PLAYOFFS - HURLEY'S COURT, JERSEY CITY, NJ - In a Round 1 playoff battle to get to the championship, the Hot Boys and Vipers faced off. It was loud out the gate, plenty of communication from both teams, Vipers and Hot Boys were taking quick shots, playing with speed and displayed a good defensive effort. Vipers were actually a bit better on defense, causing Hot Boys to dribble too much at times searching for an open man.

          Overall the game stayed close as both teams fought hard in this intense playoff game, and they went into halftime all tied up at 28 apiece. Hot Boy’s Ronald Prophete led his team with 12 points while Will Kales led the Vipers with 13 points.

          The same energy was produced in the second half. Ronald scored the Hot Boys first 9 points. Neither team led by more than 6 in the entire game. Vipers were leading the game, then went scoreless for 3 minutes and that allowed Hot Boys to tie the game with 1:30 remaining.

         Then, with 2.9 seconds left, Hot Boys found themselves down by 3, but had the ball. Vipers did a great job of keeping the ball away from Aaron Gadsden, the team’s best 3-point shooter, and instead Ronald Prophete took the shot. He had a good look, but missed, and Vipers won the game 54-51.

        The Vipers (7-2) advance to play in the championship game against Grove Street (7-2). Should be a fantastic matchup.

        Ronald Prophete finished the game and season with an impressive double-double, 23 points, 17 rebounds and 1 steal. Vipers Will Kales wrapped up with 26 points, 1 assist, and 6 rebounds, Gabe Robinson added 14 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals and JP Kernisan contributed 11 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, 5 rebounds and 1 block.