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Chad Barton, 434th Communications Squadron, attempts to wrap a pass around Thomas Prado, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron, during first round action of Grissom’s annual basketball tournament. The Engineers were buried by the Communicators 29-32 and fell into the loser’s bracket of the double elimination tournament. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jami Lancette)

Picking apart the defense

Nicholas McClure, 434th Communications Squadron prepares to use a pick set up by a teammate to elude Alex Barone’s, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron, defense during the first round of play in Grissom’s annual basketball tournament at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., Feb. 6, 2016. The 4 Communicator’s rerouted the Engineers 32-29 sending them to the loser’s bracket of the double elimination. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jami Lancette)

Communicators disconnect Engineers, advance in hoops tourney

Published Feb. 23, 2016
By Douglas Hays
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Grissom's version of the 'Big Dance' tipped off Feb. 6 as units took to the hardwood for the annual intramural basketball tournament.

The Communicators from the 434th Communications Squadron downed the Engineers of the 434th Civil Engineer Squadron 32-29 to open the double elimination tournament.

Eight teams began the tournament with championship dreams but two teams' dreams turned to nightmares as they were bounced in the first round. The Engineers and the 434th Security Forces 'B' teams were both sent packing early.

"After the renovation of our basketball court it's great to see people competing and having fun," said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. "Events like this foster not only physical fitness but also improve morale and camaraderie. Besides, basketball is an important part of our Hoosier heritage!"

Renovations included putting in bleachers so spectators could safely watch the games and resurfacing the court.

"After two years with no annual basketball tournament, players from all teams played aggressively with good sportsmanship," said Bruce Cannady, 434th Force Support Squadron fitness center director.

The madness continues March 5th with the first game tipping off at 5:30 p.m. as the Communicators battle the 434th SFS 'A' team.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer