Even though Apollo’s Phoenix blasted US Airways 60-34 Wednesday night, the 26-point win left a lot to be desired from the talented but unfocused squad. The outcome was never in question, but if Phoenix is to contend for the league championship in the weeks to come, the team will have to improve in several areas.
Phoenix started sluggishly, despite the efforts of acting point guard Dave Burrows to increase the pace and score some easy transition baskets. Part of this could be attributed to the Phoenix’s lack of effort initially, but the spacious and quiet environment of Escalante Community Center was a major factor as well.
Doug Qualls helped Phoenix pull away from US Airways by controlling the defensive glass and chipping in a couple baskets to start the scoring. Qualls also sank three quick free throws, one after a US Airways technical foul, helping his team jump out to a 20-8 advantage. His solid play sparked his teammates and Trajan Langdon look-alike John began his hot shooting night with several scores, which included three pointers, drives to the rim and smooth turn-around jumpers. His game-high 22 points were the reason that Phoenix barely broke a sweat while improving to 2-1 on the season.
Phoenix pushed the lead to 20, but let US Airways back in the game with some poor substitutions. Phoenix’s best three players watched the final minutes of the first half from the bench, and US Airways cut the lead to just 11 at halftime.
Phoenix made a point to start the second half with more focus, and used its offensive sets to work the ball to the high post. After a couple of easy buckets inside, US Airways was forced to concentrate on the paint and Phoenix opened up the scoring from three-point range. They quickly pushed the lead to more than 20. The fact that the transition game is nonexistent is definitely a concern, as the referees’ happy whistles could make any half-court game close in coming weeks.
However, the team lost focus, not that it mattered against US Airways. If they are to beat top-notch competition, they will have to add more fire and mental toughness. Both Burrows and Jimmy Kelly were prone to dropping their heads and slumping their shoulders after a miss or turnover, despite the fact that they played solid games. Burrows had eight points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Kelly added seven points and two steals.
Chemistry also seems to be missing to this point. There is no in-team bickering, but there isn’t the cohesiveness that is seen from most championship teams. Perhaps this will improve as the new teammates get to know each other over the season’s final four weeks. However, Barry Kelley and Rich Davis both missed the game due to personal reasons, and four weeks is not a lot of time to mold into a champion.
Adam provided nice energy as the backup-point guard, but his tendency to dribble too much could cost the Phoenix against opponents with quick guards who can steal the ball. Phoenix will look to improve to 3-1 on June 23 against league whipping boy FOC, who stands at 1-2. Questions still remain for this squad, most importantly:
-How will the team integrate Kelly and Davis after three missed games combined?
-Will they score consistently enough without a true, athletic slasher to dissect defenses?
-With most of the players on the wrong side of 30, do they have the desire to battle for a title?
-How good is their defense? Their guards can create steals but shotblocking and rebounding depth remain suspect.
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