Spring 2011: B1 5v5 League Champs: GTL

GTL Win Championship With Taub Excellent Defense
Boneyard 48 GTL 65

“This should be a good one,” said one of the refs to me, noting that both teams had cruised to 10-1 records.  Unfortunately, instead it was a rather lopsided affair.  GTL dominated the boards and controlled in the paint, while Boneyard were frustrated all night that they could not establish any rhythm or inside game.  While there was certainly playoff intensity, GTL was pretty much in control from the opening tipoff.  There was no repeat of the drama of Week 1’s two point Boneyard 50-48 win at the B&G.  Finals MVP Sam Taub was an easy choice, as Sam just about singlehandedly defeated Boneyard, scoring 25 points, with 13 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Boneyard led early, very early, as they took a 5-2 lead off a Brett Dickson 3.  GTL then quickly established their offensive game, responding with a 13-0 run helped by the shooting of McAndrew and Taub.  McAndrew and Taub combined for five of the six team’s 3s (Ryan’s stat line was16 points on 5 rebounds and 4 assists).  It was the team’s defense, however that really made the difference at the end of the day.  Scott Prince and James Oberg were a great supporting cast, with Oberg picking up three steals and Scott grabbing 5 rebounds. 

GTL opened up a 22-9 lead, only to see a brief comeback run by Boneyard.  Since the team has such great shooters, they were able to peck away a little bit.  Steve Furber made it 25-16 GTL after nailing a long range 3.  After taking their first time out of the half at the 13:04 mark, Boneyard made it even closer, cutting the lead to five at 25-20, courtesy of a shot downtown from Joe White.  GTL immediately responded however, with a 16-9 run to closeout the first half up 41-29.

In the second half, GTL continued to shutdown Boneyard’s inside game.  Both Jeff and Brett were able to get to the line, but along with White, the team only sank 3 of 8 foul shot opportunities.  By contrast, Taub alone hit 7 of 11 free-throws.  In the Second, it was more of the same, as GTL was able to move the ball around and push it inside.  They lit up the scoreboard with leads of 48-34 and 58-43.  The scoring runs were a product of Taub seemingly scoring at will, good defensive play, and Boneyard missing shots.  They ran into foul trouble with 3:00 remaining, going over the team limit and setting up one and ones.  Boneyard’s Travis Weber, who grabbed a couple of offensive rebounds and a steal in the closing minutes, fouled out with 1:00 left in the game.  By then, with Boneyard long out of time outs, GTL were able to wrap it up rather easily.

That about says it all. Congratulations to GTL on the win.  Boneyard had a heck of a season as well.   Don’t forget to sign up early for the Fall (if you haven’t already) Further information is up at http://cacbasketball.com/signup-leagues.php Once again, teams that sign up and pay early (before September 5th) will receive $100 off their team league fee.  

Enjoy the rest of the Summer!

Eric

Scores, Box Scores & Write-Ups

Playoff: week 12

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B1 5v5 S11 Basketball League