JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 2013 Intramural Basketball Season opener tipped off as the 628th Security Forces Squadron squared off against the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Jan. 15, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base.
LRS won the tip off and didn't waste time getting the offense going, scoring the first points of the 2013 season.
Early turnovers put the SFS in a quick 5-0 hole.
After making his first free throw, LRS's James Kirbie missed his second free throw, but LRS got an offensive rebound and kicked it out to Aaron Megger, who knocked down a 3-pointer to put LRS up 8-0.
On SFS's next possession, Kyren Gantt scored their first points of the game by sinking a long 3-pointer.
But, LRS drove right down the court and Megger answered with another 3-pointer to put the score at 11-3.
With the help of SFS's Keith Garrett, Gantt was able to cut the score to 16-12.
But LRS 3-pointers kept the game out of reach. LRS's Eric Lydic started to contribute mid-way through the first half by dropping 7 points.
SFS went into halftime trailing 22 to 33.
The cops began the second half with the ball, but sloppy play and missed opportunities by both teams resulted in zero points during the first four minutes.
SFS's David Perez broke the stalemate with a 3-pointer at the 15:31 marker.
Mid-way through the second half, LRS went on a 17-4 run making the score 55-32.
The Security Forces team was able to cut to lead to 8 late in the game with a couple of good plays by Garrett. Down by 23, Garrett scored 12 points in SFS's next five possessions; hitting three 3-pointers.
But LRS half-time lead proved to be too much to overcome.
LRS won by a final score of 59-49.
"Even though we lost, I was satisfied with our effort," said Kerry Lehman, SFS team coach. "Turnovers [hurt us]. Although we were down 55-33, we were able to get within 5. With the refuse-to-quit attitude and taking better care of the ball, we can reach our goal [for the season]."
The top-scorers from the SFS squad were Garrett with 17 points and Gantt with 12 points. Megger and Lydic lead the LRS team with 10-plus points each.
"This year, we have an entirely new team and I wanted to get everyone into the game to get a feel of playing intramural basketball," said Lun Fox, LRS basketball team coach. "We started off a bit rough, but once everyone warmed up, we started to gel as a team."
Next on the schedule for LRS is the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 1 team Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. and SFS's next game is against the 628th Force Support Squadron Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Two additional games were played Jan. 15. The 437th Aerial Port Squadron beat the 437th Maintenance Squadron 41-39 and the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron beat the Army basketball team 61-41.
"The regular season for Intramural Basketball will run until March 13, with the playoffs following," said Staff Sgt. Jon Walker, 628th Force Support Squadron sports director.
"Intramural sports are a great opportunity to build teamwork and camaraderie within your squadrons and another way to stay active outside of work."
Games are scheduled to be played on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Fitness Center at the JB Charleston - Air Base.
Those interested in JB Charleston - Air Base's Intramural Sports program should contact their unit sports representative or contact the Air Base Fitness Center at 963-3347. Those interested in the Weapons Station Intramural Sports program can call 764-4118.