Despite a new improved roster, the San Quentin Warriors lost their second game of the season to the visiting Imago Dei basketball team, 90-84.
“You have to learn to play with each other,” Steve Diekman told the Warriors after the game. Diekman, now 43, was a three-point specialist in college. “When all the guys on the court are capable of doing everything, it’s hard for guys to find their role.”
New additional Mack Simekins nailed his first four shot attempts, including a spin baseline slam dunk. Then Imago’s center Erv Anderson showed up and slowed him down. Simekins still finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Anderson had 5 points, 3 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks.
“That team is definitely a good team,” said Imago new recruit Jon Williams. “They played with good fundamentals, so that’s good coaching.”
Veteran Warriors Allan McIntosh and Anthony Ammons tried to lead their team to victory. McIntosh scored 25. Ammons came off the bench and put on a Jamal Crawford performance, going five for seven from the field and finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Williams improved Imago’s roster, helping them leave the Warriors behind a couple of points after each of the first three quarters. Williams shook a Warrior and went baseline for the lay-up on the first play of the game. He finished with 31 points.
Williams, the former New Mexico University basketball player, wasn’t intimidated by playing a road game in prison.
“We are all human,” said Williams. “We all lace up our shoes. We are all equal no matter what. Other than that, it’s basketball.”
Imago’s veterans, Teohn Conner, a former semi-pro player, added 30 points and Diekman splashed 6 three-pointers.
–Rahsaan Thomas