1.1.09

By BRYAN CLARK

Sports Editor

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio (AP) – Team Torraveris started off 2009 in fitting style by putting 9 points on the board in both games of the sixth annual Quad One Braggin’ Rights Challenge. But as usual, it was not enough. Team Bryamy finished off both games on 6-0 runs to sweep the match in symmetrical fashion: 15-9, 15-9.

“We toyed with them for a while,” Bryan Clark said. “But once they got within striking distance, I had to look at Jeremy and say, ‘Let’s win this for Lee’s mom. We have to give her something she will never forget... like that time she took Dustin out drinking.’”

Dustin Torres and Lee Delaveris put together one of their best performances in the history of the rivalry by scoring a total of 18 points. That total was surpassed only by their 20-point explosion in Vegas in 2006. The strong performance was made even more impressive by the difficult conditions. The temperature at tip-off was a brisk 16 degrees, and most players were operating on 4 or fewer hours of sleep thanks to New Year’s Eve festivities the night before.

“COFFEE, I need more COFFEE,” said Jeremy Bridgman, responding to a media inquiry shortly before the game.

Clark turned in what was probably his worst performance in the history of the series, missing at least 10 open lay-ups. But Bridgman picked up the slack, probably inspired by the surprise appearance of his girlfriend, Lauren Buller.

“I only get up before noon for three things: coffee, seeing Lauren, and kicking these guys’ butts,” Bridgman said. “I got all three today, so I can’t complain. Seriously, isn’t she great?”

Not surprisingly, the players were unable to escape the game without injury. Torres sported a large bruise in the middle of his forehead after a collision with the poll, and Clark added to the injury later in the game by blocking a shot off Torres’ face. Team Doctor Dan McFarlane later advised the group to avoid such an injury when they meet again for Dustin’s bachelor party in March, lest they come down with Gretchenwillkillyouitis. Bridgman also hit the deck when he was leveled by unseen pick from Delaveris.

“Without a doubt, that was probably the best play I’ve ever made in this series,” Delaveris said. “I shook loose from Bryan, planted my feet, and Jeremy ran into me like I was a brick wall that he just peed on. I’m not sure if we scored or not, but who cares. I’m clearly a stud.”

Thanks to hot shooting for Team Torraveris, both games were tied at 9. However, Bridgman took control late in Game One, and Clark went to his patented scoop-shot lay-up to secure the victory in Game Two. Team Bryamy also continued to establish themselves as innovators in two-on-two defense. A revival of last year’s Birds of Paradise Defense led to a steal, and Bridgman unveiled another new creation.

“It’s called the Beer Fart Defense,” he said. “Think of it as a sort of zone. I hang in the paint and create a situation where Dustin and Lee don’t want to drive the lane, even if I’m not there. I think it was pretty effective.”

Bridgman’s new defense, as well as the 8:00 a.m. start time and frigid temperatures, might have contributed to the poor attendance. Team Photographer Lea Delaveris was on hand to briefly capture the festivities, but the contest was played in front of an otherwise empty house.

As they headed to the locker room, Torres and Delaveris showed the strain of six straight losses. A heated exchange quickly led to fisticuffs, and the teammates had to be separated.

“Dustin thinks he should get the ball more,” Delaveris said angrily. “I think he should show up to more than half our games. I guess we’ll just agree to disagree.”

But one thing everyone could agree on was the appropriate post-game meal. Lee Delaveris, you just lost your sixth straight Braggin’ Rights Game... where are you going to go?

“IHOP on Cox,” Delaveris said.