Bringing the Heat: Mid-Week Special Day 10

Game 1 Mayhem vs The Realest – A slugfest. The Realest went down 9-2 early and did not score their first FG until 9:32 of the first half. But, they were able to stay in the game due to the brilliant defensive strategy by Coach T.C. Campbell of denying the ball to Marcus “The Phenom” Mitchell and smothering him with a constant double-team. The score was tied at 14 with 6:09 to play in the 1st half and The Realest swarming to the ball with tenacious, in your face, team D.


We went to the half tied 24-24. Second half fire! The defensive pressure got turned up a notch for some high intensity hoops. Stacey “Scoop” Tyler was held to 4 points, but was solid across the board as usual with (11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks). And, John “J Dub” Williams and Roger “The Blanket” Blankeney stepped it up for Mayhem combining for a much needed (12 points and 10 rebounds).

Foul trouble plagued the Realest throughout the contest. And you cannot stop the Phenom; you can only hope to contain him. And he began to get loose, finding his range from downtown then slashing inside for easy baskets and making his free throws to finish with a modest, for him, (24 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists). James “Silk Money” Little, III finished with a game high (25 points, 11 rebounds 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks) and seemed to make plays from every spot on the floor. But, the double-team was called off in the closing minutes due to foul trouble which was the turning point in this 50-46 thriller. A losing effort for The Realest, but a gutty, stand-up performance. They were outmanned, but they manned up!

Game 2 Elixir vs Ruffnex: the rivalry continues. This game became a rivalry when Elixir forfeited an earlier win over the Ruffnex on a controversial call. There was a little extra incentive on each possession. Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell came back early from a head injury last week requiring stitches. He was tentative in the early going, but then exploded with a spectacular performance going (17 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals). Poetry in motion with the rock; good to see ya back out there kid!

Paul “Lil Bison” Cummings came to the game donning his warrior headband and a warrior mentality with aggressive play on both ends. It was a one point game at the half. Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor (16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 blocks) seemed to be able to score at will, but ironically was not a major part of the offense. And, Mitchell “The Carpenter” Holmes dominated in the paint with 18 boards (6 points, 4 assists and 2 steals). However, the Ruffnex are prone to mental errors.

The odds-on favorites to play for the chip at the beginning of the season, the Ruffnex are a team that can’t seem to get out of its own way. Still, anybody’s game late when out of nowhere, James “Jimmy Jam” Morgan nailed back-to-back bombs from treysville, also adding a clutch turnaround jumper to push team Elixir out to a 5 point lead and provide the spark needed to pull away. Final score, 45-41 Elixir, but it’s not over. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season… Bring your fire suit!

Player of the week honors go to: James “Jimmy Jam” Morgan. In the absence of injured team leader Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell, Jam stepped his game up with a career high (16 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist), and came up huge today in crunch time to help team Elixir go 2-0 for the week. His energy and spirit are unmatched. Congratulations Jam, you always got the green light and that’s the Blue-View. No games tomorrow; flames Monday-bring it!

Mr. Blue
Copyright © 2010 by Paul Brown