Osan reigns over Red Cloud

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Matt Summers
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Osan Defenders opened defense of their Korean Post Level Basketball League crown by drubbing Camp Red Cloud 99-76 and 91-74 in a home-away series Nov 15 and 16.

Guard Emanuel Daniels, 51st Operations Support Squadron, led Osan with 15 points in Saturdays' win. Drew Colen, 607th Air Intelligence Squadron, and Jarrod Butler, 51st Communications Squadron, netted 14 and 12 respectively.

Butler was top scorer on Sunday with 24 points, while Colen tipped in 19 and Anthony Showers, 51st CS, chipped in 15.

Osan, travels to Wonju Saturday to take on Camp Long and will host the same opponents at 3 p.m. Sunday at the fitness center.

The Defenders, coached by Tony Jones, are also preparing for their first big regular-season tournament when they travel to Daegu Nov. 27-30 for a Thanksgiving Tournament.

Coach Jones has led Osan to 11 Korean-league season and tournament titles, seven Christmas tournament titles and has twice won the Kadena Classic on Okinawa. The Defenders are looking to achieve a three-peat in the league with titles in 2006/2007 and 2007/2008.

"It's always tough to repeat, especially when you're a target," Coach Jones said. "When everyone wants to beat you, they all bring their A game."

One of the biggest challenges of coaching at Osan is the turnover of players each year. This season's team is loaded with ball handlers and shooting guards.

"Our guards are our strength because we're so talented and deep at the position," Coach Jones said. "Our forwards are also strong, but we need to work on our post play and getting our big guys more involved in the offense."

The coach added the whole team must continue to work on defensive intensity.

"At the end of the day, I want this team to be the best they can be every game - leaving all they have on the court when the clock hits zero," he said.