MOUNT LAUREL: Championship Prediction

By Kevin Kolodziej | Mount Laurel Media Associate

7:30 p.m. - Jackrabbits vs. South Jersey Dynasty

Both the Jackrabbits and South Jersey Dynasty came across a series of fortunate events in the postseason, but they’ll be meeting in Monday night’s championship nonetheless.

For the Jackrabbits, they dodged a bullet when Kobe’s Rebounders big man and the league’s PPR-leader, Mike Kouser, was on vacation during the semifinal. While the Rebounders kept it close early, the Jackrabbits were merely too much and won by 44 points. Can Kouser make up for a 44-point differential? Maybe, but the Rabbits are in regardless.

For South Jersey Dynasty, they beat the Jay-Hawks for the second time this season (for the Hawks’ only two losses all year). In the first win, Jeff Kliewer was not there for the Jay-Hawks. In the semifinal win, the Jay-Hawks were without Phil Jackson and Karon Waller, two of their top players, and SJD was able to reach the final.

In Monday’s championship, there are a few key matchups to watch.

First, the obvious one will be the Jackrabbits’ Mustafa El-Amin against SJD’s Jabree Jackson. El-Amin is second in the league with a 39.0 PPR and Jackson is sixth with a 22.3 PPR. El-Amin is averaging 28 points per game this season, while Jackson is averaging 27 (good for third and fourth-best in the league). 

Both of these players are two-way studs and it should be fun to watch them battle for the banner.

Both teams have quick secondary guards, as well. For the Jackrabbits, Tyler Marlin and Brenton Anderson have been exceptional all season, while Mike Martin has been playing very well for South Jersey Dynasty. 

Also, SJD has Justin DeJoseph, who has more banners than anyone else in league history (five). He’s as versatile as they come and his experience in title games should play a huge factor.

Down low, it’ll be a battle between SJD’s Ruben Edouard and Jessiah Milk Styles against the Jackrabbits’ Joe Petrone and Kevin Kolodziej. Whoever wins the rebound battle between the forward will likely win the game.

Overall, it should be a high-scoring, fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. It’s two of the best teams in the league going head-to-head for the final banner of 2018. Getchya popcorn ready.

PREDICTION: Jackrabbits 77, South Jersey Dynasty 74