by Teddy McQueen
McQueenontheScene
Game 2 Pittsburgh Steel City Queens vs Cleveland Blaze
Cleveland vs Pittsburgh…Pittsburgh vs Cleveland. Whichever way its presented, if you’re from either city, you know the rivalry is real and it’s bound to be a good game for even the mildest sports fan.
The women of the Blaze and the Steel City Queens both played their roles respectively today, putting on an electric show in a quiet gym located up in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
I had the fantastic opportunity of riding with the team (Cleveland Blaze) and hearing them sing and strategize (clipboard in hand) on the way in and then being able to experience the post-game ride, that was filled with laughter, jokes, and imagine this, watching game film of them dethroning the Steel City Queens (87-82) which allowed them to be able to return home unscathed. (2-0)
Being in the mountains presents a different altitude as well as humidity, fortunately. I’m a writer, not a weatherman, so in laymans terms, it was hot. Unlike the offenses of either team in the beginning of the 1st quarter.
Play by the Blaze seemed hasty and hurried, with a lot of turnovers and players bumping into each other, out of sync and just not in rhythm.
Cleveland moved the ball well but had bad floor spacing, a negative in any situation, but definitely a dent in the smooth flowing offense Coach “Bo” and the team works so hard on throughout the week.
On the other side, Khalia Adams for Pittsburgh heated up and started hitting shots from the outside. However, Jalin Steel (G) closed the quarter out with a Blaze buzzer beater layup…AND 1. Blaze up 22-16
The second period was almost a mirror of the first, with the addition of foul trouble for the Blaze. Although the “calling” of the game seemed one sided, the feet of the Blaze were not sliding properly and they continued to reach in time after time, which resulted in Pittsburgh being in the bonus with over half of the quarter still left to play.
Coach Bo called a timeout with 3 minutes left before halftime, but it worked in favor of the “Queens” as they were able to tie the game at 33-33 and then take a lead of 4.
More frustration from the referee’s calls caused Coach Bo to be enticed into being “T” up, nonetheless it sparked a moment of togetherness for the team and after a spot of clapping in unison, they were able to finish the half strong and up 48-43.
The second half showed both teams familiarizing with each other. The addition of Amber Bogard (C) into the lineup today and Twila Jackson (F) helped the undersized “Bigs” of the Blaze stay afloat as the scoring by the Queens’ Sabrina McLin began to be a problem.
McLin was able to get inside time and time again, which resulted in either a bucket or an opportunity at the free throw line. Cleveland was able to push the lead to double digits (13) late inside the 3rd quarter.
The extra effort and energy to scramble to the floor and dive after the red, white, and blue basketball encouraged the Blaze to keep their heads in the game, even while struggling on offense as they carried an 11 point lead into the 4th and final period. (69-58)
I’m not sure when the theme of players coaching ever came about, but it has to be one of the best things to ever happen to the game of basketball. I was silent during the commercial spot, as I watched Coach Bogard speak to his team, the conversation pivot, and his team speak to each other.
Over the past 2 seasons, time after time, they have seen themselves have control of the game just to see it evaporate late and eventually turn into their opponent taking ahold of the lead. The script was of the same today. Cleveland opened the quarter strong and held onto a 10 point lead for most of it.
The Queens led by McLin cut the lead to just 4 points (86-82) with just 56.7 seconds left on the clock. The Blaze forced a turnover with 2o seconds left which forced the Queens to foul on the ensuing fast break. Erin Haislah (G) split the pair and put her team up 5 (87-82).
The Pittsburgh Steel City Queens had multiple shots at the rim, but just were not able to get anything to fall, as Cleveland corralled the last rebound and held onto the game ball as well as the advantage in this building rivalry.
The Queens (0-1) lose in their home opener, while your Cleveland Blaze remain undefeated (2-0) and I (#McQueenontheScene) get the week off and travel back up the turnpike north.
