Finally - a brilliant play!

[Mark Padgett]

I was talking to a buddy this morning who also officiates and he told me about something that happened in an 8th grade rec game he had earlier this week.

Team A is down 3 with about 7 seconds to go and they are to inbound in front court. As soon as they do, B1 fouls A1, not intentionally - he made a play on the ball. Team A is in single bonus. A1 goes to the line to shoot one and one with 5 seconds to go. He makes the first. He gets the ball for the second shot and coach B starts yelling at one of his players. B2 leaves the lane to go see what his coach wants and the official indicates a delayed violation on team B. A1 then shoots an airball. Team A has the AP arrow and they get the ball because of the double violation. Unfortunately for them, A2 misses a shot at the horn and they lose.

After the game, my buddy (who knows A1 because they live down the street from each other) asks him if he missed it on purpose. A1 told him "Duh, yeah" and said he knew they would get the ball back if he did. He said shooting the airball was much easier than trying to bang the ball back off the rim.

For you local guys, this kid will be attending Tualatin HS next year and intends to try out for basketball. Maybe he should try out for referee instead.