The Commish Corner Winter Season 2012/13 Finals Report Top News and Questions Answered! 1. As the Spring Season is about to kick off, it is time to get the last Commish Corner of the Winter Season published! Thanks to the winning coaches for providing the game summaries for their teams! Results! FanCam!
Elite Open Division (RepeatOffenders over BallStars!) It has been an up and down season for the Repeat Offenders, with more down then up for most of the season. The Repeat Offenders, however, have always thrived in the playoffs and this season was no exception. After a surprise victory in the semi-finals (even playing without BMOC Crowder and ace sharpshooter Stanos), a matchup in the finals could only be icing on the cake. As expected, the game was very close. Even with a wardrobe malfunction (or rather miscommunication) with the Ballstar team, and sharpshooter Tim Stanos still on vacation, the game stayed close throughout the first half. With Art Crowder holding the middle along John Windt and with late addition Kevin Williams, guards Howard Holly, Jamal Patrick, Matt Thys and Joe Hsu ensured that we had balanced scoring throughout. With the game getting tight, MVP Art Crowder sealed the win and capped off a remarkable season for the Repeat Offenders coming from a 3 seed to win the Championship.
19+ Division (Run TNC over RedDawn!) The top two teams in the division split the season series at 1 a piece, with Run TNC winning the second game on a last second shot. It was only fitting that they would square off again in the 19+ A division Finals. Run TNC was without one of their top players in PG Tye McGrath. It was killing him that he couldn t be there but he was with us in spirit. As expected, the game was very close with each team giving their best shot. The teams exchanged leads several times as TNC was up by only 3 points at the half. Martin Jones, John Dingle and Myron Brooks scored timely baskets and Luke McKenney provided a steady hand at the point. Red Dawn didn't lay down and was up by 5 points in the middle of the second half. Player/coach Jay-Ar Irineo helped swing the momentum back in TNCs favor with two layups in the heart of Red Dawns defense. TNC had suffered two heartbreaking losses in their previous two finals appearances. They would not be denied a third time. MVP Paul Kessel made sure of that. The teams leading scorer did what he does best, shoot the rock. Run TNC pulled away in the end, got the victory and most importantly the label of champions.
A Division (Cobra Kai over OG s!) Some injuries and last minute scratches made for a rocky start to the season for Cobra Kai. But like they say it s not how you start it s how you finish! MVP Mat Shannon got hot during the tourney to lead the 6th seed to victory and bring the 1st place trophy back to the Cobra Kai dojo. A short rest is in order, but watch out Elite Division!!
A/B Division (Hurricanes over Zephyrs!) The Hurricanes is a combo team formed with 2 of the elite league studs, Hans Wampler and Lou Hay, the talented ladies from the Hurricanes, Kendra King, Lauren Arthur and Carolina Soto. Coach Soto hit the streets to recruit when the Women's league was dissolved and created her own team. With the 5 returning legend players and newcomers Lenny Compton, Yuri Park and the extremely talented Mariame, the Hurricanes became the only team in Legends to have any female players. Not only did these ladies hold their own, the Hurricanes went on for an undefeated season and clinched the Championship. The Championship could not have been won without the studs from elite. With game commanding performances from MVP Hans Wampler, incredible skills from Lou Hay formed together with the killer 3 point shots of Lauren Arthur and Yuri Park, the combination skills of Lenny Compton and unstoppable drives by Mariame and the Hurricanes were a team to be reckoned with...kendra King suffered a season ending injury but should be a legend again in the future. Before her untimely exit from legend play, Kendra was a dangerous post option who was often over looked by the opposition. And finally, the esteemed leader of the Co-Ed Hurricanes, Carolina Soto, brought her emotions, tenacity, and brain power to every game contributing in all defensive categories and often displaying offensive skills while being omitted from the scouting report for each opponent.
B Division (Dealers over Dukes!) Overall, a low scoring affair with both teams playing good defense, and struggling on offense. Close throughout, the crowd got to enjoy a great game where the momentum shifted back and forth a number of times. The Dealers relied on top picks and some timely outside shooting from their MVP, Vince, to keep in the game. Strong inside play and rebounding from the big guys provided extra chances on offense, and stopped the Dukes on most of their missed shots. Eventually the Dealers prevailed with good foul shooting sealing the deal.
C Division (Comanche over Mutants!) It was a thrilling C Division Final between Comanche and the Mutants. Comanche had no subs due to one player being a dedicated husband and another on the brink of death. Comanche got out to a early lead with some tough rebounding and led at halftime. In the second half, the Mutants started to press. The Comanche lead dwindled with some costly turnovers. Fortunately, the Mutant fouls started to pile up as the minutes ticked off the clock. Late in the game Comanche missed 2 free throws with seconds left on the clock. Mutants brought the ball the length of the court and scored to tie it up and force overtime. In overtime, Comanche beat the press, made some easy baskets and hit enough free throws to secure the win -- despite their leading scorer and shot blocking machine fouling out with ~30 seconds to play.
40+ Division (HoundDogs over Pounders!) No report from the coach? Who cares if they completed the perfect undefeated season, fire him!
Double-digit Finals Scorers! Cool, but Losing Moves! Stories by the coaches. Pictures courtesy Allie Cortese and The Commish