Gunfighters scrimmage against Hill Air Force team

  • Published
  • By Samantha S. DeVries
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The Gunfighters varsity basketball squad split a four-game series against visiting Hill Air Force Base, Utah, during a weekend scrimmage here April 20 to 22.

Recovering from a 63-51 loss in game one, the Gunfighters retaliated at the boards to overcome Hill 65-54 and 64-57 in games two and three only to falter in game four with a 62-51 loss.

"I felt the scrimmages went well this weekend," said Damon Pinks, a member of the Gunfighter team. "If we take in what we have learned about each other on the court and offense plays as well as defense, we should be in great shape for the tournament next month. Overall, I enjoy playing with team and feel we have a lot of talent, athleticism and a progressive chemistry."

The scrimmages were used to prepare the Gunfighters for the upcoming Armed Forces Classic Tournament at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., over the Memorial Day weekend.

"It is the biggest military tournament on the West Coast with 22 men's teams and 16 women's teams," added the coach. "This year with new players, coaches and a new work ethic, we are looking forward to the opportunity to showcase our talent."

Boss took charge of the Gunfighter's bench after the former coach left the team in December.

"We put out the word around base that we were in need of a head coach, but received little to no interest," he said. "Morale and confidence amongst the team began to fall, and I realized that if something wasn't done soon, we would be without a team. Being that I was eldest and senior in rank, I decided to step down as a player and devote my time to coaching. Initially it was only supposed to be a temporary fix until we could find a true head coach. But since that time, the team has done so well that I decided to stay on as head coach."

The team raises its own funds including entry fees, travel, uniforms and lodging.

"Including the upcoming Nellis tournament, we will have paid over $5,207 out of pocket as a team," Boss said.

Even with the expenses of playing on the team, there's still a lot of enthusiasm for the sport as demonstrated by the team's 6-4 regular season record.

"We are looking to host a tournament here sometime in the future," said Boss. "When other coaches see that our team is willing to travel and participate in their tournaments, they are more likely to return the favor and play in ours, that's why it's important to me for us to get our name out their as a legitimate team who wants to play basketball."