Miami Heat Wheels are 2015 National Champions
Miami has won the 2015 NWBA Division III National Championship title game April 19, 2015 versus the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 70-66 in a nail biter!
A special thanks to our fans, supporters, and donors! Also thanks to Coach Cartwright, Diana Bonet, the NWBA, Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation, The Leisure Access Foundation, The Rebound team, and the Miami Heat. Scroll down to read all about it!!
The NWBA DIII National Championship tournament is a double elimination with 24 teams. The top 8 seeds get a bye for the first round while the bottom 16 play into the second round. Miami was seeded 5th, playing their first game in the second round against the Charlotte Rollin’ Hornets.
After winning 1 game on Thursday, Miami entered the Loser’s Bracket after their loss to the NRH Ambassadors Friday. This forced a win or go home game. A win against Richmond gave the team an opportunity to get back in the running and take on the losers bracket.
The Heat Wheels were clearly focused on taking it one step at a time. A team mentality, positive attitude, and constant communication on and off the court allowed them to begin the rebound back towards the title game.
Miami pulled off the big win Saturday morning against #1 seeded Wisconsin Thunder. A huge upset for #5 Miami. It was neck to neck, and Miami was able to come back at the end with 6 uncontested points to win the game.
Miami defeated Houston next, only to see Florida Conference rivals in their next game. This was another nail-biter. The teams traded points until the very end. But Miami was able to pull off the win and maintain their composure. One more step to have a chance at the title game.
The Division III semi-final game against Detroit was hard fought and an emotional roller coaster until the very end. Heat Wheels worked well as a team, moved the ball and used a hard full court press to force critical turnovers in the second half, to WIN and make it to to the National Championship title game against San Antonio.
It was an early 9am matchup that inevitably had everyone on their edge of their seats. The athletes surely had a hard time sleeping due to the anticipation.
In a display of some of the best wheelchair basketball we’ve seen in years, Miami contested the Spurs with incredible defense, and unbelievable accuracy from field goal range.
It was tense until the very end. Neck and neck. Every free throw counted, and Miami was able to avoid committing a foul in the final minutes. Forcing two turnovers in a row, Miami came back and settled the score.
On April 19, 2015 Miami Heat Wheels won their first ever NWBA National Championship, bringing another trophy back to the Magic City.
Thursday Scores
(WIN)#5 Miami Heat Wheels 60 vs #12 Charlotte Rollin’ Hornets 45
Friday Scores
(LOSS)#5 Miami Heat Wheels 50 vs #4 NRH Ambassadors 55
(WIN)#5 Miami Heat Wheels 68 vs #6 Richmond Rimriders 53
Saturday Scores
(WIN)#5 Miami Heat Wheels 40- #1 Wisconsin Thunder 37
(WIN)#5 Miami Heat Wheels 68 vs #11 TIRR Hot Wheels 53
(WIN)#5 Miami Heat Wheels 55 vs #14 Tampa Bay Strong Dogs 52
(WIN)#5 Miami Heat Wheels 66 vs #9 Detroit Diehards 59
Sunday – National Championship Game
(WIN)#5 Miami Heat Wheels 70 vs #7 San Antonio Para Sport Spurs 66
In addition to winning the National Championship, the Heat Wheels athletes earned honors among the leagues best:
2nd Team All Tournament – Manny Rodriguez and Jeremie Thomas
1st Team All Tournament – Mario Moran and Dirrick Hughes
2015 MVP – Carlos Martinez
The Miami Heat Wheels are featured in the upcoming documentary The Rebound. Filmmakers from Shaina Koren Cinematography were in attendance with the team for this years tournament, marking their 3rd year following the Heat Wheels. In an unbelievable situation, their cameras were able to capture Miami’s unbelievable comeback and the excitement of the Championship win. This was certainly a year for the record books.
So, Miami. Your Miami Heat Wheels have arrived. We’re ready to continue the legacy and hope you join us as we continue to #BringThatHeat.
Thank you for your support.
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