BLOOMINGTON SOUTH: Championship Game Preview

By Ken Farmer | Bloomington South League Coordinator

7:30 p.m. - No. 1 Rebels (9-1) vs No. 3 THEM (7-3)

REBELS:

Points per game - 75.2

Points allowed per game - 61.0

Top scorers - Ryan McGuire (19.7), Cody Heinz (18.7), Ryan Jansen (15.6)

The Rebels came out on top in a 73-68 overtime battle against the Guerrillas to secure their place in the championship game. The Guerrillas jumped out to an early lead, but the Rebels chipped away and the game became a back-and-forth affair for the majority of the second half. Ryan Jansen, Cody Heinz, and Ryan McGuire each scored 17 points and made timely shots in key part of the ballgame. Carson Heinz added 12 points off the bench and played key minutes down the stretch. The Rebels were very efficient on the offensive end, shooting 53 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free throw line.

THEM:

Points per game - 70.5

Points allowed per game - 66.8

Top scorers - Devin Stensrude (29.7), Jacob Barton (12.4), Sam Hanson (11.8)

THEM were also involved in an overtime matchup and made clutch baskets down the stretch in their 86-85 victory over the Aardvarks. Devin Stensrude was the main man on the offensive end with 40 points on 52 percent shooting. He hit some timely 3s in the late stages of the game and was a constant threat attacking the basket. Jacob Barton shot 73 percent from the field on the way to 21 points and hit back-to-back perimeter shots that complete a crucial run by THEM to tie the game with five minutes left. Sam Hanson ran into some foul trouble early, but was a key figure on the defensive end. THEM shot an outstanding 60 percent from the field and 55 percent from 3-point range.

PREVIOUS MATCHUP (Week 5): Rebels 80, THEM 64

The Rebels defeated THEM earlier in the season in a matchup where defense seemed to be optional. Each team shot over 50 percent in the game -- the Rebels shot 59 percent while THEM shot 51 percent from the field. The Rebels had a distinct edge on the boards with a 34-12 rebounding advantage. THEM made 15 of their 25 3-point attempts. Devin Stensrude and Nirav Sura combined for 48 points to lead THEM’s offense. Cody Heinz poured in a game-high 31 points on 83 percent shooting and Ryan McGuire added 15 points.

PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR:

Cody Heinz, Rebels: Has been a key figure on the offensive end all season and can score from inside and out. Was unstoppable in their previous game against THEM with 31 points. 

Paul Ferber, Rebels: The Rebels’ leading rebounder was a force in Week 5 with 15 rebounds against THEM. His effort on the offensive glass could potentially be a big boost for the Rebels offense.

Devin Stensrude, THEM: The league’s leading scorer came up big in the semis with 40 points and will be the main focus of the Rebels defensive game plan. The Rebels can’t afford to let him get hot.

Quintin Brown, THEM: Only scored 2 points in the semis, but was instrumental to the victory by moving the ball on offense and his effort on defense. Had 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks and made winning plays down the stretch.