It was a good sixth season for Gremlins in League IV.54 unlike the first five. For a change Gremlins did not start slowly and did not have to battle through early season adversity.
After starting 1-3, 3-4, 3-3, 3-3, and 1-2 the first five seasons, Gremlins started this season 19-0. Gremlins came out of the gate determined and motivated to start a deep championship run.
In the opening game Gremlins had to face The Americans. The previous season The Americans finished in first place and swept Gremlins in the regular season. This was a very well-played game that went down to the final seconds. Gremlins hung on for dear life and won a thriller 104-101.
Gremlins would go on to win 19 consecutive games to set a franchise record.
In what was hyped as the biggest game of the regular season Gremlins put their 19-0 record on the line against the number 1 ranked Midget Dunkers. Gremlins came out swinging and built up an 11 point lead after one quarter. Midget Dunkers came to life in the 2nd quarter to lead at halftime 50-49. In the end Midget Dunkers prevailed 107-95 to maintain their number 1 ranking in the power rankings.
By losing Gremlins lost a chance to bot promote should they not win the championship.
In the last game of the regular season Gremlins were on the road against BlazingSharks. A few weeks earlier this was going to be a huge game in the standings. When Midget Dunkers lost to BlazingSharks, Gremlins clinched home court advantage throughout the playoffs. This game was strictly for pride and momentum. Gremlins played very well on the defensive end and won a defensive battle 84-72.
In Round 1 of the playoffs Gremlins were matched against The Americans. Gremlins swept The Americans during the regular season but the playoffs are a whole new season. Gremlins built up an early lead and never looked back. Gremlins won a defensive battle 92-79 to advance to the 2nd round.
In Round 2 of the playoffs Gremlins were matched against BlazingSharks. Gremlins had swept BlazingSharks during the regular season but like I said earlier the playoffs are a whole new season. The 1st half was tight all the way as Gremlins led at the half 43-42. BlazingSharks had a big 2nd half scoring 30 points in each of the 3rd and 4th quarters to win the game 102-96.
Just like in the previous five seasons the Gremlin players were seen walking off the court with sad faces and their heads handing down. The locker room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
When you start the season 19-0 and finish the regular season 21-1, anything less than a championship in not acceptable.
Gremlins had played their hearts out but it was not enough. Tears of joy and sadness filled the Gremlin locker room knowing that they all did their very best.
A group of loyal Gremlin fans waited for the players to come out of the locker room to congratulate them on their fine season. Hopefully next season will be even better for the entire Gremlin organization and their fans.