D-II Championship

Congratulations to Pembroke on winning the D-II championship, 49-40 over Portsmouth. The best team definitely won. Portsmouth had the chance to get the lead under 5 a couple times in the 4th which would have made for an interesting finish, but couldn't quite get over the hump.

Pat Welch was held to a hard-earned 15 points, but Kafani Williams was surely the MVP. 22 points, just an immense presence in the game. Pembroke's defense was also a lot better than I thought it would be.

Kafani Williams was the MVP in the Ship. He did it all. The biggest difference in Pemby-Port 2 was the presence of Kafani inside. In Pemby-Port 1 Pemby settled for too many 3 attempts, I think 25. Even Alosa said after that game he was disappointed in the way his team meandered around the arc offensively. The Spartans, most namely Kafani, made a concerted effort to establish themselves offensively in the paint and it paid off with their 2nd title in 2 years.

At the start of the game Portsmouth tried to impede Welch's progress on offense and a couple of off ball fouls were called on Welch defenders. The Clippers did do another good defensive job on Welch, but they couldn't really handle Kafani. No D2 team could in Pemby's playoff run. Kafani Williams improved so much offensively from last year. He was tentative in the paint last year. This season when Williams had a slice of space for driving he would either finish or get hit and go to the line for 2 FTs.

According to NHSP Welch was the leading scorer in D2 with 23 ppg. Williams was #2 in D2 with 18.8 ppg. I think no question Welch will win D2 POY, but if you really look at the overall picture you could make a very good case for Kafani Williams being very deserving of the D2 POY. Welch obviously gives you the scoring, ball handling and some defense. Williams gives you the scoring, great rebounding (probably the best rebounder in D2) and a lot of defense in the paint (Probably one of the best defenders in D2).

When you look at the overall game from these 2 players one would not be questioned to vote Kafani Williams for POY in D2 Boys for this season.

Are either of them hoping / planning to play in college?

Only 2 people would know for sure: God and Jeremy Leveille.

Kafani told me the other night he is going prep next year. He has really improved over his 4 year career at Pembroke and deserves consideration for D2 Player of the year. He's probably the Tourney MVP.

Correction: God, Jeremy and Pete.