Max's All Stars fall just short of winning 92Y championship in OT

Max's All Stars suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss in the Fall 2011 92Y Adult Basketball League A-Division Championship Game by a final score of 66-63 against Team #4 Brandon A - Red. There was a lot of questionable officiating and it seems as though the scorers table did not keep an accurate track of fouls, especially in the case of Corey Orgias who was definitely given an extra foul that never happened. It was a back and forth seesaw battle which saw Max's All Stars battle back from a 9-point second half deficit to take a 5-point lead in the final 2+ minutes. However, Team #4 would not go quietly and took the lead by two with 0.9 seconds remaining. After Team #4 missed a free throw, Branden Gibson grabbed the rebound and called timeout with Max's All Stars trailing 61-59. The clock wound down, but 0.3 seconds was put back on by the refs. Max's All Stars inbounded the ball to Marvin Billups Jr who tried to tip a shot in but was fouled. After much confusion, he went to the line and calmly sank both free throws in the clutch to tie things up. The refs put 0.1 seconds on the clock for Team #4, but it was not enough time and the game went to overtime where Billups would strike first to give Max's All Stars the lead by two. However, with the opportunity to go up by four points, Billups drove to the basket, went up with a shot and was pushed in the air, but no call was made. Team #4 would go on to tie the game and take the lead on FTs. Down by three with a few seconds to go, Max's All Stars could not get a shot off and the game ended.
Throughout the season, so many players contributed to the team - Angel Gonzalez (the man who calmed the offense down and improved the ball movement), Branden Gibson (the versatile veteran combo guard/forward), Corey Orgias (the emotional leader and go-to-guy), Eric Olsen (as a player and coach), Josiah Peay (who appeared in 9 games throughout the season), Kevin Major (who sank tons of clutch FTs), Marvin Billups Jr (who returned from Puerto Rico with a chip on his shoulder and performed like the professional he is), Mike Viola (with his inside/out game, worked his way back into shape and became an important contributor), Patrick James (with his shutdown defense, hustle and rebounding), Reed Morgan (who attacked the basket relentlessly) and Ronnie Worthen Jr (providing a big physical presence and working hard down low). Everyone worked hard to turn things around and reach the championship game. Max's All Stars finish the Fall 2011 92Y Adult Basketball League A-Division season with a 4-7 record (2-1 in the playoffs).
The Fall 2011 season is not over yet as Max's All Stars must now focus on the NY Alumni Sports Adult Basketball League playoffs where they won their division and clinched the #2 overall seed. The team will be without head coach, Max Margulis, for their second playoff run of the season. However, Eric Olsen will be counted on to take them home with his leadership skills and vast knowledge of the game. Anthony Hardison will be taking Flip video highlights of the games as well. Also, Jermaine Lewis rejoined the team for the last two 92Y playoff games and his help coaching the team was invaluable. He is a huge supporter of Max's All Stars and will be there with Eric Olsen to help lead the team in the NY Alumni Sports playoffs.