MBA Host Veteran's Day Tournament at UCCS

The Military Basketball Association (MBA) hosted the 2022 Veteran's Day Rally in Colorado Springs at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) during the Veteran's Day Weekend. 8 teams competed for top honors at the event with programs attending from Fort Benning, GA, Cannon, NM, El Paso, TX and Nellis AFB, NV and Scott AFB, IL. The local teams that competed were, United States Air Force Academy Club Teams, (Blue and White) and the Colorado Military Basketball Team. The tournament was held at the UCCS Recreation Center. 

In standard MBA form, the tournament was executed in the revolutionary Pool Play format, with 4 games guaranteed for teams competing that weekend. The competition was exciting and the atmosphere was electric as teams began the process of pre-season preparation for what looks to be an exciting year in Military Basketball. Taking the top honor was the United States Air Force Academy Club Team White. Long time Military Basketball Coach, Ted Albers led his team with Assistant Coach Mike Argyle to the Championship. Cadet Owen Gainer, who has been a starter since his freshman year playing club basketball was name the 2022 MBA Veteran's Day Rally Most Valuable Player.

The runner up team that competed in the tournament is Nellis AFB led by Coach Sean Collins and Assistant Coach Arnold Alcazar. Nellis AFB has continued to improve its program and was in striking distance in the championship game but fell short 101-91. Nellis is looking to make serious noise in the PACWEST MILITARY BASKETBALL CONFERENCE with its energetic play, uptempo style and bench energy. Nellis Finished the tournament at 4-1 with their only loss coming in the championship game. The other two semi-finalist teams were Fort Benning and Colorado Military Basketball. Fort Benning's high intensity play and extreme athleticism carried them into the semi-finals. Led by Coach Angel Acevedo, and assistant, Jamaal Glinsey. Fort Benning was able to combat size disadvantages with defense and a relentless game plan of attacking the basket. Colorado Military Basketball (CMB) was led by first year coach, and former Marine, Alex Miller. He was assisted by Coach Rob Shaw. CMB used outside shooting and its height to get past Scott AFB to reach the Final Four. 

The real surprise this tournament was the return of MBA Hall of Famer, Albert Mayon to the coaching sidelines. Coach Mayon is the Head Coach for the West Texas Military Basketball (WTMB) team out of El Paso, TX. WTMB played the USAFA Club team to within one basket, falling short 98-96. The upset alerts were going crazy as Coach Mayon and his young team showed that they are poised to compete in CUSMBL against any team. Scott also put teams on notice as they traveled successfully to Colorado Springs, competed at a high level against some of the best teams and left knowing they can compete with anyone. The other surprise was the poise of Cannon AFB. Missing their best two players to All Armed Forces Camp, Cannon AFB dropped the first game in a blow out, and then rebounded to finish 1-3, competing in every game without their top two players.   

The MBA thanks UCCS, their staff and administrators for the use of their facility and their hospitality to those who serve. We also want to thank the Colorado Sports Corps for the support and coordination to bring this event to the city.