex Hernandez [5 Guys 1 Cup] (18 Points, 9 Rebounds) led all scorers, Aaron Ford [The Revenge] (16 Points, 7 Rebounds) was the games second leading scorer, Dre [5 Guys 1 Cup] and Hassan Ahmed [The Revenge] finished as the games third leading scorer(s) with 9 points apiece. Dre also tied for a game high in rebounds with 9.

In the quarterfinal round the #5 Revenge and #4 Secret Agents met, the Secret Agents were well rested seeing as they hadn’t played a previous game like the Revenge did, the Secret Agents began mounting a small lead from the start of the game and the lead grew slowly. Late in the second half the Revenge went on their final run, that wasn’t enough however as the Revenge fell 53-40.

Lonnie Bradshaw [Secret Agents] (24 Points, 16 Rebounds) led all scorers for the game, Darryial Morris [Secret Agents] (14 Points 8 Rebounds) was the games second leading scorer. Red San Miguel rounded out the scoring trio for the Secret Agents as he finished with (10 Points, 4 Rebounds)

The Revenge was led by Aaron Ford (11 Points,4 Rebounds), Adarsh (9 Points, 5 Rebounds) was second in the scoring column , Abdul Aziz finished with (6 Points, 9 Rebounds) and was the third leading scorer for the Revenge.

The #4 Secret Agents will take on #1 Eagles in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

#6 UKnow vs. #7 Benchwarmers

Amidst a mid game collapse, UKnow almost found a way to lose to the Benchwarmers for the second time in 3 weeks. UKnow however recovers to capture the 59-52 victory and advance to a quarterfinal match-up with Quiksilver.

UKnow started the game with a 5-4 advantage and took and early lead but the Benchwarmers managed to crawl back into the thick of things as the game went on. Early in the second half UKnow seemed to have the game in control, until the teams “outspoken” player Xavier Goss picked up a technical foul. UKnow’s team captain went over to talk to Goss but Goss would not hear of it, and an argument ensued on the court…mid game. Despite the scene UKnow quickly re-composed and finished the game.

Anthony Cockrell [UKnow] (14 Points, 11 Rebounds) led all scorers for the game, Domo Beebe [UKnow] (13 Points, 2 Rebounds) was the games second leading scorer while Sophand Soun [Benchwarmers] (12 Points, 4 Rebounds) rounded out the top 3 performers for the game.

After their near collapse in the first round UKnow was set to take on Quiksilver. Quiksilver is the #3 seeded team in the playoffs, in Week 7 UKnow and Quiksilver met with UKnow coming out on top (56-54). With the loss still fresh in the mind of the Quiksilver players they came into this game with a vengeance.

The game began the same way as the previous week, with UKnow using their quickness and athleticism to have a deadly zone defense. UKnow jumped out to an early lead and things were flowing all too well, that is until the bench players came in. Quiksilver took the lead early in the second half and never looked back coming away with a 48-37 victory.

Byron Woods [UKnow] (17 Points, 2 Rebounds) led all scorers for the game. Anthony Cockrell [UKnow] (13 Points, 7 Rebounds) took a backseat to Woods and was the games second leading scorer.

Harry Yoo [Quiksilver] (10 Points, 8 Rebounds) rebounded from a lackluster performance in Week 7 and gave his team a much-needed boost in this playoff game. John Dang [Quiksilver] (11 Points, 5 Rebounds) was QS second leading scorer, Brandon Kinard [Quiksilver] (8 Points, 9 Rebounds) burned UKnow with multiple lay-ups driving in on the baseline for the scores.

#3 Quiksilver will take on the #2 Warriors in the bottom bracket of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

#5 Happy Hour vs. #8 West Coast/ #4 Double Dribble

These two teams met in Week 6 with West Coast getting the better of Happy Hour and coming out with a 57-45 win. However in this Opening round match-up Happy Hour was aware that their season was at stake and came away with a (59-41) win to send West Coast home.

James Reyes [Happy Hour] (17 Points, 7 Rebounds). Led all scorers for the game, Anthony Barajas [West Coast] and Reuben Medina [Happy Hour] were the games second leading scorers with (14 Points) apiece. Matt and Zeke Benedetti aka Nico [West Coast] rounded out the games leading scorers with (11 Points)
each.

With the win #5 Happy Hour earned the right to battle it out with the #4 seeded Double Dribble team who was under manned with their leading scorer Diahnte Pickett absent.

Double Dribble got out to an early lead extending their lead to as much as 14 points, but Happy Hour came storming back late in the 2nd half, in the midst of the Happy Hour run Derrick Pickett subbed into the game for Double Dribble and gave them a much-needed boost. Pickett hit the game winning shot for Double Dribble who escaped with a 66-65 win.

James Reyes [Happy Hour] (21 Points, 5 Rebounds) led all scorers for the game, Jesse Jimenez [Double Dribble] (20 Points, 6 Rebounds) was the games second leading scorer.

Dre [Double Dribble] (19 Points, 2 Rebounds) Charlie H. [Double Dribble] (14 Points, 10 Rebounds). Pierre Recinto [Happy Hour] (14 Points, 4 Rebounds), Reuben Medina [Happy Hour] (12 Points, 8 Rebounds, 5 Assists) rounded out the top performers for the game.

#4 Double Dribble advances to the Western Conference Semi-Finals where they will take on the #1 Seeded Wonton Soup for the 3rd time in 3 seasons.

#6 Cali Raisins vs. #7 Brea Jr. 7:30

The #6 Cali Raisins almost forfeited the game, with most of their players arriving from vacation earlier in the day, they were late to the game. Brea Jr. had an early 14-0 lead which was cut to 14-12 in less than 4 mins. The Raisins defense held Brea Jr. 7:30 to 28 points for the game as the Raisins came away with a 48-28 win to advance to the quarter finals of the bottom bracket in the Western Conference playoffs.

Jordan Ramos [Cali Raisins] (15 Points, 5 Rebounds, 4 Assists,4 Steals) led all scorers for the game, Kevin Tung [Cali Raisins] (12 Points, 9 Rebounds) Korey Davis [Cali Raisins] (10 Points, 3 Rebounds), Kwasi Mensah [Cali Raisins] (9 Points, 6 Rebounds), and Won Lee [Brea Jr. 7:30] (8 Points, 2 Rebounds) were the game’s top performers.

With the win the Raisins advanced to the quarterfinals to take on the #3 Southstars. The Raisins controlled the game and had a double-digit lead for the majority of the first half. Early in the second half the Southstars went on a run and cut the lead to 10 (51-41) but that was as close as they came, the Raisins closed the game on a 6-16 run and came away with a (67-47) win.

Jordan Ramos [Cali Raisins] (16 Points, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 5 Steals) led the Raisins, Korey Davis (14 Points, 3 Rebounds), Kevin Tung (12 Points, 4 Rebounds), Kwasi Mensah and Kevin Chow rounded out the scoring quintet with 12 Points each.

The Southstars were led by Trayvonn Booker (17 Points, 4 Rebounds) Eric Anderson was the only other Southstar player in double figures he finished with (14 Points, 5 Rebounds)

The #6 Raisins will advance to take on the #2 seeded Dream Team in the Western Conference Semi Finals.

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+ Game Previews, recaps and write-ups are articles written by Nathan Apolonio.

Nates Notes |Playoff Recap| Division 1

#1 Morningwood vs. #8 Dictators

The #8 Dictators manage to hang around for the majority of the game, however the game was never in doubt as #1 Morningwood comes out on top with a 79-68 win and advance to the second round of the Division 1 Playoffs.

The Dictators actually played two games on Sunday, they defeated Canyon City Basketball by a very very large margin (65-34) in the tiebreaker game to earn the #8 seed and the right to square off with the #1 team in the division.  On the other side of things the #1 seeded Morningwood had only 4 active players to start the game, despite having only 4 players Morningwood stayed strong and composed as always and maintained a narrow lead throughout the game, late in the second half with the Dictators closing in and fear that an upset would take place, Derrick Pickett entered the game, this was strange however since Pickett made it clear that he had no intentions to play in this 1st round match-up due to a severely sprained ankle which he was nursing.

With Pickett entering the game the Dictators had to switch to man from their zone defense which was being eaten up by Morningwoods 3-Point specialist Rich Cobarrubias (23 Points, [5/6 from 3-Point Range]). Like most teams, the Dictators had a rough time trying to defend big man Dewayne O’Neal (21 Points, 20 Rebounds). Cobarrubias an O’Neal weren’t the only key players on the court for Morningwood. Their free-agent acqusition Andrae had a tremendous impact on the game, he poured in (24 Points, 2 Assists) to lead all scorers for the game.

Lonnie (18 points, 5 rebounds) was the main staple behind the Dictators offense,  Craig and Andrew had a valiant effort, the pair finished with 16 points apiece. Sam was the 4th Dictator player in double figures and finished with (10 points, 5 rebounds).  Although the Dictators cam up just short, this team gave a valiant effort.

#1 Morningwood will take on the # 4 Washed Up in the Semi-Finals.

The Dictators look forward to Season 6:Supremacy starting Sept. 25th.

#2 STAT vs. #7 Fly Society

Although the final score of the Fly Society-STAT game looks fairly close, STAT’s domination was not an indication of the final score.

This game was predicted to be a thriller, it game was predicted to be a classic, it was neither, after a rough and slow first quarter where STAT recorded a mere 3 points, Fly Society was in command. They seemed to have things clicking, in the second quarter however Brandon Kinard (21 Points) began his scoring barrage with a host of mid range jumpers. Fly Society’s zone defense was being picked apart piece by piece in that second quarter.

The only thing going right for Fly Society was the play of star player Jaime Villalobos (16 Points) he was the only source of offense, Fly Society’s big man and leading scorer Ralph Chavez ( 9 Points, 6 rebounds) had an off game scoring and rebounding wise. With Chavez having an off game, GM Desean Collins (11 Points) tried his best to assist Villalobos with Chavez not producing.

While Kinard was on a roll for STAT, Kwasi Mensah (10 Points) and Jimmy Nguyen (10 Points) were second in command in the scoring column. The story of the game was STAT’s lockdown defense. They held Fly Societies leading scorer to a season low in points and rebounding.

STAT advances to the 2nd round where they will take on the #3 seeded Knicee. STAT defeated Knicee earlier this season in a dominant performance (56-40).

Fly Society finishes their season with a 2-6 record over-all and look to rebuild for Season 6.

#4 Washed Up vs. #5 Do Work

Washed up has no problems handling Do Work, defeating them 63-54. By doing so Washed Up advances to the second round where they will take on #1 Morningwood in what should be an IBL Classic!

From the onset of this game, the higher seeded team (Washed Up) was in control. Although Do Work had mini spurts of offense on their part to try to keep things close, Washed Up would not let up. They pulled away late in the second half.

Cole (20 Points, 4 Rebounds) led all Do Work scorers, Dominic was the second staple that kept things close for Do Work as he finished with (12 Points, 5 Rebounds), Ronnie rounded out the scoring trio with (8 Points, 2 Rebounds).

Johnny (18 Points, 5 Rebounds) and Micheal Earl (17 Points, 15 Rebounds) were the driving force behind Washed Up’s office, Tony finished with (13 Points, 4 Rebounds) and Mike Criscione rounded out the scoring quartet with (11 Points, 4 Rebounds).

Washed Up will take on. #1 Morningwood in the 2nd round, this is and intriguing match-up, considering Washed Up’s first loss in IBL play was to Morningwood, however Washed Up did not have the services of the Earl Brothers (Johnny and Micheal) at the time.

The Winner of this game would be my favorite to take the Division Championship. Both these teams have defeated the other two team in the other bracket.

#5 Do Work goes back to the drawing board again, they are getting quite youthful, but the potential is there for this team to get back in “IBL’s Elite” conversation.

#3 Knicee vs. #6 IBall

#3 Knicee advances to a second round match-up with #2 STAT after a first round forfeit win over I Ball.

 

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+ Game Previews, recaps and write-ups are articles written by Nathan Apolonio.