Look, it’s been a while. I know that, but instead of taking any accountability or blame, let me shift your focus to what happened with the Cantaloupe last season because what a spring it was. After an ugly 0-2 start, the Cantaloupe clawed their way to a 5-3 record locking up the 8th seed and keeping their championship aspirations alive. Any ideas of a Cinderella run wouldn’t last long though the as top 4 seeds forced Mr. PlayMore’s hand by spending the regular season setting themselves head and shoulders above the rest of the C+ league, resulting in the playoffs being split. The top 4 seeds were promoted to a separate bracket as a new 6 man playoff would take place for the C+ league championship. Alas, even in the Mickey Mouse bracket, the Cantaloupe once again found themselves getting bounced in the first round.
The media and fans alike were quick to scrutinize as questions immediately arose surrounding the team’s commitment. Multiple members of the Cantaloupe including longtime player/coach/GM Sean O’Neill were found to be playing part-time during their playoff run for the crosstown Barndogs (who were in the midst of unsuccessfully trying to buy a ring in the C- league). Suspicions were partially confirmed as the C- league stint seemingly ushered along the departure of longtime Cantaloupe guard Lou M who, in true turncoat fashion, has signed a 2-way contract for new C+ and C- league teams abandoning both the Cantaloupe and the Barndogs in one offseason.
To his credit though, with a roster overhaul looming, O’Neill put his GM hat on and got to work as he tested the previously untapped RSI talent portal. The move paid off as the Cantaloupe signed three new players in Haad, Rob Cox, and Ryan M. who look to bring some much-needed height and versatility to the lineup. Aside from that, the longtime core of Sean, Chris, the Welsh Bro’s, and Merrill fill out the roster with some guest appearances from Kev and Mikey G who will be taking on replacement roles to help out in week one.
We caught up with O’Neill who had this to say about all of the offseason noise and the new-look roster:
“Anytime you got a team going for as long as we do you’re gonna have changes and new players. I feel very confident in this year’s squad and we have our eyes set on the championship.”
Neglecting to go into detail on Lou’s departure or the precedent these 2-way contracts have set, only time will tell if the Cantaloupe are serious about adding some more hardware to what is becoming a bit of a dusty trophy shelf.
The Cantaloupe look to take the first step in their return to glory this Wednesday as they kick off the Summer season against Camp Clamps @ 9:55 pm Total Turf, Court #1
Written by: Jonathan Abbott