MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Sho Stoppaz stole the show and took home first place against its fierce rival Fil-Am 41-32 in the 2010 Holiday Basketball tournament at IronWorks Gym here Sunday.
This was the third consecutive time Sho Stoppaz have gone up against Fil- Am and taken home the gold.
The Sho Stoppaz took the advantage of Fil-Am’s early descent to the loser’s bracket after getting knocked down in its first game against GSUP 30-27.
Fil-Am had to fight its way from the loser’s bracket to compete for the championship by playing a total of six games compared to the Sho Stoppaz four games.
Fil-Am had brief breaks in between games but started to play games backto- back once the Sho Stoppaz beat out the competition for their spot in the championship.
Fil-Am came close to being knocked out in their final game before the championship but was able to tie it up and win in overtime giving it a guaranteed spot in the championship.
Before beginning the final game Fil- Am had a brief break where it came together to talk about strategies.
“We just need to stay calm, keep the intensity up and knock down free throws,” said Waner Bazile, Fil-Am point guard. “We just have to use our quickness and agility to our advantage.”
Throughout the entire tournament the Sho Stoppaz oozed confidence and made it known to all the teams they beat.
“I’m not worried at all,” said T.J. Ferguson, Sho Stoppaz forward and center. “Fil-Am is going to have to beat us twice if they want to win the championship.”
The Sho Stoppaz took advantage of the tired Fil-Am members and took an early 11-0 lead.
Fil-Am felt the heat and stepped up their game but continued to trail behind the Sho Stoppaz 13-20.
Kelly Marable, Fil-Am power forward, made the most shots with three baskets and three free throws. Sho Stoppaz took advantage of the long ball hitting four three pointers in the first half.
At the end of the first half, the Sho Stoppaz had a solid 22-15 lead over Fil-Am. The second half of the game, the Sho Stoppaz really turned it on and never let Fil-Am come any closer than 10 points.
Fil-Am scored 17 points in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to bring them within sights of first place. Once again the Sho Stoppaz came in first place and undefeated.
“We knew that we had a veteran team, so we just used our experience,” said Darius D. Harpe, Sho Stoppaz coach and guard. “We’re still top dog.”
Individual trophies along with a team trophy were handed out at the awards ceremony.
Steve A. Navar was named MVP of the game and given a special trophy.
“His three point shooting is what kept us in the game,” said Harpe.
The Sho Stoppaz look forward to the next tournament for another chance to beat Fil-Am and continue their undefeated winning streak in January.