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
Friday, November 19, 2010
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.
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