#1 Washed Up vs. #3 The Dynasty
Frankly, the only constants of the Washed Up throughout the season have been the gamesmanship of Johnny Earl and the Zen cool of GM Michael Criscione. Certainly, these two competitors are leading Washed Up’s charge to make amends for last season’s Semi-Finals debacle versus Morningwood,in which they partially avenged this season with a semifinals win over Morningwood. However teams don’t play games to win “semi-finals” games, The ultimate prize is a Division Championship.
Of course, The Dynasty stands ready to block that road.
Nobody expected the Dynasty to be here. Well no one but me.
The third-seeded Dynasty team has a dynamic club that can run the floor, shoot and defend. They rattled off 4 wins during the regular season. They’re anchored by MVP Candidates Holden, Buai Tut and Tray Caples (Tren).
Ironically, the Dynasty was completely written off after their first game as an athletic, finesse ball club that could not compete with the powerhouses, Washed Up, Morningwood and the Play Makerz etc.
Washed Up is a team with weapons, including the ever-dangerous Johnny Earl, tough guy André Lyons and tenacious big man Justin R.
Earl, at guard, is key to Washed Up’s success. He leads the team in scoring, averaging 25.6 PPG, and has proven to be a clutch performer. He’s had a superstar season.
SEASON RECORDS
Washed Up: 6-0 (No. 1 seed)
Dynasty: 4-3 (No. 3 seed)
SEASON SERIES
Washed Up defeated The Dynasty in the Dynasty’s IBL début. (71-58)
OFFENSE/DEFENSE RANKING
Washed Up: Offense 69.0 ppg; Defense 60.3 ppg
Dynasty: Offense 74.4 ppg ; Defense 68.6 ppg
OUTLOOK:
Washed Up’s frontcourt trio of Michael Earl, André Lyons and Justin Lamar is one of the best in the league. They can all score and defend, which makes things tough for opponents at both ends of the court.
Inside, forward Holden, and outside, guard Tray Caples (Tren) make this team run and win. Holden is the team’s go-to player, while Tren offers consistency.
The Dynasty will try to wear Washed Up down with their up tempo game, while attempting to neutralize the Washed Up’s stellar inside moves.
The Numbers:
In the front-court, Holden can block, rebound and score. He is his teams second leading scorer with 19.1 ppg and first in rebounds per game with 9.1. For playmaking and clutch play, Tray Caples (Tren) is the Dynasty’s go-to guy. Averaging 22.9 PPG and 4.3 RPG. Buai Tut is a durable swing-man, he is the teams third leading scorer with 17.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg, and 2.4 apg. Tut is a reliable workhorse who offers consistent, athletic play. SG Walter has stepped up, and will be the teams fourth notable performer entering the game averaging 11.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg.
Washed Up is led into the game by leading MVP candidate Johnny Earl. Earl enters this Championship contest averaging 25.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 2.9 rpg. Behind Earl is his brother Michael Earl, who is averaging 17.7 ppg, and 8.7 rpg through 3 games. André Lyons is the teams 3rd leading scorer with an average of 13.4 ppg and 9.4 rpg. Justin R. has made a significant impact with is return to the team, he is averaging 11.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg, and 2.5 apg.
Keys to the Game:
Both teams benches are good but not exceptional. All of this means one thing.These teams will go as far as their leading scorers can take them.
Have Johnny Earl and ONLY Johnny Earl beat you. He’s an amazing player but probably not amazing enough to win a game by himself.
To win, Washed Up has to get more from teammates other than the Earls, Lyons and Justin.
The Dynasty need to control the pace of the game and make the game very fast paced.
Prediction:
This will be a very close game, with both teams having their own advantages. (Washed Up’s size and shooting, and The Dynasty’s excellent guard play and freakish athleticism). Washed Up is the favorite entering this game and after beating down the reigning champs Morningwood in the Semi-Finals, I have Washed Up coming away with the Division 1 Championship.
IBL Full Court Press 