The Black Frogs Schieren (N2) and the Musel Pikes (LBBL) will compete in a best-of-3 series to determine which team will play in the LBBL in the upcoming 2023/24 season.
On Saturday, Schieren will have home court advantage to start the series. The team was the positive surprise of the National 2 season and was on a promotion spot for long parts of the season. In the play-offs, Avanti Mondorf was able to pass Schieren to take the second direct promotion spot. Now, the team of coach Nigel Tolentino, who has been coaching the team for 6 straight seasons, will have another chance at promoting: „I am happy for the club and the team that we reached this deep into the playoffs. This is huge as this is the best finish in our club’s history, and there is still something left to play for. No situation is ever ideal, but what a way to finish the story we started writing 6 years ago. We will definitely leave everything on the floor for the people who have supported us from Day 1. This series will be for them. » The situation is clearly not ideal for Schieren because Desean Hampton left the team after the final play-offs game so that it is likely that Schieren will only have 1 professional player.
While the promotion would be a huge bonus for the club in Schieren, the Musel Pikes face a very different challenge. The club desperately wants to stay in the highest league. After a difficult season, the team of coach Philip Dejworek was able to grab the second place in the LBBL play-down: „Staying in the LBBL is key for us in order to keep our main roster intact, as well as to give as a thorough chance to recruit 1st League transfers to help the club progress » says the coach who took over the team in 2023. Dejworek expects the series to become very challenging. „We are definitely warned against Schieren, they had already beaten us earlier this pre-season. I expect a close and intense series. As with all playoffs games, defense will be the key focus point to unable us a chance to win. »
The schedule:
Saturday (4.05) – 20.00: Schieren – Pikes
Friday (10.05) – 20.00 Pikes – Schieren
*Saturday (18.05) – 20.00 Schieren – Pikes
* if necessary
According to our what’s app community, the Musel Pikes are the favorite to win the series. Feel free to join the group here –> WHATSAPP COMMUNITY (FLBB)
