2020 Hometown Heroes

Page 82 2020 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 14, 2020 moments where I wished I was recording word for word, but since I wasn’t, I will paraphrase from memory. Because his words were so fabulous, I have not forgotten them. Phillips said, “This team does everything right. They move the ball extremely well, they can shoot, they are quick, they are disciplined and they play the game the way Naismith intended the game to be played.” That last comment really struck me. Phillips really meant it. And I couldn’t agree more. James Naismith invented the game of basketball in 1891 and these current Railers were perfecting the way to play the game in the 2019-2020 season. One of my favorite observations of this Railer team was how they often put on a basketball clinic for the crowd, particularly in the first quarter, all season long. The way this team came out and just played flawlessly in the first eight minutes was nothing short of impressive. And depending on the opponent and situation, they could adjust their game accordingly and just make you go, “Wow!” So after that Naismith comment by Phillips, I had to interject my thoughts. “I mean, I am partial to these guys because I watch them play night in and night out,” I said, “but I totally agree. And they play clean.” Phillips agreed. I then had to ask, “What do you think their chances are in the postseason?” “Of all the teams we cover, I think Lincoln has the best chance of making it to state,” said Phillips. I broke out in a really big smile then and said, “Wow, that’s awesome because I think they will get there, too, but I honestly do not know what teams they will be facing down the road.” Phillips then enlightened me on a few possible matchups and even mentioned Morgan Park. About that time the Railers busted out to a 30-point lead over Eisenhower and Phillips announced that was his cue to leave so he could head back to the station and start putting the highlights together early. That was another thing he liked about this Railer team. They just tended to make everyone’s job a bit easier. Now, I am no basketball expert. But I share a love for the game like those featured in this article. And to me the professional opinions of both Alexander and Phillips really matter. So, to put their thoughts together on these Railers I come up with two words that stand out: special and incredible. To the 2019-2020 Lincoln Railers, you are all incredibly special and we THANK YOU for the joy you brought us this season and the memories that you have given us that will last a lifetime. Your unfinished business will never be forgotten. Please keep following Sports next week as we will feature the postseason accolades awarded to the Railers! [Teena Lowery Sports Reporter/Feature Writer | Lincoln Daily News | 217.454.6419 | teena.lowery@ lincolndailynews.com]