earned the DoD title in their first season, secured the title with an 87-78 win

Patrick Space Force Base Varsity Basketball Team Takes the Slam Dunk
The Patrick Space Force Base varsity crew turned their 9th‑seed status into a major win at the 2025 Military Basketball Association Finals in Philadelphia. On May 25, they bested Fort Bliss 87‑78, securing the DoD championship on their very first season.
Championship Moment
- Kareem Martin nails the lay‑up that seals the win.
- Grayson Tejeda brings the energy, hurling the ball across the floor.
- Marcel Odom adds the finishing touches with a crisp alley‑oop.
Why This Is a Big Deal
It proves that even in space‑themed ranks, some folks have a knack for the court. Going from a 9th seed to DoD champions is a story that’s as good as winning a launch success – but with more sneakers!
Hoops, Humor, and Space
Who’d thought space station rovers could moonwalk on the hardwood? The team’s victory shows that nothing can stop them from shooting hoops while striving to reach the stars. Congratulations, P‑SFB!
Hundreds of teams from installations around the globe competed throughout the 2025 regular season, but only the top 16 were invited to the MBA Nationals Tournament in Philadelphia.
Unbelievable Victory: Patrick/Cape’s Under‑dog Rise to 2025 MBA Glory
Picture this: Warriors from Patrick Space Force Base and Cape—mixing Guardians, Airmen and even a civilian or two—tossed their first organized basketball game just eight months ago, and now they’re standing on the summit of the Military Basketball Association (MBA) championships. Yep, you read that right.
Why MBA Matters
- Morale boost – Every victory screens across bases, uplifting spirits.
- Readiness factor – The game hones agility, focus, teamwork—all crucial for the battlefield.
- Unit pride – It gives service members a communal story to rally around.
From “Could Be a Game” to “Can’t Beat Us”
It all began in the Force Support Squadron, where a spark ignited the idea to restore varsity basketball. Think of a classic rags‑to‑riches tale, but bootlegged from a little-known military squadron.
Meanwhile, hundreds of teams from around the world battled it out. In the end, only the top 16 made it to the Nationals in Philly.
How the Final Knockout Played Out
Our squad stormed through the playoffs, cursing luck and rehearsing drills until the chalk was worn out. They penned a stunning soundtrack of resilience against the seed‑one powerhouses of Fort Bliss.
The championship game, aired on CBS Sports, saw the Boston‑high‑scoring pack shaking helmets at a win. The folks at CBS? They had to hit pause to let the crowd stand for the two–minute halftime speech—Go Team!
The Takeaway
What once was a nostalgic nod to varsity days now glows as a legendary chapter in DoD sports history. For anyone who doubts that an underdog can break the mold, one winning season tells a clearer story: Never underestimate the health of a squad with heart.

Guardians, Airmen, and Civilians Roll Up Their Sleeves and Take Home the Basketball Crown
On a sunny May 25th in Philly, the Patrick Space Force Base squad cased a sweet 87‑78 win that had everyone buzzing. While the air of the arena was electric, Sergeant‑First Class Jeffrey Hurst was in the thick of the action, guiding his crew through a timeout against Fort Bliss as the Military Basketball Association Championship went live.
From a Dream to a Reality
Only a year and a half ago, Lt. Stanley and Sergeant Hurst set a daring target in 2024: “Let’s get a varsity squad on our force fitness center that’s ready by year‑end.” Six months later, coaches were in place and the team—mixing Guardians, Airmen, and a handful of civilians—was already in rhythm.
“It’s Like the Proof of the Pudding”
“Just eight months later, that same team went on to win the Military Basketball Championship,” MSgt Michael Voutila chuckles. “It’s the kind of thing you see in movies—flashy jerseys, fast breaks, and a splash of luck—only this is pure hard work.”
What Makes This Team Tick
- Hurst’s Psycho Edge: The head coach’s laser focus on energy, leadership, and commitment blew out any doubts. Voutila says, “Jeff deserves a great deal of credit for the energy, leadership, and commitment he brought to this team.”
- The Fitness Crew: Sid Ferrell and Kyle Mallet, the on‑floor trainers, kept the squad in peak condition, turning sweat into sprinting and focus into point‑for‑point play.
- Team Bond, No Bunch of Chatter: Guardians and Airmen mixed with civilians created a culture far beyond standard hoops. “Sometimes you’re thinking of mission goals, sometimes you’re thinking of the next pick‑up line,” one player joked.
Closing the Slam Dunk
The championship was a testament to how a tight knit group can go from a “dream” to a “dirt‑on‑the-court” reality in no time at all. Whether it’s the groove of the ball or the synergy between the squad, the triumph is something that’s going to be re‑talked for years—at least until the next season rolls around and the story begins again.

Space Force’s Playbook: From Zero to MVP Champions
On May 25, 2025, CBS Sports jumped into the orbit of Patrick Space Force Base, airing the epic showdown that crowned the MBA Champions.
The Underdog Victory
- The SLD 45 Varsity team slammed the top‑seeded Fort Bliss in a televised thriller.
- Charles Barkley, crystal‑clear from the sidelines, exclaimed, “What a shot!”
- First‑year squad bounces from 9th in DoD rankings to a national spotlight.
Sid Ferrell’s Game‑Day Lament
“I didn’t bring varsity basketball back to the base, but I was there practicing from day one.” The starting center reminds us that the grind matters more than the hype.
Every teammate walked in with a question: Will you show up? Will we… And the answer? Show up, every day.
Seeding was a misprint
Read “5 or 6” and you’re not kidding. The team thought that number in 2025 is depressed. They went, “Take it, game by game.”
After a nail‑biter with Ramstein, confidence surged: We can beat anyone.
The Final Showdown
Halftime deficit: minus two points. Third quarter? A ten‑point comeback. The whole frame was off the grid.
Ferrell: “Fort Bliss is beatable when you play as a unit.” They inserted Calm, not chaos. The crowd? Nothing but applause and motivational chants.
Grayson Tejeda – The MVP of the Moment
When the stakes climbed, the ball found Grayson’s hands. He made the rookie look like a seasoned star.
The bigger picture
Beyond the trophy, it’s the Space Launch Delta 45 legend. A team that, in its very first season, proved they’re infinite on the court.
Local Troops, Global Glory
Charles Barkley brings the glitter, but the base community’s roar is louder.
Ferrell’s voice echoes through the commissary: “Anything is possible.” The plan: resurface the court, outfit new jerseys, host a tournament, and aim for double championships next year.
What’s Next for the Orion Squad?
- Future hardware ceremony, imminent victory hardware.
- Strategic retreats: Team meetings, on‑court drills, and more.
- The Space Force’s basketball reaches beyond their drone launchpads.
In sum, the 2025 MBA Championship is more than a title. It’s a testament that discipline, camaraderie, and wild ambition can spark triumph, no matter where the ball is dropped.
