The final game of the regular season. Unfortunately prison politics has resulted in mass player ineligibility and confusion. And, what began as an activity to boost self-esteem improve morale and contribute to a more stable environment for inmate and staff alike is turning into an episode of the Twilight zone.
Today’s game featuring team #3 Ruffnex vs team #5 Elixir has the Ruffnex suiting up only four (4) players and no coach. However, as prisoners with little to no resources, we are accustomed to having to make something out of nothing – and that is exactly what happened today in what turned out to be the most entertaining game of the season.
Elixir pulled out to an early lead, but the competitive spirit of the Ruffnex had the air charged with electricity. An incredible shooting display by Ernie “Instant Offense,” who proved that he can also be effective in a starting role, poured in 14 of his career high 22 points in the 1st half to keep the game close. “Bucktown” (23 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks) did what he do, combining with Ernie for 27 of the Rufnex 35 1st half point total.
On the other side, Jimi-Jam (21 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals) was on fire, hitting seemingly from everywhere and Elixir lead at the half, 39-35. “Runny Ray” (8 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists), energy and never say die attitude characterized his team’s play throughout the game. “E-Smoove” did not score his first point until 3:58 of the 1st half, but that was the only part of his game that was off.
He expended a super-human effort on both ends of the court and literally left it all on the floor. He finished with a sick line of (14 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks) and the Ruffnex took a 5 point lead early in the 2nd half, but “The Gem” (22 point, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals) pumped in 18 of his 22 points in the 2nd half and was the glue that stabilized Elixir leading them to a 77-67 win.
Solid performances by “J-Rock” (8 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks), “Bigg Dogg (17 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and “Big-Shot Bo” (7 points, 16 rebounds) and total domination of the boards with Elixir grabbing 61, the highest total in one game for any team this season.
Big ups to Elixir coach “Red” for a classy coaching effort in an awkward situation; an all season long. Today, lemons became lemonade. Great game! And the winner was – The human spirit. Basketball and life: Team sports, ya heard?
Player of the week honors go to your 6th man of the year; Ernie “Instant Offense”. Congratulations “Instant O” on a great week and a great season. See ya in the playoffs.
Mr. Blue
Copyright © 2010 by Paul Brown
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