Game 2 Recap: The Legend of Devin Sperle Inspires the Rooters to Victory PROVO, UT – On a night that was deeply emotional for all involved, the Number One Rooters pulled away in the second half to defeat UPMT 53-40, improving to 2-0 on the year. Going into the game, one thing was certain—win or lose, it would be a night remembered for decades. The Rooters, spurred on by an unquenchable desire to embrace their rich history, had named Friday night “Devin Sperle Memorial Night”, in ode to their legendary founder and mentor, Devin Andrew Sperle. Sperle, who had left the Rooters in a state of heartbroken shock following his abrupt move to Colorado in the off-season, will never be forgotten. Although his body has moved on, his spirit lives on in the heart of each Rooter—that much is clear after they channeled Sperle’s relentless passion for the game and unleashed it on an obviously unprepared UPMT. Strengthened by the hotly anticipated debut of “Triple Pick” Rick Doxey, the Rooters began the game at full strength for the first time this season. That being said, the game got off to a slow start, with the clearly emotional Rooters taking their time to settle into a rhythm. In fact, if it hadn’t been for the shifty, never-ending, drives of Jake “The Contortionist” Berlin, the game could have got away from the Rooters in the first 10 minutes. “You know, I was just trying to do all I could for my teammates, for our fans, and for Devin Sperle,” the ever-humble Berlin commented after the game. “I just put myself in his beautiful shoes and envisioned what he would have done in the same situation.” Following a Rudy Gobert-like swat from Berlin, Tanner “I’m As Fast As a Car” Brown bulldozed his way to his first bucket and began to take control of the game. Clearly threatened by his bulging muscles, UPMT was no match for Brown as he notched 3 straight baskets to ensure that the Rooters ended the half on a high note. But the first half was merely the beginning, the kindling for the devastating forest fire that was about to engulf UPMT as the teams took the court for the second half. After an emotional “ROOT EM” chant on three, the Rooters began to play at a level rarely seen in the NBA, let alone the BYU Intramural Middle Division. In fact, the second half felt like a continuous high-light reel for the Rooters. Richie “Chauncey” Dowd found his inner Kevin Love and swished a three with ease. Kade “The Celtic Demon” Bishop channeled his German roots to hit a Dirk Nowitzki-like 17 footer that found nothing but the bottom of the barrel. Evan “acCOUNT IT” Skeen hit a twisting, no-look shot that would have made even the Harlem Globetrotters blush. Josh “White Rondo” Jenson toyed with UPMT’s full court press as a mother lion toys with her prey. The Rooters had taken a commanding lead—and the deafening roar of their loyal fans grew louder by the minute. “I clearly wasn’t ready for this,” a near-hysterical Julie Sulz (Rooters super-fan) admitted after the game, “but I soon found myself completely swept away in a wave of Devin Sperle fueled emotion.” Perhaps the most inspirational moment of the game, though, came on an inbounds play deep into the second half. On a night dedicated entirely to the genius of Sperle, there was no question in the Rooters minds what play would be run: “The Sheriff”, drawn up by Devin himself the year before. Dowd pulled out his cowboy pistols and shot down the outlaws before dishing the ball to Trent “the Kiss” Howard, who uncharacteristically neglected to use the glass and put the ball straight into the bucket. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night. Devin Sperle Memorial Night left all in attendance inspired. Tears were shed. Hearts were lifted. World hunger was solved. And as each member of the organization—fans and players alike—filed out of the RB 138 arena, one thing was certain: They will never forget.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 07:09:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015