Was that fun?

I had fun today. Hung out with friends at church in the morning. Watched the Thunder rally from a 10-1 deficit to beat the Sharks 39-37. This was a first: a game-winning shot by Uriah with 4 seconds left. It didn't start out as a pretty play, but the way he finished it was solid!

Beating that team twice in one season is a landmark for us, even if they aren't at full strength like they used to be one or two years ago. I'll take it! I really enjoyed the way we stuck together and kept playing hard and smart regardless of the score. That's what I liked most. We're really gelling as a team.

That's a win in 15U CAL League. Where that puts us in the playoffs, I'm not sure, but it's a good momentum builder. The schedule will come out in a day or two, I'm guessing.

Then it was on to the 17U NJB All-Net game, a drive from Kilauea Gym to Palolo Gym. That was a solid effort with a mix of our 15U and our older players (JJ, Nate, William, Tai, Wilson). Those guys gave us the energy we needed on a hot afternoon of back-to-back games. Hawaiian Punch eventually got a little tired and we had 12 guys pressing on them all game long.

Couple of thoughts:

1) The start of the second half was ragged for us. It was basically the same five who started the 15U game at Kilauea, and even though the lead got whittled down to 3 points or so, I wanted to be sure you guys stayed in the game and got used to that kind of pressure. Opposing teams will make runs, particularly if you aren't playing well. But you get through it by remaining mentally tough and fundamentally sound. It was good to see you guys keep playing hard. Once our older guys got in, they took command, especially Wilson. It's hard to teach that kind of energy level and explosion to the basket, but we have that with Wilson, Nate and Tai. It comes in very handy on the press, too.

2) We made our share of open shots today, especially from the 3-point arc. Isaiah was clutch in the 15U game against the Sharks. In the second game, we got good shooting from a lot of guys. I'll say it again, though: we need to be ready for the ball, step into the shot as we catch it and be in the flow. We had some missed opportunities today when guys hesitated. No need for that. Just be ready with good footwork and knock down that 3. You do it every day at practice. Now share that with the world.

All in all, I enjoyed today. I'm guessing your parents did, too. I can see us winning both leagues regardless of our age or inexperience. If we keep working at our skills and developing that team chemistry on the court day by day, it gets easier, it gets better and there's plenty of happiness for everyone.

Sweat equity. See you guys at practice, Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m.

I lub this game!