Tueday Retirement

So yesterday was my last day playing for the HIC Lakers. I can’t recall exactly when I started playing with them but it has got to be at least 5 years. Like any team, a lot of ups and downs but more than anything a lot of roster changes. I think Brian, Bob, Rodney and I have been the core group through the years. It is going to be odd not doing anything Tuesday nights. In fact, I don’t even know what is on television Tuesday nights.

The last game and I have to play against a former teammate and NAU coach Keith. Now, rivals except he has been on the winning end since leaving our team. The game started off well and we jumped out to big lead. Then we came back to reality and lost our double digit lead to trail by 9 at the break. During halftime, Jeff asked me sarcastically, “Aren’t you going to miss this?”

I replied, “Miss what? Winning? We are going to win tonight’s game.”

The second half was up and down but we managed to take the lead late in the game, only to give up the lead. With 10 seconds left we missed the shot and had to foul team. It was only fitting that Keith was at the free throw line. They called a timeout. I told him to just make 1 free throw and I will shoot a 3 to tie the game….if you miss the free throw I will still shoot the 3 to win the game.

Luckily Keith missed. Derek got the rebound. We trailed by 2 with 10 seconds left and possession of the basketball. I had the ball on the wing and saw Jeff cutting thru the lane, so I passed Jeff the ball and floated to the top of the key. My man doubled Jeff in the post so Jeff dribbled out. Normally, Jeff would dribble out and shoot a fade away but he saw me at the top and (this will be hard to believe) but he actually passed me the ball (and meant it). I caught it, shot it and we won it as the buzzard sounded.

I guess I couldn’t script a better ending and fitting way to retire. I made the first 3 of the game and the last 3 of the game. It was a good day.