Ball Til We Fall

Friday, March 28, 2014

Legacy Infinite Resilience Day 10

“Take it to the rack and stick it to them.”

Benny Anders 83’ Houston Cougars

a.k.a. Phi Slamma Jamma

Ballers,

It was written: some teams are destined to do the unbelievable! N.C State did the impossible in the 1983 NCAA tournament. They beat the Houston Cougars for the national championship title. Houstom was known as “phi slamma jamma.” With the likes of players like, Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon, Clyde ‘The Glide’ Drexler, Benny Anders, Alvin Franklin and Michael Young! No one gave N.C. State a chance!

With the game tied 52-52 and three seconds remaining, Dereck Whittenburg launched a long air ball that miraculously, Lorenzo Charles caught the ball and dunked! Forever going down as one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history! Sometimes the best teams don’t always win. That’s what makes this game so exciting and so unpredictable!

Today’s game featured Hakuna Matata (7-3) vs Dead Game (2-8). After yesterday’s loss, Hakuna Matata was on a mission to prove that they were still the king of the court. During the first half they led 22-15 at the 4:04 mark. Coach Chimmi didn’t start his point guard Geezy. Instead Lil’ Giant took control of the offense to generate a spark.

Facilitating the rock to his prolific scorer E-Smoove and getting the rest of his team in the offense. They went on to take a ten point lead at the half; 31-21. E-Smoove (14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks) at the break. While Heart-N-Soul for Dead Game had 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists. And his teammate Pit Bull grabbed a career high (17 GMB’s) for the game.

As the second half got underway it didn’t look any better for Dead Game. They gave a lackadaisical effort and lackluster performance. Something we at the scorer’s table aren’t accustomed to seeing from them! Lil’ Scrappy tried to do his part and prepresent the true meaning of Dead Game (fighting to the end) by scoring 19 points. It still wasn’t enough firepower! Hakuna Matata held no punches or showed no mercy! E-Smoove (31 points, 15 GMB’s, 4 assists, 3 blocks)(5^th double/double) was a man possessed.

The Human Eraser (11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 blocks)(5^th double/double) entered the game blocking shots everywhere. While Lil’ Giant, Runny Ray and Geezy all combined for (28 points, 21 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals) giving Hakuna Matata a dominate win; 74-46. I asked Coach Chimmi what did he tell his players to motivate them for today’s game after yesterday’s loss? He said, “I just reminded them to stay focused and remember our quest.”

Our second game featured Apocalypse (7-3) vs TTTB (4-6). The Phenom has really matured as the years progressed by turning into a versatile playmaker. Able to score, as well as distribute the rock – giving his teammates a chance to shine. And shine they did in the first half! Team Apocalypse started raining treys (6)! Billy-Ho hit four of them and finished with 12 points at the half. With Phenom’s 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 14 points (2 treys) all in the first half, team Apocalypse had a commanding lead; 31-13 at the break.

During the second half, TTTB led by the Carpenter (9 points, 14 GMB’s, 1 assist, 1 steal) and Tone ‘Wild Thing’ Loc (10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal) tried to keep them alive. With help from Hilltop (6 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block) but it still wasn’t enough. For Apocalypse wanted to make a statement: proving they are the team to Beat!!! 4-0-9 (14 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block)(7^th double/double) is in the zone.

And Phenom (20 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block)(4^th double/double) never let up on the gas, cruising to a 54-32 win. I asked Coach T.C. does he think that Apocalypse is in playoff form after today’s game? He said, “I’m proud of my guys, they all bring something to the table individually that I admire. If we continue to do things we do well, we’ll be peaking at playoff time, which is the right time.”

Our player of the week award goes to E-Smoove. Over a three game span he has put up monster numbers (63 points, 9 assists, 34 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks) while helping his team go (2-1) in that span. Kudos to a job well done bro!

Today’s Ingredients

- Where legends are made

- Where rivalries are born

- Where ego’s are crushed

- Where ballers are one

This league has history…Let’s continue to make more!

Gentlemen, may you continue to grow as men and in knowledge.

Live well,

Bigg Dogg

Monday, March 17, 2014

Legacy Infinite: Rap Session, Smoove Like Butter

A baller’s coming of age rarely excludes the bumps and bruises of being recognized as second best. I mean, let’s face it, Lebron James had to go through some disappointment-filled seasons, while playing in Cleveland.

His individual accomplishments meant nothing until he took his talents to South Beach three seasons ago. And we all know how that turned out. Right?

Team Hakuna Matata is this season’s underrated steamroller. With two decisive victories over team Apocalypse – the preseason favorite to win the chip – the lead operator of this steamroller, E-Smoove, isn’t the least bit hesitant about revealing his ambitions for the upcoming postseason.

“This is our championship to lose. Frost and me were teammates on last year’s runner-up squad, ‘Silverbacks.’ We came on strong in the end, but we couldn’t finish when it counted. Somehow the draft brought us together again for another run at it. Will we lose it? Not this year, Big Homie.”

You can’t help but appreciate the confidence of a baller like E-Smoove. Over the years, I’ve watched him evolve from the quiet complementary player; to the vocal leader with a midrange game that’s simply smoove like butter. Word is bond! After eight games, E-Smoove is averaging 26.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals.

With six games scoring 25-plus points (including 36 and 32 points outbursts) and tallying four double/doubles while doing so, it’s no wonder why the words ‘All-Business” has become a continuous chant around the yard, when E-Smoove steps on the court. I asked him what’s been the difference.

“If you don’t put in the work, you don’t get better. If I’m on the yard playing ball, I’m working on something to better my game. The difference this year is I knew I needed to get better, because when the whistles blow, nobody is going to give you anything. So if you bring nothing you get nothing. Believe that!

In search of his first title, E-Smoove is driven by his hunger for the chip, but understands he can’t do it alone. “I know I wouldn’t be doing any of this without the support of my team. When the ball goes up, I’m All Business, but one can’t win the chip. In my eyes, individual is not a word on this team. The only accomplishment that counts is winning the chip.”

This season has been the ‘All Business’ campaign for E-Smoove, but his modesty becomes apparent when I asked him to describe his hunger of winning a title. A subtle hint of pride surfaces when he shifts the focus to his niece, Ke Yana Jones. “My niece is the best point guard coming out of The Ville (Fayettville, N.C.). So two-six stand up!” He pauses to gather his thoughts. He rubs his beard, and his head angles toward the floor. He takes a few seconds before continuing.

“I’m not sure if I have the words to describe such a feeling. But this letter that my niece wrote to me is on point. She mentioned something about Hoop Life. She told me to stand strong regardless of what obstacles I have to cross, I will succeed! She ended the letter by saying, ‘go win!’” His head bounces in agreement with Ke Yana’s inspiring words. The determination to win was evident in his body language.

When I gave him a pound, Ke Yana’s words were still ringing through my mental. I was reminded of that climatic moment when Adrian whispers in the ear of her stressed out #1 contender, in the epic film, ‘Rocky II.’ She was just coming out of a coma when she says, “win.” Three letters that inspired a contender to become the champ. Don’t be surprised if this season’s “All-Business” campaign concludes in a similar fashion. Ya heard?

Be Easy,

MannofStat

Friday, March 7, 2014

Legacy Infinite: Longevity, Day 9

“Emotion is like light, you can’t let it go out every window. You have to keep it contained.”

Larry Sanders

Milwaukee Bucks Center

Ballers,

Many playgrounds in the inner cities and small towns where I’m from all have one thing in common: basketball courts. And usually those b-ball courts are fenced in. Here at Cenetral Prison, our b-ball court is fenced in. The fences don’t stop our passion for the game? We ball all year around!

The heartbeat of death row basketball will forever beat on. NO DOUBT, we all wish to be playing on the concrete courts we grew up on. Right now, for the time being, we let the rhythm and flow of the game carry us mentally outside these walls. And the escape that basketball brings from everyday prison routine is an ABSOLUTE bliss! On that note: “WELCOME TO THE CAGE!”

Today’s action brought team Apocalypse (6-3) vs team Dead Game (2-7). Dead Game had a team meeting before tip-off. Coach La-La formulated a strategy to contain “Phenom” of Apocalypse. At the 7:40 mark in the first half Dead Game led 23-19. It looked like his plan was working. For Lil’ Scrappy carried Dead Game with 12 first half points. Giving Dead Game a 37-36 half time lead. Bucktown (10points, 4rebounds, 3blocks) and 4-0-9 (9points, 11 rebounds) at the half for Apocalypse brought the much needed energy to keep the game tight.

Starting the second half, the Phenom (16points, 16 GMBs, 8 assists) (3^rd double/double) showed he couldn’t be contained for long. Getting help from Billy Ho (16points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals), 4-0-9 (21 points, 19 GMBs, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 blocks) (6^th double/double) and Bucktown’s (16points, 12 GMBs, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks) (2^nd double/double) was just too much workforce for Dead Game to handle. In route to a 72-60 win giving them a share for first place!

4-0-9 is starting to look like his rookie sensational season again! BEWARE ALL COMERS!! Apocalypse outrebounded Dead Game 52-22, the deciding factor of the game. Dead Game never gave up! Heart-N-Soul finished the game with (14 points 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals). Lil’ Scrappy had (18points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist). El-Concrete, Pit Bull and The General combined for (21 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, 8 steals, 2 blocks).

Our second game turned out to be a nail biter! Hakuna Matata (6-3) vs TTTB (4-5). Hakuna Matata came into the game by the energy hyped Rap Session featuring “All Business,” better known as E-Smoove. But business got foreclosed today! For TTTB had the bank statement in hand! Signed, sealed and delivered! Silk Money (25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3steals, 1 block) took the leadership upon his shoulders and made sure his team would not lose this day.

Getting help from Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals) and Hilltop (9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal). I can’t forget the Carpenter who had (4 points, 16 GMBs, 2 assists, 3 steals). His last assist was the play of the day, giving TTTB a 50-49 victory. Hakuna Matata played with a sense of urgency under two minutes to go and down by eight points. They had three chances to win it with five seconds remaining only to come up short!

The Human Eraser finished the game with (14 points, 14 GMBs, 1 assist, 3 steals, 3 blocks). His teammate Lil’ Giant contributed (12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assists, 2steals). E-Smoove, Geezy and El-Toro all combined for (21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals). Hakuna Matata all played with heart and never gave up the ghost.

Today’s Ingredients

Determination

Expectation

Burn the white flag

Trample the olive branch

When the heat is on and the pressure is building NEVER SURRENDER… you play until the last second!

Gentlemen, I’ll catch you tomorrow at the scorer’s table, until then, practice up on your free throws. The game might be decided by that one basket.

Peace Out,

Bigg Dogg

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Legacy Infinite: Longevity, Day 8

Each day presents new opportunities. On death row nothing comes easy, but some days are better than others; and today was just not a good day for team Dead Game. They were without their point guard, The General; out due to a visit with his attorneys.

Gutty performances though led by Heart-N-Soul (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals) Scrappy (9 points, 5 assists), Pitt Bull (8 points, 13 rebounds). And El Concrete, Lil’ Bison, Jimi Jam and Big Nate never quit, but this team has very little room for error. They fell today by 10, 54 – 44.

TTTB were led by Silk Money (16 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks) and Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 7 steals, 1 block); welcoming Coach Gem back to the sideline with a “W.” T-Bird came up with a huge contribution (10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 4 steals, 1 block), and The Carpenter grabbed a new season-high 21 GMB’s! Maybe the rebounding crown is just out on loan?

Game 2 was a battle for first place as Apocalypse battled Hakuna Matata and it was Hakuna Matata dictating the pace from the start. Scoop, The Human Eraser, played like a man possessed! He had 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks at half time and finishing with (15 points, 17 rebound, 5 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks). Make no mistake, he is the X-factor; and if he continues to play the way he did today, everyone else is playing for second place.

E-Smoove was electric, going for (25 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals) and is poised to have his best statistical season yet, and first championship? Frost was a blur (13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals) and Geezy was a quiet force with (12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals). Apocalypse hung tough with The Phenom (31 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals, 1 block), but the long ball was a little off for him today.

He seemed to be more effective as a facilitator and going to the rack. Bill Ho has one of his best games of the season point-wise with sixteen. 4-0-9 and Bucktown went for (12 points, 26 rebounds, 4 assists, 4steals, 1 block). But these were too many one-and-dones, and they were out-muscled on the boards 48-35.

Hakuna Matata slowly pulled away in the second half with Ernie closing out the scoring with a rainbow trey and a whopping 75-59 victory over Apocalypse. The Phenom was the epitome of class and sportsmanship at the end, just dribbling out the clock and acknowledging the Hakuna Matata win.

A bad day for team Apocalypse? Or is this the proverbial writing on the wall? Hmmm. We shall see; tomorrow presents another opportunity.

Mr. Blue