Men's Competitive League - Winter 2007 - League Championship Game
BWT held its Winter 2007 Men's Competitive Championship Game on Wed. April 18th, 2007 at the Air Canada Centre on the Toronto Raptors home floor. The game was a thrilling double-overtime result. The matchup involved 3rd place West Creek versus the 5th place Assassins, who upset the 1st place team in the league semi-finals on Sunday to earn their way to a date at the Air Canada Centre.
West Creek jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead with a balanced attack and crisp passing by Darnell James (# 5) and Dwayne Prawl (# 0). But the Assassins settled down and countered with some great slashing by Nolan Gooding (# 3) and Deon King (# 2). The teams battled back and forth with several lead changes, as the game got close to the half. Working to their strengths, West Creek was able to dominate in the paint by using their size, while Assassins, when out on the break and finished with some ankle breaking moves. The half finished up at a tie score of 35-35.
During half-time, a lucky fan was presented with a Toronto Raptors – Joey Graham – Autographed Jersey.
As the second half action took place, the game continued to be close from the onset. The Assassins went on a run but they could only increase the lead by a couple of baskets. Again, key baskets were made to help build the lead for the Assassins by King (# 2) and sharp shooting 3-PT’s from Gooding (# 3). On the West Creek side, their scoring came from Roger Nurse (# 35) who has force inside that Assassins could not matchup against. Even though West Creek could not get over the hump, they kept the game close throughout.
But as the game moved into the final couple of minutes, it looked as if Assassins, who had built a 5 point lead, would secure the victory. But a quick steal and a basket by West Creek closed the gap to 3 points. With the game on the line, the Assassins had a chance to close out the win, but missed free throws led to one more chance by West Creek. With time running out, West Creek’s Dwayne Prawl (# 0) grabbed the pass and shot a 3 pointer at the buzzer. Swish. The game ended regulation time at the buzzer all tied up.
After one overtime, neither team could break the tie. But in the second overtime, as the clock winded down, West Creek moved the ball around quickly and got it inside to Nurse (# 35) who made a quick turnaround and made the basket as the overtime period ended.
Congratulations to both teams on well fought game and congratulations to all players who participated in the Men’s Competitive Division – Winter 2007 Session.
If you are interested in playing in the up and coming Spring / Summer season of check out www.bwt.ca for more details.
