Committed to my Craft secures its second consecutive title in an invigorating 124 to 122 win, over 4 DEEP.
Written by: Victor Dandridge
Edited by: Sara Jane Gamelli
The Championship Game
Kingdom Day!
— Kingdom League (@KingdomSLeague) August 13, 2023
Ohio Dominican 4:30 pic.twitter.com/Z5uz1sEZtF
Committed to my Craft 124, 4DEEP 122
The championship game between Committed to my Craft and 4Deep was one of the most exhilarating matchups of the year. In an intensely close game, Zavier Simpson, of Committed to my Craft, hit the buzzer beater at the end of regulation, to score the championship trophy for his team.
Through the first quarter, Craft were firing on all cylinders, and quickly commanded a 29-23 lead over 4 DEEP. Furthermore, Khalil Iverson and Vitto Brown scored a combined 11 points for Craft.
Trey Burke and CJ Penha were a colossal duo for 4DEEP in the second quarter. Burke added 12 points, along with Penha's 7. In addition, Lamine Komara dropped back-to-back three-pointers, in which 4DEEP took a 59 to 58 halftime lead.
Trey Burke had an incredible third quarter
Both teams stayed equally competitive and aggressive throughout the second half. In the third quarter, Craft's Zavier Simpson and D’Mitrik Trice scored 10 points a piece. Meanwhile, Khalil Iverson showed off some slashing skills with 7 points. 4 DEEP was able to keep the race close, thanks to Trey Burk's 17-point effort in the third. Even with Burke's production, Committed to my Craft reclaimed a 93-92 lead heading into the final quarter.
Trey Burke WENT OFF and dropped 5️⃣0️⃣ in Kingdom League championship! 😳 @TreyBurke @KingdomSLeague pic.twitter.com/f6ChtRbkj2
— Jake Spegal (@JakeSpegal270) August 14, 2023
Every remaining possession was a dog fight until the end, with both teams swapping the constant lead. Morgan Safford and CJ Penha had statement dunks, along with a high major block by Dibaji Walker. 4DEEP was given a chance to pull away, however, D’Mitrik Trice took charge.
In the final quarter, Trice scored 16 total points for Craft. Consequently, with 50 seconds left in the game, Burke gave 4DEEP a 122 to 120 lead, following a four-point play.
After a thrilling final stretch, Trice hit a long two-point jumper to tie the game. Upon an even game, 4DEEP put the ball back in the hands of Burke.
With the matchup tied 122 all, Trey Burke missed a shot attempt, which was short, and hit the front of the rim. With Committed to my Craft grabbing the rebound, they were able to reset and calibrate the offense.
The final shot
Near two seconds left, D’Mitrik Trice made several moves to probe the defense, and then passed the ball to Zavier Simpson. In dramatic fashion, Simpson took a dribble, and banked the shot for the game winning buzzer beater. The fans stormed the court and celebrated Committed to my Craft, who won their second consecutive Championship.
Detroit Pistons guard Xavier Simpson was incredible in Kingdom League championship! Led his team to second straight title and hit the game winner 🤯 @KingdomSLeague @coachq7 pic.twitter.com/YMgdbdJwBo
— Jake Spegal (@JakeSpegal270) August 15, 2023
Zavier Simpson, of the Detroit Pistons, had an impactful game in his Kingdom debut. Simpson, along with D’Mitrik Trice, combined for 64 points in the backcourt. In a soaring offensive final, Trice's 39 points, and Simpson's 25 were able to overcome Trey Burke's 52-point game.