On Tuesday May 11, 2016, Stephen Curry made history. The NBA named him the first unanimous winner of the league’s Most Valuable Player award. On that same day, those in attendance at the MGBL championship game were in for a historic game. Team A Schoen MD was looking to repeat as MGBL champs and Grand & Essex coach Stefanie Amos was looking to become the first mom to coach a 7/8 boys team to an MGBL Championship.

Grand & Essex came out shooting with two quick threes from Jacob Hershenov and Noam Rychik, putting A. Schoen down six before under a minute into the game. Team A. Schoen did not give up, as the quarter progressed Jonah Gerson (17 points) answered back with two treys of his own, but the Schoen boys were destined to play catch up all game. In a close game, team Schoen finished the first quarter down 2, with a score of 17-15.

The second quarter featured dominant post play from 6-footer Billy Krause, scoring 11 of his 15 points and displaying terrific footwork and ball handling for a big man. Grand & Essex extended the lead to 7 going into the half, up 33-26.

A. Schoen took their first lead of the game with a minute left in the third quarter 43-42, when point guard Ikey Gutlove repeatedly attacked the middle of the Grand & Essex defense. Unfortunately for the Schoen faithful, this was their only lead of the game. MVP Liam Levy poured in 11 of his game high 18 points, to pull away and secure the Grand & Essex victory.

Thank you to the sponsors for supporting the league, to the coaches for volunteering their time and guidance and of course to the boys for playing their hearts out. MGBL action continues this weekend with the season openers for the high school boys, and on Monday and Tuesday night with the Men’s League. Go to mgbl.org for up-to-date schedule and results