7 November 2016 brought a clash of history to the National Old School Basketball League when the Heat and Kingdom Ballers reported to North Highland Assembly of God's Church gymnasium for a friendly rivalry between two teams that have battled each other for several years.  Before the league transitioned to two divisions, teams were ranked from #1 - #8 seeds.  These two teams were always battling to become #7 versus #8.  Tim Elder and Willie Haynes handled their situations with great sportsmanship by turning their games into a friendly rivalry between the two lower seeded teams.  Now, that they play in separate divisions, they may or may not compete against each other during the playoffs.

The game started with the Kingdom Ballers receiving first possession, but the Heat obtained the first lead at the score of four.  They held that lead until the Kingdom Ballers captured the lead 11.  I was impressed with both teams, but I was more impressed with the poise and patience displayed by the Kingdom Ballers.  Though Wason Davis (#21) led the Ballers, in scoring, with nine (9) points - his teammates joined with increased effort and shared scoring.  They scored 32 points versus 21 points from the Heat.  The Heat's Johnny Sanchez (#15) and Roger Powell (#55) kept the team competitive by score eight (8) points, each.

The second half was much tighter because the Heat followed-up with 22 points and the Kingdom Ballers scored 24 points.  This has been an achilles heel for the Kingdom Ballers.  They are constantly scoring fewer points in the second half.  I am watching both teams adjust to playing more competitive basketball when they break for timeouts.  The Heat has to be careful with their adjustment because the culture of the team can be affected by new voices/strategies.  On the other hand, the Kingdom Ballers are learning how to play hard behind the incredible leadership and hustle of Lamont Shuford.  He is pushing his teammates to "Play hard!!" and they are listening and responding.  Lamont Shuford (#11) led the Kingdom Ballers with seven (7) and Wason Davis contributed six (6) points as they defeated the Heat 56 - 43.24

The scorers for the Heat were: (#3) Michael Brown with three (3) points, (#15) Johnny Sanchez with 11 points, (#55) Roger Powell with 10 points, (#50) Tracy Cohen with 6 points, (#24) Sidney Dowlen with 4 points, and (#17) Alphonzo Jukes with 9 points.

The scorers for the Kingdom Ballers were:  (#21) Wason Davis with 15 points, (#5) Christopher Mathis with 7 points, (#2) Anthony Harris with 2 points, (#11) Lamont Shuford with 13 points, (#32) Santonio Howard with 6 points, (#31) Willie Haynes with 5 points, and (#33) Joseph Ellison with 8 points.