The Green Dot Ballers played their first game in over two years. The pandemic shortened the Winter 2020 campaign that saw the Ballers declared champion after going 8-0 and defeating all 7 of the other teams in the league. The subsequent sessions in Summer 20, Fall 20, Winter and all three seasons in 2021 were all cancelled. It looked like for a period of time that the Winter 2022 season would mark the return of teams to the court, but a lingering pandemic led to that season being cancelled as well. So with the Ballers getting together and getting itchy to play, they decided to move up a division to the Late Night League. At a minimum, GDB will use this season to knock off the rust and integrate some new players into the mix. At a maximum, maybe Green Dot will surprise some of the new teams that they will face.
For the first game back, the Ballers were undermanned with prior commitments preventing a couple of key players from lacing them up for this one. The opponent was Deez Ballerz and they were ready to provide a rude awakening to the newcomers. A run and gun tempo throughout the game did not provide much time for Green Dot to get acclimated to their new surroundings. Deez Ballerz raced out to a 20 point lead for most of the game and still held So a 17 point lead with 6 minutes left. Co-Captain Mike Reamy returned to the game at this point looking to find a rhythm on offense. GDB started to string some baskets together and caught Deez Ballers flat-footed on defense. Still the Green Dot squad was still down 12 with 2:47 remaining.
A three pointer from the wing cut the deficit to 9. Then a turnover led to Reamy knocking down a wide open 3 to narrow the deficit to 6. Yet another careless turnover resulted in another Reamy three and the game was now just one possession. Deez Ballerz still showed no urgency and took a questionable shot that Will Harris rebounded. GDB sets up in the halfcourt and Reamy comes off a screen to hit his third triple in a row. TIE GAME!!!! 70-70. Deez Ballers miss another shot and Green Dot amazingly has the ball with a chance to take the lead under a minute left. Unfortunately for the Green Dotters, they exchange a missed shot for a three and lose when Deez Ballerz close it out with foul shots. Final score 77-73.
Scouting Report
Will (aka "The Rock") Harris - Quickly served notice that he was going to make up for lost time by providing a commanding presence in the post and on the boards.
Cam Wade - Newcomer got off to a slow start offensively but settled down in the second half and led a furious comeback showing off a bevy of moves to score at multiple levels.
Ryan Demagistris and Danny Abatemarco were their usual selves providing solid D and support on offense.
DaMarr "D" Hall - Another new addition, D hit a variety of shots and showed great versatility to play inside and out that will serve the Green Dot crew well going forward.
Chris Harris - Came back from almost three years off and immediately showed his outside stroke.
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