Cannon hosts preseason doubleheader

Tensions flared and the Cannon-Holloman rivalry blazed red hot during a pre-season double-header featuring not one, but two of New Mexico's elite basketball teams at the base Fitness Center.

After back-to-back games and three hours of intense play, men's varsity members from Cannon Air Force Base and Holloman Air Force Baseonly managed to further fan the flame of competition as Cannon's Air Commandos clenched victory in the opening game, only to taste defeat two periods later.

U.S. Air Force photo: Airman 1st Class Eboni Reece

The men's varsity basketball team comes together to yell a team chant during the basketball game in the Ftness Center at Cannon Air Force Base. Cannon's varsity basketball team hosted a double header versus Holloman Air Force Base.

Fouls abounded throughout the first half of the initial game and it seemed the outcome of the match would be determined at the free throw line. But as the seconds dwindled, the home court advantage proved too much for Holloman's squad to overcome, despite their ability to hit three-pointers, and the scoreboard read 79-71 when the final buzzer sounded.

"We've been practicing at least two hours a night, four days a week since July 29 to prepare for the season," said Master Sgt. William Mobley, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent and head varsity coach. "I wasn't too pleased with our performance at half time, but everything we could fix was in our control. We were turning the ball over and nothing they were doing was affecting our game.

"Along with 13 other Department of Defense teams, both Cannon and Holloman's squads belong to the Central U.S. Military Basketball Conference. The teams are comprised of active duty, retired and DoD civilian members.

"Because Holloman is one of our closest neighbors, games are a little more personal; we play for bragging rights," Mobley said. "Last season we were able to defeat them in three out of five games. We're hoping to continue, and improve upon that tradition this year.

"With fatigue etched on their faces, the players reconvened for tip off and the start of the second game.

From the get go, it was apparent Holloman's players were back with a vengeance and by the end of the first half, they were up by more than ten points. Team Cannon got their second wind in the latter half of the match, but the comeback was quickly halted when shooting guard, Staff Sgt. Adam Stevenson, sustained an injury, and the team ended the game with a 12 point deficit at 54, 66.

Despite the less-than-desirable outcome, Cannon's Air Commando's remain optimistic about the upcoming season and future match ups with Holloman's formidable line up.

"As a team I think we did well," said Staff Sgt. Ryan McGovern, 20th Special Operations Squadron Aviation Resource manager and team captain. "There are things we can fix, but this is the first game of the season and we're headed the right direction. Holloman is a good team, but we've got the upper hand and we're hoping for victories the rest of the season."