Big Country Makes Big Decision

Reading, MA - After more than 2 years roaming the middle for Origins Unknown, Chris "Big Country" Johnson is hanging up the sneakers (at least for now). Johnson, a two time Origins Unknown Session MVP, made the announcement at a small press conference last week held in the front seat of his Honda Accord.

"I really enjoyed playing with everyone and wish you guys the best of luck in the future," said Johnson - who will focus more of his time on work and volleyball.

When reached by phone for comment, OU original James "Stretch" Hogan IV was obviously upset. "He was a great teammate, a great player, and a great guy," said Hogan between sobs of "whhhhhyyyy?".

According to the award-winning Bloggin' and Ballin' blog, Johnson's OU career started in September of 2006 after a stint with Nice Left, and included multiple finals appearances, numerous double-doubles, one missed dunk, 126 "bucket and the foul" plays, 244 blocked shots, and 48 bowls of chips and salsa from Chilis.

The OU crew wished Chris the best of luck in the future, and hopes to see him back in blue someday soon (we'll un-retire your number).

Muskets Ruin OU's Holidays

Reading, MA - Wielding strong defense instead of guns... a relentless offensive attack instead of flak jackets... The Muskets took down OU convincingly in their semi-final match up at the Reading Garden, 77-61. Origins Unknown came into their final four match up with the Muskets riding high. They had won five straight games after adding Jay "The Rochester Rock" Wandtke to the roster. They had survived a tough first round game against a hot-shooting Howse Corp team. And, they had lost to the Muskets by only one point in their meeting earlier in the session. Unfortunately, all of that came unravelled in a 15 minute second-half stretch Thursday, dooming the OU bunch and ruining the holiday spirit.

For the first half, it seemed that this was a classic game in the making, as both teams exchanged body blows - neither team building a substantial lead. The Muskets had picked up a ringer of their own this session, and he made Cap'n Mike work for everything on both ends of the court. Cap'n was able to shake free for some open jumpers here and there, but three pointers were hard to come by as the lanky defender blanketed him around the court. He also took over as the Muskets main offensive weapon, taking a majority of their shots outside and on drives. Down low, Wandtke and Chris "Big Country" Johnson kept pace with the Muskets big men, as James "Stretch" Hogan IV flew around the court like a pinball. The first half saw some nice buckets on both ends, and OU trailed by only 1 heading into the break after Cap'n made a nice turnaround jumper at the buzzer.

The second half also showed promise, as OU built a quick 4-point lead after Danger Dan Fisher rattled in a negative-arching three pointer from the top of the key. But, four minutes in, the reindeer veered off course, and the Muskets made a serious run. Everyone was in on the action for the Muskets, including Ralphy as he drove past the OU defense for an old-fashioned three pointer. The strong guard continued to push the tempo, and the Muskets often isolated him for one on one drives, which OU found difficult to defend. Down double-digits quickly, OU couldn't find an answer and the season and the clocked ticked away.

OU gets started again next year, as they look to improve on their 4th place finish.