"A picture of Sean Dougherty of Hoosier Daddy moving so swiftly that my lens couldn't’ capture his image."

“This is going to be a mismatch” a joking referee commented before tip off at the Thursday night Blue Barn Basketball League.  It was the star studded Off All Night against the underdog Hoosier Daddy in the weekly featured match-up.

Moments into the game, the fast tempo of Off All Night played a run and gun style  making long passes to Nick Nelson.  Nelson abused the big bodies of Hoosier Daddy, with athletic drives to the bucket.  

Trying to prevent the fast style of play, the Hoosier Daddy played a collapsing zone defense, pushing Off All Night to the outside for open three point shots.  Off All Night drained the easy open shots, and took a 13-0 lead within the first 5 minutes of the game.

Rob Smith finally put points on the board for Hoosier Daddy with a lay up inside the paint for a 13-2 deficit .  Off All Night kept their fast tempo by using Mike Valenti as the power forward who would dish it out to an open red shirt Adam, or speedy Nick Nelson.  

Hoosier Daddy played right into the hands of Off All Night’s game strategy.  Instead of working the ball around and keeping timely possession.  Hoosier Daddy opted for open threes, and low percentage shots.  

At half-time it was 42-16 Off All Night.  

Captain Jake “The Snake” Scull tried to rally his team with a motivational speech.  Kicking over a chair, he yelled at the top of his lungs.  “I didn’t retire from the WWF, to be humiliated in a recreational basketball league!  What happened to our defense! Throw some damn elbows!  Do I have to climb up the backboard and use my infamous DDT maneuver on somebody!”

On the other bench, Off All Night was going over strategic planning for the second half. Jasen Holnes was in a conundrum and wanted helpful advice from his fellow teammates. “Ok , I’m still contemplating what to do with my fantasy football team. Like, do I wait for the lock-out to be over or should I join a Canadian Fantasy Football League.”

Adam tried to console his troubled friend. “That is a tough one buddy.”
Chad Hilliard had some encouraging words of advice “Reports are the resolution to the lock-out wouldn’t be until at least late July.”

Adam “If you join the Canadian Fantasy Football League ,I would take the Toronto Argonauts defense. Last season they dominated.”

Teammate Nick Nelsen interjected “What are you talking about Adam? Everyone knows the Saskatchewan Roughriders has the best defense.

Mike Valenti also added “Both of you guys are wrong. Its the Hamilton Tiger Cats who will put fear in opposing three down offenses this year.”

Adam and Nick both stood up and begin to argue over the best defense in the Canadian Football League.
Adam “Its the Argonauts!”

Nick “No its beast of the Western Provinces the Roughriders!”

The referee of the match tired of the loud arguing by the Off All Night bench, breaks-up the heated Canadian Football debate. “Guys! Guys! All of you are wrong. The Calgary Stampeaders have the best defense.
In the second half, Hoosier Daddy trying to oblige to the inspirational words of Jake “The Snake” Skull used a different game tactic. Instead of playing a zone defense, Hoosier Daddy attempted to run with Off All Night.
But that tactic was useless, as Hoosier Daddy huffed its way down the court, and would throw up numerous shots that would rim out. Their shooting percentage went down in the second half to 5.9% and each player was desperate to sub out.

“I swear I thought I had some of those shots. I think the ref should check those rims for improper greasing, I wouldn’t be surprise if they found a large wad of Crisco up there.” A dejected Kevin James commented.
A once sold out Marlton Blue Barn arena, became sparse as fans bolted to beat the 9pm Taunton Boulevard traffic rush. The few left started to chant discouraging words to the Hoosier Daddy bench. “Bye Bye Daddy! Bye Bye Daddy!”

The final horn had sound, and Off All Night squeaked out a close 69-25 victory.