The 2011 Team Part I

A year following the Richmond tournament, many were wondering if Industry would return to Northern California for another shot at redemption. Despite the 1-3 performance a year ago, Team Industry was destined for another shot at glory. However, in the weeks leading up to the tournament something happened……it was cancelled. Left with uncertainty, no one knew if Team Industry would have another season.

Luckily as March approached, Head Coach Ron Atmore found an alternative tournament to enter Team Industry. The Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation also known as S.C.M.A.F. hosts a regional one and done tournament once a year towards the end of March. The winners and runner-ups would earn a right to enter the State Tournament. The players and parents happily accepted the offer from Coach Atmore and Team Industry began practicing.

With only two remaining players from the 2010 “Richmond Team,” Atmore and Assistant Coach Troy Beverly sought to find new players throughout the Y.A.L. Youth Basketball League. Joining Kyle and Patrick were a new cast of characters that featured David Jimenez, David Talmachoff, Omar Orozco, Enrique Ramirez, Zachary Monroy, Christian Espinoza, Isaiah Romero, Gabriel Perez, and Johnny Jaymes. With practice underway, Atmore decided to abandon the “5-Out” offense he used a year prior and enter a new brand of offense to shake things up.

Atmore introduced the “2-Guard” offense, an offense that is still used to this day by the current Team Industry. With a new offense, new team gear, and a new attitude, Team Industry felt they had things going in the right direction heading in the tournament. Industry also got a boost after scrimmaging a team from Los Angeles and a team from Alhambra, who also was entering the SCMAF Tournament. There was however, a big problem up ahead…..their opponents! As the schedule was announced, Industry once again had a tough schedule like they did a year ago. Not only did Team Industry have the toughest schedule, but the winner of the first game would have to take on the defending Regional Champs from Pasadena. Team Industry’s opponent in the opening round was Glendora. Glendora at the time was led by current Glendora High School star Brandon Brothers.

As tip-off began, both teams knew this was a do or die situation. At halftime Industry was down three possessions. In the second half, both teams started throwing haymakers. As the back and forth action ceased, Glendora started to pull away with the lead. In the end, Glendora proved to be a tough adversary and defeated Team Industry by 11 points. As guaranteed, the loser had to exit the tournament early.

Many parents and players questioned if this was the end of the 2011 season. However, one parent would introduce the coaches to a one month Spring League called the Nothin’ But Net League. From there the coaches agreed to enter the spring league. However, as the league approached, the foundation of Team Industry Basketball was about to change and a new era was upon us.

To Be Continued…..

Next Entry: “The 2011 Team (Part II): The Coach Troy Era” – November 20, 2014