Close But No Cigars Livingston Go Getters Beat the Polk County Peace Officers Again in Overtime Thriller
The Livingston Go Getters exhibited team unity during pre-game warmups. Their team effort was needed to edge out the Polk County Peace Officers in an overtime thriller.
Polk County Peace Officers Lose Again, LIVINGSTON, February 8, 2011 - The Livingston Go Getters beat the Polk County Peace Officers again on February 7, 2011 at the Livingston Junior High School Gym. The peace officers were coached by Sergeant Howard Smith of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The peace officers managed to take the lead late in the game and were celebrating early before one of the Go Getters sunk a last second basket forcing a 2 minute overtime. Overtime was close as the peace officers took the lead, but again, the Go Getters rose to the occasion when it counted most as Shannon Ramirez sunk a last second gut wrenching shot in overtime to help the Go Getters to a 100 - 99 victory over the peace officers. This year the peace officers strategized to get some height by incorporating Sheriff Ken "the Leaning Tower" Hammack. Hammack's efforts proved to be fruitless as he scored ZERO points for the entire game. The Leaning Tower joked afterwards that his shooting was perfect (he missed every shot). During their pre-mature celebrating, Hammack was trying to emulate Michael Jackson's moon walk (not caught on camera), but when the last second shot fell in overtime, Hammack tripped on his own feet as the Go Getters ran off the court, arms raised in victory having won by 1 point in dramatic fashion. Hammack was a good sport about the whole thing and handed out T-Shirts to the Go Getters in a show of good sportsmanship even though the peace officers consistently lose in the annual friendly game. Afterwards, peace officers head coach Howard Smith said that he needs to do better recruiting if they're going to beat the Go Getters. Smith also accused the officials of "throwing the game". We asked one of the officials (Mike Nettles) about Smith's comment, Nettles told PolkCountyToday.com "Look at the score". Go Getters' head coach Marty Drake was proud of his team. For the record, this game was closest the peace officers ever came to actually beating the Go Getters. Always a bride's maid...(never a bride).
Shannon Ramirez hit a last second cold blooded shot in overtime to beat the Peace Officers by 1 point.
Kenneth "the Leaning Tower" Hammack shoots during pregame warmups.
Officer Adam Williford thinks he's going to cruise down court but moments later was pick pocketed as Jeremy Coats (coming up from behind Williford) stole the ball for the Go Getters.
The Go Getters were fouled early and often by the peace officers. Their free throw shooting skills were lethal.
Sergeant William Jerry with the Sheriff's Office spent a good part of the evening on the gym floor.
Go Getter Curtis Bradford meant business as he pointed to the Peace Officers' bench during the game.
Dakoda Hernandez was burned by Bradford on a long shot. Bradford's quickness left Hernandez flat footed and looking goofy.
Mind Games: The Go Getters managed to get into William Jerry's head who became so flustered he lost his composure and had to be restrained by Sheriff Hammack. Once Jerry calmed down he was uncuffed, but totally ineffective as a player.
Head Coach Howard Smith tries to get his team in the right frame of mind to play the formidable Go Getters. (Whatever he told them, it didn't work).
Go Getter Kaitlyn Dean receives a shirt from Sheriff Hammack. Hammack handed out shirts to all the go getters at the conclusion of the game in a show of good sportsmanship.
Go Getter Luke McClendon was all smiles...
...as was Marcus Reddic.
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