The second game, of 20 June 2016, was played between the Kingdom Ballers and Heat.  This was an excellent challenge for two teams that are set with bona fide players for each position.  These two teams have been with the league since its infancy stage in 2008 and 2009.  The captains, Tim Elder and Willie Haynes, have always shown class when ranked as the last and next-to-last seeds in the league.  Their winning record would always reflect their win over each other.  So, I am happy to see these two captains and their players enjoy the feeling of being a team to be recognized.  When I observe their games and rotations, I fully understand the sacrifices they have made and giving up for others to play.  The league has changed since they have started.  We were able to play a full season with five players.  That is not possible today with the talent we have on every team.  The teams must have a minimum of seven players and a maximum of 12.  Having more players, and now, bona fide players take time to adjust to.  It is very important for both teams' players to work hard, as a team, to give Tim Elder and Willie Haynes what they wish for their team and players to feel.  This takes patience, teamwork, sacrifice, and a collective will to win.  As a commentator, I get to write what I observe as a means of advising and encouraging players to play as a team.  I do not have a preference for which team should win.  I just want each group of players to be competitive and win or lose as a team.

On Monday evening, we got to see the Kingdom Ballers and Heat play to the finish - literally.  The starters for the Kingdom Ballers were:  #24 Tony Campbell, #3 Christopher Mathis, #0 Willie Tennyson, #96 Shederal Hughes, and #11 Wason Davis.  The starters for the Heat were:  #3 Michael Brown, #11 Norman King, #8 Antonio Anthony, #13 Donald Brophy, and #17 Felton Scott.

The Kingdom Ballers started the game with eight 3-pointers in the first half.  The Heat scored on four 3-pointers.  Tony Campbell (#24) led the Kingdom Ballers with 17 first half points.  The Heat had six players in the scoring category with #3 Michael Brown and #24 Sidney Dowlen leading the charge with 10 points, each.  Johnny Sanchez (#15) added 8 points to the Heat's scoring.  Only one timeout was used during the first half.  When the Kingdom Ballers requested a 30-second timeout, the Heat were ahead 25 - 16.  The Heat committed four team fouls and the Kingdom Ballers committed five team fouls.  The Heat held the advantage, at the end of the half, with a 37 - 34 point lead.  The teams tied, twice, at 14 and 16.

The second half started with both teams on a mission.  Tony Campbell and Shederal Hughes maintained the scoring - for the Kingdom Ballers  - and assisted the team with tenacious defense.  Unfortunately, for the Heat, Felton Scott was left alone to lead the team with 12 points.  No other Heat scored more than 4 points.  Tony Campbell led the Kingdom Ballers with 13 points and Shederal Hughes added 10 points.  The Heat's eleven team fouls gave the Kingdom Ballers 5 points from the free throw line.  The Kingdom Ballers committed six team fouls that resulted in the Heat scoring on all six free throws.  The only tie score, of the second half, was at 44 points.  Though the Kingdom Ballers outscored the Heat 29 - 23 points, the game came down to one last play that ended in a Heat turnover.  The Kingdom Ballers squeezed pass their longtime opponent (Heat) 63 - 60.

My Observation:  I see that it is difficult for team all-stars to share what used to be their sole domain with others.  I see it and feel it, but I would advise them to look at the positive side.   Other players (all-stars) bring more depth to your team and free you up from direct pressure for other opportunities.  It is definitely beneficial to sacrifice for the good than to affect the team's chemistry due to a feeling of self worth.  Be a team.

The scorers for the Kingdom Ballers were:  #Tony Campbell with 30 points, #96 Shederal Hughes with 15 points, #11 Wason Davis with 8 points, #0 Willie Tennyson with 7 points, and #3 Christopher Mathis with 3 points.

The scorers for the Heat were:  ##17 Felton Scott with 15 points, #24 Sidney Dowlen with 14 points, #3 Michael Brown with 12 points, #15 Johnny Sanchez with 8 points, #8 Antonio Anthony with 7 points, and #11 Norman King with 4 points.