Draymond captures FSPY Men's Basketball League Championship Title

In the decade that the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA Men’s 30+ Basketball League has been in existence, one man has seen it all, and has, just about, done it all. So, it would be fitting that as the league anointed its 10th anniversary titleholder on March 24, this dominant force would have his arms wrapped around the championship trophy.

Championship Game

Winning team: Draymond (40)
Losing team: RunAsOne (38)

Before a fired up March Madness crowd, the irrepressible Jamal Berry calmly drained two three throws with 1.1 seconds remaining, lifting top-seeded Draymond over 7th seed RunAsOne for the 2018-19 FSPY CHIP.

With 2:00 left on the clock, Dray was seemingly in control of matters, leading 38-30. However, three straight missed one-and-one opportunities at the charity stripe for the #1 seed provided life for the Runners. Rookie R.B. Alverna’s mid-range jumper pulled RunAs within two at 38-36, then Capt. Jason Shann’s left-handed floater in the lane capped a gallant comeback, knotting the hard-fought dramatic affair at 38-38 with just over one tick to go.

But, then, instead of allowing regulation time to expire and head into extra frames, RunAs, with no fouls to give, inexplicably grabbed Berry as he received the subsequent inbounds pass, setting the stage for the GOAT’s heroics.

Capt. Berry, the Finals M.O.P. (Most Outstanding Player), finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Diaper dandy Taj Belfield, who has been the Pippen to Berry’s Jordan throughout the season, was once again magnificent in his supporting role, notching 14 pts, many of his buckets coming during key stretches in the contest’s most pivotal moments.

Berry’s two freebies at the end of the first half had given his troops a tenuous 19-17 advantage heading into the intermission. Fab frosh Bryan Stitt’s bullish play kept the Runners within striking distance in stanza two. Stitt (12 pts, 9 boards) and fellow Twin Tower Charles Lott (9) paced RunAs’ attack, with Shann adding 7 markers and Alverna tallying 6 in defeat.

Veterans Dave Berger (5) and Vic Bauer (2) reached the scoring column for the victors, while the quartet of Keith Karyczak, John Lukko, Ara Movsesian and Frank Vallejo made key hustle and defensive contributions for the champion Draymond squad.

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The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information on membership or programs, or to request a schedule of classes, please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.