New Look Cantaloupe Cruise to a Week 1 Victory

After back to back playoff exits the past two seasons, the Cantaloupe strolled out a nearly unrecognizable roster to start off the Winter season. Having lost Kev, Trevor, and Pondo along with Nick, Tim, and Lou all stepping back into part time rolls for the Winter, the Cantaloupe needed some fresh blood. With recruiting season in full effect, the team reached agreements with former Cantaloupe members Tyler, Pendry, and Joey B while also taking a chance on some rookies, bringing in Dennis, Conner and Jordan. With so many unknowns stepping into the fold, Cantaloupe fans couldn’t help but question how this would further impact team chemistry. Though O’Neill and his coaching staff still insist the locker room vibes are as strong as ever, it was clear to fans and everyone watching that there were some frustrations boiling below the surface late in the Fall season.

Luckily, the wait is over and Wednesday night fans were finally able to put some of their off-season worries to rest, as the Cantaloupe dominated their season opener 56-27. Their opponents, the Akatsuki came into this one pretty confident even going so far as to proclaim that by the end of the night “the Cantaloupe shall know pain” a few minutes before the opening tip. Misguided or not, you have to appreciate the theatrics even if they were woefully outmatched. Though the Cantaloupe struggled to get the lid off the basket early, the offense was still getting plenty of open looks while the defense already appeared to be in mid season form. The Cantaloupe combined for 11 steals, forcing the opposition to earn every basket, and after Ryan D proceeded to knock down a couple of 3’s after subbing into the first half, the offense never looked back.

Deal led the team with 11 points, but Torney, who was praised for his gutsy performance in last seasons playoff loss, was the one who had the crowd buzzing again as he dominated the paint on both ends, finishing with 10 points and 6 boards. His 6 rebounds were tied for the team lead with Tyler, and Tim. Tim filling in for Chris who was out with an illness also got his season off to a hot start adding in 8 points and 2 assists on top of his 6 rebounds. Joey B had a nice return giving the Cantaloupe some instant offense with 6 points and a couple of assists while Jordan made an early claim for Rookie of the Year bursting onto the scene with 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals.

It may be too early to tell, but one can’t help to be excited about what this team has to offer. With the new league format of one 18 team division, they certainly seem poised to make another run at the playoffs so be sure to check back in for your weekly updates on all things Cantaloupe. Week 2 action is set to for Wednesday, January 19th @ 8:45pm against the 1-0 Nothing but Net.

Written by: Jonathan Abbott

January 16th, 2022