Elite City League Action At Somersfield Academy
Saturday night [July 27] at Somersfield Academy in the CellOne Elite City League saw a tale of two teams on the brink of elimination, the Fort Knox Panthers after squandering a 20 point lead to lose in OT on Wed and the defending champion Bluebirds after losing to the surging Robinhood Warriors.
“With their backs against the wall both teams tried to respond with different results which would result in ECL history being made”, a spokesperson said.
“In game 1 on Saturday night the Fort Knox Panthers took on the Outback Outlaws. The Outlaws have been the runner ups the last 2 years and were looking to put away a potentially rocked Panther team who after losing a 20 point lead in the second half on Wednesday to lose in OT, could have had their spirit crushed.
“Coach Hendrickson would have none of that as his team came out ready to attack and took a 1 point lead into the half. After making a few adjustments and weathering foul trouble from their big man Jonathan Lowe the Panthers answered the bell winning by a score of 66-53. High scorers were Marcus Smith with 10 points for Panthers and Dean Jones with 25 for Outlaws.
“Game 2 saw the emerging powerhouse the Robinhood Warriors take on the two time defending Champion Bluebirds. It was win or go home for the Bluebirds and they came out in the first half looking like they were going to pull off the win to extend the series.
“But Coach Troy Pitcher and player floor general John Lee stuck to their game plan and in the end they ousted the shorthanded now former champions 60-43. It was obvious to anyone watching that both Chris Crumpler and Tejour Riley were huge misses for the Bluebirds.
“Timely substitutions and numbers wore the champions down as they were platooned into submission by the Warriors . The former champions made no excuses and said they will be back stronger next year. High scorers for the Warriors Jason Lowe 17 and Mike Smith for the former champs with 15.
“It was fitting that the originator of the ECL John Lee was a leader of the team that dethroned the 2x Champion Bluebirds. Next game the rubber match up is between the Panthers and the Outlaws to see who gets to face the Warriors in the final series that takes place on Tuesday 8.00pm at Somersfield Academy”.
