Megan Bomba
Sports Editor
The Daisy Dukes team
Passion. It is one of the five P’s that the Daisy Dukes strive to have. The other four include glory (spelled “pglory”), pride, unity (also spelled “punity”) and passion again.
The Daisy Dukes continue a tradition that has lasted through the generations. Each year, the Messiah Men’s Soccer team bands together in the off-season to bring entertainment to the fans through rec basketball.
“It’s been going on for a long time, and it just gets passed down each year,” Thomas said.
The team conducts a tryout where judges test the players on ball handling skills, rebounds and, of course, passion. Amongst the cuts this year was Lebron James and Steph Curry according to Thomas. Once on the team, players go uniform shopping at Community Aid. The inspiration behind the name and the outfits was none other than The Dukes of Hazzard star Jessica Simpson.
“We watch the Dukes of Hazzard, see Jessica, and try to replicate that as close as possible,” Senior Captain Kirby “Kimbo Slice” Robbins said.
Thomas added, “We like to think we don’t choose the uniform, the uniform chooses us.” Robbins equated this to how the wand chooses the wizard in Harry Potter.
The Daisy Dukes have a unique way of playing basketball. The team can be seen playing Hot Potato with the ball as well as rolling the ball across the court.
“It comes with lots of practice… We also watch a lot of film,” Thomas said of the Dukes’ style of play. They also take from the Harlem Globetrotters, Jason “White Chocolate” Williams and The Benchwarmers.
Although the Dukes have a great following and fan base, some of the team’s opponents do not embrace the unconventional style.
“I would say that every team works with our style of play because we never conform to the other styles that the other teams play,” Thomas said.
“We make them adjust to us always,” Robbins said.
Amongst stunts like shaving heads, kicking the ball field-goal style and “three-throws,” another highlight of each game is a halftime performance where the team dances along to “La Macarena” which is the team’s signature.
“I think that’s what gets the fans involved,” Thomas said of the reason for the halftime performance.
Colby Thomas poses with fans at a game.
The team finished it’s 2018 season on Monday night in a playoff game. The Dukes only had one goal coming into the season and that was to win every game by giving the fans passion.
“You win by giving the fans what they want. We’ve always done that,” Robbins said of the “undefeated” record.
The Daisy Dukes display their passion on the court during the game, but also after by thanking every fan in attendance.
“Passion to me is standing on that court and just taking a moment to look every single fan in the eyes and say, ‘Wow, you are such a blessing to not only me but the entire team,’” Senior Captain Colby “Peaches” Thomas said.
Although the rec season is over, the Dukes will be back next year for more passion and the rest of the five P’s.