Coaching in the Tropics: Road Trip X2: at Limon

Gimnasio Eddy Bermudez, Limon

Last Sunday, our team got back on the bus to play at Limon for a Sunday afternoon game. By virtue of its location on the Caribbean coast, Limon is easily the hottest venue where we play regularly. Normally, the games are scheduled at night, but with this special Sunday schedule, the game was at 4 pm, which meant an even hotter gym than usual (reminded me of Nicaragua type heat). We pulled out of Desamparados shortly before noon for the second leg of our road trip from hell.

Rice and beans for almost everyone.

John Chappell and Carlos Melendez

On the way to the game, we stopped by a roadside restaurant (El Primo) just past Guapiles at David Carnegie's suggestion. It was a virtually unanimous selection by everyone to order Caribbean rice and beans; a Limon variation on gallo pinto with coconut milk. It was one of the few times that the entire team ordered the same thing (in this case they told us it was the quickest order to fill). The restaurant itself has a very rustic feel with an open kitchen surrounded by lush vegetation. The rustic setting did not betray the quality; the food was great and we were soon on our way.

Cooking some pejibaye.

With stomachs full, we kept on going to Limon arriving about 45 minutes before tip-off. We were missing Chava and Henry Martinez, but had Busta and Sebastian Lacayo on hand. The first quarter was quite the sloppy affair, as the Limon team kept it close scoring off our clumsy turnovers. We started clicking in the second half, playing better defense and showing better shot selection, going into half time with a nine point lead. Lacayo caught an inadvertent elbow to the chin that would eventually need some stitches.

John Chappell and Coach Gottlieb

David Gourzong getting his ankle taped.

Our team woke up collectively in the second half as we started playing some quality basketball. Michael Jackson, David Carnegie and Dave Millinier were effective inside scoring baskets and growing the lead to twenty points. Limon didn't have an answer as foul trouble started becoming an issue and our size started beating them on the boards. To avoid weary legs, substituted freely relying on our bench guys to give us a thirty point win.

Our informal locker room.

This is Limon's first season back in First Division. We played them again on Tuesday night and won comfortably by 30. They've had a tough time keeping their team together and dealing with all the logistical challenges that come with playing in the first Division. Still, it's great to see them back. A good Limon team is good for basketball in Costa Rica. When the team is good, there is no tougher place to play with a loud and boisterous crowd egging on their team. Hopefully, Limon can build on this and put a better team on the floor next year.

Back on the bus.

After the game, it was time for a quick shower and back on the bus for the ride back to San Jose. We stopped in Burger King in Guapiles, which could be the hottest BK in the world (AC was busted). After dinner, we made good time to San Jose, getting in just before 9 o'clock and with two more wins on the docket.