Three-point champion crowned

By Mr. Kevin Stabinsky (IMCOM)April 8, 2010

Three-point champion crowned
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Calvin Artis Jr. (right), a military Family member, is awarded his three-point championship trophy by retired Lt. Col. Jack Hunter. Hunter, who retired from Fort McPherson, was chosen to represent the U.S. Army Garrison Direcotrate of Family Morale, ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Three-point champion crowned
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Eight shooters took to the basketball court April 3 at the Neal Fitness Center on Fort Gillem to take part in a three-point shooting contest.

The contest was part of the day's festivities for the U.S. Army Garrison Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation Intramural Basketball League all-star game and took place prior to the game.

Tommy Gibson, a referee for the contest, said contestants had 45 seconds to shoot 15 balls.

The balls were divided evenly among three stations, one directly in front of the basket and one on each side.

The final ball at each station was a "money ball," which counted for two baskets. Six contestants were eliminated during the first round, leaving Calvin Artis Jr., a military Family member, and Spc. Brandon Underwood, a National Guardsman with the 781st Troop Command, as the final two contestants.

For the final round, the two each took two runs through the course, with their total score added up to determine the winner, said Barry Williams, a recreation assistant with the DFMWR.

In the end, Artis narrowly beat Underwood by a score of 11 to 10. "It feels good," Artis said of his win.

"I didn't shoot well but still came out with the victory." Although critical of his performance, Willaims said he believed in Artis, whom he encouraged to compete.

"Artis played in the league (on the Atlanta Vets) and was one of the better shooters," Williams said.

"I wanted him to represent Atlanta Vets." Next time, Underwood said he hopes to better represent himself.

He said although he missed victory by a basket, he did get plenty of lessons from the contest.

"I was trying to get rhythm but also not run out of time," he said. "Next time I'll use my time wisely instead of rushing it." For his efforts, Artis was awarded with a trophy and knowledge that he's the reigning three point champion.