SCW-1 claims its first small squadron title

  • Published
  • By John E. Banks
  • Tinker Public Affairs
The 2008-09 small squadron basketball championship came down to the battle of the big dogs.

The reigning champion, The SHO, tested its skills against the Strategic Communications Wing ONE March 5 at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center. The result was a thrilling 38-33 victory by SCW-1.

Both teams were tight during the first few minutes of the contest. The SHO was the first to break the ice as they ran off to a 4-0 lead behind the shooting of guard Vincent Yohannon.

As the first half continued, both teams got their offenses going and the half ended with The SHO leading 18-17. Yohannon led the way for The SHO with nine points. The first half scoring leader for SCW-1 was guard Marvin Williams, who had seven points. SCW-1 started the second half with an 8-0 scoring, led by Williams and fellow guard Anthony Hall, who each scored four points during the stretch.

The SHO tried to make a comeback, but the SCW-1 defense held up at every turn. In the end, the depth; timeline shooting and a stingy defense enabled SCW-1 to dethrone the defending champions, 38-33.

"This was a total team effort tonight. We had everyone on the team provide a lift when we needed it," said Freddrick Tillman, SCW-1 head coach.

The SHOW head coach Patrick Steelman said his team had opportunities, but couldn't get their shots to fall late in the game.

"I give a lot of credit to the Navy team," Steelman said. "They rebounded well and held us to one shot."

After the SCW-1 captured their first basketball crown, the team celebrated by popping a champagne bottle.

The players of the game were Williams, who had a team-high 14 points and eight assists, and Yohannon, who led the SHO on the score sheet with 16 points.