Misawa tips off intramural basketball season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The whistle blew and two teams tipped off the intramural basketball season at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 10, 2012.

The game put the 35th Force Support Squadron up against the U.S. Navy Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment in a game that showed there is more to come on the hardwood this season.

In the first game, both teams battled back and forth with neither team able to bring themselves into the lead by more than four points, ending the game with a 42-42 tie. No overtime was played due to time restrictions.

The 35 FSS's next game was another close match up against the fierce 35th Civil Engineer Squadron Team B. The game showed future playoff game inclinations from the opening tip.

The 35 FSS stuck with them, and again found themselves in a tied ball game at halftime.

With less than a minute left to play, the 35 FSS pulled out to a slim lead at 64-62. The 35 CES B, looking for a comeback, gave the ball to Johnny Smith, 35 CES B center, with less than 5 seconds to go in the game. Smith went to put in an easy layup, however, the ball slipped out of his hands and he came back down with it. The official saw this and immediately called a traveling violation with no time left on the game clock. This ended the game with a final score of 64-62 in favor of the 35 FSS; giving them their first victory of the season.

Along with great basketball and good competition, unit camaraderie could be seen by all.

"It's great to get out and do something other than work," said Anthony Thomas, 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron center. "We see each other all the time at work; it's good to relax and have some fun elsewhere."

The intramural basketball season ended its first week of action and will continue on through Feb. 6. Playoffs will start in late February, as teams from around base vie for their shot to secure Commander's Cup points for their respective units.

Intramural basketball will take a brief timeout for the holidays from Dec. 21 to New Year's Day with the action resuming on Jan. 2.

If you have any questions about intramural basketball, contact the Potter Fitness Center at 226-3982 and ask for Staff Sgt. Muriel Diaz, 35 FSS sports director.