Merry Christmas Eve!
We got an elite matchup of the top two seeds fighting for the 2024 Books Boss League Championship! The Icecaps will play the Thunder to see who will raise the banner.
The Icecaps will look to earn their second banner (first since 2020) while the Thunder will look to take home their fourth championship (first since 2019). We are set up for an incredible battle.
But how did we get here? There could be multiple different teams battling it out for the championship if not for some specific outcomes last week. Let’s focus on the teams that were actually playing though, which included the Sandstorms, who gave up on their team too early.
Waving the white flag at 4pm, the De’Von Achane and Jason Sanders show kicked into gear bringing the Sandstorms closer and closer to a comeback victory. After a turnover from the 49ers, Miami was just going to run out the clock right? No! A 50-yard TD from Achane brought the Sandstorms to within three points! The Thunder would eventually edge them out to earn a chance at the Title. But of course, no stress free wins here.
On to the recaps!
Championship Semifinal
Thunder earn championship berth, win thriller against Sandstorms 179-163
In what turned out to be a close battle until the end, the Thunder needed all of Daniels (46), Richardson (23), Gibbs (25) and Bijan (25) to knock off a late push from the Sandstorms. The win puts the Thunder in the championship matchup for the first time since 2019. Riding a six-game winning streak, they are looking for that elusive seventh-straight win.
After the 1pm games it looked over, even generating a concession call from Logan before the Dolphins had a say in the matter. Achane (28) and Sanders (23) were impressive but unfortunately it wasn’t enough, capping the Sandstorms impressive week at 163. It was a valiant effort as the back-to-back championship bid came to an end. The good news is that there were no bad sits that would have switched the outcome of this matchup. Here’s a note, if the Squatches would have won last week against HSG, the Sandstorms would have beaten the Icecaps this week and would be playing for a championship. A chance at the podium awaits this weekend.
Icecaps clinch easy championship berth, take down HSG 156-126
The championship favorites are into the finals as their typical performers Burrow (28), Goff (31), Chase (18), and Henry (23) led the way. Look for these same cast of players who have been leading the way all season for this team to come through once again in the championship. It will be the Icecaps third championship appearance in the last five seasons. Sporting the most dominant team in league history, the Icecaps now just need to complete the hardest task ahead. Win week 17 in the championship.
This hurts. It was an uphill battle after Jalen Hurts left with an injury and oh what could have been. Despite Hurts (5) leaving with injury, this team kept it close for most of the afternoon until Burrow hit Chase on a late touchdown against the Browns. Even the Bengals defense (24) tried keeping them in it but you can only do so much. It was a disappointing ending for this team who had a chance to win, until they didn’t. They will play the Sandstorms for the third place game.
5th place Game
GWW has more regrets despite dismantling Squatches 180-110
How can you win and have more regrets? Well if they would have nailed their start/sits last weekend, GWW would be playing for a championship (would have beaten the Thunder). Jonathan Taylor (41) exploded along with James Cook (26) and the Falcons defense (28) in the high scoring outing. If there is anything to take away from the season it’s this. Every start/sit and every matchup is critical and can decide whether you’re a champion or a nobody. This year, GWW is a nobody.
This was not a great way to end the season for the fighting Lamar Jackson’s. Jackson (26) and Keenan Allen (23) were the only solid starts with half the roster scoring less than eight points. $30 FAB bid Patrick Taylor scored two points, not living up to his investment. The Squatches can look ahead to next August for the draft.
Consolation Bracket
Piranhas scrape by Misfits 131-128
Kyren Williams (22), James Conner (25) and Brian Thomas (20) helped the Piranhas avoid the last place matchup. That wasn’t before the Cardinals defense (-3) tried to give it away. They can breathe a sigh of relief with the win.
Almost mounting an impressive comeback, Mayfield, McMillan and White came three points short on Sunday night as the Bucs once again could not get it done for the Misfits. I think the more shocking decision was to bench Bucky Irving (17), which was certainly costly. Not even Saquon Barkley could save this team. They will be fighting for last place.
Avalanche also avoid last place, beat Prairie Dawgs 139-130
Not even conveniently leaving in Evan Engram in the lineup stopped this team from losing. And when I say conveniently, I mean Erk forgot. Jefferson (28) and Jameson Williams (23) picked up the slack and helped avoid a date in the last place game.
Waiver wire pickup of the year Chuba Hubbard (31) and kicker of the year Brandon Aubrey (23) were the bright spots in an otherwise unimpressive starting roster. An intriguing last place matchup awaits against the Misfits this weekend.
2024 BBL Championship
Icecaps vs. Thunder
3rd place game
HSG vs. Sandstorms
7th place game
Piranhas vs. Avalanche
Last place game
Misfits vs. Prairie Dawgs
Conclusion
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Cheers!
Books Boss League 