17U win
Sorry guys, but I was totally out of it last night. But I heard you guys played well and won. Scored 80 points! I don't know if it was food poisoning or dehydration or both, but I was just useless. I want thank everybody, especially Christian's mom and dad, for getting me to the hospital and watching over me. Also Drew's mom and dad for holding down the fort and getting things together. I really appreciate the aloha.
I'm doing a lot better now, just had to deal with being in a big headache all night. The doctor and nurses were good and I was out by 1 a.m. My brother took me home.
So, I'm taking it easy today, just drinking lots of fluids, staying out of the sun, I guess. So, no shooting practice today. Sorry Cody. You guys can go shoot all afternoon. Coach will take a break.
It was a fun spring season. Might have a game next Sunday at Kailua. I'll let you guys know once we get word from Coach Daniel.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
15U: loss to OTB
That wraps up the NJB All-Net season for our 15U. OTB is a very cool organization and it's nice to see some familiar faces there doing so well. They just beat us good today. I wish we were at full force from the start, but we had our chance to stay in the game. We're still getting there, one day at a time.
At our best, we were as good or better than any team, including the unbeaten big boys from Kapolei. But over time, we showed lots of room for improvement, including now. I'm never sad about a 7-4 record considering we're far from the biggest team in the league. I do believe, however, that no team showed as much heart. We've had to battle lack of numbers all season long and we've won games with five or six guys thanks to your determination and sacrifice, and the help of good guys like Coach Daniel.
The past few weeks, the pattern has been similar to our 17U: fewer and fewer guys coming to practice. The effect isn't good, but we hid that pretty well until this week. Last week, between our two teams, we were 3-0. But another week of lack of practice time did us in pretty good. We all look rusty, and more so, the chemistry isn't the same. It's very tough to go a week or two without playing together, and then just go out there and play good basketball. That's what makes the game so captivating. Whatever you put in as a team is what you get out.
That's the nature of offseason basketball. There's track and field, volleyball, spring football, band ... all kinds of things that take precedence over basketball leagues and practices. I hope to find the elixir that will stir more guys into coming to practice when they do have time. Most of our workouts emphasize shooting and ballhandling, which take a lot of concentration, but we're not exactly running sprints for three hours. It's relatively easy, but solid repetition work that pays off in the long run.
So no, I'm not bothered about not winning a championship, even though both our 17U and 15U were capable of doing that. I am proud to be part of your basketball life, and if everybody continues to work on their skills, that would make me more happy than any titles.
For now, spring season is almost pau — 17U has a third-place game tonight at Palolo. Next up, exhibition games with Kailua (hopefully) and Leilehua (hopefully). We'll take a combined team (17U + 15U) to those gyms. Kailua may be next Sunday. Leilehua could be on a week day; I'll talk again with their coach. The more games and workouts, the better.
In July, we have the Kona Stingrays tournament (first week) and the NJB tourney (second week). Then it's the CAL League starting in August. It's a solid league that has a 30-second shot clock.
Cody asked if we have practice tomorrow (Sunday). If one guy wants to work out, I'll be there, so practice is on, 3 p.m., Makiki Park. Pizza is on me.
At our best, we were as good or better than any team, including the unbeaten big boys from Kapolei. But over time, we showed lots of room for improvement, including now. I'm never sad about a 7-4 record considering we're far from the biggest team in the league. I do believe, however, that no team showed as much heart. We've had to battle lack of numbers all season long and we've won games with five or six guys thanks to your determination and sacrifice, and the help of good guys like Coach Daniel.
The past few weeks, the pattern has been similar to our 17U: fewer and fewer guys coming to practice. The effect isn't good, but we hid that pretty well until this week. Last week, between our two teams, we were 3-0. But another week of lack of practice time did us in pretty good. We all look rusty, and more so, the chemistry isn't the same. It's very tough to go a week or two without playing together, and then just go out there and play good basketball. That's what makes the game so captivating. Whatever you put in as a team is what you get out.
That's the nature of offseason basketball. There's track and field, volleyball, spring football, band ... all kinds of things that take precedence over basketball leagues and practices. I hope to find the elixir that will stir more guys into coming to practice when they do have time. Most of our workouts emphasize shooting and ballhandling, which take a lot of concentration, but we're not exactly running sprints for three hours. It's relatively easy, but solid repetition work that pays off in the long run.
So no, I'm not bothered about not winning a championship, even though both our 17U and 15U were capable of doing that. I am proud to be part of your basketball life, and if everybody continues to work on their skills, that would make me more happy than any titles.
For now, spring season is almost pau — 17U has a third-place game tonight at Palolo. Next up, exhibition games with Kailua (hopefully) and Leilehua (hopefully). We'll take a combined team (17U + 15U) to those gyms. Kailua may be next Sunday. Leilehua could be on a week day; I'll talk again with their coach. The more games and workouts, the better.
In July, we have the Kona Stingrays tournament (first week) and the NJB tourney (second week). Then it's the CAL League starting in August. It's a solid league that has a 30-second shot clock.
Cody asked if we have practice tomorrow (Sunday). If one guy wants to work out, I'll be there, so practice is on, 3 p.m., Makiki Park. Pizza is on me.
Friday, May 27, 2011
17U: loss in NJB All-Net semifinals
Hat's off to the Force (Kalaheo). They were very tough against us a few weeks ago and we had to dig deep to beat them then. This time, they hit those 3s early and we never got going consistently on offense. Big props to them. They play like a veteran team and have great spacing, chemistry and shooting. A really well-coached team. I think they might challenge for the OIA title next season if they can keep all their players together.
I was concerned about being us being off from the perimeter after another 2-week layoff with no practices. It happened the last time we played the Force. We were so cold, but we made a game of it. Except this time, we didn't attack the rim as often as we did the first time. Good run to cut the lead to two points, but we just weren't committed enough offensively to attacking the Force's weak spot, and our rustiness from long range didn't help.
I've always said that players win games and coaches lose them. In tonight's case, it was definitely my fault. I should have anticipated cold shooting after the long layoff and required our guys to go inside on EVERY possession with a high-post/low-post game. I gave our guys a lot of freedom to launch from deep, and it ended up hurting us. I saw this coming and should've scrapped the usual game plan in favor of an inside attack. They never stopped us consistently when we did go inside.
All in all, for a team that hasn't practiced together in almost two months, it's amazing you've played as well as you have. There have been some games when the shooting was lights out. It was a treat to watch, and I know you guys had fun out there. All I can hope is that you enjoy and love the game as much as I do, hopefully, even more.
This was a fun season and I hope you had as much fun as I did. One more game tomorrow for third place. Let's have some fun!
Schedule
Saturday, 1 p.m., 15U game at Palama Gym. Be there by noon for warmups, just in case the game starts early (before 1 p.m.)
Saturday, 7 p.m., 17U game at Palolo Gym. Be there by 6 p.m. for warmup and probable early start.
Note: We may have an exhibition game at Kailua on Sunday, June 5, in the afternoon. Waiting to hear back from Coach Daniel (Keanu's dad) about that. Also, Leilehua is interested in playing us. Both games would be 17U, but 15U guys are welcome to play. Of course!
I was concerned about being us being off from the perimeter after another 2-week layoff with no practices. It happened the last time we played the Force. We were so cold, but we made a game of it. Except this time, we didn't attack the rim as often as we did the first time. Good run to cut the lead to two points, but we just weren't committed enough offensively to attacking the Force's weak spot, and our rustiness from long range didn't help.
I've always said that players win games and coaches lose them. In tonight's case, it was definitely my fault. I should have anticipated cold shooting after the long layoff and required our guys to go inside on EVERY possession with a high-post/low-post game. I gave our guys a lot of freedom to launch from deep, and it ended up hurting us. I saw this coming and should've scrapped the usual game plan in favor of an inside attack. They never stopped us consistently when we did go inside.
All in all, for a team that hasn't practiced together in almost two months, it's amazing you've played as well as you have. There have been some games when the shooting was lights out. It was a treat to watch, and I know you guys had fun out there. All I can hope is that you enjoy and love the game as much as I do, hopefully, even more.
This was a fun season and I hope you had as much fun as I did. One more game tomorrow for third place. Let's have some fun!
Schedule
Saturday, 1 p.m., 15U game at Palama Gym. Be there by noon for warmups, just in case the game starts early (before 1 p.m.)
Saturday, 7 p.m., 17U game at Palolo Gym. Be there by 6 p.m. for warmup and probable early start.
Note: We may have an exhibition game at Kailua on Sunday, June 5, in the afternoon. Waiting to hear back from Coach Daniel (Keanu's dad) about that. Also, Leilehua is interested in playing us. Both games would be 17U, but 15U guys are welcome to play. Of course!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
15U Thunder: Grinding it out
15U Thunder 39, Blue Devils 28
Today was a classic example of a grinder game, the second of back-to-back games. Yesterday, it was fluid, unselfish, en fuego offense (did we hit 10 3-pointers?). Today, it was about defense over 94 feet of hardwood. I get on you as a team about so many things, it's easy to forget that you held today's opponent to less than 30 points. It wasn't because of dominant defense under the basket; we got killed on the boards. It was because you were willing to work hard all over the court, forcing tons of turnovers and scoring off those turnovers by the Blue Devils.
I knew we might have a letdown offensively today, as any team would on back-to-backs. We scored more in the first half yesterday (41 points) than we did all of today. But the overall effort was very good anyway, and I love that. So there's one more game, next Saturday, and the 15U season is over for NJB All-Net. I wish we had a shot at the teams in the highest playoff pool because we can beat any of them — Kapolei, OTB, whoever.
For now, let's enjoy what's left of the weekend and the coming week. We'll practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. As always, primary focus is on shooting. I believe fully that all the repetitions will pay off when we play in summer tournaments (Kona Stingrays, NJB All-Net) and the fall CAL League, and when everybody plays for their school teams in the winter. Heck, all the shooting reps have already paid off. We shot the ball so well the past couple of weeks. Sweet!
Since CAL has decided to hold off on the 15-under division until August, I am going to contact high school coaches and arrange for exhibition games in June and July for our Thunder. We might play varsity summer league teams. We might play JV summer league teams. Wherever we go, we'll pay for the referees and scorekeeper. Add up the cost and it's roughly the same as playing in a league, so be prepared to do some traveling, everybody. If you have a list of preferred schools you'd like to play against, let me know. Nothing is set in stone, but I'm going to ask a lot of coaches no matter what.
Schedule
Tuesday
Today was a classic example of a grinder game, the second of back-to-back games. Yesterday, it was fluid, unselfish, en fuego offense (did we hit 10 3-pointers?). Today, it was about defense over 94 feet of hardwood. I get on you as a team about so many things, it's easy to forget that you held today's opponent to less than 30 points. It wasn't because of dominant defense under the basket; we got killed on the boards. It was because you were willing to work hard all over the court, forcing tons of turnovers and scoring off those turnovers by the Blue Devils.
I knew we might have a letdown offensively today, as any team would on back-to-backs. We scored more in the first half yesterday (41 points) than we did all of today. But the overall effort was very good anyway, and I love that. So there's one more game, next Saturday, and the 15U season is over for NJB All-Net. I wish we had a shot at the teams in the highest playoff pool because we can beat any of them — Kapolei, OTB, whoever.
For now, let's enjoy what's left of the weekend and the coming week. We'll practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. As always, primary focus is on shooting. I believe fully that all the repetitions will pay off when we play in summer tournaments (Kona Stingrays, NJB All-Net) and the fall CAL League, and when everybody plays for their school teams in the winter. Heck, all the shooting reps have already paid off. We shot the ball so well the past couple of weeks. Sweet!
Since CAL has decided to hold off on the 15-under division until August, I am going to contact high school coaches and arrange for exhibition games in June and July for our Thunder. We might play varsity summer league teams. We might play JV summer league teams. Wherever we go, we'll pay for the referees and scorekeeper. Add up the cost and it's roughly the same as playing in a league, so be prepared to do some traveling, everybody. If you have a list of preferred schools you'd like to play against, let me know. Nothing is set in stone, but I'm going to ask a lot of coaches no matter what.
Schedule
Tuesday
>> 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School courts
Wednesday
>> 5 p.m., Practice, Makiki Park
Thursday
>> 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School courts
Friday
>> 7 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Force, Kilauea Gym
Saturday
>> 1 p.m., 15U Thunder, Palama Settlement Gym
>> 7 or 8 p.m., 17U Thunder, Palolo Gym
>> 7 or 8 p.m., 17U Thunder, Palolo Gym
Note: If 17U wins the Friday game, we play 8 p.m. If 17U loses the Friday game, we play 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
15U: a resilient effort
15U Thunder 73, Underdogs 70
Great game between our 15U Thunder and the Underdogs today at Palama Gym. Lots of hustle, lots of lights-out shooting and great intensity. Love these kinds of games where the kids get to show what they've got! Good job, Thunder, that was solid from start to finish. Job well done! 7 seconds is plenty of time . . .
Back to the hardwood Sunday afternoon, be there at 2 p.m., Palolo Gym. The game is set for 3, but they often start the game early.
Schedule
Sunday, 2 p.m., 15U game, Palolo Gym (game will start around 2:45)
Sunday, 5 p.m. Practice, Makiki Park. Mainly work on shooting, just keep the rust off for our 17U guys, and everyone is welcome. PIZZA FOR EVERYBODY!
Next weekend
Friday, May 27, 7 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Force, Kilauea Gym
Great game between our 15U Thunder and the Underdogs today at Palama Gym. Lots of hustle, lots of lights-out shooting and great intensity. Love these kinds of games where the kids get to show what they've got! Good job, Thunder, that was solid from start to finish. Job well done! 7 seconds is plenty of time . . .
Back to the hardwood Sunday afternoon, be there at 2 p.m., Palolo Gym. The game is set for 3, but they often start the game early.
Schedule
Sunday, 2 p.m., 15U game, Palolo Gym (game will start around 2:45)
Sunday, 5 p.m. Practice, Makiki Park. Mainly work on shooting, just keep the rust off for our 17U guys, and everyone is welcome. PIZZA FOR EVERYBODY!
Next weekend
Friday, May 27, 7 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Force, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, May 28, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m., 15U Thunder, Palama Settlement Gym
Saturday, May 28, Palolo Gym. If 17U wins the Friday game, we play 8 p.m. If 17U loses the Friday game, we play 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 28, Palolo Gym. If 17U wins the Friday game, we play 8 p.m. If 17U loses the Friday game, we play 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Schedule update
Wuzup guys! Good workout today at Makiki. Two hours non-stop shooting and some box-out, low-post work. I love this game! OK, got some info from NJB All-Net today, so here's the rest of this week's schedule and next week's.
Thursday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School
Saturday, 1 p.m., 15U vs. Under Dogs, Palama Settlement Gym
NEXT WEEK
Friday, May 27, 7 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Force, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, May 28, Palolo Gym. If 17U wins the Friday game, we play 8 p.m. If 17U loses the Friday game, we play 7 p.m.
No word yet on the 15U for the May 27-28 weekend.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Practice schedule
No work at night for me this week, so we'll have practice Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Most of practice will be shooting drills. I like the way all of us have been shooting the ball with confidence. I love it, actually. Reps, reps, reps. Form, form, form. One day we'll get to the point where making 10-15 3-pointers a game is not just exceptional. It'll be the norm.
See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School
Wednesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Makiki Park
Thursday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School
Saturday, 1 p.m., 15U vs. Under Dogs, Palama Settlement Gym
More on 17U and 15U game schedules as I get info from NJB.
See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School
Wednesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Makiki Park
Thursday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School
Saturday, 1 p.m., 15U vs. Under Dogs, Palama Settlement Gym
More on 17U and 15U game schedules as I get info from NJB.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
NJB: Proper conduct is mandatory
Howzit everybody. This is an e-mail that came from the league director, Matt Tsukazaki, on Thursday. I didn't check the e-mail until today, but it's always basic and proper to respect everybody. If we do that, we'll be just fine. But give it a read. Matt sent this to ALL TEAMS. Everyone, including parents and friends, are expected to show that respect.
Now, that being said, I want to let you guys know that if there is any problem or disagreement with a referee, COME TO ME and let me know. Let me handle communication with our referees, just like the policy says. If you do talk with refs, treat them like an uncle. Smile. You'll get your point across better. Otherwise, say nothing at all and keep the body language neutral. Body language is 90% of communication, so be smart.
Any questions, feel free to talk with me.
Now, about today's games ... I'm very proud of everybody for playing hard and playing unselfishly. Our 17U worked a great defensive game against Kapolei for an 81-47 win. Our 15U was undermanned once again, but came up strong down the stretch against the Blue Devils, 46-40.
About the technical foul ...
I'm feeling a little embarrassed, ashamed but still pissed. After 30 years of coaching (off and on), my first technical today. If referees can't protect our guys from getting elbowed in the head in mid-flight while the other fouler yells like he's in the NBA — and they won't reprimand him for a flagrant play — I have to stand up for my guys. I'm standing up for you. But next time, it'll be in a more effective way, one that doesn't cost us points or get me suspended.
Coach Paul
Dear Coaches: Recently there has been an increase in the comments coming from the coaches, assistant coaches and parents at games concerning the officiating. As we proceed through the playoffs I am sure the excitement will build and we may forget that we are trying to teach these young boys how to compete and stay focused. They learn from you and will feed off you. And they hear you yelling at referees “what are you looking at,” “why don’t you make a call,” how can you miss that call,” “that was a lousy call,” “that was a bad call,” as well as the “what the F___ are you doing.” So they develop no respect for the officials, forget to play the game, and also start mouthing off to referees. This is not productive – it is destructive. If you feel some calls are being missed, call a time out and talk – don’t yell - to the referee.
This is a warning to all coaches. The referees will start calling technical fouls on the coaches for improper comments in games. Two technical fouls will result in a one game suspension of the coach. Only head coaches may talk to the referees. This is a national federation basketball rule. Assistant coaches are not permitted to talk to referees during the game.
Coaches are instructed to talk to your parents. The referees will call technicals on the bench based on comments by parents, and that technical is assigned to the head coach to count toward his or her technical fouls.
Let’s try to finish the season on a positive note. Good luck to each of you. Matt
Any questions, feel free to talk with me.
Now, about today's games ... I'm very proud of everybody for playing hard and playing unselfishly. Our 17U worked a great defensive game against Kapolei for an 81-47 win. Our 15U was undermanned once again, but came up strong down the stretch against the Blue Devils, 46-40.
About the technical foul ...
I'm feeling a little embarrassed, ashamed but still pissed. After 30 years of coaching (off and on), my first technical today. If referees can't protect our guys from getting elbowed in the head in mid-flight while the other fouler yells like he's in the NBA — and they won't reprimand him for a flagrant play — I have to stand up for my guys. I'm standing up for you. But next time, it'll be in a more effective way, one that doesn't cost us points or get me suspended.
Coach Paul
Friday, May 13, 2011
Blogspot fail: Check new game times
Dang that Blogspot. They had a system failure yesterday and deleted EVERYBODY'S blogs, including mine with all the new times. So check it out below and pass the word on.
Friday's schedule
Friday, 5 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Force, Palama Gym
Saturday's schedule
Saturday, 2 p.m., TIME CHANGED TO 1 PM, 17U Thunder vs. Kapolei, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, 3 p.m., 15U vs. Blue Devils, Palama Gym
Sunday's schedule
Sunday, 2 p.m., TIME CHANGED TO 4 PM, 17U Thunder vs. Sharks, Palolo Gym
Next week's game
Saturday, May 21, 1 p.m., 15U Thunder vs. Under Dogs, Palama Gym
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Time changes for Sat/Sun games
Check out the changes for both the 17U and 15U games.
Schedule
Tuesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School courts
Wednesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Makiki Park
Friday, 5 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Force, Palama Gym
Saturday, 2 p.m., time changed to 1 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Kapolei, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, 3 p.m., 15U vs. Blue Devils, Palama Gym
Sunday, 2 p.m., time changed to 4 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Sharks, Palolo Gym
Next week's game
Saturday, May 21, 1 p.m., 15U Thunder vs. Under Dogs, Palama Gym
Monday, May 9, 2011
Practice Tuesday, Wednesday
I'm working today (Monday), so we'll practice Tuesday and Wednesday. Also, the league e-mailed the "crossover" and playoff schedule today.
Schedule
Tuesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School courts
Wednesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Makiki Park
Sunday,2 p.m., TIME CHANGED TO 4 PM, 17U Thunder vs. Sharks, Palolo Gym
Next week's game
Saturday, May 21, 1 p.m., 15U Thunder vs. Under Dogs, Palama Gym
Schedule
Tuesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School courts
Wednesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Makiki Park
Friday, 5 p.m., 17U Thunder vs. Force, Palama Gym
Saturday, 2 p.m., TIME CHANGED TO 1 PM, 17U Thunder vs. Kapolei, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, 3 p.m., 15U vs. Blue Devils, Palama GymSunday,
Next week's game
Saturday, May 21, 1 p.m., 15U Thunder vs. Under Dogs, Palama Gym
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Iron sharpens iron
Maui was nice and the track and field state championships were busy, busy, busy. Fun to cover. I even shot video of the record-breaking pole vaults by two Baldwin girls. But it was hard to be away while our Thunder 15U played. I hated missing the games, but my only consolation is that Coach Daniel is very capable and our team works hard at every practice. Yesterday's loss to OTB was a great demonstration of heart. I heard you rallied from 18 down and almost pulled off a comeback win. That would've been sweet after the win just 18 hours earlier (Friday night). I'm proud of you guys!
Today, our 17U played the first second-round game. We played Lanakila, the only other unbeaten team. They played well, like a seasoned team with plenty of chemistry. That wasn't a surprise. But we got our offensive flow going, attacked the basket, played smart defense and rallied from 17 down to tie it at 50-all on Christian's amazing 3-pointer in the corner with :08 left. Lanakila hit a 40-foot prayer off the glass at the buzzer to win 53-50. Still, it was a great comeback. I know Carter has said he'd love to play them again, and I agree. We know exactly what Lanakila's weak spots are now. It would be great to face them in the playoffs.
Sorta funny: J.J. reminded me that almost the same exact thing happened a couple of weeks ago at one of our practice scrimmages: 1) Christian hit a sweet 3-pointer from the corner with :03 left, 2) the defense got the ball in quick and Drew launched a 75-footer that banked in as time expired.
Deja vu?
No word on this week's practice schedule yet. I know I have to work on Monday, and my work schedule is going to be finalized later tonight. I do know that our 17U has games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Busy! Not sure yet on the 15U. We'll hear from NJB soon enough.
Most likely, we'll practice Tuesday and Wednesday. Check back here for the official word later tonight.
I love this game.
Today, our 17U played the first second-round game. We played Lanakila, the only other unbeaten team. They played well, like a seasoned team with plenty of chemistry. That wasn't a surprise. But we got our offensive flow going, attacked the basket, played smart defense and rallied from 17 down to tie it at 50-all on Christian's amazing 3-pointer in the corner with :08 left. Lanakila hit a 40-foot prayer off the glass at the buzzer to win 53-50. Still, it was a great comeback. I know Carter has said he'd love to play them again, and I agree. We know exactly what Lanakila's weak spots are now. It would be great to face them in the playoffs.
Sorta funny: J.J. reminded me that almost the same exact thing happened a couple of weeks ago at one of our practice scrimmages: 1) Christian hit a sweet 3-pointer from the corner with :03 left, 2) the defense got the ball in quick and Drew launched a 75-footer that banked in as time expired.
Deja vu?
No word on this week's practice schedule yet. I know I have to work on Monday, and my work schedule is going to be finalized later tonight. I do know that our 17U has games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Busy! Not sure yet on the 15U. We'll hear from NJB soon enough.
Most likely, we'll practice Tuesday and Wednesday. Check back here for the official word later tonight.
I love this game.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Happy Happy Happy
I can't tell you how happy I am, guys. I was at track and field state championships here on Maui since 1 p.m., kind of toasted, when I realized I got a text from Coach Daniel. It was 7 p.m. or so. That's the best news I've had in awhile. Great job Thunder! Somebody tell me more details! I need to know!
That's a big win. It boosts us to 3-2, and tomorrow's another big game. A win there puts us in the upper bracket for the rest of the schedule (until the playoffs). No pressure. Just have fun and play smart. The rest will fall into place.
Schedule
Saturday, 1 p.m. 15U warm-up, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, 2 p.m., 15U vs. OTB, Kilauea Gym (game will begin earlier if the previous game finishes early)
Sunday, 3 p.m., 17U warm-up, Palolo Gym
Sunday, 4 p.m., 17U game, Palolo Gym, (game will begin earlier if the previous game finishes early)
Coach Paul did not cry during his plane ride to Maui even though he had to miss his first basketball game ever.
That's a big win. It boosts us to 3-2, and tomorrow's another big game. A win there puts us in the upper bracket for the rest of the schedule (until the playoffs). No pressure. Just have fun and play smart. The rest will fall into place.
Schedule
Saturday, 1 p.m. 15U warm-up, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, 2 p.m., 15U vs. OTB, Kilauea Gym (game will begin earlier if the previous game finishes early)
Sunday, 3 p.m., 17U warm-up, Palolo Gym
Sunday, 4 p.m., 17U game, Palolo Gym, (game will begin earlier if the previous game finishes early)
Coach Paul did not cry during his plane ride to Maui even though he had to miss his first basketball game ever.
Check the game times
I'll be on that plane to Maui in a couple of hours. I still don't know if I'm going to cry or not. I've never missed a game in my life. Ever. But I have faith in us. You'll do well, 15U. I just hate not being there to watch you succeed. That's life sometimes.
Just remember: 7 seconds or less! First half, run and press. Second half, start out by pulling the ball out, spread the court and make them chase you until the 10-minute mark. Then, push the ball and run/press until the 5:00 mark. Then spread the court again and make them chase you. This is all dependent on us being in the lead, of course, when the second half starts. Otherwise, just attack like normal (7 seconds).
Here's the schedule this weekend. Note that Saturday's game begins at 2 p.m., so be there no later than 1 o'clock. You know any game will begin IMMEDIATELY after the prior game, even if the game ended early.
Go get 'em, Thunder.
Just remember: 7 seconds or less! First half, run and press. Second half, start out by pulling the ball out, spread the court and make them chase you until the 10-minute mark. Then, push the ball and run/press until the 5:00 mark. Then spread the court again and make them chase you. This is all dependent on us being in the lead, of course, when the second half starts. Otherwise, just attack like normal (7 seconds).
Here's the schedule this weekend. Note that Saturday's game begins at 2 p.m., so be there no later than 1 o'clock. You know any game will begin IMMEDIATELY after the prior game, even if the game ended early.
Go get 'em, Thunder.
Schedule
Friday, 6 p.m., 15U game, Kilauea Gym, be there an hour early for stretching and warmups
Saturday, 1 p.m. 2 p.m., 15U game, Kilauea Gym, be there an hour early for stretching and warmups
Sunday, 4 p.m., 17U game, Palolo Gym, be there an hour early for stretching and warmups
Note: Next weekend, we have three 17U games (Fri/Sat/Sun). I'll post that schedule after I land on Maui. I gotta hit the road right now.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Thunder Alert: Practice Wed, Thur
This will be a big week for both Thunder squads. The 15U is playing for the first time in three weeks, and the games on Friday night and Saturday afternoon will determine whether we play in the upper division or lower division for the rest of the season.
I won't be able to coach you guys because work is sending me to Maui for the state track and field championships. I haven't cried about this yet, but I probably will during the flight out of Honolulu. You guys will be fine. Keanu's dad, Daniel, will be your coach. Remember, we'll press the entire first half, then pull back into a zone (pinch/trap corner) in the second half. When you guys get your second wind, press again for a few (or several) minutes ... then spread the court in the final 4 minutes, 4 Corners style, and make them chase you. Hit those free throws, call it a day.
Our 17U plays on Sunday against the only other unbeaten team, Lanakila 'A'. This will begin the upper division games for 17U. From what I understand, there are no playoffs, so this is your best chance to take charge of the 17U crown.
Have fun, boys. It's there for you.
Schedule
Wednesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Makiki Park
Thursday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School courts
Friday, 6 p.m., 15U game, Kilauea Gym
Saturday,1 p.m. 2 p.m., 15U game, Kilauea Gym
Sunday, 4 p.m., 17U game, Palolo Gym
I won't be able to coach you guys because work is sending me to Maui for the state track and field championships. I haven't cried about this yet, but I probably will during the flight out of Honolulu. You guys will be fine. Keanu's dad, Daniel, will be your coach. Remember, we'll press the entire first half, then pull back into a zone (pinch/trap corner) in the second half. When you guys get your second wind, press again for a few (or several) minutes ... then spread the court in the final 4 minutes, 4 Corners style, and make them chase you. Hit those free throws, call it a day.
Our 17U plays on Sunday against the only other unbeaten team, Lanakila 'A'. This will begin the upper division games for 17U. From what I understand, there are no playoffs, so this is your best chance to take charge of the 17U crown.
Have fun, boys. It's there for you.
Schedule
Wednesday, 5 p.m., Practice, Makiki Park
Thursday, 5 p.m., Practice, Stevenson Middle School courts
Friday, 6 p.m., 15U game, Kilauea Gym
Saturday,
Sunday, 4 p.m., 17U game, Palolo Gym
Sunday, May 1, 2011
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