They did it the hard way, and that only makes it sweeter. Team Python are your Papawis League Season 3 champions, back to back, after storming back from double digits down to beat the Trojans 67 – 54 in the final.

The same Trojans the Pythons opened the season against were the team standing in the way of the title. Only this time everything was on the line, and for long stretches it did not look comfortable at all.

Team Python celebrating the Papawis League Season 3 championship

Back to back. The Pythons after sealing the Season 3 title.

Down But Never Out

This was no coronation. The Pythons trailed for most of the night, at one point by as many as 10 points, and that deficit hung around from the first quarter all the way into the fourth. The Trojans came to fight, and for three quarters they matched the champions blow for blow.

But champions find a way. Slowly, possession by possession, the Pythons chipped away, refusing to let the game slip. When the run finally came, it came all at once.

The Hot Hands

Ryan Navasquez set the tone early, catching fire from the three point line in the first quarter to keep the Pythons within touching distance when the game could have gotten away from them.

Then CJ Lasheras took over the scoreboard. CJ led the team in scoring and stayed red hot from beyond the arc, burying the threes that flipped a deficit into a lead the Pythons never surrendered.

Doing the Dirty Work

Not every winning play shows up as a bucket. Will Palacio was outstanding at the unglamorous stuff, repeatedly drawing offensive fouls and forcing Trojan turnovers that swung momentum and stalled their runs. Those charges never make the highlight reel, but they win championships.

And when the fourth quarter arrived, Troy Bustamante caught fire. Troy brought the hustle, the energy, and the buckets down the stretch that slammed the door shut.

The Adjustment That Won It

Let us be honest about it. The defense was not there from the first through the third. The Trojans were getting whatever they wanted, and that is how a 10 point hole gets dug.

Then Coach recalibrated. A few changes, a reset, and a completely different Python team walked out for the closing stretch. From that moment on, they never looked back. That adjustment is the reason this trophy is coming home.

The Hardware

Two awards capped off the night, and both were earned.

  • CJ Lasheras, Finals MVP. When the team needed scoring most, CJ delivered, and his shooting was the engine of the comeback.
  • Troy Bustamante, Season MVP. A season of dominance rewarded. Troy has been the heartbeat of this team all year long.

Down by 10, three quarters of imperfect basketball, and it still ended with the Pythons on top. That is what a championship team looks like.

Thank You

None of this happens alone. A special thank you to Jen Buenconsejo, Ella de la Victoria, and Salt Papi for their constant support, and to CeCe Cha for keeping the team fuelled all season long. The Pythons are grateful for you.

What Comes Next

Back to back champions, and the story is not finished. Keep your eyes on this space, because we have some exciting announcements coming very soon. 👀

Final Score: Pythons 67 – Trojans 54

Follow the journey: