The words of Jack Buck describing the majestic home run of Kirk Gibson from Game 1 of the 1988 World Series could have been used Friday night in Sebewaing. The statement would not have been describing something beautiful. It would have described something very very ugly.
Cass City High School played Unionville-Sebewaing Area (USA) High School in a contest of boys varsity basketball. You can read a game story at The Tuscola Today or the Huron Daily Tribune website. I want to tell you about the ugly part of the game.
With one minute remaining in regulation, Cass City had possession after a stoppage in play. Only down by nine points, Cass City worked the ball around for about 12 seconds before missing a shot. USA rebounded the miss and was immediately fouled. USA went to the line to shoot their two free throws. At this point in the game things still looked up for Cass City, despite a poor shooting half. USA was only 4-13 from the line and promptly missed both free throws. USA jumped on the rebound and passed the ball to the top of the key. This is when the ugliness began.
With only 43 seconds remaining, Cass City only needed to foul to put USA back at the line. Cass City did not foul. In fact they backed away from the USA ball handler. Thinking this may a mistake by the players, I looked at the bench and realized this was coached. The Cass City coach was not screaming at his players to foul. He just sat on the bench doing nothing. I believe he instructed his players to not foul USA. In other words, he gave up. Only down 9 points (possible 3 shots) and 43 seconds remaining, he gave up. This is not only ugly but down right irresponsible. The coach should be asked to resign immediately. That will not happen because guess what he is the athletic director as well. What type of lesson is he coaching his players? The lesson taught last night: give up. Disgusting, ugly, reprehensible, use any adjective you want. Jack Buck's line fits.
