Shades of last week. We faded against a big Lanakila team, struggling with just one big (John) against their three or four big boys in the paint. I really felt our '4 Out' offense and other spread sets would work against those big Lanakila kids, but we didn't hit enough shots early to stay close, and we still need a lot of work on our cuts (too slow).
Our fullcourt pressure was lacking often. Too many gaps in our traps allowed Lanakila to split through and dribble upcourt on 4-on-2 and 3-on-1 situations. We wound up losing by about 20 or so, which means the Aliis and Lanakila qualified for the championship bracket. We're in the consolation bracket tomorrow morning at 9:00 am against Hubba Bubba, which is comprised of Kapolei players.
It was sometimes thrilling to see the Thunder perform today in two games. But it was also sometimes frustrating. Some of the guys were up to the challenge. Some were not prepared, just rusty and passive from lack of practice and competition. I give Coach Larry a lot of credit. He put a lot on the shoulders of certain players, more than I would have. It was a rough day in that respect. We did get a solid effort from the seven guys Larry used after narrowing his rotation. Haka was solid defensively and offensively, driving hard on Monday. Isaiah gave his best despite being weary. Bryson is making more and more plays, and his shot is becoming deadly again. Mick is also developing into a go-to scorer.
On the other hand, today verified what I already knew about our 16U roster, as well as our younger guys (15U, 13U) who got playing time today. In the end, the guys who come to Makiki Park every day are the ones who are improving and progressing the most, gaining ground the fastest. And the guys who practice the least are simply not getting better, and some of them have regressed.
That's the beauty of basketball. The game knows no color or size. It only knows effort, sweat and fundamentals. No sweat, forget it.
We finish the Aiea tourney with two games tomorrow, then we have Monday and Tuesday to practice in preparation for the NJB Summer Classic. Teams like the Aliis and Lanakila will be among the top contenders again, no doubt. Can we close the gap and compete at that level?
I know we can. It's just that not all of us are prepared for that voyage. Sometimes, to go forward, excess baggage — players who are taking up space even though they have barely worked with their teammates — may have to be thrown overboard. That's what this weekend's tournament has illustrated in full, vivid color. I wish that weren't true. I like every single one of our guys. They're good people. But it's pointless to have a roster this big and play everyone when a number of them just aren't ready, at least not today.
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