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.
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