Just got back from our doubleheader. The 16U rallied from a 21-point deficit to tie the game, but lost to Punahou 63-54. The 15U lost to Hawaii Kai 52-16. Not a typo.
Everyone went home after the second game. Too bad. I wanted some chicken McNuggets. Or pizza. Not this time.
The first game was at the Maryknoll JV League. We just played into Punahou's hands, not running the Power 10 press properly in the first half. But that was just a part of it. Our offensive execution against Punahou's 1-3-1 zone was not good. We rushed to take the first semi-decent shot, often off balance, rather than swinging the ball around for easy shots. We were down 35-14 at the half.
Then came the second half and Coach Bo inserted Kyle, who hadn't even expected to play. He was a big part of our comeback, and we tied it at 42-all. Kyle was steady, unrattled and confident. He had five points, including a 3, and at least four assists during the run. Keanu was a beast, taking control at the high post and driving for most of our points. Isaiah and Alleck were also instrumental with steals and hustle plays and buckets.
Punahou opened the lead back to 6 points after that, but we rallied and tied it again. (I forget what the score was then.) From there, however, we ran out of gas. Keanu was completely spent with 3 minutes left and couldn't attack from the high post. Against Punahou's 2-3 zone, we didn't get many open looks in the final minutes. Coach Bo stuck with a tight six- or seven-man rotation in the second half.
The guys worked their butts off to get back in the game, which made me and all of the parents feel really proud. Of course, we could've played a much smarter, better first half, but finishing strong is a big, big plus. According to Cody, there's a playoff at the end of the schedule (I haven't seen it on the schedule), so we may get a chance to play Punahou again.
First, we have to battle Maryknoll I tomorrow. After beating them last weekend, count on them to give us a tougher fight this time.
The second game was in the CAL League at Kilauea. We'd been playing well lately in 15U, but tonight was one of those games you want to throw away and forget. I say we remember this: there's no reason why we can't hang with a team like Hawaii Kai, even if they're taller and so very fundamental in so many aspects of the game. We made a lot of mistakes just because we're less experienced. We missed at least 15 layups, maybe 20, and at least 10 times we didn't pass downcourt to the open man against their press.
So much of it is correctible. I expect us to play much, much better the next time we face them. Overall, though, I'm proud of our 15U and all our teams. Our 15U was blown out of a lot of games in NJB All-Net this past spring. We've made a lot of improvement since then.
We didn't have a full lineup tonight, but it didn't matter. We just didn't play as a team most of the night, and when that happens, we're in big trouble. We will get better. It's just a matter of how much we want it as a team. That means showing up to practice whenever possible. Working together to gain offensive and defensive chemistry. Those are the key ingredients that don't always show up in stats. Can a team play together and get easier shots, and play outstanding defense? Of course. But it takes commitment to each other. We could use a little more of that.
I'm basically fried right now after a couple of weeks of 3 pm practices followed by games, often doubleheaders, at night. But all in all, it's been FUN. We're still unbeaten in the Kalani Summer Varsity League, and we've got only one loss at the Maryknoll JV League. Our 15U and 13U are improving.
I've asked all our teams to please come to practice more often, or at least once a week. Tonight, Hawaii Kai got in our grills with tough, pushy man-to-man defense, and we didn't respond well. Instead of getting low, squaring up and attacking the defense, we often backed up. Or we simply didn't run the plays, failing to pass to open teammates whether it was against a zone or man.
It's all correctible, but we've all got to show up to practice and gel as a team. There's no substitute for that.
After tomorrow's game, we practice 3 pm at Makiki Park. As Coach Bo said today about Punahou, a lot of their players take at least 300 shots a day. It's no surprise; they have a few really good 3-point shooters. And the difference between good shooters and mediocre ones is simple: work ethic.
Let's go to work every day, Thunder!
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