Who’s Hungry?

AJAX: Semifinal Predictions

By Chad Hines | Ajax League Coordinator

8:30 p.m. – No Flex Zone vs. The OG’s

We’re finally here! Playoffs brackets are set, and games that really matter are about to get underway. Our first semifinal matchup of the night will be a repeat of our summer semifinal matchup. OG’s will be looking to try end the successful run of the defending champs. Right now OG’s are playing really solid basketball despite not necessarily winning the game at the end of the buzzer. George Palman is shooting the rock at a ridiculous pace and is dishing the rock just as masterfully. His counter-part OJ Okeen James is probably the league’s best overall two-way player who looks to lock down opposing teams best player, while still averaging a solid 21.9 ppg.

However, our reigning champs are also very locked in looking to achieve the challenging feat of pulling off a repeat championship run. They keep their strategy simple, and that is to dominate opposing teams with brute strength and an ability to finish inside and out. Justin Lindo leads their attack and gives his team a little something in every area, including leadership. Karim Pierre has really turned it up during the final stretch of the season, and is shooting the rock from deep at a clip of 60 percent over the last three weeks.  NFZ is clicking right now, and are hungry for that repeat.

Chad Hines likes what he sees from NFZ, and feels the OG’s will battle hard, but NFZ are battle tested and want that repeat chip. NFZ will move on to the finals.

9:30 p.m. – Triple Threat vs. Sounders FS

This will be a tightly contested matchup, and if Team Triple Threat is knocking down their 3s, than Sounders might be in for a long night. Roger James Jr. never turns down an opportunity to shoot a shot, contested or not, Rajendra Singh has one of the most active hands in the league, and is always looking to poke a ball loose on opposing team ball handlers, and late comer Keanu Saludares is always looking to get out on the floor and run.

The Sounders on the other hand represent veteran grit and veteran savvy. They are the biggest team in the league and take up a lot of space in the paint. They also boast the most active backcourt in the league lead by Jovan Bailey and Arjay De Guzman. Jovan can give you a triple dub on any given night, as he tends to be everywhere on the court for a full 44min, and Arjay is always beating opposing teams down the floor for easy transition buckets, while keeping other teams on their heels not knowing whether he’s going to pull a clutch 3-point shot, or drive the lane for a late game and-one basket.

Chad Hines is predicting another battle between these two teams but feels that the Sounders FS will ultimately come out with the Semi-Final victory and look to knock off NFZ in the Fall Final.