Natalie Nigito Photography Third-seeded Control Club topped No. 1-seed Kaos Club 41-33 to claim the O’Brien-Jerhian Legends Summer Basketball League championship on Aug. 30, 2022.
Both Watertown Summer Basketball Leagues went to a third and deciding game in their respective finals this week. The competitions, which feature current and former college basketball players, are run by the Watertown Recreation Department, which provided the following accounts:
Championship Tuesday was all that it should be, great competition, big crowd (some legends mixed in), plenty of food and refreshments. Just an overall great night for our Watertown Recreation Department Men’s Basketball League Family.
Control Club is the 2022 O’Brien-Jerahian Legends Champion
Natalie Nigito Photography
Control Club 41 – Kaos Club 33
Similar to game two of the series, the Control Club came ready to play in the second half after being down by the score of 23-20. The magic formula for victory was again great defense, shutting down the Kaos Club’s offense by just allowing 10 points, helping the Control Club to win the O’Brien-Jerahian Championship by the score of 41-33.
Most of the Control Club agents contributed to their Championship in many ways, great defense, and balanced scoring to name a couple. The Control Club has 7 players tallying points, while Nick Rosetti was the high scorer with 16. Mike Simoni was exceptional again for the Kaos Club, scoring a game high 17 points.
Natalie Nigito Photography
A Control Club player drives to the hoop as a Kaos Club player looks to block him. Game 3 of the finals was played under the lights at the basketball court at Saltonstall Park on Aug. 30.
We were all excited to see Mrs. O’Brien, Billy’s mom, attend the game and be recognized by the league, players, and fans. Billy O’Brien died suddenly in his early 30’s and the league is co named in his honor.
New Day wins back-to-back Papas Elite Championships
Natalie Nigito Photography
A New Day player dribbles up court in game 3 of the Papas Elite League Summer Basketball League finals against Donohue’s Kaos Club on Aug. 30.
New Day 52 – Donohue’s Kaos Club 46
After losing game one of the Papas Elite Finals, defending champion New Day, clawed their way to a back-to-back championship by limiting the high-powered Donohue’s Kaos Club by the score of 52-46.
As in the previous 2 games, this game was high energy, emotional, competitive, and very entertaining. Each team enjoys a plethora of young and veteran talent, with a great basketball background. The game was tight again and included multiple lead changes during the event. New Day had scoring contributions from multiple players, three in double figures.
Natalie Nigito Photography
A Donohue’s Kaos Club player grabs a rebound in the 52-46 loss to New Day in Game 3 of the Papas Elite League finals at the court behind the Watertown Boys & Girls Club.
High scorer was Akeem Williams with 15 points, while teammates Johnny McCarthy (11) and Pat Luptowski (10) contributed to the scoring. Guilien Smith (14) and Miles Wright (11) were the high scorers for Donohue’s Kaos.
We were pleased that our friend Raffi Boyadjian came down to watch the games. Raffi and his wife Sandy are the parents of Raffi Jr. who died tragically at a very young age. Raffi Jr. was a fan favorite of the summer league players.
Natalie Nigito Photography
New Day took home the Papas Elite League championship for the second year after beating Donohue’s Kaos Club in game 3 on Aug. 30.
Thank Yous
Thanks to Butch Stearns, Lead Sports Anchor for Fox 25 Sports for supporting and creating this segment which aired on Wednesday, August 31, 2022: WATERTOWN.mp4
I would like to thank the following who made this season such a great success: Our scorers table staff were awesome: Thanks to Lindsay Graham, Paul Chase, Kevin Greene, Malcom MacDonald, Ruben Sara, and Hunter Weissman.
Our Officials did an outstanding job this year letting the games be played but making sure everything was in control and fair. Thanks to our fans who have supported the league and certainly congratulations to all the players in both leagues for their fine play and commitment to our Watertown Summer League.
Thanks to our fans who have supported the league and certainly congratulations to all the players in both leagues for their fine play and commitment to our Watertown Summer League.
Thanks to Natalie Nigito Photography for providing the exceptional photos.