team-mates are bracing themselves for the biggest series of their lives as they prepare to do battle in the US National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) Championship.

The Heat qualified for the best-of-five indoor final by sweeping favoured Cleveland 3-0 in the American Division final, including a 16-12 victory on Wednesday. They await the winners of the National Division final where St.

Louis led Kansas City 2-1 heading into last night's fourth game.

Bascome, who ended the regular season as the Heat's third leading point scorer with 107 (42 goals and 27 assists), is overjoyed about his chance to play in the final.

"I'm so excited. It's like going to the Super Bowl,'' said Bascome, who contributed two assists in the division clinching match, both aiding defender Bob Lilley who scored a hat-trick. "It's the first time Harrisburg has ever made it to the final. Beating Cleveland was the biggest thrill and being division champions is just a great feeling.

"The people here are going crazy. It's unbelievable. We can't go anywhere without people running up to us and asking for autographs and giving congratulations.'' Harrisburg were rated as severe underdogs heading into the Cleveland series after being swept 4-0 by the latter in the regular season, and this only served to sweeten the victory.

Cleveland appeared to take the Heat for granted, and paid the penalty.

"I think they took us a little lightly,'' said Bascome. "But we just went in there and turned up the defence on them, played together as a unit and it worked out for us.

"They (Cleveland) have two of the league's best players and basically if you mark them out of the game you can beat them and that's what we did.'' Likewise, Bascome expects to be a marked man during the final.

"I just have to stay composed and focused on the task,'' said Bascome. "We have to continue to play as a team, combining good defence and taking our chances as they come if we are to come out on top. That's the key.'' Bascome's big chance comes after two injury-marred seasons that left some doubt as to whether he would be able to resume his professional career.

The Heat were even sceptical about signing Bascome to a contract, fearing that his back problems might flare up again.

However, they need not have worried. For not only has Bascome come back, he has thrived and continues to be a key contributor in "the best ever season'' for the Pennsylvania club.

Bascome's contract expires at the end of the season and the 24-year-old stands to earn a substantial pay rise when he heads to the bargaining table this time around.