The Empire had quite the playoff run, going 4-0 on their way to a North-Midwest title. Then proceeded to win game 1 in 2 sets. But the fun was all over as the Cat's snapped into Championship mode and rattled off 3 straight victories in New Orleans. The 'Chemistry Department' was no match for the Cat's big 3, especially Ausonio who went onto be the Championship MVP. The 3rd year player from Yellow University was a combine winner and has kept up to expectation and has pulled through as the real force of the Cat's. Joseph has really come into his own also, the 3rd year man from Harts University had a really harsh rookie sentence on the 0-10 Reapers. But he was brought in his sophomore season and has matured into an All-Star center. But certainly the player who can most appreciate this Championship is invariably Jared. He has seen the very slow gradual progression into the power team that is the Cat's. They have built a team around a local boy and the plan has definitely worked. Jared looked very relaxed and almost relieved throughout the Championship that the plan was working out.
"I have been following this team before I was in this league, as a kid from Mississippi, all the dodgeball heads in my school would only talk Cat's ball. So, to win one for them, means a lot to me and to my community back home. Love you guys!" - Jared #8 CATS
The Empire had a very under performing season especially in the weakest division in the league, winning the division with a 5-5 record. But as soon as the playoffs hit, it wasn't the team from the regular season. The chemistry finally synced and they blasted past the top 2 teams in the conference, remarkably with little help from Aleksandr. He was being saved for the Championship. He had an incredible performance in the Championship and the Empire have set themselves up for next year as a clear contender.
What is next for the Cat's? From the outset of this season they turned heads as they did not change personnel unlike every other team. It panned out, the teamwork was there and there was no panic in being in the Championship unlike last years meltdown. Since this team prides itself on a strong core of teamwork and tradition, expect them to keep all but one next year. Arthur is at the end of his contract and the Cat's will probably do some shopping to get some new blood in there to hopefully clean up the leaking weak link.
New Orleans rejoice! Your champions have arrived!
