Cantaloupe Game 2 Recap

The 4th of July may have been last weekend, but the fireworks were still going off at Total Turf last night. In a huge week 2 matchup the Fighting Cantaloupe took on Scull and Bones, who like the Cantaloupe fell just short in their Spring Season Conference Final and are back looking for redemption this Summer. Scull and Bones had the Cantaloupe on the ropes late in the first half, up 11 with just 10 seconds to go when out of nowhere, Chris Butler who was doubtful heading into the week after a nasty knee injury in game 1 hit a layup at the buzzer to pull the game within single digits.

With momentum on their side, player-coach Sean O’Neill showing shades of week one, made some defensive adjustments that proved to be a difference maker down the stretch. O’Neill who was also questionable heading into this week with a knee injury notched less than a minute on the court before having to be subbed out. When asked about the quick exit postgame, he said when he got out there, he knew the knee still did not feel ready and decided to shift his focus back to coaching. Luckily, this week marked the debut for first year bigman Stephen Pondo who helped makeup for O’Neill’s absence down low. Pondo was feasting in the paint, cleaning up the boards and mixing in a couple of smooth hook shots on the offensive end. Tyler White also made his debut and while he struggled a bit to find his stroke from 3 still had a very strong first showing. Add that to Ryan Welsh and Lou M. pacing the offense for the game, and another big second half for Nick Welsh and you get a second straight win for the Cantaloupe as they took this one by a score of 54-49.

Week 3 action is set for next Monday, July 12th @ 8:30pm as the Fighting Cantaloupe look to make it three in a row against team Lou Sassel who after a tie in game 1 against the Ballers, will be coming in fresh off their first win as they took down team Washed Up 53-44 in week 2. Despite some nagging injuries for the Cantaloupe, the only player to start this week on the injured list is Sean O’Neill who is currently Doubtful for game 3 as he continues to work back from last season’s knee injury.

Written by: Jonathan Abbott

July 8, 2021