The sound of whistles blowing and sneakers squeaking echoes throughout the gym as the basketball team runs drills during practice in preparation for a championship tournament.
The men’s basketball team aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar played in the annual Las Vegas West Coast Championship hosted by Nellis Air Force Base against other Marine Corps and Air Force teams Feb. 12 through 15.
The team took 2nd place in the all-military invitational tournament and currently holds a record of 13 wins and two losses with eight games left to play this season.
“Our goal is to win the West Coast Regional Championship this year,” said team captain Gunnery Sgt. Derrick D. Love, the logistics chief at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 here.
Love leads the team in rebounds and practices with them three to four times a week to prepare for the games.
“Our players are extremely dedicated to our team and make many sacrifices,” said Love. “They sometimes put their other obligations on hold to practice and play, which is a major factor to our success.”
The team focuses on defense, but the skillful playing of their guards has been the key to this season, explained Love.
Lance Cpl. Edwin Richardson leads the team averaging 25 points per game, followed by Sgt. Tejuan D. Lockett, who averages 20 points per game. Love averages 15 points and 18 rebounds per game.
The team’s practice regimen consist of drills, defensive sets and a variety offensive plays which allows them to execute their strategy during the games - where they count.
“We want consistency in our defense and look to run through our offensive plays as practiced,” said team coach Staff Sgt. Duane Sebastian, the operations training chief with Reserve Support Unit Air Stations West here.
The hard work and dedication from the players and their coach will hopefully lead this year’s team to the title of “Best of the West” as West Coast Regional Champions which will be played here in July.
The Miramar men’s basketball team holds tryouts every year in August, call Staff Sgt. Sebastian at 858-348-7595 for details.
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