By Mike Ainger
Another strong turnout marked the midpoint of the first half of the 705 Spruce League season, with regular rosters bolstered by members of the local taxi squad.
Prior to league game play, players warmed up with a four-on-four exhibition match, foreshadowing the impressive talent that would be on display in the matches to come.
After a quick ‘first to five baskets’ friendly, regular play (3 on 3 with subs) took over for the remainder of the evening. The niceties that defined the exhibition contest were quickly erased from memory due to the bloodbath that would subsequently ensue. Team Red evidently channeled their inner warriors in approaching the majority of matches for the night. A strategy perhaps best summarized by the late Brian Hellwig: “You must show no mercy… Nor have any belief whatsoever in how others judge you… For your greatness will silence them all.”
Team Red jumped out of the gate with momentum comparable to the Portage Flyer emerging from the Rotary Village Station and proceeded to steadily steamroll over opponents for the next four games of play.
Team Black and Team Blue seemed equally unable to find cohesion at any point long enough to stymie the offensive onslaught levelled against them. Simply put, there was no place to run. All the fuses in the exit signs had been burnt out.
Team Black would eventually break through in the last match, which was of little importance, resulting in a final tally of:
– Team Red 4 wins
– Team Black 1 win
– Team Blue 0 wins
Injuries for the evening, and the broader season overall, remain shockingly low, likely due to the persistent dedication towards high-level physical conditioning demonstrated by all players.
Regular roster absences were minimal for the night, with one player sitting out due to a sore tum, and another as a result of a poorly timed shopping spree.
Play in the 705 is scheduled to continue next week, barring any unforeseen gym closures.
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