‘
Twas the night before Christmas and in Wasarenland
Players had gathered for the basketball tournament at hand.
A two-on-two tourney was about to unfold
Standing room only, no tickets left unsold.
A boy and girl player from each league school
Playing as teammates on the eve of the Yule.
Make it Take it, was the rule on this day
Or “Winner’s Outs”, said another way.
First team to 11, have to win by two
Would reduce the field to a precious few.
The sound of a whistle began first round play
Games at each end in a half court fray.
Cross-overs and jumpers, blocked shots and more
It was something to see, the talent on the floor.
As the round played out it was great holiday fun
Except for good players who were one and done.
McMahon and Sparks, DiSiena and Munger
Despite their best hustle for the trophy, they’d hunger.
Kuiken and Darling, MacDougal and Brown
Scunziano and Morris all left town.
In the semi’s Wiley and Coffin said so long
Their J’s were the truth, their defense all wrong.
Davis and Redgrave also would fall
In this holiday run they’d no longer ball.
The Witches Kuzmich and Ingber had the trophy in sight
But waiting were Thornton and Schneller on this Christmas eve night.
Just as the game started, at the far end of the gym
The door swung open with Santa and the Mrs. stepping in.
“Combine your teams,” yelled Santa, “Two in and two out.”
“While Mrs. C and I show you what the game’s all about.”
Kuzmich and Ingber started against the holiday pair
Quickly learning Kris’s wife could score from anywhere.
Knocking down jumpers and scoring at the rim
The hopes for the Wasaren began to look grim.
Trailing 6-2 Thornton and Schneller stepped on the floor
Each connected once from deep but would score no more.
Santa blocked a Thornton floater that opened everyone’s eyes
It had plenty of arc, but the Kringle Man can rise.
He showed athletic skill belying his diet
The man lives on cookies and milk, I think I might try it.
Santa bottomed five in a row to close the championship out
As for the tourney’s best, the north’s duo left little doubt.
And from a cheering gym Santa quickly ran to his sled
Filled with plenty of gifts for the long night ahead.
Having enjoyed his run in the gym down below
Santa’s magical sled rose through the nighttime snow.
And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”
Congratulations to Hoosick Falls basketball player Jon Kempf on being named Wasaren Sportsnet Player of the Week.
wasarensportsnet.com 