Photo By Sgt. Robert Adams | Mark Gottfried, University of Alabama head coach, signs an Alabama hat for Edward...... read more read more
Spc. Robert Adams
Desert Voice Assistant Editor
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Team Arifjan's Reginald "Hawk" Hawkins and Derrell Bowman scored in double figures to defeat Team Doha 54-39 in the Operation Hardwood championship game here Aug. 31.
Arifjan's victory wrapped up the three-day tournament that showcased a double-overtime victory by Doha over Team Ali Al Salem to advance to the championship game, a buzzer-beater basket for a Team Navistar victory, as well as an exciting dunk and three-point contests.
The Operation Hardwood "Hoops With the Troops" tournament started with teams of servicemembers from the eight Kuwait military camps. Each team was coached by different National Collegiate Athletics Association's basketball coaches, who flew overseas to coach and mentor the players, as well as visit with troops.
"We will never give you as much as you've given us, but we will promise you to spread the word and tell what you are all about when we get back home," said Tom Izzo, Michigan State University's head coach.
Izzo coached Arifjan's team and earned the players" respect right away.
"Tom Izzo is a great coach. . . . He has been to the final four and won a national title," said Christopher McKelvey, Arifjan's center. "We listen to him knowing he is a winner and a leader."
"We want to win this for all the fans and the pride of Camp Arifjan," he added.
The championship game stayed close during the first half with each team trading baskets. Hawkins had eight of his 10 points and Demetrius Cattle made two three-pointers in the first half to lead Arifjan to a slight 30 to 27 lead at halftime over Doha.
Arifjan opened up the score to 41 to 34 with eight minutes remaining in the second half after a Christopher McKelvey blocked shot and point guard Jamail McGlome's basket. Arifjan finished the game by hitting nine of nine from the free-throw line.
"I knew from the start we were going to win this," said Hawkins, who also won the slam-dunk contest.
Arifjan dominated every opponent throughout the tournament with the closest game being a 53-46 victory over Ali Al Salem.
Arifjan had already defeated Doha 48 to 37 earlier in the tournament, behind a strong performance by Hawkins.
Doha may have run out of steam having played in three games the final day to finish second in the tournament.
"As far as the game is concerned â?¦ no one expected us to be here," said Jamie Poston, Doha point guard. "We came a long way â?¦ as long as we play hard and have fun, we will come out on top."
Even though they lost the game, Doha coach Mike Jarvis, former St. John's University head coach, was proud of his team's accomplishments.
"They have come a long way â?¦ and no matter what happens in the next game, as far as I'm concerned, Doha is the champ," Jarvis said before the championship game.
In the previous game, against Ali Al Salem, Doha's Jamie Poston hit two clutch free throws with no time on the clock to send the game to double overtime and eventual Doha victory.
Leon Grier scored 22 points in the game for Doha, but was shut down in the championship game due to the stifling defense by Hawkins.
At the conclusion of the tournament, every coach got the chance to thank all the troops.
"Every one of the coaches that decided to come has a great respect and admiration for you and what you're doing â?¦ the sacrifices you're making â?¦ but since being here, we have a greater respect for who you are as people," said Mark Gottfried, University of Alabama head coach. "You're part of the best and strongest and greatest military in the world."
| Date Taken: | 09.06.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 09.06.2005 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 2894 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 291 |
| Downloads: | 96 |
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