July 13th marked an exciting end to an exciting YMCA Capital City League Season. Some of the biggest crowds in League History would be welcomed into the Valley Southwoods Freshman High School Gym to see record setting performances and the most exciting Summer League action in the state.
“We’re thrilled with how things went this summer. No major injuries, loads of talent and fans coming out in hoards.” League Commissioner Derek Hannah said. Hannah also coached the ADIO Chiropractic team and was going for his third coaching championship in a row.
YMCA Capital City League Finale
Playoffs Game 3: #2 ADIO Chiropractic 120, #6 Phoenix Renewable Resources 107
The first game of the night featured a last seeded Phoenix RR team attempting a second upset for the playoffs. Naz long came out firing in the first half giving Phoenix an 11 point lead at one time, but that lead slowly evaporated when the ADIO trio started hammering three pointers.
The game went back and fourth throughout the second half until ADIO started pulling away in the closing minutes. However, Naz Long didn’t go down with out a fight, tallying 47 points in the team’s loss.
On the other side of the ball, ADIO’s big three; Matt Thomas, Monte Morris, and Kale Abrahamson combined for 99 points in the first game alone.
Playoffs Game 4: *Final/Overtime* #1 Walnut Creek YMCA 123, #5 Coca Cola 120
Coca Cola looked as though they had the game secured when they took a 26 point lead in the second half of Sunday’s 2nd game.
Jameel McKay and Hallice Cooke, wouldn’t quit as the YMCA squad made a big comeback. Down by three with 15 seconds to go, YMCA intentionally fouled Coca Cola, who missed their free throw. Cooke had been cold for most of the game, but come crunch time, Cooke hit a buzzer beating 3 pointer to tie the game.
Cooke still connected on 31 points with 14 rebounds, which was slightly topped by Mckay’s 20 rebound performance. YMCA moved on in the end and after a short celebration, got ready for their championship game against ADIO.
YMCA Capital City League Championship: #1 Walnut Creek YMCA 111, #2 ADIO 106
It was the largest crowd at a YCCL game since Royce White returned to the summer league in 2013, and for the championship it couldn’t get any better.
A hard fought game between the teams resulted in YMCA’s six players each scoring over 10 points. It was lead by Jameel Mckay’s 34-18 point performance.
ADIO fell behind late and couldn’t get enough luck with intentional fouls and were forced to watch as YMCA players celebrated once more.
Accolades
Overall MVP: Jameel McKay, Iowa State
Small School MVP: Gatlat Toang, John Wood CC
High School MVP: Teyontae Jenkins, Des Moines North (Going to Grand View)
Defensive MVP: Jordan Daniels, Drake
A Note from League Commissioner Derek Hannah: “The YMCA staff and I had a great time and we could see the players and fans enjoying themselves. We added a few things this year to improve our league and even connected a couple players with European League tryouts. We look forward to taking another step forward next year as the relationships we have with great collegiate programs around Iowa continue to grow.”
– Derek puts on a great program to give area college players a place to practice and display their skills over the summer. It gives fans a first look at new players from around the and is growing more and more popular around the city. Big Thanks to Derek, and everyone else that puts this League together!
For the latest Sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on twitter – @CFChangs9. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Main Photo Ernie Mastroianni.
