HOUSTON, TX--The time has come for the revived Mountain Eagles to make a push for Division 2! Throughout the season GM tough has been working his magic through the phone and in the office, making necessary moves to improve his team while still focusing on the development of his young core. "I thought now was a great time to pounce at the situation. I thought the league was a little watered down some. I felt a couple of moves were needed however wouldn't be death-sentences on my finances in order to compete." tough said in the pre-game press conference this morning.
At the beginning of the offseason they acquired a foundational piece in Ilyas Sahabettin. He ended up leading the league in rebounding at a point in the season, and still holds top 5 in blocks and rebounds per 48 minutes. He would be the anchor the Eagles defense lacked. Furthermore, players such as Kristian Palsson, Diego Torres and Zelislaw Ptaszkowski each took massive leaps in development from their rookie days 2 years ago. "I want to thank Coach Scardilli and the trainer for helping me up my game man. I never knew it'd be this quickly. I thought we were a couple years away. But me and Kris' competitive drive and motivation helped us get here. It isn't done yet though. We want to bring a championship back to Dodge Arena" Kowski said in morning shootaround. It's been quite the ride for the young bunch. Each having big expectations after the blockbuster free agency of NT phenom Philip Mrosla, it seems the Eagles have been recovering nicely from that fateful day. Palsson has even started a few games for the Sweden U21, with Torres and Kowski even getting a couple of looks for their respective staffs as well. Kristian remarked to a reporter, "I want to win. I don't like losing. That rookie season? I never want to be involved in one of those again. More loving fans and more girls when we win you feel?" Midseason acquisition Luka Brezinsek has also been playing phenomenal in his stint with the Eagles, averaging splits of 17 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. Fans at Dodge Arena were fanatical when they beat their arch rival Ashkickers by 40+. The fans were more joyous when they beat Conference threat Rip City Revival by 15! "We back baby! We gonna win! First championship for Eagles since I was a child! YESSIR!" A fan exclaimed to a reporter Friday night.
The rubber match for Eagles and Rip City happens again tonight. All eyes will be on that game and the winner between Red Pandas and Southport Pacers. Will the Eagles claim their first D3 championship since Season 38? Tune in tonight to find out.