T&T is simply Dynamite!!!
Old School schools New School
What a championship match up we had on Saturday, the gym was jumping and the fans got their money’s worth. This was one of the more entertaining championship games we had in some time and both teams didn’t disappoint. The pre-game festivities were great and both teams were ready and loose. Bethany the new school team in their first championship appearance was jovial and appeared confident before the start of the game. Their fans were excited and from the looks of things they had the entire fan base present. Their coaching staff did all the scouting and preparation. The players practiced all week, and all that was left was to execute the game plan. They were so confident that when the coach of T&T greeted the coach of Bethany during warm-up Bethany coach told him I hope your guys are ready. Coach Colin made sure that his players knew what was said especially being the favorite. That is the type of confidence I expected to see from both teams however, sometimes you have to tamper your comments so it doesn’t become bulletin board motivation for the opposing team. T&T on the other hand did their preparation and all hands were on deck for this game. Both teams had a perfect game plan to counter each other, but it was the in game adjustments that would be the difference this game. I was curious to see how well the ballers would start off the game because sometimes when you are playing in a winner take all game, players tend to get flustered and play out of character. However, this wasn’t the case this night because Bethany came to ball. Bethany started the game off strong and had the defending champs on their heels in the first half. T&T had devised their game plan to stop the ballers interior scoring and limit them to one shot on the offensive end. Bethany surprised T&T by raining 3 point shots all over the gym in the first half mounting a 20 point lead. T&T coaching staff allowed their players to play through Bethany’s run because good coaches understand teams make runs and it’s how well you respond that counts. Bethany players and fans were on cloud 9 because they had a good lead and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. I even observed some players and fans saying the game was over and it wasn’t half time yet. Well, T&T responded as they always do and was able to cut the lead to 5 points by half time. Bethany fans and players were confident they had the game by the way the ballers were playing however, never count out the heart of a champion because it’s in times of adversity when one true self is exposed. During half time both coaching staff went over the first half adjustments with their teams and all that was left was to finish strong. Bethany despite losing their big lead in the first half were still confident they had the game won. T&T coaching staff has a motto that their players follow and that is “no rebound no ring”.
When the second half started T&T was confident they would come back because you can’t teach heart and determination it comes from within. Both teams played well enough in the second half but this is where I feel T&T exploded and Bethany imploded. Coach Colin and his staff had just erased a huge lead and had their fans rejoicing. Likewise on the other sideline the Bethany players and fans weren’t celebrating like they did in the first half and that told me something. You see players who have experienced that type of atmosphere and pressure situation before are able to channel those experiences in a positive way that would benefit the team success. Bethany didn’t have that on their side and it showed when T&T made their run. Bethany’s game plan in the first half was perfect however, their second half adjustment didn’t work as well. Coach Colin made the correct adjustments in the second half and it threw the ballers off their game. T&T started off man to man in the second half but when they switched into a zone Bethany was confused and couldn’t counter effectively. The game went back and forth throughout the second half and both teams were in position for the win. Bethany had many opportunities to put the kings away but couldn’t seem to find their second gear. The one play that symbolized why T&T won this game was after the time out with 19.5 seconds remaining and Bethany was down by one point. Coach Colin knew the ballers would attempt to run the clock down and look for the last shot, but instead he intentionally used the “Hack a Dave” sending the ballers veteran to the line with a chance to go ahead. It was a risky move on Colin’s part but there was a reason to his madness. I know Bethany coaching staff didn’t expect it and sure enough Dave hit one and missed the other tying the game. T&T rebounded but both teams missed their attempts in the ensuing plays. With about 12 seconds left and the game tied Bethany had a chance to finish the deal but Jamar from T&T played the passing lane and intercepted the pass and drove it to the other end giving T&T a two point lead. Bethany then called a time out and went to their bread and butter play. The only problem was time wasn’t on their side and in desperation they attempted the shot but it clanked off the rim thus giving T&T the 2 point victory. T&T had a few players shine, but the game MVP I must say was Shontay Lovell who took on the challenge and scored a game high 35 points in the win. The gym erupted and the T&T fans and followers began rejoicing. As the dust settled and the players from T&T wore their shirts and hats that said champions, I couldn’t help but observe the fans and players of Bethany. Some of the players were upset, some of the players were disappointed, and most of the fans were sitting in disbelief. This was supposed to be the year of the ballers but in the end it was the Old school coach and his troops that took home the hardware. I asked the question last week can the ballers bring the noise, they did, however, they didn’t play a complete game against a team with experience and the result was a loss. Old school proved to be too much for new school. So to the ballers of Bethany, families, fans, and followers I booked a large boat to accommodate everyone so bring some blankets and lots of bait because you are going fishing for bass on the Jersey Shore. You fought a good fight, you tried your best, but your best wasn’t good enough that night. Take solace in the fact that you were one of the last two teams standing and for that you should be proud. Set backs are a part of life and it’s how we rebound or pick ourselves up that counts. I know it might hurt or cause sleepless nights short term but take in the cool breeze and sunshine because next year could be your year. Keep you heads up because someone had to win.
Congratulation to the Triumphant Tabernacle Kings on their back to back championship. Colin and his coaching staff has done it again and now they can enjoy the summer break with a smile. Congratulations to all the players of T&T, their fans, Pastor Wesley, and A.Y Director Lafern Hunt for doing it the right way. You proved that with hard work, dedication, and accountability anything is possible. Colin has done it 8 championships as a coach and 3 championships as a player to tie Phil Jackson. I would like to take this time to thank the commissioners, fans, and followers for making this season one to remember. God has been so good to us he’s brought us through another season of witnessing. Keep God first and last in everything we do because soon and very soon we will see the King. Players continue to strive for excellence and don’t give up on your dreams and aspirations. Practice makes perfect and if we are to be called children of God we have to practice being like Him. If we don’t know God we would fall for anything. Have a great summer everyone and players remember to work on your weakness so next year it could become your strengths. Until next time this is Milo signing out. God Bless.
