Photo By Sgt. Michael West | Soldiers from the Powidz Military Air Base and the Mlodziezowy Klub Sportowy Wrzesnia...... read more read more
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POZNAN, POLAND – The night was cool with snow a foot deep throughout the city of Wrzesnia, the Wrzesnia’s basketball players and Soldiers from the Powidz Military Air Base stood pumped up in the tunnel of the Primary School Hall No. 6 basketball arena, determined and eager for a friendly, but, competitive game of basketball.
The Polish players wore their signature Wrzesnia jerseys and the Soldiers wore the Army Physical Fitness Uniform with hand-made brown jerseys, basketball shoes laced-up tightly entered a packed arena of fans in Wrzesnia, Poland, Jan. 26, to play an exhibition basketball game against a Polish basketball team, the Mlodziezowy Klub Sportowy Wrzesnia.
The Army team was made up of Soldiers from different units deployed to Powidz.
“We came together from multiple units and different components to play a great game of basketball,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremiah Winn, command sergeant major for the 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. “Overall, the game strengthened our bond with the Polish people and our overall resolve [on this deployment].”
The Soldiers are deployed to Poland in support of Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. led effort that demonstrates U.S commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.
The evening started off with an introduction of the teams from the host of the exhibition game and league executive, Dariusz Andrzejewski, and a warm-up period for the players.
“It is the third duel of the Wrzesnia team versus the U.S. Army Powidz team,” Andrzejewski remarked. “I am pleased and very surprised by the number of fans. I am glad, that despite such a late game, the stands in our hall are filled to the brim.”
The game consisted of four 10-minute quarters.
Starting from the tip off, the game was packed with high-energy that was matched by the cheering of the fans in the stands.
A group of Polish boys showed their support of the Soldiers by chanting “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” while beating drums and getting the entire crowd involved.
The first half of the game was dominated by the physical play of the Soldiers and their impressive offensive drive to maintain the lead going into halftime.
In the second half, however, the level play of the Polish team proved to be a match for the Soldiers with MKS Wrzesnia taking the lead late in the third quarter.
“They played like a team tonight,” said Karolina Zientarska, a fan of the Wrzesnia team. “They prepared for over two months and it showed.”
The fans erupted in cheers, when the buzzer rang to end the game. The score was 99-79 in favor of MKS Wrzesnia.
“They were tough competitors,” said Demetric Smith, a player and Soldier with the 541st Transportation Company. “I would like to play them again.”
| Date Taken: | 01.26.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 01.28.2019 09:47 |
| Story ID: | 308432 |
| Location: | POWIDZ, PL |
| Hometown: | FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US |
| Hometown: | FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FORT RILEY, KS, US |
| Hometown: | SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US |
| Web Views: | 618 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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