So we got smarter. We used our 'Pippen' defense to lock down (or try to) Mikey Kleman and their point guard. The result? We were within 6 points (38-32) with 4 minutes to play. It was similar to our close game against Lanakila during the NJB Classic last month. Again, they pulled away late with big putbacks by Mikey, who is one of the best 17U players in the state, if not the very best.
So we lost, but we played smart, played hard and everybody on the floor hustled like crazy. Thank you, players, for trusting the strategy. We let their secondary players shoot the ball, and it paid off — they missed a whole lot of mid-range and 3-point shots badly — until late in the game when #16 (dunno his name) hit a 3. Other than that, the Pippen worked great and we can use it in other games from now on. I didn't expect us to use it for a whole game, but it worked and we don't change something that's not broken.
Alleck, Mick, Isaiah, Tanielu and Mick — the primary guys who played on-ball deny defense in this defense — did a super job. We made Mikey work hard for every touch of the ball, every shot. He got his share on the fastbreak, but we did pretty good defensive work.
I know Coach Larry was pleased with our effort tonight against an older, bigger team. That's what playing smart can do. Now if we can get back to the whole team working on their skills every day, we'll hit more of the open shots and become a real force: fast and skilled, tough and smart.
I always look forward to facing the best teams like Lanakila, and with our mix of young and younger guys — all the Thunder on the floor today were 16 or younger — it showed me once again that we're still improving. We're still in position to catch the best teams sooner rather than later.
Our 13U has already beaten Lanakila the last two times, so they're on the right track. When the next year comes, we'll still be competing with the same Thunder. Chemistry will be more fluid and flowing. And hopefully, everyone will be working hard all the time on their skills and competitiveness. The future is very promising.
Next practice: Tuesday, 4:30 pm, Makiki Park.
Wednesday: 17U, 6:00 pm warmups at Kilauea Gym outside court, game 7:00 pm vs. Dolphins. We'll need everyone to step up since Isaiah will not be available. Can do!
Thursday: 3:30 pm shooting practice, 4:30 team practice. I leave at 5:30 to go work; Coach Roy will be there to run practice the final hour or so.
Friday: No practice unless enough players want to work on their shooting. I have to work, so it's up to Coach Roy.
Saturday: 13U warmups at Kilauea Gym outside court 1:30 pm. Game time 2:30 pm vs Laie.
Sunday: 15U warmups, Kilauea GYm outside court 2:20 pm. Game time 3:20 pm vs. Crush.
WHO LUBS THIS GAME?
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