It wasn't pretty, but the hustle was there for a win over the Kapolei Suns in tonight's opening round of the NJB Summer Classic at Kaimuki District Park gym.
We played a very young team, and it was difficult for a few of our guys to stay focused. Though it's always good to get a win in any circumstance, my concern was about our lack of concentration and intensity. I know how tough it is to stay focused when it's a physical mismatch. However, the key to consistency and success is to bring the same high intensity level every single day, especially in a tournament like this.
It was the first game without Sifo (who is 13 and too old) for this group of players, and it went fairly smooth offensively. But we still need to find a consistent finisher at the basket, which is one of of the things Sifo does well. Chris got good position all game long; hitting those layups and short bank shots regularly, that will come with time. Jenna did a solid job on both ends. We're going to miss her versatility, including her role as the middle in the pressbreaker, while she's gone. (She'll be back in time for next week's championship game in CAL Silver Division 13U.)
Kyle, solid. Jared, solid. Mackie also turned in another good effort defensively. Reserves Micah and Paul did pretty good. We played good defense overall; I called off the press early in the second half with us ahead 26-6.
We don't play in 12U again until Saturday morning (two games, 10:00 am and noon); by then, Jenna will be gone for a week (family vacation) and Kyle will miss those two games because of church.
Staying in tune and having chemistry with teammates can't be an occasional thing. It has to be constant. Turning up or down the intensity level doesn't work, not if we want to play our best at all times.
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