MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- After a long 24-game season, Postage Due proved once again who the team to beat was as they took their third consecutive basketball championship April 2.
Backed by a tenacious defense and crisp outside shooting, Postage Due wasn't challenged until the team reached the finals against The Fam.
"We knew going into the playoffs we would have to step up our defense. All through the playoffs our team was too much for everyone else, but The Fam gave us a great game," said Randy Blanche, Postage Due guard.
Postage Due went into the half down by a point and their offense held in check. But after making a few adjustments, Postage Due pulled the win out 55-48 with another strong show of defense and good all around play by the entire team.
"At the half we knew we had to settle down and play our game and once we did, the game and the championship was all ours," Blanche added. "When this team plays as one I don't think anyone can beat us."
According to Blanche, accomplishing three consecutive championships was no easy feat.
Postage Due lost key players in the lineup due to a few changes of duty stations, but the team showed its resiliency by working hard and getting new players use to the tempo they're accustomed to playing.
"We have this mentality on our team that won't let us be an average team, and we have proven that by being the best the last three seasons," said Corvan Monigan, Postage Due swingman.
Postage Due's next challenge will come this summer when they play in the summer league, but the team feels confident the outcome will be the same as the season before.
"As long as the squad stays together right now the other teams in the summer league are in for some trouble," said Blanche.
Monigan echoed his teammates statements but added, "The other teams better watch out for me personally, because I am going to come out firing."