OLD BALLS BOUNCE BACK - FIND OUTSIDE THREAT
December 4, 2005
Glenwood, IA - A week off is exactly what the Old Balls needed. After suffering their first loss of the season, 54-49 to Gang Green, the Old Balls used their bye week to rest, recharge and prepare for their battle against their rival, the Young Balls.
"They reminded us a lot of ourselves out there.", said Clay Lincoln. "They were kind of out of control, fouled a lot and complained to the refs, just like us...but a lot younger. They played hard though."
The Young Balls matched shots with the Old Balls for the first few minutes of the game, but then Matt Portrey gave the Old Balls a lead they would not lose for the rest of the game.
"Portrey was awesome tonight.", said Chuck Smith. "He came out firing just like he always does...but this time he made them! It was a great thing for us to see."
Portrey started with a flurry of shots, making floating jumpers, powerful moves to the basket and from behind the arc.
"I haven't lifted weights for like two weeks, so I'm not shooting the ball as far." said Portrey of his re-found touch. "Another thing, I got really drunk this weekend, so I was playing at a much slower pace than usual. I think it confused everybody. Plus nobody would guard me since I looked like I was going to puke the whole time."
The Old Balls were especially strong on the defensive end of the court, recording 54 steals. The team's defensive strategy worked out well.
"What we did was leave the entire left side of the court open for the Young Balls point guard, and overloded the court on his right hand.", explained Chad Beardmore. "He played right into it, with cross-overs and spins that ultimately lead to him dribbling into a double or triple-team in the corner on the right side. Now I know what it feels like to guard me since I have no left either. It's really easy."
Justin Huisman led the team with 38 rebounds on the night, 34 of them offensive. What was more impressive is that 27 of those offensive rebounds were off of his own missed shots.
"I can make lay-ups and 4 footers all day.", said Huisman of his rebounding prowess. "This just makes it a little more fun and challenging for me. Plus if I lead the league in rebounds there is a huge incentive payment at the end of the season. I have to pad the stats in any way that I can."
Sunday's game also featured the debut of two big men for the Old Balls. Rob Schoening and Eddie (don't know what his last name is) both contributed well to the Old Balls victory.
"I think they blend very well with us. Plus it's nice to have a couple of big guys in the lane so when I get beat off the dribble they are there to save me.", said Smith.
"I just like that I can throw the ball anywhere that might usually be a turnover and they are tall enough to catch it and make it look like I meant to do it.", added Beardmore.
The highlight of the night came in the last few minutes. With the game well in hand, Old Balls had the ball on offense. Bob Mills was trailing the play because he was really tired and slower than everyone else on the court. As he crossed mid-court Portrey accidentally passed him the ball.
"I thought it was Jim or Clay.", said Portrey. "You know...somebody that should have the ball that far away from the basket."
Mills already had 18 points on the night and wanted to break the 20 point mark.
"I got the ball and lined up to launch a 3.", explained Mills who is shooting 100% on the season from behind the arc. "I would have made it anyway. It's not my fault that I tripped and sneezed right when I shot it. Either way...it was going in. I just wished I would have seen it."
Glenwood, IA - A week off is exactly what the Old Balls needed. After suffering their first loss of the season, 54-49 to Gang Green, the Old Balls used their bye week to rest, recharge and prepare for their battle against their rival, the Young Balls.
"They reminded us a lot of ourselves out there.", said Clay Lincoln. "They were kind of out of control, fouled a lot and complained to the refs, just like us...but a lot younger. They played hard though."
The Young Balls matched shots with the Old Balls for the first few minutes of the game, but then Matt Portrey gave the Old Balls a lead they would not lose for the rest of the game.
"Portrey was awesome tonight.", said Chuck Smith. "He came out firing just like he always does...but this time he made them! It was a great thing for us to see."
Portrey started with a flurry of shots, making floating jumpers, powerful moves to the basket and from behind the arc.
"I haven't lifted weights for like two weeks, so I'm not shooting the ball as far." said Portrey of his re-found touch. "Another thing, I got really drunk this weekend, so I was playing at a much slower pace than usual. I think it confused everybody. Plus nobody would guard me since I looked like I was going to puke the whole time."
The Old Balls were especially strong on the defensive end of the court, recording 54 steals. The team's defensive strategy worked out well.
"What we did was leave the entire left side of the court open for the Young Balls point guard, and overloded the court on his right hand.", explained Chad Beardmore. "He played right into it, with cross-overs and spins that ultimately lead to him dribbling into a double or triple-team in the corner on the right side. Now I know what it feels like to guard me since I have no left either. It's really easy."
Justin Huisman led the team with 38 rebounds on the night, 34 of them offensive. What was more impressive is that 27 of those offensive rebounds were off of his own missed shots.
"I can make lay-ups and 4 footers all day.", said Huisman of his rebounding prowess. "This just makes it a little more fun and challenging for me. Plus if I lead the league in rebounds there is a huge incentive payment at the end of the season. I have to pad the stats in any way that I can."
Sunday's game also featured the debut of two big men for the Old Balls. Rob Schoening and Eddie (don't know what his last name is) both contributed well to the Old Balls victory.
"I think they blend very well with us. Plus it's nice to have a couple of big guys in the lane so when I get beat off the dribble they are there to save me.", said Smith.
"I just like that I can throw the ball anywhere that might usually be a turnover and they are tall enough to catch it and make it look like I meant to do it.", added Beardmore.
The highlight of the night came in the last few minutes. With the game well in hand, Old Balls had the ball on offense. Bob Mills was trailing the play because he was really tired and slower than everyone else on the court. As he crossed mid-court Portrey accidentally passed him the ball.
"I thought it was Jim or Clay.", said Portrey. "You know...somebody that should have the ball that far away from the basket."
Mills already had 18 points on the night and wanted to break the 20 point mark.
"I got the ball and lined up to launch a 3.", explained Mills who is shooting 100% on the season from behind the arc. "I would have made it anyway. It's not my fault that I tripped and sneezed right when I shot it. Either way...it was going in. I just wished I would have seen it."
posted by Bob at 11:43 AM
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