SPRING 2009, SEASON 12
PLAYOFF RECAP
GOLD & WOMEN’S DIVISION
“Drought Is Over”
GOLD DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Underdawgs vs. (10) Game Bang
It took nine seasons for GM Harry Yoo but for him, the elusive Championship he sought out nine seasons ago is finally in his hands. He was ridiculed for choking in big games with his biggest critic being Dedrick Bates, MVP candidate of Underdawgs.
”Harry Yoo is the biggest choker in Superstar Basketball,” said Dedrick Bates on his way to San Diego Division four months ago.
The two former teammates have always been on opposite ends but the key match-up was once again Terrence Martin vs. Dedrick Bates. The two first met against each other when USUCK played Money Inc in the Finals last Summer in the Platinum Division Finals. (Summer 2008)
Harry Yoo finished with 6 points and 1 rebounds while Finals MVP Terrence Martin scored 22 points and 12 rebounds. Alex “Bear” Ivezaj added 11 points while Jack Moore led the team with 9 rebounds. The team led throughout the contest and with time winding down in the second half, Martin showcased his dribbling skills.
”He likes to act like a clown but all he’s doing is managing the clock and not allowing the team to come back,” said an observer.
Game Bang was led by Dedrick Bates who finished with 23 points. Amos Battle finished with 11 points while Chris Anderson led GB with 2 three-pointers. Anderson scored 10 points but only grabbed 2 rebounds for GB. It was obvious Battle was distracted for his Gold Division Championship Game and it looked like the Platinum Division Championship (Relics) was more important to him.
SEMIFINALS
(1) Underdawgs vs. (13) Got Em
Both teams felt that the winner of this match-up would probably go on to the Finals and win the Championship. Got Em jumped to an early lead as Terrence Martin arrived late and in the end, Underdawgs made their 3rd Championship appearance with a 57-52 victory over Got Em.
Terrence Martin finished with 12 points while Alex “Bear” Ivezaj led Underdawgs with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Jack Moore grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds while All Star point guard Mikey Buenaventura finished with 10 points.
Kenny Blue did most of the scoring for Got Em and he finished with 4 three-pointers and 27 points. Robert Ma scored 7 while GM Kevin Valmonte finished with 11 points.
“You guys were lucky Dae Han didn’t show up, he was the key for our team,” said Valmonte. “Come to think of it Underdawgs had the easiest road to the Finals.”
SEMIFINALS
(10) Game Bang vs. (14) Premier
Game Bang pulled out the victory with a close 55-52 win to earn a trip to the Gold Division Finals for the first time.
Not playing were point guards Chris Chi and Darrin Lew. Game Bang played with just 7 players but the key player missing for Game Bang was high-flyer Amos Battle.
”With 3 key guys not playing, it took a lot of energy out on Game Bang players,” observed one fan.
Bates led Game Bang with 5 three-pointers and 39 points. Both Chris Anderson and Bates led Game Bang with 7 rebounds. Kevin Koda led the Pomona team with 3 steals and he finished with 5 points.
Premier led for most of the contest as Game Bang struggled with their chemistry. GM Desmond Ann scored 4 while Fikayo Babatunde led Premier with 4 steals. He finished with 10 points while James Foreman added 8 points.
SPRING 2009, SEASON 12
PLAYOFF RECAP
GOLD & WOMEN’S DIVISION
“Air Alert”
WOMEN’S DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
(2) Lady Air vs. (4) D-Ballers
Lady’s Division Championships have always been a competitive contest. In the past, we’ve seen two time defending Champs Ladies Reign struggle against Smokin Aces, Lady Skull-basherz lose to Lady Semi Pro in a close affair and Lady’s Ball Club beating Double Up in the narrowest of margin. Lady Air vs. D-Ballers was no exception as Lady Air defeat D-Ballers, 37-34.
Finals MVP Tamara Cambell finished with 9 points while Monique Nolan finished with 6. Tristan Alfred scored 7 points while Hannah Low led Lady Air with 2 steals.
The score was tied at halftime, 18-18. It was a low scoring affair and the Diamond Bar alumni team, D-Ballers was led by Lauren Okayama who finished with 12 points. GM Gyasmine George scored 7 points while Lindsey Beseda recorded 8 points.
Lady Air Coach, Jason Harris, was interviews on Superstar TV shortly after the win.
”This one felt great because the challenge to coach a Women’s team was tremendous,” said Harris. “This one is my first one, Lady Air should be back.”
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