CGBCNN Staff Writer: Randy Pifer
Updated 11:54 PM 10/25/12
A three point loss in the books, but a scar that will last a lifetime. The first ever CGBC basketball team will go down as a loser. The Not-So-Fightin' Reformers dropped a winnable game and watched their record fall to 5-7. A lackluster first half and poor shooting was their ultimate downfall. Jon Goforth played well enough to keep his team afloat and led a furious second half charge to get the team within one possession. That is when things got crazy. With 10 seconds left and possession belonging to CGBC, Aaron Cline stepped up to inbound the ball. Randy Pifer was left wide open on the right side and Cline threw him the pass. Pifer, remembering his coaches words before the game "your gonna go for double digits tonight", threw up a three that glanced off the rim. Josh Harbert grabbed the offensive rebound but had it knocked out of bounds. On the inbound pass, Goforth was able to get a good look at the basket, but missed the shot. Another offensive rebound allowed for one last desperation shot from Cline that fell short as well.
"As the unquestioned leader of this team, I take full responsibility for this loss" said Pifer. "Jon [Goforth] played great. I should have been looking for him. I'm just really disappointed in myself." Goforth, responding to the GM's comments, said "this is the first time I have been apart of a losing team. There are a lot of plays throughout a game that you can win or lose a game on. Randy's mistakes were glaring due to the fact they were in crunch time. I don't wanna point any fingers, but...".
Pifer wasn't the only one to struggle with his shot. Player/Coach Zack Blount was ice cold from the floor only managing a few layups and Cline missed a high percentage as well. Michael Moon, playing like a man possessed in the second half was grabbing offensive rebounds and going up strong, doing his part to help get his team back in the game. Harbert, playing loose and carefree, played solid defense but wasn't able to help in the scoring column. For the first time all year, the team was playing without free shooting guard Benji Hutson. A call was made to Hutson after the game to get a statement. "I just heard Randy [Pifer] cost us the game. Typical."
The season was a roller coaster. In some aspects, The Reformers had a very successful season, but when you look at the end record, no one can say it was what they had set out to accomplish. They need to get back to basics. The off season will be a good time for them to reevaluate what this team needs to win. The GM has a lot of decisions to make concerning personnel and who will be back next season, and the hardest decisions always start at the top.
NEWS and NOTES: The Fight for .500 Trophy was en route to the game tonight, but due to a massive two bicycle pileup that had traffic in downtown Travelers Rest backed up for blocks, was never able to make it to the arena. "We shook their hands, and congratulated them like men" said Thomas Richardson. "That is the least we could do."
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