One of the longest tenured franchises finally brings home the 36″ championship trophy as Nick DeMonte and the Triple Threats knock off the Sometimers to win League B. In League A the Toon Squad is back on top as they knocked off the Buffalo Braves and slipping by the West Side Connection in a grueling contest.
Buffalo, NY- Another incredible season of Champions League action is in the books. After a couple thrilling semifinal games, the winning teams cruised through the championship games. In the first game of action the Billies faced off against the Sometimers in what looks to be a budding rivalry. The Billies edged out the Sometimers in the regular season and the Sometimers were looking for revenge. Chris Navaro (14 points) and Anthony Kirbis (19 points) helped the Sometimers jump out to a 38-28 halftime lead. But the Billies pulled together in the second half and got within striking distance within the last couple minutes. After getting within four points the Billies couldn’t muster up any points in their final few possessions and the Sometimers were able to punch a ticket to the championship game against the winner of Game 2.
In Game 2, the Triple Threats took on a feisty Masten Finest team, who were looking to make their mark on the league against one of the divisions strongest opponents. Masten Finest played their hearts out behind an inspiring performance by Arzell Kaigler (14 points), but the Triple Threats just had too much firepower to be contained as they reserved their spot in the League B finals against the Sometimers.
In the first game of League A action it was a battle of heavyweights as the Roy Wallace and the West Side Connection took on the Toon Squad, who were looking to regain the title. Zoron Smith came out on fire in the first half, knocking down three 3-pointers, but they couldn’t quite keep pace with John Papincak and the Toon Squad. Papincak shot lights out to start the game and had 16 points by halftime as the Toon Squad took a 32-29 lead into the break. The intensity level went even higher in the second half as the West Side Connection knew it was now or never. Yet captain Roy Wallace (10 points), who felt his team was destined to win it all, cold only muster four second half points in what was perhaps his most disappointing performance of the season. Papincak stayed on hot in the second half, dropping another 20 points for a total of 36 points for the game as the Toon Squad advanced to the finals with the 68-58 win. Wallace left immediately after the game and did not speak with reporters, but I’m sure he will have his squad ready for another run next season.
In League A’s other semifinal matchup Monki Business took on the Buffalo Braves who were peaking at just the right time. Although David Robinson brought home the scoring title, it was his brother Darrell who was nearly unstoppable. Darrell Robinson had 19 first half points to lead Monki Business to a 40-35 halftime lead. It was a different story in the second half as the depth of the Braves became a factor. The Braves held Monki Business to 19 second half points and had a balanced offensive attack led by Mike Williams, who scored eight of his ten points in the second half and Rashawn Pennick, who had nine of his 13 points in the second to lead the Braves to a 73-59 win and a trip to the finals.
In the league B finals the Triple Threats jumped out to an early lead and didn’t look back. While their name refers to their 3-point prowess it could have easily been confused to named after their big three of Shawn Satarian (23 points), Seth Runge (24 points) and Perry Davis (22 points), who led them to a 83-72 victory and the first title in franchise history.
The League A final ended up much the same way as the Toon Squad jumped out to a 19 point lead at the half and didn’t look back. Papincak had another big game, dropping 35 points to lead the Toon Squad. His 71 point total between the semis and the finals is a new league record. The Toon Squad blew this one open in the second half to finish the season with a 90-59 win. After a two season hiatus the Toon Squad are back on top. Will they be able to hold onto the title in Season 13? Only time will tell! Registration is now open for next season!
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