LRS captures crown by defeating FSS 2 out of 3

  • Published
  • By Airmen 1st Clas David Owsianka and Devante Williams
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron battled the 56th Force Support Squadron team for intergroup dominance in the intramural basketball championship April 10 at the Luke Air Force Base Bryant Fitness Center gym. LRS defeated FSS 62-41 to take home the title.

Both teams went 5-1 in the regular season, with FSS giving LRS their only loss in the first game of the season.

Since then, LRS has won every game making their way through the playoffs to get to the championship.

"I think we've continuously grown each game and have become a lot better as a team," said Mike Barber, 56th LRS. "From the beginning of the season till now, I think we're a different ball club. If we do the little things (playing defense, communicating, rebounding and basic fundamentals) tonight, then we've got a chance."

The first game began with high intensity and a lot of energy with FSS holding onto a small lead throughout the first half. As the first half went on, FSS maintained a lead but was unable to extend it lead past five points with the first half ending 22-20.

Both teams opened the second half firing on all cylinders connecting on multiple shots. As the game went on, FSS continued to hold the lead until Jeff Scott, LRS, caught fire and nailed the three going on to score 11 points in less than three minutes. This gave LRS their first lead of the game 42-39 with 11:10 left.

Both teams continued to battle back and forth until the final seconds of the game. LRS had the ball in the final possession of the game down by two with 15 seconds to go. Unable to score, FSS won 57-55 forcing game two of the double elimination tournament.

"We won the first game by being aggressive, attacking to the basket, getting to the free throw line and making easy buckets," Dion Perry, 56th FSS said. "I thought if we could force a second game, they would be just as tired as us, and if we played well we would take advantage of it and win the championship."

Each team struggled to put runs together, gain momentum or capitalize off their opponent's mistakes during the first half of the second game. LRS had trouble making buckets down low and committed multiple fouls in the first five minutes, while FSS struggled to take advantage of LRS's mistakes. LRS went into half time with a 26-21 lead.

As the second half started, LRS, led by Scott (16 second-half points, 18 overall), caught fire and went on a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 35-21. Once LRS built a double-digit lead, they never looked back.

LRS continued to broaden their lead as FSS struggled to get anything going.

Unable to close the gap, LRS defeated FSS 61-42 to become the champions.

"Now we know what it takes to win a championship," Barber said. "It's going to put a target on our backs going into next season. There's going to be more pressure on us. I don't know if it's harder to climb to the top of the mountain or stay once you get there. Everyone else will be gunning for us, and we'll have to be ready to play next season."