The SQ Warriors lost, lost again, lost a third time, and then — finally — recovered.
The Warriors suffered three losses in May. They lost twice to PSM Green Team, and once to Town Boogie, before winning their second game of the season after avenging their losses to PSM Green Team.
The PSM Green Team, led by veteran volunteer coach Bill Epling, visited San Quentin over three weeks and squeaked by each game, winning with scores of 77–71 and 69–70.
The latter game ended on a dramatic buzzer beater.
The rivalry traditionally met at center court, and SQ Kings’ coach Demond “Oolah” Lewis emceed the event. He thanked Epling’s team and called them an extended family that brought in energy and love.
The hard-fought victories for the PSM Green Team overcame lead changes from great passes and scoring.
Examples included the PSM Green Team’s Charles stealing the ball and scoring, Donell “Sonic” Pimpton’s three-pointer to grab a lead, and Keyshawn “Steez” Strickland dropping treys while directing his team in both games.
Contributors to the Warriors’ near-victories included David “Three” Rodriquez and Velteese “Teese” Mathis, who dished out assists to teammates like Darius “DP” Poole.
The second game turned out as a classic double-overtime buzzer beater that tested the spirit of the SQ Warriors.
Zemeaitelv “Kasper” Kaspanan, Strickland, Derrell “Saddiq” Davis, and Aoden “AD” Samad stepped up their game in the rematch to lead the Warriors to another near-victory.
The foes stayed deadlocked for six quarters until Strickland hit a huge three to take the lead 69– 66. PSM Green Team’s player Chris hit a two and the visitors’ Max floated the buzzer beater to steal the victory from the SQ Warriors, 70–69.
The game-ending shot generated screams heard all the way to the baseball field and as far away as the Upper Yard.
Epling said about the double-overtime victory, “We were down the whole game, down 10 points after the third quarter. It was great as my guys battled back,” Epling said.
On June 1, the SQ Warriors continued their losing streak with another loss against Town Boogie.
Both teams played a strong game as Town Boogies’ Geoffrey “Free” Gary sank a three to end the first quarter tied at 21.
The second quarter included Mathis delivering a bomb the length of the court to Evans, who scored just before Strickland hit a three to end the half with the Warriors up 49–45.
In the third quarter, Boogie’s Authman showed great defense by blocking the Warriors’ Strickland’s shot; and Derrell “Saddiq” Davis scored two, before his teammate Evans made two free-throws.
Authman yelled, “Bulls—,” making the Warriors laugh, because if they would swear, they would receive a technical foul. Authman was the top scorer with 33 points and Sam put in 27 for the victors. “Being in the moment; it’s not about the points, it’s about playing hard. We imagined it turning out the way it did,” said Authman.
Town Boogie’s Sam scored two buckets within two minutes to widen the visitors’ lead 81–70, but the home team fought valiantly to bring the deficit down to five as the game ended with another heart-breaking loss 97–92.
June 8 proved pivotal as the Warriors grabbed their second victory from the jaws of a seventh defeat.
The home team played the PSM Green Team, taking a commanding lead over the guests as San Quentin’s Dejean “Duty” Evans put the Warriors up 22–11 at the end of quarter one.
The second quarter featured PSM Green Team’s Masa, adding to his highlight reel by dunking on the Warriors. Masa also dominated defensively by blocking Mathis’ shot as PSM Green Team closed the gap to end the half: Warriors up 33–30.
The defense dominated the third quarter as the Warriors held on, ending the period with a 52–48 lead.
In the fourth quarter, PSM Green Team pulled ahead by four points. Then, with only seconds left in the game, the Warriors snatched the lead by one and PSM Green Team came back to tie the game, sending it to another overtime.
The Warriors took a commanding lead in overtime and sealed the deal with a much-needed victory for the home team. The Warriors won xx–xx.
Shauna B. and Epling spectated the last game together. The all-state basketball player from Arizona High said, “I liked the competitiveness, camaraderie, and friendly atmosphere of San Quentin Warriors Basketball.”
Coach Jerry ”JB” Brown showed frustrations over a losing streak as playing had not gone well for his team until the June 8 win.
The losses and victories throughout the months dropped the Warriors record to two wins and six losses.
