Cops handcuff AFMAO

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chuck Walker
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Security Forces Squadron hoped to continue their undefeated streak when they faced the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.

Call it mission accomplished and then some as the 436th SFS whitewashed AFMAO 61-30 at the base fitness center Jan. 19 at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Matthew Mitchell, a guard with the 436th SFS, scored a game-high 22 points and Preston Reid added 20 in the blow-out victory.

"It was a good game and we were focused," said 436th SFS player-coach Oshane Mitchell. "We made key shots and we were making and taking smart shots. It was all about finding the open man."

The 436th SFS opened the first half on a 20-2 run and never looked back, taking a 36-12 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the 436th SFS (3-0) stayed on cruise control in taking the 31-point win.

In blow-out games, there is a tendency for good teams to lose focus and play sloppy. Matthew Mitchell said the key for the Cops was their preparation.

"I was always taught that you prepare for the tight game with how you play in the blow-out games," Matthew Mitchell said. "If you continue to do that, you won't get complacent. Complacency can let a team back in the game. You have to remain focused throughout the game and keep going."

For AFMAO (0-3) it was the story of an undermanned team meeting up with a buzzsaw. Marvin Brown led AFMAO scoring 14 points, while Shea Honore added seven.

AFMAO player-coach Clarence Garden said his team is a work in progress as it tries to keep improving in spite of the difficult and unique mission of his team's unit.

"We just need to practice more and get some solidarity," said Garden. "But most importantly, we want to improve while having fun at the same time, especially with what we have to deal with on a daily basis. We just hope to come out and represent our unit well and get better as the season progresses."

Oshane Mitchell said the Cops still have some work to do if they want to repeat as base champions.

"We are a strong team and we are very relaxed and we always want to win," said Oshane Mitchell. "We just need to keep our focus, keep talking on defense and stop committing stupid fouls."