Team Headquarter and Headquarters Squadron “Hand Selected” defeated Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 “Vikings” 33-30 during a close Spring Intramural Basketball season game at the IronWorks Gym here March 30.
Hand Selected secured their win by tightening up their defense and playing a more aggressive second half.
At the end of the first half, Hand Selected trailed the Vikings 12-14.
“They could have done a lot better,” said Sgt. Maj. Gerard J. Calvin, the H&HS Sergeant Major.
“They have a lot of talent. They just need to work better together as a team, work on fundamentals and stick to the basics,” said Calvin.
In the second half, Hand Selected picked up their game by improving communication and playing more aggressively which caused them to get six fouls compared to having none in the first half.
With only one minute and nine seconds on the clock, Hand Selected was still behind by one with a score of 29-30.
Bryan Johnson, a player for Hand Selected, made the last two shots of the game, putting them ahead by three points. During the final seconds of the game, the Vikings attempted to score a three pointer but couldn’t put the ball in the hoop.
“Defense wins games,” said Johnson, in reference to the close game.
Both teams have plenty of time to improve. This was Hand Selected’s third game with their second win and the first game of the season for the Vikings.
Gregory Joseph, the coach of Hand Selected, is confident in his team after the Vikings defeat.
“There are some fundamentals we need to work on, but for the most part, we’re good,” said Joseph. “Overall, we won by playing sound championship basketball.”
To catch a basketball game, stop by the IronWorks Gym Mondays through Wednesdays until April 22. Games start at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.
Those interested in participating in intramural sports can visit the Marine Corps Community Services Iwakuni Web site at http://www.mccsiwakuni.com or call the Varsity and Intramural Sports office at 253-3067.