Air Zion - 2010 IBC Men's Basketball League Champions!
Wow! For those of you who missed last night’s championship game it was a game for the ages. IBC had their own version of March Madness that reminded me of the Kansas-Northern Iowa finish last weekend. Two championship caliber teams in the Warriors and Air Zion battled it out to the very end with a last second shot deciding the 2010 IBC Men’s Basketball League Championship.
The Warriors jumped out to an early lead in the game and were led by their sharp shooter, Matt Christopher, who was knocking down three point shots one after another. Air Zion made a last minute push before the half and cut the Warriors lead down to 5 points at 44-39.
The Warriors went on another run early in the second half and led by as many as 14 points. Air Zion re-grouped after a time out and tied the game with 7 minutes remaining by playing pressing defense and strong play from Mike Askew (28 points) and the team’s regular season MVP, Kenny Smith, who finished with 23 points. The last seven minutes saw several lead changes with both teams countering one another.
With Air Zion clinging to a 2 point lead (69-67) with less than a minute remaining, the Warriors Chris Pugh (17 points) drove to the basket and was fouled. Pugh sank both of his free throws to tie the game. With the game tied at 69 points, timeout was called with 6 seconds remaining – Air Zion’s ball. The ball was inbounded to Brian Stanley, who hit the game winner from just inside the arc as time expired.
The final score was 71-69. The Warriors Matt Christopher led all scorers with 30 points. The Warriors are led by Joe Lozano and Air Zion is led by Eddie O’Donnell.
Thanks to everyone last night for exhibiting such great sportsmanship and respect for one another during a fiercely competitive basketball game. You glorified God with your play and attitudes on and off the court.
In Christ,
Scott Hotaling
