MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The Navy and Marine Corps are known for their unshakeable inter-service bond. They have worked side-by-side in garrison and have fought together in countless battles throughout history.
This brotherhood that took decades to nurture was thrown to the wind when the Marines of Ceremonial detail and sailors of Medical went head-to-head, during the fifth game in the third week of the Commanding General’s Cup basketball, April 13th. Despite their normal friendship, these teams were out for blood.
After lacing up their high-tops and slipping on their jerseys, both teams took to the court with confidence and determination.
“I predict it’s going to be raining three’s today,” said shooting guard Richard Harmon, Ceremonial, referring to scoring three-pointers in basketball.
Ceremonial did exactly, and seemed to always have the ball in-hand, scoring on their opponents at a cyclic rate.
The buzzer sounded at the end of the first half, freezing Ceremonials’ lopsided score of 41-23. Each team migrated to their side of the court for some coach pep-talk. Despite being down in the game, Medical still managed to stay positive and trash talk on the side lines.
“I think we are going to catch up in the second half of the game,” said guard Albert Mayoyo, Medical. “We have better fundamentals, and they have sloppy guard.”
During the second half, there was definite improvement by Medical. A few times throughout the game there was a gleaming light of possibility that they may catch up, but it was false hope. The game ended, 66-54.
“They had a lot of shooters,” said guard Karlyle Bringsplenty, Ceremonial. “They were a competitive team, but we are a pretty solid team. It was a good game.”