DIVISION 2
2011 Fall, SEASON 6
Championship Recap
by Nathan Apolonio/ @TheHomieNate
#2 Double Dribble vs. #4 Secret Agents
What an amazing game this was. Both teams entered this game fresh off wins over the teams that eliminated them from last season’s playoffs. The Secret Agents ran over Quiksilver while Double Dribble finally got over the hump by beating Wonton Soup. Which in the process dethroned the reigning champs.
The Secret Agents were oh-so close to closing the door on Double Dribble. Not just their season but perhaps on their run in the IBL. But Double Dribble just wouldn’t go away, both teams fought and fought HARD! The final result a 73-71 victory with Double Dribble walking away with their 2nd IBL Championship trophy (1st in Division 2) .
Late in the game, everything just seemed to click for the Double Dribble. They played great defense on Secret Agents G Darryial Morris (8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists) and just controlled the tempo late after an injury to the Secret Agents 3 point specialist Teron Mack (9 points, 3 rebounds).
To say that the 2nd half was interesting is an understatement. The game stayed close until the Secret Agents appeared to pull away, behind the play of Lonnie Bradshaw (22 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist). The Secret Agents built a sizable lead and all indications were that Double Dribble would once again fall in the championship round. However Double Dribble began cutting into the lead by attacking the basket and it worked. With a hobbled defender the Secret Agents seemed to be playing 4 on 5 late in the game. Double Dribble took a 4 point lead with under a minute remaining but a clutch 3 point shot by Terrail Thomas (20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists) cut the lead to 1, where they would have to play the fouling game. Derrick Pickett stepped up to the line and knocked down one of two free throws. which sealed the game.
Double Dribble had four guys in double figures. Derrick Pickett had a beastly 26 points, and 7 rebounds, performance while Giovanni Valentine had his usual numbers with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Andrae Lockett came off the bench to score 11 points and 2 rebounds while Diahnte Pickett finished off the final round with 12 points and 3 rebounds.
Rudy Williams (Secret Agents) had 12 points and 5 rebounds, but was virtually a non factor in the second half.
The Secret Agents definitely overachieved this season and they should be proud of that. They should also know that they can do the same thing again next year. That is, if they add more pieces to their 5-6 man roster, they might actually be a favorite to win it all.
MVP:
Derrick Pickett was named Finals MVP after his huge game which propelled Double Dribble to their first championship in the Division.
IBL Full Court Press 