Cantaloupe Put Themselves in a Blender

It’s hard to find the right words to describe the debacle fans were subject to Monday night as the Cantaloupe dropped their second game in as many weeks. The effort was reprehensible, it was ignominious, it was - well, let’s just be frank, it was ugly. The loss not only marked back to back losses for the Fall but also back to back losses against growing rival Jeff, the Cantaloupe defector. After handing the Cantaloupe their first loss in week 5 of the Summer season, Jeff was back for blood once again Monday as he hung 23 on his former team en route to a 57-49 Scraping Ant victory.

Outside of Nick Welsh one upping his 25 point performance in last weeks loss, with a new season high 32 on Monday, the offense was nonexistent. For the second straight week, no other player managed to reach double digits with Ryan being the next leading scorer with 9, followed by Kevin with 5, and then Tim with 4. For all you mathematicians at home, that adds up to 49 meaning yes, just four Cantaloupe players showed up on the score sheet this week.

Many have been quick to point the finger at the coaching staff, and after back to back poor performances with seemingly no adjustments perhaps rightfully so. As always though the Cantaloupe players were quick to defend their coaching staff, emphasizing that even with a perfect game plan, it’s still on us to execute. A shame the players didn’t have the same sense of camaraderie towards each other Monday night.

With fans watching in awe, multiple Cantaloupe players could be seen getting into verbal confrontations with each other from the bench. Despite their best efforts to keep this one in house, it was only a matter of time until we got the full scoop. In short, the team is frustrated. The continued lack of defensive effort that has been on display all season has finally caught up with them as it has seemingly caused a rift in the locker room. While the coaching staff is adamant that’s not the case, a few players did take the opportunity to clear the air after the game.

“It’s no secret it’s frustrating watching guys get caught up with not getting foul calls instead of hustling back on defense” says one player who also noted that the lack of box outs on both ends is something they need to clean up. The next player on to take the mic was quick to speak up and explain that the team got outplayed, plain and simple, ending his press conference by stating that this week was all about finding that chemistry they had to start the season and bouncing back strong next week.

Coach Alday was the last one on the podium where he took the opportunity to deliver another one of his big speeches:

“I think as a TEAM we just need to execute in all aspects of the game. Whether it’s game planning or on the court. We just need to be better as one whole unit. We gotta fight for every rebound, make the right plays and continue to trust one another. These past losses have been tough on everyone and I know we’re itching to get back on the winning column. Even though we’re going through a slump right now, I still think we can beat any team in this league on any given night. We just need to find our groove and continue to FIGHT. We have to remind the entire league whose TOP DAWG around here.”

Riveting as that was, the time for talking has past. With an updated playoff format this year that will only see 4 teams making it instead of 6, it’s now or never for the Cantaloupe if they hope to avoid another second half collapse like the one we saw last season. Luckily the Fighting Cantaloupe seem to have a bounce back game on the horizon as their week 6 matchup will see them take on the 0-5 Big Baller Club. The question remains though, can O’Neill and the rest of his coaching staff keep this team united long enough to stay in the playoff hunt? Get your popcorn ready Cantaloupe fans because Wednesday night @ 8:30 pm, it’s time we get our answers.

Written by: Jonathan Abbott

October 31st, 2021