Starting the new season right where we left off
Season 2 begins. Higher division. Stronger opposition.
The morale and spirit of the Dragons was at an all-time high with a winning streak of 6. However, the Dragons found themselves starting the new season with an under strength team - perhaps hung over from celebrating last week's Grand Final win.
Game 1 got off to a slow start with the Dragons fielding only 4 players against a full strength Team Dan. Our opponents capitalised on this and started scoring basket after basket without any reply from the Dragons. Though it did not take long for the Dragons to find their footing and begin dictating the pace of the game through the slick ball handling of the Cougar Shankar and the ever-reliable left hook shot from Tiff Top Cat Cartwright. 12-14 read the scoreboard in favour of Team Dan before the arrival of new recruit Mehdi "Tunak Tunak Spiritual Leader" Naseeruddin, and Brooke “Steve Tyler” Arrowsmith. Finally, game on!
Now with even teams, the Dragons pushed forward with Top Cat a commanding presence under the ring, ensuring rebounds were won and the scoreboard continually ticking over in favour of the Dragons. Brooke was also spectacular as always forming a strong partnership with Top Cat in the key. Brooke also showed everyone why she is a key player on team by winning free throws and converting 90% of her shots.
In the absence of Hadjitello and Hot Shot Hui, the ball handling duties fell on the Cougar Shankar and Frank the Tank. Playing out of their normal position was difficult for the guys and it showed with the occasional uncharacteristic turnover. However, they stepped up with weaving runs, good passes, and relentless defence making several interceptions. "It was just awesome to see them step up and deliver" - Captain DK.
New recruit Tunak Tunak Spiritual Leader settled into the team quickly, providing an added dimension to the Dragon’s arsenal with his circle of terror. The opposition suddenly found the ball slapped out of their hands or their driving runs abruptly stopped by a mountain of muscle.
Despite the positive plays of the Dragons, the Team Dan also displayed great teamwork, matching the Dragons point for point. It was not until the final 5 minutes with the scoreboard reading 25-23 when the Dragons pushed ahead single-handedly by Captain DK. Uncharacteristic misses in the first half were quickly forgotten as DK led the charge, twice dispossessing the opposition's best ball handler, running the full length of the court and scoring 2 baskets. Final score: 29-25 taking the Dragons' winning streak to 7 games.
"Nice." - Hadjitello upon hearing of yet another Dragons victory.
Next week sees the Dragons taking a week off to rest and recover (bye).
