DIVISION 3 2011 Fall, SEASON 6
Championship Recap
by: Nathan Apolonio/ @TheHomieNate
#1 Washed Up vs. #3 The Dynasty
Michael Criscione and the men of Washed Up win the IBL Division 1 Championship after defeating the Dynasty, 54-49, in what seems to be the beginning of a new era in the IBL.
The Men of Washed Up finally accomplished their goal set 10 Weeks ago and that was to win the Division 1 Championship. They came in with a renewed focus, and that showed in the 9 games they played this season, going 9-0 through those 9 games.
Coming out of the gate, Washed Up seemed focused and ready to capture the championship. They went with a different strategy. Instead of letting Holden go wild like they did in their first match up (22 points, 18 rebounds), they decided to blanket him on defense, and in doing so the Dynasty had trouble finding the basket. However, the presence of another athletic swingman Buai Tut was missed. There were several possession where Washed Up crashed the offensive glass and came away with second chance points due to their size.
It was the worst time for Travon Caples (Tren) to have a bad shooting night. He was just throwing up bricks. Washed Up, in the meantime, enjoyed the scrappy game. Justin Lamar (8 points, 14 rebounds) was getting in front of Holden for easy lay-ups, and André Lyons was overpowering the Dynasty under the basket.
Walter (13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals) did step up as the Dynasty’s 2nd offensive option and did all he could, throughout the game. Both teams decided to ride their starters for the majority of the fourth quarter. It seemed like it affected the Dynasty more than Washed Up as the Dynasty’s defense wasn’t flying around like the first three-quarters, they were fatigued due to their limited bench. Washed Up got more aggressive in the fourth quarter and was finally able to put the game away at the free throw line.
As mentioned, Tren only shot 7/21… but he did end up with 18 points and 3 rebounds. Walter had a big game with 13 points, 6 rebounds, a assists and 3 steals. O.Collins came up big as well with 10 points and 10 boards.
Two Washed Up starters had double figures… and they were led by Finals MVP Johnny Earl with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Earl also took notably less shots shooing 5/8 from the field. André Lyons was key to this victory with his 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Also, the battle of the boards belonged to Washed Up. Washed Up had 39 rebounds compared to the Dynasty’s 32.
Washed Up had a huge edge on the glass, and while Holden is arguably a better offensive player (still a great post player), Buai Tut’s lanky body was missed as he would’ve helped prevent Washed Up from getting the boards.
For the Dynasty, it was an improbable playoff run. Very few thought they would make it this far and yet they missed a championship by only five points.
But as for the men of Washed Up? It’s mission accomplished, and a job well done.
MVP:
André “Dreno” Lyons was named finals MVP after his huge game.
IBL Full Court Press 