Photo Information

Mario Webb, 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, sinks a reverse lay-up during the Commandos' game against Moody Air Force Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes

SEMAC champs: Commandos crush competition during 3-day tourney; bring home championship

23 Feb 2007 | Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes

The Hurlburt Field men's varsity basketball team finished first place in the Southeastern Military Athletic Conference post-season double elimination tournament at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Saturday - Monday.

Davon Martin, 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron, Jammar Major, 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron, and Andre Harp-Thomas, 1st SOLRS, were named all-SEMAC players.

The Commandos were undefeated during the tournament.

In the first game against MacDill AFB, Fla., Hurlburt pulled out a 99-87 victory.

MacDill gained possession of the ball at tip off and put the first points on the board. The lead didn't last long as Major dunked on his opponents within the first three minutes and continued to dish out the dunks throughout the game.

However, MacDill did not go down without a fight. In a struggle for possession of the ball, Lewis Jones, 16th Special Operations Squadron, stole the ball and drove it down the court for a slam dunk, securing the lead, 25-11.

At halftime, the Commandos were up by 13, and the point spread continued to widen as the game continued.

In the second half, MacDill made an unsuccessful attempt to over take the Commandos.

A technical and numerous personal fouls kept Hurlburt at the free throw line where they continued to rack up the points.

With 30 seconds remaining, Jones snuck in one last dunk before the Commandos claimed a victory.

In game two, just two hours later, the Commandos showed Tyndall AFB, Fla., just who the kings of the hardwood are.

The Tyndall Tigers started off with possession of the ball at the beginning of the game, but Hurlburt was first to put points on the board.

After six minutes, the Tigers tied the score and even managed to pull ahead briefly.

A scoreboard tug-of-war ensued after both teams went back and forth to the free-throw line, and the score was tied once again.

The Commandos broke the tie with a steal by Harp-Thomas that resulted in two points for Hurlburt. Martin was fouled on the play and went to the free-throw line for one more point, pushing ahead 40-37 at halftime.

In the second half, Hurlburt continued to steal the ball from Tyndall like candy from a baby.

Hurlburt's strong offense and accuracy at the free-throw line helped them seal the deal, winning the game 85-75.

The next day in game three, the Commandos sunk the Sailors from Naval Station Mayport, Fla., 96-101.

Hurlburt started off strong once again, gaining possession of the ball at tip off with Martin scoring the first five points of the game.

The game was tied at 17 with 13:32 left on the clock in the first half. Proving themselves to be worthy opponents, Mayport took advantage of a turnover by the Commandos and managed to score on a fast break.

The teams were tied several times during the first half, but during the second half Hurlburt were back with a vengeance, running the score up 69-56.

The teamwork Hurlburt cultivated during the season was evident on a play where a turnover by Jones was recovered by Gilliam to complete the play.

After aggressive games on both teams, Hurlburt enjoyed their third straight victory, 101-96.

In the fourth and final game for the Commandos, they faced off against 2005-2006 SEMAC champions, Moody AFB.

In true Commando fashion, Hurlburt gained first possession of the ball and scored first.

Willie Lee, 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, was fouled right off the bat, and went to the free-throw line to put up one point for Hurlburt.

Moody, not willing to hand over the title of SEMAC champions just yet, continued to fight the good fight, with Hurlburt ahead 46-31 at halftime.

With the Commandos still in control during the second half, Gilliam shot a 3-pointer off the top.

Hurlburt was on a roll with dunks by Mario Webb, 23rd STS, Briane Rock, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Squadron, and Major in the second half.

"Our talent level was way above every other team in SEMAC," said Webb, who is also the team coach. "Plus, our best players aren't selfish. We pass the ball around and play good defense."

The entire team played hard, cementing the score at 91-79 and bringing back the championship trophy home to Hurlburt Field.

Gilliam and Jason Brown, 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, were named all tournament players, and Major was named the tournament's most valuable player.

"It was an honor to be named MVP for the tournament," Major said.

Major was previously named MVP for the All Air Force basketball team earlier in the season. He attributes the twice-named honor to going to the gym twice a day and spending at least an hour practicing his basketball drills.