On the 8th of August it marked the 4th Annual Local Legends Shootout game. I first want to start by saying this is pretty dope what this game has become, if you attend you totally understand from incoming college freshman receiving a $300.00 scholarship(Iya Bazar) to former and current teachers and coaches getting honored for the affect they had or have in students who have become prominent members of society. It is great seeing local businesses in the Dayton and Cincinnati area getting behind the movement, salute to Gem City Carwash, Elite Sports and Corporate.
Quick overview for the teams:
Team Cole
Adrien Broner
Duane Morgan
Deonta Vaughn
Josh Benson
Greg Howard
Ryan Bass
Carlos Knox
Geron Johnson
Darran Powell(coach)
This game was a tale of two halves Team Cole jumped out to an impressive lead led by former Bearcat Deonta Vaughn, former Tiger Geron Johnson, Ryan Bass and Carlos Knox. Vaughn and Knox were lights out from behind the arc, while Bass and Johnson displayed amazing aerial ability. Every time Johnson or Bass went to the hole you heard the crowds go “ewww” “ahhhh”. Under the 10 minute mark Team Cole was up a lofty double digit mark just too only have a 3 point lead the half. Daequan Cook quoted, “we only down 13 and Ryan Bass has been lights out from three.” After that quote Daequan Cook and Steve Wright went to work getting Team Cook back in the game.
Halftime score 55-52
The second half was a lot more intense as it stayed within 7 points the rest of the game. During this back and forth battle Adrien Broner made his presence felt via comedy relief when not hitting an occasional three, he was joking with the other players, running iso’s and just having a good time. Let’s fast forward to the final minute or so when the game got real interesting. Up 1, Steve Wright was fouled and split the free throws, Greg Howard answered with a big time 3 to put Team Cole up 1. Next play Steve Wright gets fouled and drains both and that’s when all hell breaks loose, Team Cole draws up a play, but loses the ball, Geron Johnson recovers the ball, but the referee calls travelling because he knee touched the ground. I saw the picture it was close, everybody is arguing trying to get this sorted out and with that being said Team Cook won and the traveling call sealed an exciting game.
Final 108-107
Daequan Cook was the game MVP with 45 points.
This was a very exciting game for those in the Dayton area if you couldn’t make it make sure you set a reminder for early August in 2016 this was a fun game and for a very affordable price. Salute to Chuck Richardson and the gang for putting together a great show.
Pictures by Kevin Watkins.
