I knew it…

Coming into this game I saw Washed and Folded (WAF) as the favorites.  As everyone knew Hungover Hoopers (HH) were missing their best player and very important player and only had 4 guys on the day.  All of this was somewhat irrelevant, the game still had to be played and what was at stake was a trip to the championship.  Before I get to it big shouts out to Emmanuel for keeping me company during the game.  We seriously gotta get video, microphones and a weekly guest segment going.  His commentary was hilarious and it’s a shame no one else got to hear it.  Enough about that let me get to the meat and potatoes.

First half:

When I say no team had the edge for this entire half I really mean it.  The biggest lead was a 37-35 advantage by WAF with 3:44 left in the half.  The game would end up tied at 41 at the half.

Halftime stats:

WAF:

Jamil Ball 13 pts, 3 stls, 4 drebs, 5 asts

Robert Wood 16 pts, 1 stl, 1 blk, 3 drebs

Patrick Blaikie 1 stl, 1 dreb

Joshua Gettings 12 pts, 2 blks, 4 drebs, 4 ast

Ben Butterworth 1 oreb

HH:

Andrew Marra 9 pts, 2 oreb, 2 drebs, 1 ast

Lucas Guilano 7 pts, 6 drebs, 2 asts

Musse Kassa 10 pts, 2 stls, 2 oreb 2 dreb, 5 asts

Robel Ghebremichael 15 pts, 3 oreb, 6 drebs, 2 asts

Player of the half:

Robel Ghebremichael

Second half:

Things got really interesting.  At the 10 minute mark HH had a 61-57 lead.  That lead ballooned even further off the hot three point shooting of Robel to 68-60 with 6:12 left.  I admittedly thought the game was over but Emmanuel told me he wasn’t sleeping.  Boy was he right.  Everyone pretty much had a hand in the comeback but it mostly came off the play of Rob and Jamil.  With 16.4 seconds left WAF was up 79-77 and HH had the ball.  While HH made every effort to tie or win the game they were unable to do so and went on to lose 82-78.  WAF advances to the championship game.

Player Grades:

Jamil Ball A+ his three bal was efficient, his free throw shooting was clutch and played a complete all-around game.  This was the first time I’ve ever seen him not get an offensive rebound but it didn’t matter.

Robert Wood A no assists?  When you’re shooting the way he did it doesn’t matter.  He stuffed the stat sheet and played an amazing game.  He keeps get better and better each week in the playoffs.  I can’t even imagine what he’s going to do in the championship game.

Patrick Blaikie B I know he didn’t score but 2 stls and 2 drebs in a 2 possession game in a team win is not something to be disappointed in.  You only took 1 shot too my man and your team won and you’re going for back to back championships.  You can stat keep and I can play if you want 😂.

Joshua Gettings A+ probably had the most complete game of anyone out there.  Loved everything about the way he played out there.

Sami Hameid B+ didn’t play but showed up and provided moral support for his teammates.  Sometimes it’s good to give your teammates this type of support.  A truly selfless act to come and cheer your guys on so bravo for that.

Ben Butterworth B no game winner today and only managed to get 1 oreb on the day.  Regardless he provided an extra possession for his team.  Also the defensive effort was there and a lot of what Ben does will not necessarily show up on the stat sheet.  I like the way he played.

Andrew Marra B- was phenomenal in the first half but ran out of gas or maybe something else but he just wasn’t the same guy in the second half.  Still I like the game he played today even though he was 0fer from three.   I’m glad he’s coming back next season.

Lucas Guliano A- his three point shooting percentage is the reason for the minus on his grade. Somehow he almost managed to have a triple double but I would’ve liked to see him score a little more especially inside the three point line but he did have a good season overall and I’m glad he’s back next season.

Musse Kassa A- added the minus to his grade because Jamil cooked him but he still managed to get 3 steals.  I can’t really pinpoint one thing he could’ve/should’ve done better.  Doesn’t look like he signed up from next season yet so what are you waiting for?

Robel Ghebremichael A+ seriously wow.  It is very rare for me to give someone this high of a grade on a losing team but ultimately he did everything in his power to try and help his team win.  I’m hoping he comes back next season because oh man what a performance this was and I would love to see more.
 

Players of the game:

Couldn’t pick just one guy, couldn’t pick just two guys so why not pick three.  Yes Jamil, Rob and Josh are your players of the game.  All three of these guys efforts were needed to overcome the dominant performance by Robel.  Looking forward to what WAF does in the championship game.