MONTVALE, NJ: RUNt Ready To Go Back-To-Back

The playoffs have arrived, and we are down to our final four teams. Here’s a rundown of your semifinal contests, complete with predictions.

RUNt vs. Ferrall Ballerz

Regular Season Result: N/A

If nothing else, the unknown factor makes this one intriguing. While RUNt runs over everyone, they haven’t yet had the opportunity to run over the Ballerz. The Ferrall Ballerz, meanwhile, have been in every game they’ve played. Their only defeat by more than three points came to Old School, and they had to play that one without Mike Pritts.

Will RUNt receive a scare? It’s possible. At this point, their “weakness” may be the fact that they haven’t had to play a tough contest for 44 minutes. Speaking of 44, that equals the most points they’ve given up in any game this season. The Ballerz are going to need Dan Bronstein and Perry Mann to make open jumpers and stretch the defense. Hard-fought points in the paint won’t be enough in this one. Expect a competitive game but not quite enough offense from the Ballerz to make it to the finish line.

Prediction: RUNt, 56-46


Old School vs. Just Ball

Regular Season Result: 53-38 Old School

We’ve got some data to use in this one. Old School took it to Just Ball in the teams’ first meeting. A big edge they have is the ability to get points from multiple sources. They had three double-digit scorers (Billy Allen, Todd Hallman and John Cotton) in their 15-point win over Just Ball. JB is going to have to dig deep, because Justin Leon can’t do all of his squad’s scoring. With his team putting up just 46 a game, Old School is not a great matchup.

Last season’s winter champs, however, are by no means a lock. They have struggled to score at times, and even went down to the Bad Boyz earlier this season after totaling just 39. Still, they have the superior offense in this one. Just Ball is going to have to work some magic (see Mike Gonzalez’s heroics at the beginning of the season) and get hot from 3 like they did when they edged out Old School a few seasons back. Can it happen again? Not likely.

Prediction: Old School, 45-34