Holloman basketball tournament

Holloman’s Akenty Frazerr tips the ball to Taress Daniels to start their tournament-opening game versus Cannon Air Force Base at the 49th Services Squadron’s Fitness and Sports Center. Holloman won the game 87-77, but Cannon had their revenge later in the tournament when they beat the Nighthawks to advance to the championship game. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John Strong)

Holloman basketball tournament

Cannon’s defenders were no match for Holloman’s offensive drives Feb. 23 when the two teams faced off during the opening round of a tournament held at Holloman’s Fitness and Sports Center. The tournament attracted seven teams from across the Southwest and was eventually won by the New Mexico All Stars, from Albuquerque. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class John Strong)

Holloman Services Squadron hosts basketball tourney

Published Feb. 28, 2007
By 1st Lt. Phil Ventura
49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Seven varsity-level basketball teams from across the region converged on Holloman Feb. 23-25 to compete in a tournament hosted by the 49th Services Squadron's Fitness and Sports Center.

Holloman's team, led by coach Marcellues Hall, had a strong showing on their home court and claimed third place after losing a nail-biter versus the New Mexico All Stars, a semi-pro team from Albuquerque, in double-overtime.

The New Mexico All Stars went on to win the championship against Cannon Air Force Base's varsity squad.

Holloman's Nighthawks started the tournament strong, defeating Cannon 87-77 and a local group, Team Alamo, 84-62.

Unfortunately, a few of the team's key players sustained injuries during the second game, limiting their effectiveness and playing time for the rest of the tournament.

"Injuries really took us out of our rhythm," Coach Hall said. "It put gaps in our game and hurt our confidence."

The Nighthawks dropped their third game, against the New Mexico All Stars, 93-90; forcing them into the loser's bracket and creating a tournament re-match against Cannon, who won 79-71.

"Cannon was very good at exploiting our weaknesses," Coach Hall said. "They taught us the loopholes of our team."

Standout players from Holloman during the tournament included Taress Daniels, who scored a season-high 27 points against the New Mexico All Stars and posted an average of 19.5 points per game throughout the weekend, as well as Ernest Evans and Kevin Bullock, who were playing outside of their roles to compensate for injuries to teammates.

Teams from White Sands Missile Range, Fort Bliss and El Paso, Texas, also participated in the weekend tournament.

The Holloman Nighthawks play their next tournament in downtown Alamogordo, March16-18.