The Austin Deaf Toros took the floor for second round action tonight against the Houston All Stars. The Toros put a strangle hold from start to finish and leaving the All Stars gasping for air following a shellacking defeat 92-26. Aiming to advance to their third straight SWBAD championship the Toros displayed a relentless defensive effort in the early goings. Over the first eight minutes of the first half the Toros jumped to a 28-1 run. Igniting the run was veteran Darnell Woods who knocked down the first three shots of the game, all from three point range. The 9-0 spurt forced the All Stars to use an early time out to make defensive adjustments.
The Deaf Toros continue to surge forward using an array of crisp passes and strong finishes at the basket. Anton Jackson turned in one of his most memorable performances by snagging 18 rebounds. Jackson led several fast break which finished with either a three pointer or a layup during the early goings. Chris Hamilton serving his role to the max ran the floor and hustled for loose balls all over the court. Jumping into his own bench in the opening minute showed he was ready from the start. He also mopped the floor on a couple of occasions corralling miscues by Houston.
In the paint RJ Kaufman and Shannon Simon provide solid rebounding, defense and shot blocking presence which helped limit Houston to only one point before the starting five went to the bench. The second unit was led by Termiea Bowers and cagey veteran Yo Moore. Both players ran up and down the floor working to keep up the intensity that starters had begun. Also, Kelvin Etkie sparked the unit with a couple of treys of his own and was constantly in the right place at the right time. The Deaf Toros led at the half 42-17.
In the second half the Toros started the out using the second unit. Coach Larry Smith felt comfortable with the second string to start them off for the half. They picked up where the starters left off, creating turnovers and converting them into transition baskets. While ball hawking and displaying a fortitude of resistance this unit limited the All Stars to only five points. In came the starters with their dust-mops and brooms to provide a clean up job. Woods, Jackson, Hamilton and Kaufman came roaring off the bench with an abundance of energy. Constantly coming away with points in spurts.
The Toros ran away with the win but showing dignity and class during the over-matched contest. Without much fanfare the Deaf Toros were happy to come away with this win. The game was fun to watch especially with Yo Moore,, who wasn’t expecting to play this soon, ran up and down the floor rebounding and collecting garbage baskets and making nifty passes on the interior of the offense. Moore even stroked a three pointer in the closing moments to cap off the night of dominance.
Up next the Deaf Toros will face a young and hungry bunch of ballers from Jackson, MS (JAD). Jackson upset the two time runner-ups Tulsa Hawks tonight. The Hawks were without their dominant big man Tracy Willis who has lead the team in scoring and rebounding. It should a be test for the Toros to bring the same business like demeanor to overwhelm the young Jackson team.
Tonight every Toros appeared int he scoring column except Chris Channin. Perhaps the butterflies lasted longer than anticipated but Channin showed some rebounding abilities which says his job was done in other facets of the game. Mick Freeland, John McMahon and Geoff Moore each made buckets to push the Deaf Toros into their scoring frenzy for the night.
See www.swbad.org for stats and highlights.
