After what has seemed to be about 15+ weeks of regular season play. The playoffs have dawned upon us in the New Year. The reigning champions
#1 Most Hated vs. #8 Mercenaries
After coaching their first couple of games while sitting out with an injury. Larry Dew has returned in full form, while leading the surging Most Hated to the playoffs and the #1 overall seed. Most Hated secured the #1 seed after clinching the tie breaker. With a win in their final regular season game. They will take on the #8 seeded Mercenaries, who have had a rough season to date. The Mercenaries have had a few flashes of brilliance, with the uber athletic Darnell Banks. They however have just not gotten it together for 4 full quarters. Most Hated is on a mission to repeat and as a group that has been together for 3+ seasons, I don’t see this team falling to an 8 seed
#2 UnderRated vs. #7 Wolfpack
Under Rated sits at #2 and in prime position to capture the gold ball when things are said and done. Their first test will be the #7 seed the Wolfpack, who have struggled as of late. The Wolfpack have lost their last few games, their last win coming over the men of Under Rated in a 74-70 Week 4 win. Both teams are hungry for a win. Gary McNellys and Tyler Poullard will have their hands full with the Under Rated team who will be playing very confident, due to their previous 4 point loss to the Wolfpack without the services of their top 3 scorers (Jaime Villalobos, Mike Stricker and Max Barkeley). If McNellys can get and stay hot early. Poullard will be able to get open shots.
#4 The Pack vs. #5 Washed Up
The Pack vs. Washed Up. Now we have seen this story play out over the past few seasons. Washed Up has won 2 division championships and on both of those runs to the golden ball, they have faced the Pack. In Washed Up’s first couple of seasons, they would in essence be the “Big Brother” and bully the little brother The Pack. Last season, the tables turned and the Pack defeated their rival in the opening round. Convinced that his team would have won if they had 5 players. The two teams met earlier this season, with The Pack coming out victorious yet again.
#3 Dynasty vs. #6 Knicee
the #3 v. #6 match-up is quite intriguing. This is a match-up that would suffice in latter rounds, but Dynasty and Knicee have all the makings of a good ol’ fashion Barn Burner. Both teams posses high-powered offenses, who can fill it up in bunches. Knicee has picked up their play lately but due to players not showing up as they once did, they fell into the #6 seed. Looking back to earlier in the season, Dynasty was the #1 seed with a 4-0 record and was the last undefeated team in the division, but they dropped 2 of their last 3 and almost dropped their game to the winless Mercenaries. Every season GM Keith Hatter says his team will win the championship, and every season his team falls short. This is another season where Dynasty falls short.
2012 Winter, SEASON 7
IBL Full Court Press 