Franklin, Oh (AP) - A wise man once said, "All good things come to an end." This has been seen over and over throughout the national sports landscape, especially this year. Last month, we saw Team Shooters historic 21 game winning streak come to an end at Kettering Rec Center, and just last week, Brett Favre's consecutive starts streak came to an end in a game against the Giants. So, trailing most of the game, one couldn't help but think that maybe it was time for the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli to drop their first game in years, playing a hard working and smart Undeniable team. But, by now, we should know better than to doubt DCM. Digging deep, the Megalopoli overcame deficits throughout the game to pull out an 8-5 victory that was much closer than the final score indicated.
Scoring just 45 seconds into the game on one of his patented slalomed runs through the defense, Justin Davisson put the defending league champs ahead 1-0. "After that quick goal, I think we thought it was going to be a walk in the park," said goalkeeper John Pallant. "Usually when we put it in that early, we continue to pound away all night long." But the frisky players for Undeniable answered back with two straight goals to lead 2-1. The score stayed this way until the 22 minute mark when Davisson broke through again to knot the score at two. Undeniable scored their third just 3 minutes later to take a 3-2 lead, the latest the Megalopoli had trailed all season.
"I'm not going to lie, when I looked up at the scoreboard and saw us losing with 18 minutes left, doubt started to creep into my mind. It wasn't just that they were leading, but we weren't attacking the way we normally do," said Chris Bills, team leader in fouls. He was right, the vaunted DCM attack was off all night. Undeniable was content to keep two defenders back at all times having the lead, and with league scoring leader Ben Sicnolf having battled the Bowel Gods all day, there was some doubt that DCM may not be able to score enough to win the game. That's when newly wedded Phil Johnson began to take charge. Subbing in the game, trailing 3-2, Phil worked a magical give and go, receiving the ball in the middle of the final third. Taking one extra touch, he blasted the ball past the oncoming goalie just as he was getting tripped from behind. The goal ignited the crowd, and seemed to light a fire under DCM. "I try to do the dirty work for this team. I know the best thing I can do is to play as hard as I can. Good things happen when you play with maximum effort," said Johnson after the game, grinning from ear to cock.
With the score tied 3-3, Eddie Marrinan broke down the left side of the field. Firing the ball off the wall just beside the goal, Marrinan followed his own rebound, and after a scrum that left Undeniable calling for a handball, Marrinan calmly knocked the ball into the net. "It's not a handball if they don't call it," said Marrinan, when asked if he used his arm to settle the ball. Sensing that the game was hanging in the balance, Dan Kimble became a much more active player as well. Normally content to stay in the defensive end, Kimble continued to charge forward, which allowed the game to become much more wide open. With the score at 4-3 with 10 minutes remaining, John Pallant made one of the biggest stops of the game. Saving the ball, he popped up to quickly outlet a pass to Davisson who was streaking down the right side, making for a 2-1 with Sicnolf to his left. Davisson waited until the last second before playing a square ball across the goal that Sicnolf calmly placed in, giving DCM the 5-3 advantage. However, Undeniable showed their mettle, netting two goals in a matter of minutes, knotting the score at 5-5, with just a few minutes remaining.
"That's when we really show what we're made of. A tie game, just a few minutes remaining, it usually comes down to who wants it more," said Ervin Perviz, a candidate for rookie of the year. Fellow rookie Chris Bills was the first one to step up, as he and Sicnolf connected on another 2-on-1 that saw Sicnolf nutmeg the goalkeeper for his second of the game, giving DCM the lead 6-5 with five minutes left in the match. Sicnolf followed that with his third tally of the night, following up on another play set up by Phil Johnson's hustle and hard work. Finally, Sicnolf capped off the scoring, netting his fourth of the game with a little over two minutes remaining to remove all doubt, giving DCM the 8-5 win. Sicnolf struggled all night with his endurance and his focus, but in the end, he came through with 4 goals when they were needed most.
"Undeniable was a good team, there is no denying that," said Mark McDonald, following the game. "They denied many of our scoring attempts throughout the game, but in the end it was undeniable that we were the better team."
Goals:
Sicnolf - 4
Davisson - 2
Marrinan - 1
Johnson - 1
Jared Jewelers Game Ball - Phil Johnson
It wasn't just Phil's highlight reel goal that finds him earning the game ball on this night (though, that goal will be making its way to a SportsCenter highlight near you). It was more the attitude and effort that Johnson brought to the game. Seeing his team faltering right before his eyes, Johnson made it his duty to carry his team and motivate them to the win. Playing with reckless abandon and spirited effort, Johnson lead the comeback charge against Undeniable and was instrumental in DCM's win.
This moves the team to 4-0, good for first place in the league. On the season, DCM has now outscored their opponents 30-15.
Season Goal Totals
Sicnolf - 13
Davisson - 10
Perviz - 2
Kyle - 1
Marrinan - 1
Bills - 1
McDonald - 1
Johnson - 1
DCM returns to action next Thursday, December 23, at 9:00 p.m., when they take on Chrom Parts.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
DCM Wins
There is no report, but we were able to locate a box score
Goals:
Justin Davisson - 5
Ervin Perviz - 2
Ben Sicnolf - 2
Kyle - 1
Final Score: 10-4
DCM improves to 3-0 on the season.
Goals:
Justin Davisson - 5
Ervin Perviz - 2
Ben Sicnolf - 2
Kyle - 1
Final Score: 10-4
DCM improves to 3-0 on the season.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Pallant Shines as DCM Nips Bargo's FC in Thriller
Franklin, OH (AP) - Indoor soccer is often high scoring affair, where the winner is whoever can put up the most goals. After averaging over 8 goals per game last season, followed by putting up a 10 spot on their opponents in the season opener, it looked as though the Megalopoli would once again cleveland steam roll the competition. However, facing off against a tough Bargo's FC team that allowed just one game in its opener, it was clear right from the start that DCM would need to win this battle with defense. And that's exactly what they did, as goalkeeper John Pallant led his team to a 2-1 victory in this heated contest between league heavyweights.
Looking at the benches, fans of the Megalopoli had looks of concern on their face before the match even began. Bargo's had no fewer than 7 substitutes on the bench, while DCM started with just one reserve. Team runner Mark McDonald was out with the mumps (really), and Kyle and Chris Bills were absent as well. Kyle's absence was especially interesting, as the only reasoning for him not being there was given by teammate Justin Davisson by saying, "He dates a Puerto Rican girl. No, like, a girl that actually lives in Puerto Rican." Somehow that barred him from inclusion in this game, as he did not show up. (Maybe he was in the PR visiting her, but that could not be confirmed as the game was about to begin.) Phil Johnson arrived just after play began, giving DCM their second substitute.
Some poor finishing and impressive stops from each team's goalkeeper left the teams in a scoreless battle after 18 minutes of the 40 minute game. "You could tell Bargo's came out ready to play," said Dan Kimble, the team's defensive leader. "At one point, I was running back on defense and fell down and rolled over in an attempt to throw the other team off, but they weren't fazed by the ploy. That's when I knew we were in for a tough match up." Kimble was right. Bargo's - last year's Thursday night champions - were clearly not intimidated with playing DCM, the reigning Tuesday night champs. Pallant kept DCM in the game with stop after stop, but you could sense that Bargo's would soon put one away. Following a controversial allowing of a re-kick of a dead ball, Bargo's finally broke the brick wall DCM had in the net to take the lead 1-0. "When the ref let them retake that kick, you could tell it was going to be 'One of those nights'," said Pallant, clearly still frustrated about the incident. "I know I'm going to get fined for this, but I don't care. It felt like we were playing 6-on-8 out there with the refs against us too."
Eddie Marinnan, team giant, said about falling behind, "Yeah, that's certainly not something we're used to, playing from behind. But you don't get to the level we're at without having had to overcome some adversity. We're a Band of Brothers out there. We just needed to stick together and keep playing our game." Eddie was right as it was just one minute later that DCM forward Ben Sicnolf broke free. After several attempts on goal had been stymied earlier in the game, Sicnolf was sure footed as he crossed up his defender and fired a bullet of a left footed shot over the goal keeper and into the back of the net.
For the next 10 minutes, the game was an all out battle of wills. Neither team was backing down, and it was becoming a question of "Who would blink first?" That question was answered when a fat man blinked worse than giant-eyed Gale Devers in a dust storm. With 10:45 on the clock, Sicnolf received the ball in the corner. He was brought down by a fat Bargo's defender. Instead of just simply backing off after the foul, the fat Bargo's defender began taunting Sicnolf and telling him to "get up." Sicnolf did get up, and began to continually call the defender various forms of "fat a**" and "fat person." This caused the defender to get right up in Sicnolf's face to follow him around before the free kick. After the kick ricocheted of the wall, it bounced free to Sicnolf on the left side. Having the ball at his feet, Sicnolf taunted the fat defender by saying, "Ok, you ready? Are you ready?" The fat defender stabbed at the ball, as Sicnolf quickly avoided the tackle streaking down the left side. Spotting Justin Davisson running across the mouth of the goal, Sicnolf fed a low driven ball into his feet. Davisson deftly side-footed the ball into the side of the net, giving the Megalopoli the lead at 2-1. This left Sicnolf next to the fat defender for one last "I literally do not have time for fat people" comment following the goal. That's when the fat defender snapped, attempting to elbow Sicnolf. Hitting him in the chest with just a glancing blow, the referee across the field spotted the infraction, ejecting the fat defender on the spot. This also gave DCM a man-up advantage for 5 minutes. Although they did not get another goal, it provided them with a substantial amount of rest.
The last 5 minutes saw Bargo's buzzing around the net. Time after time, Hensler, Phil, and Kimble closed down on defenders before they could get a clean shot off. And any time they did, Pallant was there to swipe the ball away. With about 2 minutes remaining, Bargo's had their last great chance. Beating Sicnolf off the dribble, their best forward blasted a shot toward net. It seemed as though he was surely destined for a goal. However, once again, Pallant delivered the goods. Quickly falling to one knee, he not only blocked the shot, but covered up the rebound. After a few more tense moments, DCM came away with their hardest fought victory in years. Newcomer Ervin said after the game: "Seeing my teammates hustle to the ball really inspired me. I'm not going to lie, I was tired at the end. But when you see the other guys working the way they are, you can't help but work hard as well."
Scoring
Sicnolf - 1, Davisson - 1
The Time Warner Cable Man of the Match - John Pallant
Earning this honor for the second time in as many games, Pallant proved once again why he may be the most valued member on his team. Pallant continually stopped shots that recalled images of former DCM goalkeeping legend Dan Saluke. It's easy to see why he was tabbed as pre-season first team all defense. Right now DCM is having trouble scoring the ball, but it's possible that their defense is playing better than ever, with Pallant as the backbone in the net.
Looking at the benches, fans of the Megalopoli had looks of concern on their face before the match even began. Bargo's had no fewer than 7 substitutes on the bench, while DCM started with just one reserve. Team runner Mark McDonald was out with the mumps (really), and Kyle and Chris Bills were absent as well. Kyle's absence was especially interesting, as the only reasoning for him not being there was given by teammate Justin Davisson by saying, "He dates a Puerto Rican girl. No, like, a girl that actually lives in Puerto Rican." Somehow that barred him from inclusion in this game, as he did not show up. (Maybe he was in the PR visiting her, but that could not be confirmed as the game was about to begin.) Phil Johnson arrived just after play began, giving DCM their second substitute.
Some poor finishing and impressive stops from each team's goalkeeper left the teams in a scoreless battle after 18 minutes of the 40 minute game. "You could tell Bargo's came out ready to play," said Dan Kimble, the team's defensive leader. "At one point, I was running back on defense and fell down and rolled over in an attempt to throw the other team off, but they weren't fazed by the ploy. That's when I knew we were in for a tough match up." Kimble was right. Bargo's - last year's Thursday night champions - were clearly not intimidated with playing DCM, the reigning Tuesday night champs. Pallant kept DCM in the game with stop after stop, but you could sense that Bargo's would soon put one away. Following a controversial allowing of a re-kick of a dead ball, Bargo's finally broke the brick wall DCM had in the net to take the lead 1-0. "When the ref let them retake that kick, you could tell it was going to be 'One of those nights'," said Pallant, clearly still frustrated about the incident. "I know I'm going to get fined for this, but I don't care. It felt like we were playing 6-on-8 out there with the refs against us too."
Eddie Marinnan, team giant, said about falling behind, "Yeah, that's certainly not something we're used to, playing from behind. But you don't get to the level we're at without having had to overcome some adversity. We're a Band of Brothers out there. We just needed to stick together and keep playing our game." Eddie was right as it was just one minute later that DCM forward Ben Sicnolf broke free. After several attempts on goal had been stymied earlier in the game, Sicnolf was sure footed as he crossed up his defender and fired a bullet of a left footed shot over the goal keeper and into the back of the net.
For the next 10 minutes, the game was an all out battle of wills. Neither team was backing down, and it was becoming a question of "Who would blink first?" That question was answered when a fat man blinked worse than giant-eyed Gale Devers in a dust storm. With 10:45 on the clock, Sicnolf received the ball in the corner. He was brought down by a fat Bargo's defender. Instead of just simply backing off after the foul, the fat Bargo's defender began taunting Sicnolf and telling him to "get up." Sicnolf did get up, and began to continually call the defender various forms of "fat a**" and "fat person." This caused the defender to get right up in Sicnolf's face to follow him around before the free kick. After the kick ricocheted of the wall, it bounced free to Sicnolf on the left side. Having the ball at his feet, Sicnolf taunted the fat defender by saying, "Ok, you ready? Are you ready?" The fat defender stabbed at the ball, as Sicnolf quickly avoided the tackle streaking down the left side. Spotting Justin Davisson running across the mouth of the goal, Sicnolf fed a low driven ball into his feet. Davisson deftly side-footed the ball into the side of the net, giving the Megalopoli the lead at 2-1. This left Sicnolf next to the fat defender for one last "I literally do not have time for fat people" comment following the goal. That's when the fat defender snapped, attempting to elbow Sicnolf. Hitting him in the chest with just a glancing blow, the referee across the field spotted the infraction, ejecting the fat defender on the spot. This also gave DCM a man-up advantage for 5 minutes. Although they did not get another goal, it provided them with a substantial amount of rest.
The last 5 minutes saw Bargo's buzzing around the net. Time after time, Hensler, Phil, and Kimble closed down on defenders before they could get a clean shot off. And any time they did, Pallant was there to swipe the ball away. With about 2 minutes remaining, Bargo's had their last great chance. Beating Sicnolf off the dribble, their best forward blasted a shot toward net. It seemed as though he was surely destined for a goal. However, once again, Pallant delivered the goods. Quickly falling to one knee, he not only blocked the shot, but covered up the rebound. After a few more tense moments, DCM came away with their hardest fought victory in years. Newcomer Ervin said after the game: "Seeing my teammates hustle to the ball really inspired me. I'm not going to lie, I was tired at the end. But when you see the other guys working the way they are, you can't help but work hard as well."
Scoring
Sicnolf - 1, Davisson - 1
The Time Warner Cable Man of the Match - John Pallant
Earning this honor for the second time in as many games, Pallant proved once again why he may be the most valued member on his team. Pallant continually stopped shots that recalled images of former DCM goalkeeping legend Dan Saluke. It's easy to see why he was tabbed as pre-season first team all defense. Right now DCM is having trouble scoring the ball, but it's possible that their defense is playing better than ever, with Pallant as the backbone in the net.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli Win Opener
Franklin, OH (AP) - The Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli shook off the cobwebs to defeat a pesky FC Barcelona squad in this season's opening indoor soccer game at Kingdom Sports Recreation. The final score, 10-5, might lead you to believe that this game wasn't that tight, but as anyone from the near capacity crowd in attendance will tell you, DCM needed to give everything they had to pull this one out.
The team returns many familiar faces, in addition to the continuing influx of young talent that made them so successful last year. "You win a league title for one reason - to defend it," said team co-captain Mark McDonald. "We knew that to win this year, we would need to rely on youthful legs more than ever." This can be seen not only through the growth of the young stars who joined the team last year, but with a couple rookies who are brand new to the squad. Ervin "Chocolate Thunder" Perviz, the heralded Bosnian import, was suiting up for the first time with the team last night, as well as local product Chris Bills, and each made significant impacts on the game.
Right from the opening kickoff, you could tell FC Barcelona had a thing or two to prove. They looked to show the defending champion Megalopoli that this year would be different. Going away from the beautiful game that FC Barcelona is traditionally known for playing, the team came out displaying a physical style that knocked DCM onto their heels. Despite a back and forth game, no goals were scored for nearly 8 minutes - a near eternity in indoor soccer. During this time, all-league goaltender John Pallant showed why he's so important to the team, and why he earned Kingdom Sports Adult Men's League Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year honors. He continually stopped short-range shots, giving his field players some time to find their stride. Clearly the physical play was getting to the Megalopoli, and frustrations were rising. That's when Phil Johnson subbed in, immediately making his mark on the game by fouling a Barcelona player before getting even a single touch on the ball. Johnson aimed to show the Barcelona players that his team wouldn't be pushed around, and the early message was sent. Finally, a dazzling display of footwork from last year's league Rookie of the Year, Justin Davisson, ended with a simple finish past the fat Barcelona goal keeper. Davisson is going to be relied upon heavily to create scoring opportunities this year, and he certainly seemed fit to the task.
DCM scored again a few minutes later on a long range shot from McDonald, much to the delight of his biggest supporter, John Pallant. After giving up a goal to Barcelona, JD added another to make the score 3-1. It appeared that, seemingly as always, everything would fall in place for the Megalopoli. However, Barcelona stormed back with back to back goals to knot the score at 3 at the midway point of the game. Crowds that had gathered in Catalonia, Spain, cheered as their heroes had tied the score against the might Megalopoli. "I'll tell you, when FCB tied the score, it had us all wondering if this could be the year we lose a game," said defensive stalwart and 10 time all-league performer, Dan Kimble, who is also the team's inspirational leader. "We've got a target on our backs every game. Still, I've been to war with these guys so many times. There's no one you'd want in your bunker more than an Eddie Marrinan, or a "Chocolate Thunder," or a "Kyle." These guys just know how to win."
DCM took control of the tight game from there, after Ben Sicnolf recorded his first goal of the season to put the team up 4-3. The contest stayed close for most of the way, but the Megalopoli pulled it out, as Kimble had predicted. And, just like Kimble pointed out, the team relied heavily on the play of Kyle, Eddie Marrinan, and Phil Johnson in the middle. The two way players made the difference in this game, continually gathered possession of the ball in the back and got it to the feet of their forwards. The highlight of the night may have come from Chris Bills' goal on his debut with the team. With his team clinging to a two goal lead, Bills received the ball at the midfield, and raced down to the offensive third. With Kyle and Sicnolf flanking him on either side, he paused the with the ball and coolly assessed the best method for attack. Working a give-and-go with Kyle in the corner, Bills scored an impressive first tally. "I'll admit it - I was a little nervous being out there with some of these guys. It's only natural when you're playing with living legends like Mark McDonald and Eddied Marrinan to hang back and let them take the reigns. But, I just went for it on that goal - it worked out," said Bills, grinning from ear to ear. "I know that we have a lot to accomplish this year as a team, but I'm going to let this feeling soak in for a while."
Game Notes...Zach Hensler missed the season opener due to undisclosed vagina issues...The team will be off next week, due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, and will return Thursday, December 2, to take on Bargo's FC.
Frank Z Chevrolet Game Ball Recipient: John Pallant - Pallant is the epitome of the "Last Line of Defense, First Line of Offense," descriptor for a goal keeper. Pallant continually made save after save, tending the net, then unleashed his patented long range throws to offensive players, which is literally DCM's best offense. He is also one of the more vocal players on the team, continually imploring Davisson, McDonald and Kyle to "SHOOT THE BALL!" Something tells us with way he's playing, he may be the league's first ever recipient of back-to-back goalkeeper of the year awards.
Individual Goal Tallies
Sicnolf - 6
Davisson - 2
McDonald - 1
Bills - 1
The team returns many familiar faces, in addition to the continuing influx of young talent that made them so successful last year. "You win a league title for one reason - to defend it," said team co-captain Mark McDonald. "We knew that to win this year, we would need to rely on youthful legs more than ever." This can be seen not only through the growth of the young stars who joined the team last year, but with a couple rookies who are brand new to the squad. Ervin "Chocolate Thunder" Perviz, the heralded Bosnian import, was suiting up for the first time with the team last night, as well as local product Chris Bills, and each made significant impacts on the game.
Right from the opening kickoff, you could tell FC Barcelona had a thing or two to prove. They looked to show the defending champion Megalopoli that this year would be different. Going away from the beautiful game that FC Barcelona is traditionally known for playing, the team came out displaying a physical style that knocked DCM onto their heels. Despite a back and forth game, no goals were scored for nearly 8 minutes - a near eternity in indoor soccer. During this time, all-league goaltender John Pallant showed why he's so important to the team, and why he earned Kingdom Sports Adult Men's League Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year honors. He continually stopped short-range shots, giving his field players some time to find their stride. Clearly the physical play was getting to the Megalopoli, and frustrations were rising. That's when Phil Johnson subbed in, immediately making his mark on the game by fouling a Barcelona player before getting even a single touch on the ball. Johnson aimed to show the Barcelona players that his team wouldn't be pushed around, and the early message was sent. Finally, a dazzling display of footwork from last year's league Rookie of the Year, Justin Davisson, ended with a simple finish past the fat Barcelona goal keeper. Davisson is going to be relied upon heavily to create scoring opportunities this year, and he certainly seemed fit to the task.
DCM scored again a few minutes later on a long range shot from McDonald, much to the delight of his biggest supporter, John Pallant. After giving up a goal to Barcelona, JD added another to make the score 3-1. It appeared that, seemingly as always, everything would fall in place for the Megalopoli. However, Barcelona stormed back with back to back goals to knot the score at 3 at the midway point of the game. Crowds that had gathered in Catalonia, Spain, cheered as their heroes had tied the score against the might Megalopoli. "I'll tell you, when FCB tied the score, it had us all wondering if this could be the year we lose a game," said defensive stalwart and 10 time all-league performer, Dan Kimble, who is also the team's inspirational leader. "We've got a target on our backs every game. Still, I've been to war with these guys so many times. There's no one you'd want in your bunker more than an Eddie Marrinan, or a "Chocolate Thunder," or a "Kyle." These guys just know how to win."
DCM took control of the tight game from there, after Ben Sicnolf recorded his first goal of the season to put the team up 4-3. The contest stayed close for most of the way, but the Megalopoli pulled it out, as Kimble had predicted. And, just like Kimble pointed out, the team relied heavily on the play of Kyle, Eddie Marrinan, and Phil Johnson in the middle. The two way players made the difference in this game, continually gathered possession of the ball in the back and got it to the feet of their forwards. The highlight of the night may have come from Chris Bills' goal on his debut with the team. With his team clinging to a two goal lead, Bills received the ball at the midfield, and raced down to the offensive third. With Kyle and Sicnolf flanking him on either side, he paused the with the ball and coolly assessed the best method for attack. Working a give-and-go with Kyle in the corner, Bills scored an impressive first tally. "I'll admit it - I was a little nervous being out there with some of these guys. It's only natural when you're playing with living legends like Mark McDonald and Eddied Marrinan to hang back and let them take the reigns. But, I just went for it on that goal - it worked out," said Bills, grinning from ear to ear. "I know that we have a lot to accomplish this year as a team, but I'm going to let this feeling soak in for a while."
Game Notes...Zach Hensler missed the season opener due to undisclosed vagina issues...The team will be off next week, due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, and will return Thursday, December 2, to take on Bargo's FC.
Frank Z Chevrolet Game Ball Recipient: John Pallant - Pallant is the epitome of the "Last Line of Defense, First Line of Offense," descriptor for a goal keeper. Pallant continually made save after save, tending the net, then unleashed his patented long range throws to offensive players, which is literally DCM's best offense. He is also one of the more vocal players on the team, continually imploring Davisson, McDonald and Kyle to "SHOOT THE BALL!" Something tells us with way he's playing, he may be the league's first ever recipient of back-to-back goalkeeper of the year awards.
Individual Goal Tallies
Sicnolf - 6
Davisson - 2
McDonald - 1
Bills - 1
Monday, November 15, 2010
Shooters Back on Track
Team Shooters were as hungry as we've ever seen them heading into Tuesday's match up against BW3's. Having had a consecutive win streak of over 20 games snapped, any team would want to get right back into the gym to start another run. Unfortunately, back to back bye weeks derailed the return of Team Shooters to the hardwood for 20 days. But shaking off the rust, Team Shooters used a masterful game from long range bomber John Pallant to defeat BW3's by 10 to begin a new streak.
The game started out as a defensive battle, with neither team managing more than 4 points in the game's opening 10 minutes. Despite some early frustrations on the offensive side of the ball, Team Shooters displayed their patented lock down defense, holding BW3's until their offense could begin to pick up the slack. Eddie Marrinan was able to hold their front court players at bay, with his bruising style of play. The Shooters began to find their groove offensively when John Pallant - who thus far into the season has not met the lofty expectations had by himself and his teammates in terms of 3-point shooting - bombed in back to back three's to give the team their first lead. "We've always said that when Pallant is hitting, we're a tough team to beat. It opens up so much inside for our banger John Beyer, and allows Kimble to punish teams from the wing." The game stayed tight, however, throughout the first half, and Team Shooters found themselves trailing by two with 15 seconds remaining. That's when point guard Ben Sicnolf secured a deflection and pushed it up the court. Passing ahead, Dan Kimble attacked the paint. Drawing Pallant's defender, Kimble kicked leaving the sharp shooter wide open. As he hoisted the shot, you could see the heads of the BW3's defenders drop. The ball swished through, and Team Shooters went into the locker room with a 1 point half time lead.
The three point shooting of Pallant seemed to give confidence to everyone on the team, as Sicnolf, Beyer and Hensler (2) each hit three pointers in the second half. However, Team Shooters couldn't shake the pesky BW3's squad, and found themselves ahead by just 2 with 7 minutes remaining. That's when Pallant again hit back to back three-pointers to give the Shooters some breathing room. At this point, BW's came out of their 2-3 zone, and attempted to play man-to-man. Shooters spread the floor, and Kimble took the manhood of the man guarding him by beating him off the dribble for a short runner to effectively put the game away. After a couple free throws, the game was a wrap. Team Shooters 51 - BW3's 41.
Asked after the game about his barrage of long balls (7-10 from three), Pallant said, "I just try to fill my role on the team. Everyone brings something to the table. My teammates continually penetrate and are able to get me open looks - it's up to me to knock them down."
Game MVP and Approximated Box Score
John Beyer - 7 points, 5 rebounds - Beyer had a flashback to the Ping, when he spiked a high arcing 26 foot 3 point shot in the second half. Beyer continually found open spots in the middle of BW3's zone. This forced the team to collapse, and allowed for more open outside shots for Hensler and Pallant, and was a key to jumpstarting the offense.
Zach Hensler - 10 points, 8 rebounds - Hensler struggled with foul trouble for much of the game, picking up his fourth in the first 20 seconds of the second half. However, Hensler is a heady ball-player, and knows how to play the game no matter the situation. He banged in two three pointers, and had a nice lay-in during the first half run that got Team Shooters their initial lead.
Dan Kimble - 4 points, 6 rebounds - As stated before, Kimble did his part by taking the manhood of his opponent to close out the game. Immediately recognizing that the "shitty guard" would have to defend either himself or Sicnolf, he told his team to spread the floor and to attack whoever the "shitty guard" was guarding. That became Kimble, and Kimble drove on back to back plays, setting up a three in the corner for Pallant, and following it with a bucket of his own.
Eddie Marrinan - 0 points, 10 rebounds - Known for his dominance on the soccer field, this two-sport star showed he's more than a bruiser on the pitch. Eddie has filled in admirably for absent Team Shooter's big man Sam. He defends the post and rebounds so well, that his opponents get frustrated EVERY game. Very quick outlet after he gets boards. That may seem like it's not a huge deal, but getting the ball to Kimble and Sicnolf in a hurry sets up their early offense.
John Pallant - 24 points, 7-10 from three - Stroked the ball incredibly well from deep. You could tell early that Pallant was feeling it, and he let them fly all night, destroying the will of his opponents with each deep ball sunk. Played well on defense, and moved very well without the ball on offense, finding gaps against the zone.
Ben Sicnolf - 6 points, 8 assists - Sicnolf didn't shoot particularly well from the field, but he had perhaps his best game setting up his teammates for shots in good positions.
Mountain Dew Code Red Game Ball - John Pallant - This was the easiest decision of the year. Pallant's back might be tired from all the three balls he was hoisting, and from the added weight of carrying his entire team offensively. This is the type of performance that can spring board a player into again becoming an all-league performer, and putting this team in contention for back-to-back crowns. If Pallant can shoot like that, the sky is the limit for this team in the post season.
Stay tuned for TWO ADDITIONAL posts this week - Team Shooters continues their season tomorrow night, while the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli begin their indoor soccer season on Thursday.
The game started out as a defensive battle, with neither team managing more than 4 points in the game's opening 10 minutes. Despite some early frustrations on the offensive side of the ball, Team Shooters displayed their patented lock down defense, holding BW3's until their offense could begin to pick up the slack. Eddie Marrinan was able to hold their front court players at bay, with his bruising style of play. The Shooters began to find their groove offensively when John Pallant - who thus far into the season has not met the lofty expectations had by himself and his teammates in terms of 3-point shooting - bombed in back to back three's to give the team their first lead. "We've always said that when Pallant is hitting, we're a tough team to beat. It opens up so much inside for our banger John Beyer, and allows Kimble to punish teams from the wing." The game stayed tight, however, throughout the first half, and Team Shooters found themselves trailing by two with 15 seconds remaining. That's when point guard Ben Sicnolf secured a deflection and pushed it up the court. Passing ahead, Dan Kimble attacked the paint. Drawing Pallant's defender, Kimble kicked leaving the sharp shooter wide open. As he hoisted the shot, you could see the heads of the BW3's defenders drop. The ball swished through, and Team Shooters went into the locker room with a 1 point half time lead.
The three point shooting of Pallant seemed to give confidence to everyone on the team, as Sicnolf, Beyer and Hensler (2) each hit three pointers in the second half. However, Team Shooters couldn't shake the pesky BW3's squad, and found themselves ahead by just 2 with 7 minutes remaining. That's when Pallant again hit back to back three-pointers to give the Shooters some breathing room. At this point, BW's came out of their 2-3 zone, and attempted to play man-to-man. Shooters spread the floor, and Kimble took the manhood of the man guarding him by beating him off the dribble for a short runner to effectively put the game away. After a couple free throws, the game was a wrap. Team Shooters 51 - BW3's 41.
Asked after the game about his barrage of long balls (7-10 from three), Pallant said, "I just try to fill my role on the team. Everyone brings something to the table. My teammates continually penetrate and are able to get me open looks - it's up to me to knock them down."
Game MVP and Approximated Box Score
John Beyer - 7 points, 5 rebounds - Beyer had a flashback to the Ping, when he spiked a high arcing 26 foot 3 point shot in the second half. Beyer continually found open spots in the middle of BW3's zone. This forced the team to collapse, and allowed for more open outside shots for Hensler and Pallant, and was a key to jumpstarting the offense.
Zach Hensler - 10 points, 8 rebounds - Hensler struggled with foul trouble for much of the game, picking up his fourth in the first 20 seconds of the second half. However, Hensler is a heady ball-player, and knows how to play the game no matter the situation. He banged in two three pointers, and had a nice lay-in during the first half run that got Team Shooters their initial lead.
Dan Kimble - 4 points, 6 rebounds - As stated before, Kimble did his part by taking the manhood of his opponent to close out the game. Immediately recognizing that the "shitty guard" would have to defend either himself or Sicnolf, he told his team to spread the floor and to attack whoever the "shitty guard" was guarding. That became Kimble, and Kimble drove on back to back plays, setting up a three in the corner for Pallant, and following it with a bucket of his own.
Eddie Marrinan - 0 points, 10 rebounds - Known for his dominance on the soccer field, this two-sport star showed he's more than a bruiser on the pitch. Eddie has filled in admirably for absent Team Shooter's big man Sam. He defends the post and rebounds so well, that his opponents get frustrated EVERY game. Very quick outlet after he gets boards. That may seem like it's not a huge deal, but getting the ball to Kimble and Sicnolf in a hurry sets up their early offense.
John Pallant - 24 points, 7-10 from three - Stroked the ball incredibly well from deep. You could tell early that Pallant was feeling it, and he let them fly all night, destroying the will of his opponents with each deep ball sunk. Played well on defense, and moved very well without the ball on offense, finding gaps against the zone.
Ben Sicnolf - 6 points, 8 assists - Sicnolf didn't shoot particularly well from the field, but he had perhaps his best game setting up his teammates for shots in good positions.
Mountain Dew Code Red Game Ball - John Pallant - This was the easiest decision of the year. Pallant's back might be tired from all the three balls he was hoisting, and from the added weight of carrying his entire team offensively. This is the type of performance that can spring board a player into again becoming an all-league performer, and putting this team in contention for back-to-back crowns. If Pallant can shoot like that, the sky is the limit for this team in the post season.
Stay tuned for TWO ADDITIONAL posts this week - Team Shooters continues their season tomorrow night, while the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli begin their indoor soccer season on Thursday.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Team Shooters Fall, Historic Streak Ends
Kettering (AP) - As Ben Kingsley once said, "All good things must come to an end." Team Shooters put their historic winning streak on the line against Team Two, but came up short in a heated battle. The loss snapped a 21 game winning streak for the squad. The absence of team stalwarts Sam Lechleitner and Dan Kimble was too much to overcome, as Team Shooters played a horrid offensive game that left them with just 34 total points in the 14 point loss as time expired.
The last time these two teams hooked up was the most legendary game in the history of Kettering Recreation Center. In a game that was close the entire way, the game came down to the final possession. Due to disqualifications by fouls, Team Shooters was down to 3 men with 20 seconds remaining. Zach Hensler who was in street clothes nursing an injury, checked into the game wearing jeans, with a ringing cell phone in his pocket to give them a fourth player. Down two, Team Shooters worked for a good shot, eventually finding John Beyer in the lane. Beyer received the ball, pump faked, got his man in the air to gain a foul and hit the lay-up to tie the game. This allowed for one free throw with a second remaining. With the weight of a national audience on his shoulders, Beyer calmly sank the game-winning shot from the charity stripe to complete the miracle finish. With that as the backdrop for last night's game, there was hope for another instant classic.
The game was heated right from the start and tempers flared after several dustups under the hoops in the opening minutes. It was clear that this game would not be one for the timid, as each team was in for a battle. With strong interior post play, Team Two led right from the beginning. Boasting a really strong, 35 year old man, they continually went at Team Shooters in the paint, scoring on a variety of post moves, most notably "Elbow your man in the face and shoot a lay up." However, Team Shooters stayed right with Team Two throughout the entire first half. Ben Sicnolf was getting to the paint at will and seemed to be on a mission to foul our his opponent's entire roster. Making a couple of "And-1's" and hitting his free throws, Sicnolf was determined to keep the game close. Team Shooters continually battled at each end of the floor to knot the score several times throughout the opening stanza, and even took a lead at 18-16 with a couple minutes remaining in the half. Team Two closed on a run to make it a 6 point lead at half time.
The second half was all Team Two, as Team Shooters just could not score the ball. No one was hitting their outside shots, and Team Shooters began turning the ball over. Team Two methodically worked the ball on offense until they could get a good shot in the paint. Frustrations for each team were boiling over and the game got chippy toward the end, as Team Two pulled away. The only real second half highlight for Team Shooters came with about a minute left. Walking to the free throw line, perhaps the worst player for Team Two (who was bald) made some joke to Sicnolf. Sicnolf retorted, "Ok, this bald motherfucker is talking now, he's got jokes." The bald man, replied, "Yeah, well, I have a beautiful wife and a son, I don't need to listen to you." All right then.
Eddie Marrinan and Tony Schoen were great to come out to help last night, though Tony left early for undisclosed reasons. Marrinan is a beast, and will likely be called upon again next time these two match up. If Team Shooters shoots better from the outside next game, and can somehow get Sam Lechleitner there, they'll have a chance for the win.
Approximated Box score
John Beyer - 0 points, 8 rebounds - Beyer didn't hit a shot from the floor, but that was pretty much the norm for everyone on Team Shooters. He did a good job taunting an opponent after a technical was issued.
Zach Hensler - 8 points, 5 rebounds - Remarkably, Hensler probably kept his cool the best out of anyone on the team. Spiked a big first half three.
Eddie Marrinan - 0 points, 8 rebounds - Marrinan played admirably in defeat. He will be needed to defend this team when they meet up again. His presence allowed Sicnolf to talk more shit than he otherwise would have because at least someone on the team wouldn't get their ass kicked with him being there. Also had an awesome play saving the ball from going out of bounds.
John Pallant - 8 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant was asked to do a lot on both ends of the floor tonight. His shot from distance was off, but if his shooting will be key the next time these two teams match up, so he needs to keep stroking.
Tony Schoen - 0 points, 5 rebounds - Schoen hadn't played since February, but did a really nice job defending one of the big men for Team Two in the first half.
Ben Sicnolf - 18 points, 5 rebounds - Sicnolf scored a ton in the first half, but struggled mightily in the second. Turned the ball over like five times in the half, and got tired too easily. He'll need to put together a full game to beat Team Two next time.
No one deserves a game ball - we scored 34 points, that's incredible.
Team Shooters hopes to rebound - in more ways than one (hey-oh!) - next Tuesday night. They are having a general team meeting on Saturday to discuss a few plans and basic plays that Sicnolf has that will help them in future games. We need to take better advantage of Beyer cutting through the lane for one, and we've got to not just get three point attempts for Hensler and Pallant, but rather get ones where they are in a position to actually hit the shot. Need to get Kimble back.
The last time these two teams hooked up was the most legendary game in the history of Kettering Recreation Center. In a game that was close the entire way, the game came down to the final possession. Due to disqualifications by fouls, Team Shooters was down to 3 men with 20 seconds remaining. Zach Hensler who was in street clothes nursing an injury, checked into the game wearing jeans, with a ringing cell phone in his pocket to give them a fourth player. Down two, Team Shooters worked for a good shot, eventually finding John Beyer in the lane. Beyer received the ball, pump faked, got his man in the air to gain a foul and hit the lay-up to tie the game. This allowed for one free throw with a second remaining. With the weight of a national audience on his shoulders, Beyer calmly sank the game-winning shot from the charity stripe to complete the miracle finish. With that as the backdrop for last night's game, there was hope for another instant classic.
The game was heated right from the start and tempers flared after several dustups under the hoops in the opening minutes. It was clear that this game would not be one for the timid, as each team was in for a battle. With strong interior post play, Team Two led right from the beginning. Boasting a really strong, 35 year old man, they continually went at Team Shooters in the paint, scoring on a variety of post moves, most notably "Elbow your man in the face and shoot a lay up." However, Team Shooters stayed right with Team Two throughout the entire first half. Ben Sicnolf was getting to the paint at will and seemed to be on a mission to foul our his opponent's entire roster. Making a couple of "And-1's" and hitting his free throws, Sicnolf was determined to keep the game close. Team Shooters continually battled at each end of the floor to knot the score several times throughout the opening stanza, and even took a lead at 18-16 with a couple minutes remaining in the half. Team Two closed on a run to make it a 6 point lead at half time.
The second half was all Team Two, as Team Shooters just could not score the ball. No one was hitting their outside shots, and Team Shooters began turning the ball over. Team Two methodically worked the ball on offense until they could get a good shot in the paint. Frustrations for each team were boiling over and the game got chippy toward the end, as Team Two pulled away. The only real second half highlight for Team Shooters came with about a minute left. Walking to the free throw line, perhaps the worst player for Team Two (who was bald) made some joke to Sicnolf. Sicnolf retorted, "Ok, this bald motherfucker is talking now, he's got jokes." The bald man, replied, "Yeah, well, I have a beautiful wife and a son, I don't need to listen to you." All right then.
Eddie Marrinan and Tony Schoen were great to come out to help last night, though Tony left early for undisclosed reasons. Marrinan is a beast, and will likely be called upon again next time these two match up. If Team Shooters shoots better from the outside next game, and can somehow get Sam Lechleitner there, they'll have a chance for the win.
Approximated Box score
John Beyer - 0 points, 8 rebounds - Beyer didn't hit a shot from the floor, but that was pretty much the norm for everyone on Team Shooters. He did a good job taunting an opponent after a technical was issued.
Zach Hensler - 8 points, 5 rebounds - Remarkably, Hensler probably kept his cool the best out of anyone on the team. Spiked a big first half three.
Eddie Marrinan - 0 points, 8 rebounds - Marrinan played admirably in defeat. He will be needed to defend this team when they meet up again. His presence allowed Sicnolf to talk more shit than he otherwise would have because at least someone on the team wouldn't get their ass kicked with him being there. Also had an awesome play saving the ball from going out of bounds.
John Pallant - 8 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant was asked to do a lot on both ends of the floor tonight. His shot from distance was off, but if his shooting will be key the next time these two teams match up, so he needs to keep stroking.
Tony Schoen - 0 points, 5 rebounds - Schoen hadn't played since February, but did a really nice job defending one of the big men for Team Two in the first half.
Ben Sicnolf - 18 points, 5 rebounds - Sicnolf scored a ton in the first half, but struggled mightily in the second. Turned the ball over like five times in the half, and got tired too easily. He'll need to put together a full game to beat Team Two next time.
No one deserves a game ball - we scored 34 points, that's incredible.
Team Shooters hopes to rebound - in more ways than one (hey-oh!) - next Tuesday night. They are having a general team meeting on Saturday to discuss a few plans and basic plays that Sicnolf has that will help them in future games. We need to take better advantage of Beyer cutting through the lane for one, and we've got to not just get three point attempts for Hensler and Pallant, but rather get ones where they are in a position to actually hit the shot. Need to get Kimble back.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Team Shooters
Kettering, Ohio (espn.go.com) - Stop me if you've heard this before: Team Shooters pulls away in a hotly contested game to win by double figures. It seems like every week for the past few years you could start a Team Shooters game recap with that line. And yet again, using a balanced scoring attack that saw 5 members post double-digit scoring, Team Shooters defeated Team Red 64-49 on famed Charles I. Lathrem court at the Kettering Recreation Center.
Late roster addition Chris "Big Cat" Riner kept the team loose during pre-game. "It's hard not to smile looking at that person," said 2 time all-star John Beyer. However, playing without star post player Sam Lechleitner for the first time still left the team with a bit of uneasiness heading into the match. Team Red smelled a bit like cigarettes, but any team mostly comprised, definitively, of former members of the notorious East Dayton White Boys (EDWB) gang is going to be an intimidating sight. Nerves seemed to affect both teams, as the first few minutes was played as sloppy as any game played this year, with plenty of early turnovers and fouls. After 7 minutes of play, the score was just 7-5, and it seemed that stylistic play of Team Shooters that we have become accustomed to was nowhere to be seen. Frustrations took hold and reached a point of critical mass as Ben Sicnolf drove the lane, only to get knocked down as he attempted his lay-up. With no foul being called, Sicnolf slammed his hand on the floor in disgust. This earned him his first technical foul in his KRC playing career. And although Team Red converted one free throw, the foul seemed to ignite the passions of Sicnolf and the rest of his Team Shooters teammates. They used that emotion to race out on a 7-0 run, prompting Team Red to use a timeout to catch their breath.
"Here's the thing - I've played with Ben a long time, both as a teammate and opponent. He is a heady player. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if he purposefully got that technical foul to fire up the team," said Zach Hensler. While it's difficult to gauge how that type of play can affect a team, it certainly did seem that from that point on, Sicnolf was as focused as he has been all season. He continually pushed the ball and drove the lane for lay-ups in the first half. However, the game was still tight at 20-18 with just a few minutes remaining in the half. That's when a trio of three balls were sent in from the wing by Zach Hensler. After the third in the series, Hensler even let out his patented "Woo!" as he ran back down the court. After another lay-up by Sicnolf with two seconds left in the half, Team Shooters found themselves up 11 heading into intermission, 32-21.
The second half was just a matter of playing good defense and finishing their opportunities, as Team Red never really threatened to close the game. John Pallant scored several tough buckets using dribble penetration, while John Beyer continued to put on a clinic in the post. No post player in the league has the off-the-ball vision of the former first rounder Beyer, and once he gets it, he uses his deadly pump fake to get his defender off balance, before banging in another 6 footer in the lane. The key play in the second half might have belonged to Chris Riner. Team Red did close the game to 10 at one point, and after a Team Shooter miss, 3 Team Red players found themselves around the rim for an easy defensive rebound. However, the failed to account for the box-shaped Riner, as he jumped in setting up a wild play under the hoop. As Riner and a Team Red player chased the bouncing ball toward the end line, the Team Red player got to it and fired it off of Riner's leg. However, Riner, being the agile player he is, purposefully used his thigh to deflect it BACK off the Team Red player and out of bounds. John Pallant scored an old fashioned three point play on the ensuing possession and the lead was back to 13 and the game was pretty much decided.
"The Streak" as it has come to be known on the Southside of Ohio's 6th largest city has now reached 21. However, perhaps no game in the streak will be as difficult as next week's match-up. Playing the team with whom they're tied for first place in the league, Team Shooters will be without both Sam Lechleitner and Dan Kimble. This team has pulled through adverse times before, but at some point the roster losses is bound to catch up with them.
Approximated box score and analysis:
John Beyer - 10 points, 2 blocks - Beyer continues to run the floor after all defensive possessions. While this game didn't see him on the end of as many transition lay ups as usual, his pressure down the floor created space in the lane for his teammates to finish on the break. Again, scored with tremendous efficiency, reaching double figures without a high volume of shots.
Zach Hensler - 14 points, 7 rebounds - When Hensler is spiking threes, this team is all but unstoppable. Following the game, Dan Kimble said - "That play where we sprint down the court and Hensler trails and gets a back pass as he steps into a three is literally unstoppable. If Zach hits those, the game is over." Hensler continued his strong play on defense as well. Definitely his most complete game of the season.
Dan Kimble - 12 points, 6 rebounds - Kimble drove the lane time and time again, using his unstoppable angled bank shot to demoralize his defender. As Kimble will, literally, often tell you, "This team knows how to step on their opponents throat. Once we smell blood, we go for the jugular." No person exemplifies that more than Kimble - once the opponent is on the ropes, Kimble somehow reaches for something extra within and pushes even harder to put the game out of reach.
John Pallant - 10 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant rivals Hensler as the best finisher in traffic. He keeps the ball high, out of reach of his opponents, and seems to move only his hands with the ball at the absolute peak to shoot it in the lane. No movement from the rest of his arms are required, below his bent wrists. It's amazing to see in person. When Pallant diversifies his game, he's the best offensive player on the team because he can finish so well in the lane.
Chris Riner - 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 unbelievable double out of bounds play to earn possession for Team Shooters - While Riner may not show up much in the box score, I think most in attendance would admit that Team Shooters would have had a very tough time winning the game without him. Riner was willing to take reduced minutes, but also could substitute in to defend any opposing front court player. (It's funny - for years, I always thought giving Huelsman credit for using his body to get in the way of defenders so that other guys could sky in and get it was STUPID. But I kind of got it a little more last night. Like four times, I would jump in for a rebound, and look to see Riner have his man sealed off. I mean, honestly, you try to get around a 5'5" refrigerator sized mass of human muscle.) Riner will be a welcome addition any time he can make it.
Ben Sicnolf - 18 points, literally like 10 steals - Sicnolf had active hands tonight, getting steals on 3 of the first 4 possessions. We finally got to see a glimpse of his former self in the scoring column. Really had the old drive and kick working with Hensler, which is his favorite thing in life.
The Las Americas Caribbean Cuisine Game Ball: Zach Hensler - An easy selection, Hensler busted his team out of their three point slump in a big way, connecting on three long distance dial-ups in the first half. He hit another at the start of the second, and also hit both of his free throw attempts. It wasn't until after the game that we discovered Hensler's cat had suffered a stroke and may be on her last legs - literally, as two of her legs are no longer working. In hindsight, it was easy to see a greater sense of urgency in the inspired effort from Hensler. Additionally, while the big men from Team Red weren't terrifically skilled, Hensler was once again asked to guard a HUGE bald man.
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Late roster addition Chris "Big Cat" Riner kept the team loose during pre-game. "It's hard not to smile looking at that person," said 2 time all-star John Beyer. However, playing without star post player Sam Lechleitner for the first time still left the team with a bit of uneasiness heading into the match. Team Red smelled a bit like cigarettes, but any team mostly comprised, definitively, of former members of the notorious East Dayton White Boys (EDWB) gang is going to be an intimidating sight. Nerves seemed to affect both teams, as the first few minutes was played as sloppy as any game played this year, with plenty of early turnovers and fouls. After 7 minutes of play, the score was just 7-5, and it seemed that stylistic play of Team Shooters that we have become accustomed to was nowhere to be seen. Frustrations took hold and reached a point of critical mass as Ben Sicnolf drove the lane, only to get knocked down as he attempted his lay-up. With no foul being called, Sicnolf slammed his hand on the floor in disgust. This earned him his first technical foul in his KRC playing career. And although Team Red converted one free throw, the foul seemed to ignite the passions of Sicnolf and the rest of his Team Shooters teammates. They used that emotion to race out on a 7-0 run, prompting Team Red to use a timeout to catch their breath.
"Here's the thing - I've played with Ben a long time, both as a teammate and opponent. He is a heady player. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if he purposefully got that technical foul to fire up the team," said Zach Hensler. While it's difficult to gauge how that type of play can affect a team, it certainly did seem that from that point on, Sicnolf was as focused as he has been all season. He continually pushed the ball and drove the lane for lay-ups in the first half. However, the game was still tight at 20-18 with just a few minutes remaining in the half. That's when a trio of three balls were sent in from the wing by Zach Hensler. After the third in the series, Hensler even let out his patented "Woo!" as he ran back down the court. After another lay-up by Sicnolf with two seconds left in the half, Team Shooters found themselves up 11 heading into intermission, 32-21.
The second half was just a matter of playing good defense and finishing their opportunities, as Team Red never really threatened to close the game. John Pallant scored several tough buckets using dribble penetration, while John Beyer continued to put on a clinic in the post. No post player in the league has the off-the-ball vision of the former first rounder Beyer, and once he gets it, he uses his deadly pump fake to get his defender off balance, before banging in another 6 footer in the lane. The key play in the second half might have belonged to Chris Riner. Team Red did close the game to 10 at one point, and after a Team Shooter miss, 3 Team Red players found themselves around the rim for an easy defensive rebound. However, the failed to account for the box-shaped Riner, as he jumped in setting up a wild play under the hoop. As Riner and a Team Red player chased the bouncing ball toward the end line, the Team Red player got to it and fired it off of Riner's leg. However, Riner, being the agile player he is, purposefully used his thigh to deflect it BACK off the Team Red player and out of bounds. John Pallant scored an old fashioned three point play on the ensuing possession and the lead was back to 13 and the game was pretty much decided.
"The Streak" as it has come to be known on the Southside of Ohio's 6th largest city has now reached 21. However, perhaps no game in the streak will be as difficult as next week's match-up. Playing the team with whom they're tied for first place in the league, Team Shooters will be without both Sam Lechleitner and Dan Kimble. This team has pulled through adverse times before, but at some point the roster losses is bound to catch up with them.
Approximated box score and analysis:
John Beyer - 10 points, 2 blocks - Beyer continues to run the floor after all defensive possessions. While this game didn't see him on the end of as many transition lay ups as usual, his pressure down the floor created space in the lane for his teammates to finish on the break. Again, scored with tremendous efficiency, reaching double figures without a high volume of shots.
Zach Hensler - 14 points, 7 rebounds - When Hensler is spiking threes, this team is all but unstoppable. Following the game, Dan Kimble said - "That play where we sprint down the court and Hensler trails and gets a back pass as he steps into a three is literally unstoppable. If Zach hits those, the game is over." Hensler continued his strong play on defense as well. Definitely his most complete game of the season.
Dan Kimble - 12 points, 6 rebounds - Kimble drove the lane time and time again, using his unstoppable angled bank shot to demoralize his defender. As Kimble will, literally, often tell you, "This team knows how to step on their opponents throat. Once we smell blood, we go for the jugular." No person exemplifies that more than Kimble - once the opponent is on the ropes, Kimble somehow reaches for something extra within and pushes even harder to put the game out of reach.
John Pallant - 10 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant rivals Hensler as the best finisher in traffic. He keeps the ball high, out of reach of his opponents, and seems to move only his hands with the ball at the absolute peak to shoot it in the lane. No movement from the rest of his arms are required, below his bent wrists. It's amazing to see in person. When Pallant diversifies his game, he's the best offensive player on the team because he can finish so well in the lane.
Chris Riner - 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 unbelievable double out of bounds play to earn possession for Team Shooters - While Riner may not show up much in the box score, I think most in attendance would admit that Team Shooters would have had a very tough time winning the game without him. Riner was willing to take reduced minutes, but also could substitute in to defend any opposing front court player. (It's funny - for years, I always thought giving Huelsman credit for using his body to get in the way of defenders so that other guys could sky in and get it was STUPID. But I kind of got it a little more last night. Like four times, I would jump in for a rebound, and look to see Riner have his man sealed off. I mean, honestly, you try to get around a 5'5" refrigerator sized mass of human muscle.) Riner will be a welcome addition any time he can make it.
Ben Sicnolf - 18 points, literally like 10 steals - Sicnolf had active hands tonight, getting steals on 3 of the first 4 possessions. We finally got to see a glimpse of his former self in the scoring column. Really had the old drive and kick working with Hensler, which is his favorite thing in life.
The Las Americas Caribbean Cuisine Game Ball: Zach Hensler - An easy selection, Hensler busted his team out of their three point slump in a big way, connecting on three long distance dial-ups in the first half. He hit another at the start of the second, and also hit both of his free throw attempts. It wasn't until after the game that we discovered Hensler's cat had suffered a stroke and may be on her last legs - literally, as two of her legs are no longer working. In hindsight, it was easy to see a greater sense of urgency in the inspired effort from Hensler. Additionally, while the big men from Team Red weren't terrifically skilled, Hensler was once again asked to guard a HUGE bald man.
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Team Shooters Makes it 20 Straight
Kettering, Ohio (SI.com) - As legendary basketball coach John Wooden once said, "As Gandhi once said, it's easy to do well when everything is going just the way you want it. But the truest test of character is how you respond when everything isn't falling into place." This point was made over and over again last night as Team Shooters played a grueling match using a balanced scoring attack to earn the victory over BW3's, their 2nd win in as many tries to start the season, and their 20th straight winning mark overall. The first place squad lived up to their team name, and showed why they are not called Team Shot-Makers, hoisting an agonizing 40 three point attempts, converting on only 6 (15%). But it was their play in other aspects of the game that earned them the victory.
Team BW3 came out in a 2-3 zone, hoping to slow the notorious fleet-footed attack of Team Shooters. Normally, this doesn't bother Team Shooters, as it provides their long ball threats the room to spray three pointers from all over the perimeter, and it appeared that the strategy would be playing right into their hands as Sam Lechleitner would hit the first three point attempt for the team on the night, knotting the game at 7 early on. However, following that shot, the team would go colder than a Wisconsin Winter. The poor percentages played right into the hands of Team BW3, as their Sasquatch-sized center gobbled up every rebound as it came off the glass. Luckily, Team Shooters knew that even when shots aren't falling, they can always control their effort and defensive intensity - things that have become trademarks during their unbeaten run. Hanging tight with their opponents by pushing the ball for lay-ups off of turnovers and long rebounds, Team Shooters found themselves trailing by only a point with 9 seconds remaining in the half. After calling a timeout, Ben Sicnolf diagrammed a play to get Hensler a three point attempt from the wing. Just as the huddle broke, he reminded Lechleitner to hustle to the opposite block, in case the three point shot was off the mark. Team Shooters ran the play to perfection, and even though Hensler's shot missed the mark, Lechleitner was there to tip the ball in at the buzzer, giving Team Shooters their first lead of the game at 23-22.
This provided the team with an uplifted sense of confidence in the second half. They knew that despite going 1-18 from three in the first half, they had still fought hard enough to earn the win. After a quiet few minutes that saw them lose the lead to BW3's, Sicnolf found himself alone on the wing. After hesitating, he decided to join the party and shoot from distance. The shot found the bottom of the net, and seeing the ball go through gave a renewed sense of confidence to the team as they quickly followed with a driving lay-up and a second three pointer from Dan Kimble. John Pallant - the main deep ball threat - who had been having a poor evening shooting the ball, struck again with another three from the corner. A few minutes later, both he and Kimble struck again from distance. This gave Team Shooters their first margin of note, taking what was a close game into a double digit lead. The lead forced Team BW3's to come out of their zone, and they simply couldn't keep up with Team Shooters for the remainder of the game.
The final score ended with Team Shooters on top 49-40. Hensler, noting the jerseys of their opponents carried BW3's official logo, said, "You start knocking off sponsored teams, and you know you've caught lightning in a bottle." Team Shooters looks to make it 21 straight next week, as they play the primetime game - 8:45. The late start shouldn't faze the team, as playing on the big stage is nothing new for them.
Approximated box score and short analysis
John Beyer - 6 points, 5 rebounds - Beyer continues to score with a high efficiency. Beyer is not a high volume shooter, so his point totals don't always show what he brings to the offensive end. He also continues to make the most precise cuts in the league, finding lanes to receive the ball for shots near the basket. Defended their best offensive perimeter player well.
Zach Hensler - 6 points, 6 rebounds - Hensler could not find his rhythm from deep, but he continues to play terrific defense in the post. Zach finishes very well in the paint for a man of his size, and he needs to continue to drive the ball more often toward the hoop. A strong free throw shooter and finisher at the cup, Hensler can make good things happen when he attacks the rim.
Dan Kimble - 8 points, 4 rebounds - Kimble hit two huge three's in the second half, and had the lay-up that sealed the game. However, like most of the team, his mark was made on the defensive end. He matched-up with former Wright State player and Dayton legend Eric Wills, and literally held him scoreless. Also had one of the best blocks I've ever seen, stuffing the ever living shit out of one of their players from behind, literally and figuratively.
Sam Lechleitner - 9 points, 12 rebounds - Sam, as always, was forced to guard the team's best player on the block. Sam didn't shoot enough on the offensive end, but he was our main representative on the board, and did an admirable job on the behometh he was guarding.
John Pallant - 10 points, 2 steals - John was frustrated for much of the game because his shots weren't falling, but he made some tremendously timely shots in the second half to help Team Shooters pull away. Came up with a couple big steals at the start of the second half and showed good handles at the end of the game when their opponents went to a man-to-man defense. Needs to keep shooting when he's open.
Ben Sicnolf - 10 points, 7 assists - Sicnolf is on pace to lead the league in assists and steals for a second straight year. He's starting to get his conditioning back, which will undoubtedly lead to breakout lay-ups and fights with opponents who don't like hustling.
O'Reilly's AutoParts Game Ball: Sam Lechleitner - When a shot went up for BW3's, it felt like Team Shooters' only chance to get the rebound was for Lechleitner to go get it. He is pound for pound the best rebounder in basketball history - that's a fact. Offensively, Sam is not afraid to go completely against the grain of his teammates and shoot a mid-range jumper, something none of his teammates has attempted in years. Lechleitner will only appear sparingly moving forward, as he got a job that will take away from his court time. I can't imagine Team Shooters winning a game without him, so it should make things interesting.
Team BW3 came out in a 2-3 zone, hoping to slow the notorious fleet-footed attack of Team Shooters. Normally, this doesn't bother Team Shooters, as it provides their long ball threats the room to spray three pointers from all over the perimeter, and it appeared that the strategy would be playing right into their hands as Sam Lechleitner would hit the first three point attempt for the team on the night, knotting the game at 7 early on. However, following that shot, the team would go colder than a Wisconsin Winter. The poor percentages played right into the hands of Team BW3, as their Sasquatch-sized center gobbled up every rebound as it came off the glass. Luckily, Team Shooters knew that even when shots aren't falling, they can always control their effort and defensive intensity - things that have become trademarks during their unbeaten run. Hanging tight with their opponents by pushing the ball for lay-ups off of turnovers and long rebounds, Team Shooters found themselves trailing by only a point with 9 seconds remaining in the half. After calling a timeout, Ben Sicnolf diagrammed a play to get Hensler a three point attempt from the wing. Just as the huddle broke, he reminded Lechleitner to hustle to the opposite block, in case the three point shot was off the mark. Team Shooters ran the play to perfection, and even though Hensler's shot missed the mark, Lechleitner was there to tip the ball in at the buzzer, giving Team Shooters their first lead of the game at 23-22.
This provided the team with an uplifted sense of confidence in the second half. They knew that despite going 1-18 from three in the first half, they had still fought hard enough to earn the win. After a quiet few minutes that saw them lose the lead to BW3's, Sicnolf found himself alone on the wing. After hesitating, he decided to join the party and shoot from distance. The shot found the bottom of the net, and seeing the ball go through gave a renewed sense of confidence to the team as they quickly followed with a driving lay-up and a second three pointer from Dan Kimble. John Pallant - the main deep ball threat - who had been having a poor evening shooting the ball, struck again with another three from the corner. A few minutes later, both he and Kimble struck again from distance. This gave Team Shooters their first margin of note, taking what was a close game into a double digit lead. The lead forced Team BW3's to come out of their zone, and they simply couldn't keep up with Team Shooters for the remainder of the game.
The final score ended with Team Shooters on top 49-40. Hensler, noting the jerseys of their opponents carried BW3's official logo, said, "You start knocking off sponsored teams, and you know you've caught lightning in a bottle." Team Shooters looks to make it 21 straight next week, as they play the primetime game - 8:45. The late start shouldn't faze the team, as playing on the big stage is nothing new for them.
Approximated box score and short analysis
John Beyer - 6 points, 5 rebounds - Beyer continues to score with a high efficiency. Beyer is not a high volume shooter, so his point totals don't always show what he brings to the offensive end. He also continues to make the most precise cuts in the league, finding lanes to receive the ball for shots near the basket. Defended their best offensive perimeter player well.
Zach Hensler - 6 points, 6 rebounds - Hensler could not find his rhythm from deep, but he continues to play terrific defense in the post. Zach finishes very well in the paint for a man of his size, and he needs to continue to drive the ball more often toward the hoop. A strong free throw shooter and finisher at the cup, Hensler can make good things happen when he attacks the rim.
Dan Kimble - 8 points, 4 rebounds - Kimble hit two huge three's in the second half, and had the lay-up that sealed the game. However, like most of the team, his mark was made on the defensive end. He matched-up with former Wright State player and Dayton legend Eric Wills, and literally held him scoreless. Also had one of the best blocks I've ever seen, stuffing the ever living shit out of one of their players from behind, literally and figuratively.
Sam Lechleitner - 9 points, 12 rebounds - Sam, as always, was forced to guard the team's best player on the block. Sam didn't shoot enough on the offensive end, but he was our main representative on the board, and did an admirable job on the behometh he was guarding.
John Pallant - 10 points, 2 steals - John was frustrated for much of the game because his shots weren't falling, but he made some tremendously timely shots in the second half to help Team Shooters pull away. Came up with a couple big steals at the start of the second half and showed good handles at the end of the game when their opponents went to a man-to-man defense. Needs to keep shooting when he's open.
Ben Sicnolf - 10 points, 7 assists - Sicnolf is on pace to lead the league in assists and steals for a second straight year. He's starting to get his conditioning back, which will undoubtedly lead to breakout lay-ups and fights with opponents who don't like hustling.
O'Reilly's AutoParts Game Ball: Sam Lechleitner - When a shot went up for BW3's, it felt like Team Shooters' only chance to get the rebound was for Lechleitner to go get it. He is pound for pound the best rebounder in basketball history - that's a fact. Offensively, Sam is not afraid to go completely against the grain of his teammates and shoot a mid-range jumper, something none of his teammates has attempted in years. Lechleitner will only appear sparingly moving forward, as he got a job that will take away from his court time. I can't imagine Team Shooters winning a game without him, so it should make things interesting.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Team Shooters Wins Opener
Kettering, OH (AP) - Southwest Ohio was treated to one of the most thrilling events in decades last night. We're not talking about Jay Bruce hitting a walk off home run to clinch the NL Central Division title. We're referring to, of course, Team Shooters winning their opening game at the Kettering Recreational Center. It's always a little shaky when the team comes out for the first game, with many of them failing to touch a ball during the entire off season, but things can be especially tough when that game comes against Team Ballers, a team full of HUGE men.
Probably the biggest team, in terms of girth, that Team Shooters have ever come up against, Team Ballers intended upon playing a slow down, deliberate brand of basketball, taking advantage of the size discrepancy between the two teams. However, a team with Dan Kimble is not going to walk up and down the floor - they're going to push the ball at every opportunity. The thought process is that with Team Shooters running full bore each possession, it was only a matter of time before the giants of Team Ballers would drop.
At the start of the first half, the running by Team Shooters was making it tough on Team Ballers, but a lack of scoring by either team kept the score very tight. No more than 4 points separated the teams, and if not for the scrappy play of Mike Lehner, providing extra possessions with steals and deflections, Team Shooters might have found themselves in a tougher spot than anticipated. But they continued to push the ball, and even with shots not falling, they managed to always keep the lead. Finally, the team hit a couple shots - including three's by Dan Kimble and John Pallant - in the final minutes put them up by 12 heading into intermission. This served as a confidence booster, and left Team Shooters feeling good during the halftime show. But that confidence quickly faded, as Team Ballers methodically cut into the margin, cutting it to a score of 46-41 with about 7 minutes remaining. As things tightened on the scoreboard, Team Shooters knew that they had to respond. As they have thousands of times before, Team Shooters fell into a pattern on the perimeter, using a three man weave with backcourt players Zach Hensler, Ben Sicnolf and Dan Kimble. Overlapping one another, the team scored 9 points over three straight possessions - a three point play by Hensler, followed by a three point play by Sicnolf, and finally a three pointer by Hensler from the wing. This put the lead back into double digits where it would remain for the rest of the game. The final dagger came as Dan Kimble hustled to get a long offensive rebound. Backing off from Kimble, the opposition taunted Kimble by telling him to "Pull it!" Pull it he did, and he spiked the three ball to remove all doubt.
It felt good to get the win, and following the game, Coach John Beyer recognized that Team Shooters was approaching a milestone seldom reached in the world of rec basketball. They had won 19 straight games. They know that getting to 20 straight would be quite an achievement, but this team is taking nothing for granted. With more quality teams in this year's league, each week will be a much more difficult task than a season before.
Final Score - 63-45
Approximated Box Score, and short analysis:
John Beyer: 14 points, 2 blocks - Beyer was the most consistent scorer on the night, always running the floor and finishing the two-on-one breaks. As the team's power forward, made an impact on the block. Had two monster rejections on huge men - it was awesome.
Zach Hensler: 11 points, 2 blocks - Hensler was a double digit scorer, but easily the most important contribution he made to the team was the defense he played on the Team Ballers' post players. Probably the best defensive effort ever out of Hensler, no joke. The guy he was guarding for much of the game was like 6'5" and the size of an ox. Very solid outing out of Hensler.
Dan Kimble: 8 points, 6 rebounds - Kimble is the most athletic player on Team Shooters, and he uses that athleticism to consistently beat his man into the lane. Can push the ball when Sicnolf is out. Also spiked two huge threes at critical times.
Sam Lechleitner: 8 points, 10 rebounds - By his lofty standards, a rather pedestrian offensive game for Lechleitner, far and away the team's best player. But, as always, Sam controlled the boards and was the only inside presence for Team Shooters.
Mike Lehner: 5 points, 3 steals - Lehner may not always have the type of game that shows up in the boxscore - though he's been known to drop 20 points with no problem. But last night, he showed how you can affect a game without just putting the ball in the hoop. Lehner's active hands on defense and a pursuit of the ball made a huge impact on the game, especially in the first half when much of the team was listless.
John Pallant: 10 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant wasn't hitting his three's the way he normally does - to be expected in the season opener - but even when they aren't falling, his reputation as a dead eye stretches the opposing team's defense and allows for lanes for other players. Had two really tough finishes in the paint when the game started to get tight in the second half.
Ben Sicnolf: 7 points, 7 assists - Sicnolf is mostly a facilitator in this league. However, his speed with the ball continually set up 2-1 and 3-2 fast breaks, off of steals or offensive rebounds. Went 3-3 from the line and recorded about 10 deflections.
Game ball goes to: Dan Kimble. You could make an argument for Beyer or Hensler in this game - especially due to their defense - but Kimble was the easy choice here. Dan played perhaps his best overall rec league game in over a year. After taking a few minutes to get his legs at the start of the game, he continually made impact plays on both ends of the floor. Kimble was asked to defend all 5 positions at some point throughout the night, and always made it tough for his opponent. Offensively, no one can get into the paint from the wing like Kimble. He's a deserving recipient of this season's first O'Reilly Auto Parts Game Ball.
Probably the biggest team, in terms of girth, that Team Shooters have ever come up against, Team Ballers intended upon playing a slow down, deliberate brand of basketball, taking advantage of the size discrepancy between the two teams. However, a team with Dan Kimble is not going to walk up and down the floor - they're going to push the ball at every opportunity. The thought process is that with Team Shooters running full bore each possession, it was only a matter of time before the giants of Team Ballers would drop.
At the start of the first half, the running by Team Shooters was making it tough on Team Ballers, but a lack of scoring by either team kept the score very tight. No more than 4 points separated the teams, and if not for the scrappy play of Mike Lehner, providing extra possessions with steals and deflections, Team Shooters might have found themselves in a tougher spot than anticipated. But they continued to push the ball, and even with shots not falling, they managed to always keep the lead. Finally, the team hit a couple shots - including three's by Dan Kimble and John Pallant - in the final minutes put them up by 12 heading into intermission. This served as a confidence booster, and left Team Shooters feeling good during the halftime show. But that confidence quickly faded, as Team Ballers methodically cut into the margin, cutting it to a score of 46-41 with about 7 minutes remaining. As things tightened on the scoreboard, Team Shooters knew that they had to respond. As they have thousands of times before, Team Shooters fell into a pattern on the perimeter, using a three man weave with backcourt players Zach Hensler, Ben Sicnolf and Dan Kimble. Overlapping one another, the team scored 9 points over three straight possessions - a three point play by Hensler, followed by a three point play by Sicnolf, and finally a three pointer by Hensler from the wing. This put the lead back into double digits where it would remain for the rest of the game. The final dagger came as Dan Kimble hustled to get a long offensive rebound. Backing off from Kimble, the opposition taunted Kimble by telling him to "Pull it!" Pull it he did, and he spiked the three ball to remove all doubt.
It felt good to get the win, and following the game, Coach John Beyer recognized that Team Shooters was approaching a milestone seldom reached in the world of rec basketball. They had won 19 straight games. They know that getting to 20 straight would be quite an achievement, but this team is taking nothing for granted. With more quality teams in this year's league, each week will be a much more difficult task than a season before.
Final Score - 63-45
Approximated Box Score, and short analysis:
John Beyer: 14 points, 2 blocks - Beyer was the most consistent scorer on the night, always running the floor and finishing the two-on-one breaks. As the team's power forward, made an impact on the block. Had two monster rejections on huge men - it was awesome.
Zach Hensler: 11 points, 2 blocks - Hensler was a double digit scorer, but easily the most important contribution he made to the team was the defense he played on the Team Ballers' post players. Probably the best defensive effort ever out of Hensler, no joke. The guy he was guarding for much of the game was like 6'5" and the size of an ox. Very solid outing out of Hensler.
Dan Kimble: 8 points, 6 rebounds - Kimble is the most athletic player on Team Shooters, and he uses that athleticism to consistently beat his man into the lane. Can push the ball when Sicnolf is out. Also spiked two huge threes at critical times.
Sam Lechleitner: 8 points, 10 rebounds - By his lofty standards, a rather pedestrian offensive game for Lechleitner, far and away the team's best player. But, as always, Sam controlled the boards and was the only inside presence for Team Shooters.
Mike Lehner: 5 points, 3 steals - Lehner may not always have the type of game that shows up in the boxscore - though he's been known to drop 20 points with no problem. But last night, he showed how you can affect a game without just putting the ball in the hoop. Lehner's active hands on defense and a pursuit of the ball made a huge impact on the game, especially in the first half when much of the team was listless.
John Pallant: 10 points, 4 rebounds - Pallant wasn't hitting his three's the way he normally does - to be expected in the season opener - but even when they aren't falling, his reputation as a dead eye stretches the opposing team's defense and allows for lanes for other players. Had two really tough finishes in the paint when the game started to get tight in the second half.
Ben Sicnolf: 7 points, 7 assists - Sicnolf is mostly a facilitator in this league. However, his speed with the ball continually set up 2-1 and 3-2 fast breaks, off of steals or offensive rebounds. Went 3-3 from the line and recorded about 10 deflections.
Game ball goes to: Dan Kimble. You could make an argument for Beyer or Hensler in this game - especially due to their defense - but Kimble was the easy choice here. Dan played perhaps his best overall rec league game in over a year. After taking a few minutes to get his legs at the start of the game, he continually made impact plays on both ends of the floor. Kimble was asked to defend all 5 positions at some point throughout the night, and always made it tough for his opponent. Offensively, no one can get into the paint from the wing like Kimble. He's a deserving recipient of this season's first O'Reilly Auto Parts Game Ball.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Here for Beer wins in Stunning Fashion
In a thrilling match up, Here for Beer pulled the upset of the season on a hot, humid night at Town and Country Sports Club in Wilder, KY last night before a capacity crowd of 7. They not only ended their losing streak, but also allowed their fewest goals of the year against their First Place opponent, Blue Team. Despite not winning by "several goals," Here for Beer wished to extend a giant middle finger to Zach Hensler, notorious detractor, and asshole.
New addition to the team, Dan Kimble, was a dominant force in the back, and his presence was needed as Team Blue was easily the youngest and strongest team Here for Beer has played to date. After surrending a goal when the Fat Guy on HfB passed the ball to the other team for a breakaway, the team fell into a swoon they have become so familiar with throughout the year. It seemed that, as usual, their opponents would put two or three more into the back of the net. But it was not to be on this night, as Kimble and newly acquired goalkeeper "George," put the clamps down in the back. The game stayed 1-0 until about 10 minutes left in the half when HfB got a corner kick. They had just missed on a kick minutes earlier when Ben Sicnolf sent a pass far post to Jeff Price, only to have him just miss the shot. Sicnolf, realizing that keeper was standing near post again, decided to attempt the same tactic of placing it just over the keeper's head right at the far post. This time, it was a success as Other Jeff deftly kneed the ball into the empty net, tying the score at 1 a piece.
Just before halftime it appeared as though Here for Beer would take the lead, as Sicnolf, running down the right side, picked out a streaking Jeff Price who got just a touch on it, but not enough to pass the keeper as it was parried wide. It would have been a spectacular goal, but given that it was Price's fourth run of over 20 yards of the game in just the first half, one cannot expect anything more out of the young star.
The game stayed netted at 1 throughout most of the second half. Kimble had to make several timely tackles that saved sure goals, including several breakaways. He was referred to as a "Ringer" by Gay Uncle Phil, which presumedly means something similar to a "Rimjob" to a gay man. Play was back and forth until about 10 minutes remaining, when Sicnolf charged at a defender while the ball was bouncing. He was able to tap it away from the defender at midfield, and race toward goal along the left side. As the goal keeper came out, Price had made yet another long run, bringing a defender with him. Sicnolf shot, and as the ball was going toward goal, the defender slid and kicked it into the net. At first it was ruled an own goal, but was later officially changed to a goal by Sicnolf, as it was headed goal bound regardless.
With the lead, HfB showed some remarkable ability to control the ball. Several minutes were wasted in the corner with Price and Sicnolf passing and shielding, then getting fouled, then doing it again. With about 30 seconds reamaining, Price decided to take a shot from deep in the corner on a free kick that skimmed the crossbar and went out at the other end for a throw-in. He was predictably furious with the result, but it proved to waste enough time so that the ensuing throw in resulted in the end of the game. Here for Beer had done it!
Men of the Match - Jeff Price - This was the most Price had run in years and it paid off. He made many long runs, and even played a beautiful ball down the sideline with his right foot toward the end of the game. Hustled back on defense. It was a sight to behold.
Dan Kimble - Kimble literally made all the difference in the world. Here for Beer would have given up 7 or 8 goals to this team on a normal night, and if not for Kimble, this would have assuredly happened.
"George" - some keeper who played in the game before ours was willing to join us because our shitty keeper didn't show up. George was old and fat, but his play resulted in the single largest improvement at one position in the history of sports by replacing "Marty," the team's usual goalkeeper.
Here for Beer looks to keep the momentum going next week when they take on another foe. Details on that game to follow later in the week.
Here for Beer Wins Heated Match
Wilder, KY (AP) - With Portugal taking on Spain earlier in the day in the World Cup, one might think that it was the odds on favorite for being the game of the day. But the most intriguing match of the day occurred about 5000 miles Northwest of there, in Wilder, KY at the Cincinnati Kings Sports Complex in the Over 30 Amateur Men's League. The game got off to an inauspicious beginning, with one of the referees showing up 20 minutes late, making for 22 antsy players making an extended warm up on the pitch. But once play began, the battle between Hummer FC and Here for Beer more than made up for the delayed start.
The game started off like many others in this league - slow, terribly played, and horrible to watch. Then, about 25 minutes in, one of the more amazing events ever witnessed on a soccer pitch occurred. With the score tied 0-0 in a relatively uneventful half, a seemingly normal foul was called on HFC's forward. After the whistle was blown, completely unprovoked and honestly really weirdly, an overweight 35 year old player from Hummer FC kicked the HfB defender, taking out both legs. While this may go down without much of a fight if done to your average HfB player, it was done to Gay Uncle Phil - and G.U.P. does NOT go quietly into that dark night. He immediately turned and RIPPED the HFC's players shirt straight off - from the neck. While it did reveal a fat man beneath, we also saw for the first time the sheer girth of the Hummer FC player. They were held back by teammates, but each was as fired up as two men could be. Gay Uncle Phil had the "crazy" in his eye, as he screamed gibberish at the fat Hummer FC player. The fat Hummer FC player was mostly calm, repeating - "Come at me," which seemed very scary to most observers. Eventually Phil got something coherent out - "I am a DOCTOR, with TWO bad achilles!" While it was clear that forward Ben Sicnolf was ready to make a joke that that injury had always been Phil's "Achille's heel," he recognized it was not the time or place for such a comment. The fight continued for several minutes, with each player breaking free at different moments trying to get to the other one. After they were each red carded, there was another delay because each was made to leave the complex, but they couldn't leave at the same time, as a death to one of them would have occurred in the parking lot. From this point forward, the game took on a different tone altogether.
About two minutes after the event, Daniel Imbus, HfB's do everything player, received the ball in the middle, playing it to the feet of striker Ben Sicnolf. Ben turned, cut up his man, and got brought down in the box with a trip. He turned to Jeff Price, who had a chuckle as he was reminded before the game that Sicnolf said specifically that he had "decided to get a penalty kick this game." Sicnolf took the spot kick himself and blasted it into the upper right corner, giving Here for Beer the 1-nil lead with about 10 minutes remaining in the half. 5 minutes later, Sicnolf again received the ball near the edge of the box. After beating two players with a cut back, he unloaded a shot with his left from about 12 yards out that went right over the keepers head and into the top of the net for a 2-0 lead, just as the halftime whistle was about to blow.
As they often say, a 2-0 lead is very dangerous in soccer because the team with the advantage has a false sense of hope, and this proved to be the case. After scoring about a minute in to cut the lead to one, Hummer FC seemingly grabbed the momentum. However, just 5 minutes later after earning a corner kick, a head ball from "Brian" gave HfB their two goal lead again, that set up for what would be a back and forth second half. This is when things started to fall apart for HfB. After giving up another terrible goal to cut the lead to one, you could almost see the wheels falling off. They held the one goal advantage, until a Hummer counter attack saw them spring on a 3 on 2 break. Price, playing midfield, made probably the best backtracking run of his playing career, and got to the box just as the cross came in. Unfortunately, so did a Hummer player. As the two collided, the Hummer player fell funny, and was awarded a penalty kick. While this set up the goal that allowed for the game to be tied at 3, all was not lost for HfB, as Price was able to keep his streak of giving up penalty kicks on bad calls alive. The tied scored might have done enough to give a strong sense of hope to Hummer, but even more was to come. After the penalty kick, Price was sure to give the referee who made the call a piece of his mind. After being given a yellow card for "dissent," Price did what any person in a 30 year old league would do after receiving a yellow - said, "BBBBFFFFFTTTT" while giving the "jack-off" motion to the ref, earning him the red card ejection.
This meant that Hummer would be a man up for the remaining 15 minutes of the game. They dominated play, but could not break through for a score. It appeared the game might be headed for a tie until Sicnolf came back to receive the ball in midfield and broke at the left back. After getting around him, he was being trailed by another defender. He cut it back at about twelve yards out on the left side of the box, got fouled but stayed on his feet, and hit a weak shot that was nearly saved by the goalie before going into the back of the net. Sicnolf could be heard saying his patented: "Get the fuck off of me," to the sweeper with whom he had been battling all game who was at his feet after attempting to slide him just before he shot. After a frantic few minutes, the final whistle blew, giving Here for Beer the unlikeliest of victories. One they won't soon forget.
Game ball: Gay Uncle Phil - Phil set the tone that HfB could not be trifled with. Though he did release vital injury information to other teams who may now attack his achilles, he also told us all he was a doctor for the first time, as if that were pertinent information.
Turning point - Price receiving the red card ejection - Although it appeared as though this was going to be a turning point in a bad way for his team, Price clearly sensed that his squad was letting this game slip away and did what he could to fire up the troops. They were able to rally around him and get the victory they so longed for. It was a savvy move by the veteran Price, who is actually the youngest member of his team.
Come check out the team next week, on July 5th, at 6:30, where I can guarantee you will see at least 33% of the players literally drunk on the pitch!
Megalopoli Win! Undefeated Season Complete!
Franklin, Oh (AP) - Mercury Morris, the oft-quoted spokesman for the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, has said, "Don't call me when someone comes to my town, call me when they're on my block," when asked about potential undefeated sports teams. Well, Mercury, it's time to welcome your new neighbors. The Dayton Cincinnati Megalopoli achieved immortality last night defeating the Knights 9-5 to finish undefeated in their inaugural season at Kingdom Rec Sports. There were times when the play was not pretty, and the Knights put up a yeoman's effort in attempts to win the game and crush the hopes of DCM fans everywhere. But, as they have done so many times, the Megalopoli showed the grit and deterimnation needed to earn the win, and accomplish what many thought would be impossible in the modern era of indoor soccer.
The game started out with DCM scoring twice quickly in the first two minutes. With the second goal, it would have appeared that the route was on. However, the Knights hung in there and scored a goal to cut the lead to one 10 minutes into the game. With the recent struggles of Megalopoli scorer Ben Sicnolf, there was a sense that the Knights could really pull off this monumental upset. It wasn't until potential League Rookie of the Year, Justin Davisson used four consecutive sole rolls to the right leaving Knight defenders in his wake on his way to a goal that the Megalopoli began to feel truly comfortable.
However, perhaps the key turning point happened a few minutes prior to Davisson's run. Clinging to a tight lead, Sicnolf blasted a shot toward the net from close range, hitting the Knight goal keeper squarely in the chest. This may have dazed the keeper for a moment, but nothing could have prepared him for what was to come next. The ball bounced back out to Kyle, who goes by a single name like Pele or Ronaldo, who was trailing the play. Kyle unleashed a shot that could not be seen by human eyes without the aid of some technology. The ball was sent toward the upper corner, leaving the goalkeeper with zero time to react. Asked about the shot after the game, Kyle, a simple man of few words, said, "I tried to kick the ball as hard as I could." The goal became undoubtedly the greatest moment in the young player's career, and probably his life altogether, and propelled the team toward victory.
In addition to Kyle and Davisson, Mark MacDonald continued his offensive terror, netting 3 additional goals, moving him into second place on the team. MacDonald scored in a variety of ways - including a nutmeg of the keeper to open the game - but one goal was especially memorable because it seems to have become a calling card of the Megalopoli throughout the year. Breaking down the left side toward the goal, MacDonald spotted an opening at the near post. Wasting no time, he fired a hard low shot, just missing the net and careening off the board. Unfortunately for the Knights, it ricocheted off the back of the goalkeeper and into the net, for Mark's third of the game. As we all know, demoralizing your opponent is often more important than actually scoring, so to achieve both aspects with one shot is truly a great play.
Though the focus for the DCM within the media is often on their goal scorers, an undefeated season just does not happen without great defense. Former field player turned goal keeper, John Pallant, continued his amazing run of victories with another great outing in the net. Though it may not have been Pallant's finest game outletting the ball, he did what he needed to do to get his team the victory. Two way players, Phil Johnson and Eddie Marrinan, got up and back throughout the game, providing the support needed up top, but continuing to defend along the way. Finally, the two stalwarts in the Megalopoli defense over the past decade were dominant as always. Dan Kimble and Zach Hensler have a unique understanding of how to play the indoor game that can only come with championship experience. And these two have championship experience by the boat load. Kimble, with his additional championships playing for University of Dayton's Club Indoor soccer team, is perhaps the most decorated indoor soccer player in Miami Valley history. Tied with Ben Sicnolf for the all time lead in caps, Kimble simply knows how to win games. And playing alongside Zach Hensler, who may have just completed the finest defensive season in his illustrious career, a near impenetrable force is made. Following the game, you could tell this win meant a lot to Kimble and Hensler, two of the remaining members from the original "Golden Generation" of indoor soccer players in the Dayton area. The two form a sort of yin and yang combination: Kimble the hard nosed enforcer, Hensler the softer, matronly player. But both will tell you the reason for their success is the same: "Kick the ball away from the other team."
In Greek mythology, the Titans were even greater than the gods. With another championship, and an undefeated season, it would appear that the Megalopoli are even greater than the Titans. Next year the team will be another year older, and their time as the dominant force in Southwest Ohio soccer may be nearing its end, but something tells me these men aren't ready to call it quits just yet.
Notes
Goals Scored: MacDonald (3), Davisson (2), Kyle (2), Sicnolf (2)
Game Ball: Zach Hensler - This was perhaps Hensler's best game in years. Few people can poke the ball away from their defender like Hensler, but it was his calming influence in the back that really made a difference yesterday. Hensler did an outstanding job of collecting the ball and distributing it to his teammates, starting the Megalopoli attack.
Final Goals Scored Tally:
Sicnolf - 21
MacDonald - 15
Davisson - 14
Marrinan - 7
Kyle - 4
Phil - 1
Kimble - 1
Graham - 1
Price - 1
Goalkeeper victories:
Pallant - 7
Hensler - .67 (Two games for a 1/3 of the game each)
Price - .33 (One game for a 1/3 of the game)
The team will be having a celebratory "Pizza Party" in the weeks to come, with details to follow.
DCM Dominates Frickers FC
Franklin, Ohio (AP) - The Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli took down the upstart Frickers FC team last night in Kingdom Sports Rec Center League play. It was the first of two big tests for DCM, separated by a bye week. Frickers FC is young and talented, and just inexperienced enough to not be scared by the legends they were playing. However, it may have been that inexperience that cost Frickers FC a chance to win the game.
With the scoreboard broken, and timer stuck on 19:20, it was clear that the men of FFC were rattled to start the game. And when you're playing the league leaders, you need to be firing on all cylinders. The veteran group of DCM players took the scoreboard malfunction in stride, and looked at it simply as a way that they could yell out the score even more often than they usually do once they took the lead. To start the game, FFC had a nice sequence of ball control, including a penetrating pass that had the Megalopoli on their heels. However, once they gained control of the ball themselves, they punished Frickers with a beautiful display of passing leading to a tip in goal for rookie Kyle "Hauvey" Something. This was Kyle's first goal of the season, and popping his cherry could not have come at a better time. Following that, two more goals that featured outstanding quick passing led to do more tap ins, one for Justin Davisson and one for Ben Sicnolf. Once DCM found themselves up 3-0, the rout was on.
In a very physical game, Sicnolf was able to break through their back line an additional 5 times for goals. After some of his goals, many of which involved him getting kicked and tugged just as scoring, you could hear the Megalopoli Captain saying to the young Frickers back line, "You guys are some weak motherf*ckers." This only led to more fouls from Frickers in what was becoming a very chippy game. That is until team enforcer Eddie Marrinan sent a message to the upstart Frickers club that it's not quite their time yet, sending "The Guy with Tennis Shoes," into the wall HARD and then making the guy feel like a bitch afterward.
The final tally was 8-4, but it didn't really seem that close. John Pallant had his finest game in the net for DCM. He is a sort of cross between hockey goalie Ryan Miller and collegiate great Tim Crouch. He not only had one of his finest games saving the ball, but his outlets to the forward have become a thing of beauty. He has learned how to throw it so that it hits EXACTLY before the third line up against the wall, allowing JD or Sicnolf to run onto the ball. Additionally, his improvement in his kicks, including a left footed perfectly placed two line pass, has many of the media thinking he could be All-League not just in years to come, but for this very season - a goal that many thought may be unattainable for the green goalkeeper.
Notes...Justin Davisson did like 4 guys along the sideline last night as the game was coming to a close...Eddie Marrinan and Mark MacDonald did a fine job filling in for defender Zach Hensler who was not in attendance due to personal reprieve from the team...Dan Kimble is getting forward more, and that can only make DCM even more dangerous...the team will have a week off before coming back for a match up already being billed as the "Game of the Century" between co-league leaders Thor's Hammer.
Game Ball: John Pallant
Updated total goals scored on the season
Sicnolf - 18
Justin - 11
MacDon - 8
Eddie - 7
Phil - 3
Kimble - 2
Price - 1
Graham - 1
Kyle - 1
Rookies Rule the day - Megalopoli on Top
Franklin, OH (si.com) -
Recently, the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli have been faced with many questions regarding co-league leader Thor's Hammer and whether they feel threatened with its success. It's a fair question, given the terror that Thor's Hammer has been on over the last several weeks (perhaps inspired by the Olympics hosted in Canada, the team's roots). But last night, the Megalopoli seemed to be playing with a chip on their shoulder not seen in some time. Never a team to run up the score, DCM was taking it to the hapless Thataboy far after the game's outcome was determined. As Ben Sicnolf beat the goalie for a score with only 10 seconds remaining in what was a 12-3 game, you could only think that they were looking to send a message to the rest of the league. That message: "We might literally kill you. Literally."
The game, matching one of the league's worst teams in Thataboy with the league leaders, started off closer than expected, with a fired up Thataboy tying the score at 1. After two quick goals from DCM, again Thataboy responded to pull within 1, at 3-2. It was at that point that rookies Eddie Marrinan and Justin Davisson put on a show. A team known for its veterans, the management at DCM has shown they also have an eye for young talent as newcomers Marrinan, Davisson, and Kyle (just called up from the minors a week ago) have shown flashes of brilliance, giving life to their older teammates. The most impressive thing about the rookies is that they haven't gotten caught up in the lights of playing on the big stage. They have different styles - Kyle, the do everything, all-around team player; Davisson, the flashy young buck who has subscribed to the Ben Sicnolf school that states,"It's not about winning the game, it's about embarrassing your opponent" since he was a kid; and Marrinan, the bruising physical specimen who, at 6 feet 11 inches tall, has become a sort of enforcer with the team. After the game we caught up with the rookies to see how they were managing jumping from semi-pro ball to the highest level indoor soccer has to offer.
"I grew up watching Dan Kimble play. The way he wins the ball in the air - that's how I wanted to be. If these guys think that I have become even half the player of a Dan Kimble, I'll take it," Marrinan said.
"I'm just trying to play my role. I was brought in to give a 'boost' at the offensive end - that's what I do, and that's what I've been trying to do since being called up," Davisson quipped, when asked what he brings to the team.
Kyle, the newest member to the team was in awe when he first joined the squad. "I'll admit, I was a little nervous playing with this team. I mean, a team that has won so many indoor soccer championships in the Dayton area. Growing up around here, like every other little kid, you dream of one day playing for a team like them. I never even dared to dream that I could be playing with them. To actually be able to play along side Mark McDonald and Zach Hensler, two of my childhood idols, I can't believe how lucky I am."
All three have contributed mightily at the mid-point of the season, and in no game more than last night. When the game got tight, it was the youngsters that put DCM on their back and carried them to victory. Scoring 3 goals each, Davisson and Marrinan showed that what they lack in experience, they more than make up for with talent. If these three youngsters can continue this impressive play, there is no reason to worry about DCM's league chances this year and beyond. And who knows, some day, just like they did with their idols, young boys will be wearing DCM jerseys around town not just with local heroes, "Sicnolf," "Kimble," and "Price", but with "Davisson," "Marrinan," and "Kyle" on the back.
Notes...Goals were scored by Davisson (3), Marrinan (3), Sicnolf (3), (and that's all we know for sure. MacDonald had at least one, and Phil had at least one, which means there are 2 more goals unaccounted for. Anybody? It might have been 4 with each of those guys up top.)...game ball goes to Eddie Marrinan, the first two time recipient of the award this year, and one away from the rookie record.
Megalopoli Win Again - Start Season 4-0
Franklin (AP) - Nobody said winning the Kingdom Sports Rec Center title, and perhaps going undefeated for the first time in league history, was going to be easy. And the Dayton-Cincinnati Megalopoli finally found that out last night, playing a talented and spirted Mixed FC team last night. However, in typical DCM fashion, they made the plays they needed to make to secure the win.
The game had an inauspicious start for the league leaders. A little over a minute in a fluke goal found them trailing 1-0, a deficit they are not used to facing. The goal did more than just give Mixed FC the lead, it gave them a new found confidence, which was perhaps the most important thing. As veterans Dan Kimble and Ben Sicnolf looked on from the bench, their faces told a story of - "We're in for a game today, we better be ready." The 1-0 lead held for another 5 minutes until Sicnolf broke free down the right side, beating several defenders before firing a low shot to beat the goalkeeper and knot the score at 1. This goal allowed the Megalopoli to calm down and play their game, but although they began to control the action, it would be another 14 minutes before the next goal was scored. That breakthrough came through the play of veteran Mark MacDonald.
Breaking free, MacDonald put the Megalopoli ahead for the first time in the match, with a shot between the goal keepers legs. That goal was followed up immediately with a goal from Dan Kimble. Known solely as a defender prior to this season, Kimble has been making deep runs into the offensive third, giving the Megalopoli another potent attacker. When the ball found Kimble's left foot from 14 feet out, you knew the veteran would not miss his chance. This goal was followed by rookie Justin Davisson's lone goal of the afternoon, and the rout was on...or so it seemed.
Mixed FC would not going quietly into that dark night. They found life with about 8 minutes remaining, scoring two goals to pull within one. Sicnolf then scored his two finest goals of the season - a heel flick beneath the MFC goalie, and a dazzling 1 v 1 along the left side (assisted from one of John Pallant's patented long throws from goalkeeper). Those two goals broke the back of Mixed FC, and it was all over but the shouting. Mixed was able to put one more in the net, but the game was never in doubt, and MacDonald connected on two more to seal it.
DCM moves to 4-0 in the league. They were tested dearly last night, but found a way to pull through. Quoted after the game, Dan Kimble said, "We've been here before. When we got down 1-0, a lot of teams would have just packed it up, but we weren't rattled. We know we can play with anyone, and I think we proved that tonight."
Notes: Game ball goes to Mark MacDonald. Mark got his first hat trick of the season. After the game, teammate and biggest fan John Pallant was overheard saying, "That's the McDonald we know - ATTACK the goal!" But it wasn't just the goals that earned Mark the game ball, the greatest achievement in his life thus far, but his relentless attack. This game meant something to him and he played like it. It was thrilling to see...Goals were scored by MacDonald (3), Davisson (1), Sicnolf (3) and Kimble (1)...DCM returns to action next week, February 23, to take on Thataboy.
Megalopoli Win!
AP (Franklin, Ohio) - Last night, a gritty Megalopoli team full of wily veterans pulled off what many experts thought to be impossible. With many players on the team not having played a game in over a year, they took down Chromparts in the opening match of the season at Kingdom Sports Rec Center. Though you could tell this team had been their before with their composure throughout the match, many would admit before the game that they were as nervous as the first time they took the pitch. Just before the opening whistle, defensive star Zach Hensler could be overheard saying, "I really just want to not miss the ball when I try to kick it."
Despite letting in an early goal, falling behind 1-0, the Megalopoli settled in and started to play their game, which consists mainly of building a wall around the goal and continually blocking shots or poking the ball away from defenders before kicking it up to the attacking forward for a counter. Though forward Ben Sicnolf had a difficult time with his finishing touch in the opening few minutes, looking a bit like a re-TARD, observers could tell it was just a matter of time before the team broke through. And break through they did behind the 9 foot long right leg of newcomer Jimmy Graham. After stealing a ball at midfield, Graham used 14 foot strides to move into the attacking area before unleashing a rocket shot putting the Megalopoli on the board, evening the score. Despite the injury to perennial all star, Chris Rank, they never looked back.
Additional goals were scored by Jeff Price (1), Mark MacDonald (1), Phildo Johnson (1), and Ben Sicnolf (3), though one of Sicnolf's did go off the post into the back of the goalie before ricocheting in. But it was just that kind of night for the Megalopoli.
In all, the Megalopoli scored 7 goals, against giving up 3. It was a magical start for the team, and one can't help but wonder if this group of huge, old men can't keep the magic up all year long.
Individual Performance Breakdown
Jim Graham
Positives - had the play of the day with his rocket toe ball off the wall setting himself up for a headball. Despite not scoring a goal, teammate Jeff Price could be overheard saying, "Jesus - he MEANT to do that!"; also, made another man say, "Quit it!" when Jimmy was playing his patented physical brand of soccer.
Negatives - needs to be on the field more; if at any point Jim realizes that he is currently on the bench, he should immediately sub in.
Zach Hensler
Positives - did indeed connect with the ball all nearly all of his attempts; is really good at stealing the ball and then kicking it in the direction of the forward, which is the most important thing you can do in indoor soccer. Only let in one goal when in the net.
Negatives - endurance. Hensler showed flashes of speed, but you could tell his inability to run most of the game frustrated him.
Mark McDonald
Positives - in the best shape on the team; one of the few guys able to get up and back. Also, had a nice goal when it seemed that Chromparts may make a run at the Megalopoli.
Negatives - did not pull out the Maradona/McDonald move a single time in last night's game. The Megalopoli most likely will not win another game if this happens again.
Jeff Price
Positives - the best goalie on the team. Made two impossible saves. Still has that rocket left foot if he has time. He's Kingdom Rec Sports version of Fulton Reed of District 5.
Negatives - fell over on his own when making a move.
Ben Sicnolf
Positives - scored goals.
Negatives - had a hard time dribbling, and couldn't really run the way he is used to, which was frustrating to him.
Chris Rank
Positives - when Rank has the ball at his feet, he is still the best player on the team. He's the only one that can actually look up and pass it to someone and it actually goes right where it should.
Negatives - mostly his knee ligaments. Has shitty knee ligaments.
Dan Kimble
Positives - absolutely the most important defensive player on the team. Seems to cover two men at a time.
Negatives - his toe poke anticipation wasn't quite where he wanted it to be last night.
John Pallant
Positives - John played very well last night in defense. ATTACKS the guy with the ball. Two quotes overheard. One, with 5 minutes remaining and the Megalopoli in the lead, Pallant checked into goal: Jeff Price could be overheard saying, "Board Safe," supposedly meaning that the scoreboard was now safe. And it was. Secondly, on the walk into the parking lot, Pallant said: "Here's the thing guys, I'm only going to get better, too."
Negatives - I'm honestly not sure if there was a negative in John's game last night - I don't mean this as like a crack, but I think he was much better than many of us expected he might be. He pretty much looked the same as everyone else out there.
Phil Johnson
Positives - Intense, serious about the game.
Negatives - Maybe a little too intense and serious about the game.
JD
Positives - very good on the ball. Could actually hold it until we got other attackers in the offensive end.
Negatives - needs to shoot the ball. I don't know if he realizes, but the name of the game is kick the ball as hard as you can and hope it goes into the goal. Trust me, as someone that takes a lot of shots, no one is going to get mad if at least some go in the goal.
Game Ball: Jeff Price. The premier two-way player on the team, Jeff played a great game in goal, and also scored a goal. Not many people this year are going to have a game like that. Well done, Jeff!
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