With the end of the 2017 Regular Season here in the Midwest Basketball League, here are the Final Rankings for the Regular Season and the playoff match ups for the Weekend.
Final 2017 Regular Season Rankings & Odds to Make it to Texas for Championship game
(1) Cedar Valley (16-0)
The CourtKings showed why they will be a force to be reckoned with as they slayed the regular season without a blemish. Can they continue the dream season and get to Texas after this weekend? They will be at home, so they have a multitude of factors in their favor.
Odds: 2-3
(2) Fort Wayne Vision (14-2)
Fort Wayne showed that they had what it
took to get it done and with a dynamic offense on the perimeter, some key bigs, and top notch coach and some big road wins, get them to this spot.
Odds: 3-1
(3) Minnesota Rangers (12-4)
The Rangers were the biggest threats to the champs, and almost knocked them off this season. So against everybody else, they were great. Can the trio of the Rangers find a way to get to Columbus?
Odds: 5-1
(4) Chicago Fury (10-4)
The Fury started a little slow but turned up as the season went on, and now feel like they have a legit shot at a Berth in the Championship next week. Can they defeat the 2 big boys of the West to get there?
Odds: 8-1
(5) Kentucky Flash (10-5)
The Flash are the most intriguing team of the tournament. Guided by coach Charles Hickman, they have shown the most potential and growth over the season. Can they come together and ride the great play of late to make it to Texas? They will face Dayton in a whale of a Semifinal game (4pm)
@ McAfee Center.
Odds: 4-1
(6) Dayton Air Strikers (9-5)
The Air Strikers started fast, but hit a bumpy patch and now end up as the 3 seed this season. While the regular season was ok, the Air Strikers are still upset about the way the season ended last year. With all the pieces in tow, can Dayton ride it's Top Players and home court to a East Championship this weekend?
Odds: 4-1
Playoff Schedule
Here are the Semifinal Match ups for today:
(WEST) @Cedar Valley Complex
(1) Cedar Valley Court Kings vs (4) Minnesota Broncos
(2) Minnesota Rangers vs. (3) Chicago Fury
Winners Play Sunday
(EAST) @McAfee Sports Center
(2) Kentucky Flash vs. (3) Dayton Air Strikers (4pm)
(1) Fort Wayne Vision vs (4) Springfield Cats
(6pm)
Winners play Sunday (4pm)
Awards
Rookie of the Year
Raheem Tyner - Cedar Valley
Big man Raheem Tyner won the 2017 Rookie of the Year award as he beat out a couple of other worthy players for the title.
Tyner, a forward - center,averaged 20 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 apg and 1 apg for the Champion Court Kings, helping spearhead Cedar Valley undefeated regular season.
Tyner might have solidified the award with a 40 point performance in one the final games of the season.
Most Improved Player
Jeremy Williams - Kentucky Flash
Kentucky Flash Forward Jeremy Williams was tabbed as the Most Improved Player in the 2017 Regular season.
Williams help guide the Flash to a Top 5 Finish in the MBL, averaging 22ppg, 11 rpg, 7apg, 3apg and a block a game, to go along with 7 double doubles and 2 triple doubles to match.
The 6'4 F from Dayton, Ohio has arguably been the most dynamic player in the league and definitely improved his commitment and consistency this season, which in turn pushed his stats and play to another level.
Coach of the Year
Michael Mohlis - Cedar Valley
Cedar Valley Head coach Mike Mohlis earned the Coach of the Year, as he led the Court Kings to the 1st ever undefeated regular season (16-0) in MBL History.
Mohlis is hoping his Cedar Valley team can get to Texas for a shot at another title as they are the defending champs.
Mohlis thanked his team, the organization and the MBL for the opportunity and is ready for the playoffs.
