In Division 3 we are in the final four. We have #4 A$AP taking on the #8 seed HiiPower and on the other side of the bracket we have #6 Undrafted taking on #7 Burger Kings. There has been some parody in the playoffs thus far as the top 3 seeds failed to advance past their 2nd round game. HiiPower pulled off the upset over the #1 seed Jedi Knights, Burger Kings knocked off the #2 seeded Cali Raisins, and Undrafted knocked off the #3 seed Justice League. The #4 seed A$AP was literally seconds away from elimination if only Xavier Goss (Dream Chasers) could connect on his free throws.
All that aside we’re down to four very deserving teams. Four teams vying for Division 3 supremacy. The Champs HiiiPower literally crept into the post season and as the great Rudy Tamjonovich once said, “Never underestimate, the heart of a champion” and I didn’t. With the return of Sango Niang, HiiiPower picked up where they left off and secured a post season berth. Who could have fathomed this moment a few weeks back when we had learned Niang had “retired” from the IBL due to school obligations. However that rumor was quickly dispelled after I had a conversation with Niang in Week 8. When asked about his return to IBL he simply replied “I came back for a ring”.
HiiiPower will take on A$AP in a game which looks more and more like a win for HiiiPower. Not to discredit A$AP or anything but as I stated, they were seconds away from elimination and shouldn’t even be in this position, the guard play on the Dreamchasers isn’t nearly even as potent as the backcourt of HiiiPower. That and the comradery of HiiiPower will be too much to overcome not to mention their confidence and swagger that their dripping after knocking off the #1 seed and let’s not forget that they’re the defending division champions. A$AP will have a chance if Jimmy Huynh can get hot from downtown, Huynh and Robel Kevorkian are the teams three-point specialist so if both players can get their shot to fall, A$AP may have a chance. It’s crazy to fathom the idea of a #8 seed being favored over a #4 seed but that is the case with this match-up.
On the other side of the bracket, we have the #6 seed Undrafted taking on the #7 seed Burger Kings. Mike Criscione went on record saying that because of both teams drastically different style of play’ this is the equivalent to the Utah Jazz taking on the Boston Celtics, but I just couldn’t figure out which team was which. The Burger Kings defeated Happy Hour in the opening round handily and squeaked out a win in the Quarter Finals over the #2 seed the Raisins and are at this point. Undrafted as the #6 seed really puzzle many people, nonetheless this team has played like the #1 seed, simply dismantling the competition In the playoffs by winning both of their first two games by a combined 28.0 ppg. The X-Men and Justice League are both younger teams, but they couldn’t stop the run n’ gun style of Undrafted and seen their season come to an end. This Sunday the Burger Kings will have to take the court with a young energetic team ready to run and prove everyone wrong. Undrafted’s main goal is and has always been a division championship, as a franchise they won the championship 3 seasons ago, and have two remaining players from that season on the team that crave their second championship. The Burger Kings offensive attack consists of speedy guard Alvaro Nunez, and the sharpshooting Tony Banta. Mike Criscione and David Aguilera are also viable offensive options at times. If Undrafted can keep the pace and fluidity of the game flowing fast. Then the Burger Kings will be eliminated. This game will be very competitive and fun to watch as both teams will leave it on the court.
Final Word:
Mike Mic’d picked HiiiPower and Burger Kings to advance to the championship game, but I beg to differ. With all facts stated I agree that HiiiPower will make it to the championship game to defend their title BUT, I have Undrafted meeting them there. Both teams met in Week 2 with Undrafted narrowly escaping a furious HiiiPower comeback to win the game. The Finals will pit these two young teams; who excel by using the Run n’ Gun style of play.
-Nathan Apolonio
@50ShadesofNate
IBL Full Court Press 