Rain or shine: new dogs on board

Thunder Update

Met most of the new players this afternoon thanks to Coach Bo (and his truck): two freshmen, three sophomores. Good to have more numbers, more guys who love this game on our side. Still need more players for 13U, 15U and 17U, but looks like we're near maximum for 16U. Next practice Wed 4:30 p.m.

John came to practice even though the courts were wet from this recent rain storm. Props to John, one of our most dedicated Thunder players. 

Gym? 

I stopped in at McCully gym on the way home. The gym director said there's no open gym time for any teams due to lack of budget. If he opens the gym to anyone, even if it's for a rental, he has to have staff there. I'm not sure how that's a problem because he charges $15 an hour, which would pay for staff, right? But it's an issue he can't control, so I didn't push it. 

I did see Kekoa Ng and his club team practicing there. I was told that they're a PAL team, which is city and county-affiliated, and that's why his team is allowed to practice there. However, I learned later from one of the assistant coaches that only some of the PAL kids practice there. The rest were part of the club team. 

In other words, the policy at McCully gym is not consistent. I'm looking for any gym we can get practice time in, but McCully is the closest and I'm going to keep pursuing the possibilities. We benefited from using a gym two years ago (Aina Haina) and that was just 45 minutes each day, once or twice a week. 

Step up!

We're nearing Aiea league (two weeks away) and NJB All-Net (three-four weeks), so those of you who want to play should decide if you're committed or not. If you're not coming to practice at all, let me know if you have a reason. Otherwise, I can't assume you're committed, and there will be other players who will be on the roster, kids who really want to improve and be part of the Thunder. 

I know JJ is working a lot, which is great for him. But the guys who miss most practices, please let me know what's going on. I am not going to let Coach John, Coach Bo and the rest of our players down when game time comes. I don't want guys coming who haven't practiced, don't know the plays, have no chemistry with the guys who are there every day. I'd rather have new guys who can commit at least two or three days a week. 

Time to step up or get out. I hope you choose the best path.