Is it possible that a best of three Friday morning Horse Tournament on Rt. 113 across from B.J’s in Millsboro played under gray skies on a portable basket and rimmed by storage sheds is more exhilarating than attending a World Series game?
“This is better than the World Series,” said L.J. Thomas who has worked with the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities Services for the last 23 years. Thomas and fellow staff member Thomas Barry had challenged clients Marvin Watson, B.J. Beecham and Otis Mitchell to a shootout - old school versus hip-hop, hard rock and no surprise to the cheerleaders and popcorn gallery. It was the teachers who got schooled in straight games of Horse 2-0.
A crew of card-carrying letter holders reinforced the score, and it was funny when the R got distracted and the final house of cards read “Hose” signaling the final defeat.
The winners received trophies along with Yankee hats. Thomas Barry is a diehard Yankees fan and presented the winners with an NFL candy canister representing their favorite team.
Developmental Disabilities Services runs a community options program and residential program.
Basically, it is an exhilarating example of people helping people, but no one was helping Thomas and Barry once the younger crew discovered their greatest weakness was the simplest of basketball shots - the layup.
“Otis had the backspin and shooter’s touch,” Barry said. “And B.J. never saw a hook shot but he made one the first time.”
Marvin Watson just kept smiling knowing the outcome was never in doubt.
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