2009 U.S. Air Force Europe Central Region Basketball Champions

LIVORNO, Italy – Spangdahlem’s David Billups attempts to pass the ball during the semifinals against Kleine Brogel March 7, 2009. Spangdahlem ended up placing second and Kleine Brogel third in the 2009 U.S. Ai Force Europe Central Region Basketball Champions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joyce Costello)

Camp Darby wins 2009 U.S. Air Force Europe Central Region Basketball Champions

Published March 11, 2009
By Joyce Costello
USAG Livorno Public Affairs

LIVORNO, Italy -- Teams from Aviano, Spangdahlem and Kleine Brogel Air Bases converged upon Camp Darby March 6-7 for the 2009 U.S. Air Force Europe Central Region Basketball Champions.

The 52nd Communications Squadron, from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany won their first game against the 31st Security Forces Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy 60-48, while 31st Munitions Squadron, Camp Darby, Italy squeaked past 701st Munitions Squadron, Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium 52-50. Kleine Brogel then defeated Aviano in the losers bracket 54-49 while Camp Darby again won by two points against Spangdahlem 40-38.

Spangdahlem went on to defeat Kleine Brogel 46-34 and moved to the finals against Camp Darby. Spangdahlem defeated Camp Darby, 47-46, but had to play a second game to determine who would take first in the tournament.

According to Jimmy Roddy, the Camp Darby Fitness Center director, Camp Darby came roaring back in the "If Game" to defeat Spangdahlem 49-40.

After the finals, the "All Tournament Team" was announced: from Camp Darby - Richard Clinch, Adrian Casey, John Williamson and Chet Reed; Spangdahlem - Chris McDaniels, Waltor Pierce and Richard Togia; Klein Brogel - Andrew Figney and Shawn Collotte; and Aviano- Doug Henderson.

"The MVP was Spangdalem's Maurice Hardy," Mr. Roddy said.

Mr. Roddy adds that an open invitational softball tournament will be held at Camp Darby over Memorial Day weekend. Teams can register at the Camp Darby Sports Office DSN: 633-7438.