Liberators fall to 11 CES in championship hoops game

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Reserve Airmen from the 459th Air Refueling Wing endured a close championship basketball game against the active-duty 11th Civil Engineering Squadron in the East Fitness Center here March 28.

With a final score 51 to 48, it was the 11 CES that came out as victors after a neck-and-neck game pitting two of the best teams of the 2010-2011 intramural season here.

After the first period, the two and three-point scoring power of 459 ARW players like Antonio Delvalle and Shawn Gross ensured the team had a fighting chance against the 11 CES. The team's defensive skill also shined through as players like Gino LaGrant and Derek White blocked several unsuccessful shots.

It wasn't until the clock started winding down in the second period that the 11 CES would appear as the winning team. After almost suffering a defeat to the 459 ARW during a playoff game earlier in the season, 11 CES coach, Chris Jones, said his team was determined to succeed.

"We only had five guys in the first game and had to weather the storm, but our confidence helped us win it. This time around I had more people which allowed me to keep the tempo going against the 459th's more seasoned veterans," said Coach Jones. "It was a really good match up."

459 ARW team captain, Mitchell Berry, recognized they were up against a more formidable opponent than what they faced during the playoffs.

"We put it all out on the line, but just couldn't beat them. It was definitely a better team tonight," Berry said.

Head coach, Michael Wilson, who is also a technical sergeant with the 459th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said this championship game was the first time the 459 ARW made it this far since the 2000-2001 basketball season. With his 14 years of experience leading the Reserve team, Coach Wilson has seen two consecutive regular season conference titles.

"I was a little depressed that we lost (the championship game) since it was so close, but we did have a great team this season," Coach Wilson said. "We'll return next season to try and win the championship, that's for sure."

With the 2011-2012 intramural season already in the works for Coach Wilson, he said he plans to recruit more players to join the 459 ARW team. The East Fitness Center may yet again see the Reserve team, back on the court to try and win a championship title.