21st FSS snatches victory from NORTHCOM J2

Published Jan. 15, 2009
By Thea Skinner
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 21st Force Support Squadron triumphed over U.S. Northern Command J2 in intramural basketball at Gym 1 on base Jan. 8. The 21st FSS team, comprised of men 30 years of age or older, defeated NORTHCOM J2 54 to 51.

"It's a 'got to have' home type game - just to pass them in the standings. Both teams get desperate. It is a heated game," said Scott Justice, 21st FSS team coach. "We have a lot of talent on the team. We started the season out slow, but we all seem to work together."

The 21st FSS began leading the game in the first half with several side-swipes and steals, then matching NORTHCOM J2 half way through the game. In the last 13 minutes of the second half, 21st FSS captured 6 points pushing them into the narrow win.

The 21st FSS team combined members of the former 21st Services Squadron and the 21st Space Wing Mission Support Squadron teams before the season began Nov. 17. The team utilized the prior three games to acclimate to each other's strengths and weaknesses.

"It (the merger) gives us more people on the roster," Mr. Justice said. "Roger (Roger Hill, former SVS team member) likes to shoot the threes and the MSS side knows now. We just picked-up some height. Picking-up that individual has helped with rebounding."

Teammates Roger Hill and Chris Gunn of the 21st FSS also play in competitive basketball leagues. Gunn prefers the 30 and up intramural basketball team for its maturity, he said.

The 21st FSS plays 561st Network Operations Squadron Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. at Gym 1. Final season competitions occur in mid February.

Sports