Intell repeats as basketball champs

Photo by Marny Malin-Intell celebrates after winning the Commander's Cup intramural basketball chapionship over NVESD, 39-36.

A slow start out of the gate didn't keep Intell from taking home the intramural basketball victory over NVESD, 39-36.
"That's our M.O. this year," said Intell head coach Lewis Rount. "We start slow and have to come back from behind."
True to form, Intell fell to a 4-0 deficit in the game's outset. NVESD seemed to outhustle their opponents all over the floor. They capitalized on turnovers - including three in a two-minute span - and sloppy passing to keep the early lead.
Intell was fouled after making a shot and tied the game at 16 on a free throw with 7:31 left to play. The lead changed hands several times as the first period wound down until Tyrone Legette tied the score again at 21 on two free throws with 1:10 left before the half.
NVESD answered with a foul shot of its own to take a one-point lead. The advantage was short-lived. Intell's James Smith answered with a fallaway three-point shot at the buzzer to take the lead before halftime, 24-22.
Both teams came out strong in the second half, but Intell took the edge with tough rebounding by Legette and four quick points in the first four minutes. NVESD started to break down, unable to score until a free throw with 14 minutes left to play, pulling them within three points, 28-25.
Intell took its biggest lead of the game, 30-25, with 11:37 left in the game. NVESD answered on a layup and three point-shot to tie the game again at 30 less than a minute later.
The score was tied three more times with just over three minutes left to play. Intell broke through first with a layup on a strong drive to the hoop. The basket put them up, 37-35.
Intell became frustrated after two consecutive fouls were called on the team, fouls that Rount found controversial. "I thought they were a little a tough, but you play through, I guess."
The calls started to swing the other way as NVESD was called for a palming violation, giving possession back to Intell as they retained a 37-36 lead. NVESD decided to take its chances by sending Smith to the line for Intell. He dropped two free throws to put his team up for the win.
At the game's end, Command Sgt. Major Tracey Anbiya addressed the teams. "There are no losers here tonight," she said. "You made it to the playoffs and played a great game. That's something to celebrate."
Many of the players offered a little dance or flashy introduction as they accepted their trophies for the night. But it was Rount who got the most laughs, dressed in a white suit and a hat that read "Showtime" across the front. He made the rounds in the gym, shaking everyone's hand before finally taking the first-place trophy for Intell.
NVESD head coach David Tate was playing shorthanded that night as many of his players were under the weather. "Our rotation was mixed up. A lot of our guys had the flu. We had to come together as best we could tonight, but the best team won.
"If we'd had all our players, it would have been an entirely different outcome," he said with a laugh. "But we'll let them [Intell] enjoy it this time."
Legette led all scorers with 14 points but felt it was a team victory.
"It feels really good to win this tonight. It's great to get help from my teammates because it makes it a lot easier to get out there and play," he said.
Rount agreed, saying each of his players knew their role and played their part to get the win. "I just try to use the talent of each player and come out with a victory. It all worked out tonight."
As a retiree, Rount realized the importance of having fun on the court. He said it feels good to win but it gives him enjoyment to see his players enjoy themselves.
"With all the conflicts going on now, it's just nice to do this with the Soldiers," he said.