Kenner Finals: The Thrilla' in McDonough

Ron Bailey, Publisher

The Kenner League final was a thriller.

August 9, 2010 – This year’s Nike Pro City Jabbo Kenner League College/Pro final was a fitting end to a great summer basketball league, a confab that boasted both collegiate and professional performers. But the final was dominated by professionals, those that play for pay around the world. In the end, A.Wash/Madness defeated a talented and resilient Beyond Belief squad 69-66 at Georgetown University’s McDonough Arena yesterday afternoon.

Fittingly the final had a larger concentration of pros than any other game this Kenner season, with Madness bringing National Basketball Association professional Lazar Hayward, a first round pick of that league's Minnesota Timberwolves franchise this year for the ‘chip game – doing so proved extremely beneficial. Of the Kenner League experience, Hayward opined “It’s all fun. I’m just happy to be here…It’s no take down from New York (Rucker League) or Atlanta. I like this”, and plans to return next year.

James Gist powers to the cup against Donte Green (left) and 'Spongebob' Washingotn (14).

Lazar was joined by Brian Chase (Italy), Tony Skinn (France), Andrew Washington (International leagues) – those three being three guards - and forward Donte Green (NBA’s Sacramento Kings) as pay for play guys on Madness. That critical mass scored 11, 12, eight, 16 and 10 points respectively. Calvin Brown, Jr. is also a pro center, and scored four points.

Beyond Belief , though not having as many professionals did enjoy the service of former Israeli league pro Isaiah Swann, who dropped 23 points and a Russian League veteran who will attend the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp, James Gist (15 points). Swann, a guard, said afterward of Madness adding for the final Lazarus and others like Marshall University’s Antonio Hayman, “They do it every year…It’s because they respect us”.

Despite the pro league differential, Beyond Belief went up 20-8 to start the game, with both the forward Gist and Swann leading the way. Chase, Skinn and Washington – known widely as ‘Spongebob’ all then scored, thereby getting on track collectively. Despite a three pointer by Swann with 1:12 before the half, Madness trailed just 33-30 at the break.

Brian Chase gets airborne.

Madness’ continued to creep forward, taking their first lead, 41-40, at around the 14 minute mark in regualation. It was then Green stepped up, as the team repeatedly isolated him against defenders, allowing the 6’11” forward/walking mismatch to attack. After his last bucket, an and-one scenario completed with by him flipping the ball over his head with 9:17 to play, Madness had their biggest lead of the game, 52-43.

As is their wont, Beyond Belief answered, this time via eight straight points by Swann – two three pointers and a baseline layup - work that cut his team’s deficit to 52-51. After his teammate, guard Frank Peterson scored, and Swann hit yet another three ball, the score was knotted at 64 with 1:18 to go.

At this point, the theatrics really started: Green missed a breakaway dunk, attempting to punish the rim, but redeemed himself by causing Swann to miss. Gist then rimmed in the first of two free throws before swishing the second, tying the score at 66 and the clock reading 12.1 seconds.

Enter Hayward. Chase advanced the ball through Beyond Belief’s full court pressure defense, and Hayward was found deep in the left corner. After receiving the ball he set his feet, placed his hands comfortably, and released a three pointer, his second of the day. The ball swished through the net with less than a second on the clock. Game. The Fat Lady had sung, and her tune declared Madness the Kenner League champion over Beyond Belief for the second straight year.

“We were scrambling, and didn’t get out on Lazar” shared Swann afterward of that sequence. Hayward said of his game winning shot “I’m just happy I made it”.

His statement was understated, but the 2010 Nike Pro City Jabbo Kenner League wasn’t. Shouts go out to all involved, including director Van Johnson.

Check back with i95Ballerz.com for all star teams.