Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
13U: Thunder 47, Mililani Storm 46
Great hustle by both teams tonight. It's never easy going up against a tall team, but we had the strength (Jerry) inside to combat their big man. We had the hustle from our guards (Sierra, Little Micah, Ryan, Felcris). We had more hustle from our forwards (Joshua, Big Micah, Kyle, Tanielu).
It still wasn't enough and we were down late in the second half. Then we switched to a new defense and everybody stepped up big. Props to everybody for contributing to a great effort. Getting the win just makes it funner. I'm proud of you guys for the mental toughness and resilience. We're playing smarter with each game.
Kyle did another stellar job running the point, penetrating for easier shots and setting everyone up while playing big in the paint on defense. Tanielu sparked our defense, especially during our rally at the end. It's really good to have options (man-to-man, zone, etc.) and with the guys we have, we can be versatile and still challenge the other team's shooters.
Awesome work, Thunder!
BIG MAHALO to Auntie Claire for shooting video tonight. BIG MAHALO to Coach Roy for transporting all the Kalihi boys.
It still wasn't enough and we were down late in the second half. Then we switched to a new defense and everybody stepped up big. Props to everybody for contributing to a great effort. Getting the win just makes it funner. I'm proud of you guys for the mental toughness and resilience. We're playing smarter with each game.
Kyle did another stellar job running the point, penetrating for easier shots and setting everyone up while playing big in the paint on defense. Tanielu sparked our defense, especially during our rally at the end. It's really good to have options (man-to-man, zone, etc.) and with the guys we have, we can be versatile and still challenge the other team's shooters.
Awesome work, Thunder!
BIG MAHALO to Auntie Claire for shooting video tonight. BIG MAHALO to Coach Roy for transporting all the Kalihi boys.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Tuesday Funday
Slowly but surely ... the 15U getting more cohesive, more steady, more effective. Good workout tonight for 15U and 13U/12U. We had 15 strong to start. The good news is everyone has been very coachable, which always speeds up the process. We have a lot of blessings, including someplace to practice indoors once or twice a week. Let's make the most of it! WE LUB THIS GAME.
BIG MAHALO to Coach Roy for bringing the Tiger boys to the gym tonight. BIG MAHALO to Uncle Scott and Auntie Claire for giving Joshua and Jimark a ride home on a rainy night.
Wednesday, Feb. 27
6:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:00 pm - 13U vs. Mililani Storm (PAA League)
Friday, Mar. 1
7:15 pm - Warmups, Koko Head Gym outside courts
8:15 pm - 15U vs. Hui Lokahi, Koko Head Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Mar. 2
8:00 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
9:00 am - 12U vs. Hoops 4 Christ, Aiea Gym
2:00 pm - Warmups, Palolo Gym
3:00 pm - 15U vs. Kahuku, Palolo Gym (PAA)
Sunday, Mar. 3
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
12:20 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
1:20 pm - Thunder vs. Owls, Kilauea Gym (CAL)
Wednesday, Feb. 27
6:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:00 pm - 13U vs. Mililani Storm (PAA League)
Friday, Mar. 1
7:15 pm - Warmups, Koko Head Gym outside courts
8:15 pm - 15U vs. Hui Lokahi, Koko Head Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Mar. 2
8:00 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
9:00 am - 12U vs. Hoops 4 Christ, Aiea Gym
2:00 pm - Warmups, Palolo Gym
3:00 pm - 15U vs. Kahuku, Palolo Gym (PAA)
Sunday, Mar. 3
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
12:20 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
1:20 pm - Thunder vs. Owls, Kilauea Gym (CAL)
Video: Thunder vs. Tar Heels (CAL)
Sunday game action, Compete & Learn (CAL) League, middle school division. We were out of sync, not executing and down by 15 late in the game. Then, with about 1:20 left, Thunder made a run and cut the lead to 34-31 with :04 left. We lost the game against a good team, but I'm proud of the comeback.
Part 1 Part 2
Part 1 Part 2
Monday Funday
Good workout tonight, Thunder. The rain held up. So did the wind. We were blessed. Nine strong tonight, including Nelson, one of the new 15U players. I lub it when everybody pays attention and learns the system. Less talk, more action leads to success. Good work, everybody!
Tonight's practice lineup: Javan Montiho, Micah T, Jimark, Joshua, Sierra, Ryan (McKinley), Kalai, Nelson and our other new 15U guy, Triton. Future's bright for our young teams!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Mahalos of the Day
BIG MAHALO to Uncle Scott and Auntie Claire for the pizza after Sunday's game at Kilauea Gym. BIG MAHLO to Coach Roy for driving all our guys from Kalihi to the game and to Makiki Park and back home.
BIG MAHALO to Patti Chang, who donated generously again to the Thunder. Mahalo, Mrs. Chang! Every contribution helps, especially this one.
BIG MAHALO to Patti Chang, who donated generously again to the Thunder. Mahalo, Mrs. Chang! Every contribution helps, especially this one.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
CAL: Tar Heels 35, Thunder 31
Good effort today by our middle-school division Thunder (CAL League) against the Tar Heels. Final: Tar Heels 35, Thunder 31. Started slowly, didn't execute enough basics, and we never got the lead. But it was fun seeing the guys cut a 12-point lead with 1:20 left down to 34-31 with :04 to play. It's always good to have Tanielu and Chris back in the lineup. We definitely missed Jerry, though. One more guy in the trenches, protecting the basket and fighting for rebounds, that's what Jerry gives us when he's there.
Post-game parents/players meeting at Makiki Park was helpful. I hope everyone understands the commitment it's going to take to field our 17U team again, whether we travel or not. Optimistic about the 17U, but we'll see how committed the team is first. Things are going to be significantly different in 17U this year and it's very possible not everyone will like it. But changes have to be made and I hope everyone's on board.
Even with the loss, it was a good day. We had the 12U/13U having fun playing pickup ball one one court. The 17U on another court. It was like old times again at Makiki.
Post-game parents/players meeting at Makiki Park was helpful. I hope everyone understands the commitment it's going to take to field our 17U team again, whether we travel or not. Optimistic about the 17U, but we'll see how committed the team is first. Things are going to be significantly different in 17U this year and it's very possible not everyone will like it. But changes have to be made and I hope everyone's on board.
Even with the loss, it was a good day. We had the 12U/13U having fun playing pickup ball one one court. The 17U on another court. It was like old times again at Makiki.
Video: 12U vs. Imua
Great effort by our guys. Losing to a good team — a smart team — will make us better.
Part 1
Part 2
Saturday, February 23, 2013
12U: Imua 37, Thunder 34
Final: Imua 37, Thunder 34 (Aiea 12U League). Imua is now in first place and we're in second. The playoffs are in two weeks. Top four teams only. We need a win next week to make sure we have a shot at that title. We played well in spurts, but too many turnovers and mental errors. Playing a good team only makes us better, and we will get better with more experience and more PRACTICE time. That's our first loss in Aiea League. Will it make us play smarter next time? I hope so. WE LUB THIS GAME.
BIG MAHALO to Auntie Claire and Uncle Scott for bringing doughnuts.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Updated Schedule as of Feb 22
Parents/Players meeting this Sunday, 5 pm, Makiki Park.
Also received the remaining schedule from CAL today. Two more games in that league. See below.
Saturday, Feb. 23
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 pm - 12U vs. Imua, Aiea Gym
Sunday, Feb. 24
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
1:10 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
2:10 pm - Thunder vs. Tar Heels (CAL middle school division)
5:00 pm - 17U Parents/Players meeting, Makiki Park (mandatory)
Monday, Feb. 25
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 26
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 27
6:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:00 pm - 13U vs. Mililani Storm (PAA League)
Friday, Mar. 1
7:15 pm - Warmups, Koko Head Gym outside courts
8:15 pm - 15U vs. Hui Lokahi, Koko Head Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Mar. 2
8:00 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
9:00 am - 12U vs. Hoops 4 Christ, Aiea Gym
2:00 pm - Warmups, Palolo Gym
3:00 pm - 15U vs. Kahuku, Palolo Gym (PAA)
Sunday, Mar. 3
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
12:20 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
1:20 pm - Thunder vs. Owls, Kilauea Gym (CAL)
Monday, Mar. 4
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 5
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Mar. 6
6:45 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:45 pm - 15U vs. TNT, Kilauea Gym
Friday, Mar. 8
4:30 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
5:30 pm - Thunder vs. Kalakaua, Kilauea Gym (final CAL game)
Saturday, Mar. 9
Aiea 12U playoffs (one or two games), TBA
Sunday, Mar. 10
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 12
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Mar. 17
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Mar. 20-23
Aiea 13U Tournament, Aiea Gym
Sunday, Mar. 24
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 25
6:00 pm - 13U/15U Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 26
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Mar. 27
Aiea 17U league begins
Sunday, Mar. 31
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Apr. 1
Tuesday, Apr. 9
Also received the remaining schedule from CAL today. Two more games in that league. See below.
Saturday, Feb. 23
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 pm - 12U vs. Imua, Aiea Gym
Sunday, Feb. 24
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
1:10 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
2:10 pm - Thunder vs. Tar Heels (CAL middle school division)
5:00 pm - 17U Parents/Players meeting, Makiki Park (mandatory)
Monday, Feb. 25
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 26
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 27
6:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:00 pm - 13U vs. Mililani Storm (PAA League)
Friday, Mar. 1
7:15 pm - Warmups, Koko Head Gym outside courts
8:15 pm - 15U vs. Hui Lokahi, Koko Head Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Mar. 2
8:00 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
9:00 am - 12U vs. Hoops 4 Christ, Aiea Gym
2:00 pm - Warmups, Palolo Gym
3:00 pm - 15U vs. Kahuku, Palolo Gym (PAA)
Sunday, Mar. 3
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
12:20 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
1:20 pm - Thunder vs. Owls, Kilauea Gym (CAL)
Monday, Mar. 4
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 5
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Mar. 6
6:45 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:45 pm - 15U vs. TNT, Kilauea Gym
Friday, Mar. 8
4:30 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
5:30 pm - Thunder vs. Kalakaua, Kilauea Gym (final CAL game)
Saturday, Mar. 9
Aiea 12U playoffs (one or two games), TBA
Sunday, Mar. 10
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 12
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Mar. 17
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Mar. 20-23
Aiea 13U Tournament, Aiea Gym
Sunday, Mar. 24
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 25
6:00 pm - 13U/15U Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 26
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Mar. 27
Aiea 17U league begins
Sunday, Mar. 31
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Apr. 1
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Apr. 2
Tuesday, Apr. 2
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Friday, Apr. 5
NJB All-Net League begins (17U/15U/13U)
Sunday, Apr. 7
NJB All-Net League begins (17U/15U/13U)
Sunday, Apr. 7
11:00 am - 17U/15U practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Apr. 8
Monday, Apr. 8
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Apr. 9
6:00 pm - 15U/13U Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Parents/Players meeting Sunday 5 pm
PARENTS/PLAYERS MEETING
Sunday, 5 pm, Makiki Park. Mandatory for all 17U players. 15U/13U parents/players are also welcome. We'll discuss everything: Entry fees, commitment, uniforms, possible mainland trip (summer).
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Video: 15U vs. Boom
Part 1
Part 2
Sorry for the delay on Part 2. It was almost done loading on YouTube when my internet connection at home disconnected with only 5 minutes left. Arrgghhh...
Part 2
Sorry for the delay on Part 2. It was almost done loading on YouTube when my internet connection at home disconnected with only 5 minutes left. Arrgghhh...
Video: 13U vs. Huskies
PAA League, 13U Division, H1 Thunder vs. Kapolei Huskies, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. A good win against a tough team.
Part 1 Part 2
Part 1 Part 2
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
15U, 13U win
Two games, one night, a memory that will stick for a long time.
Thunder 13U 38, Kapolei Huskies 31
The 13U pulled away late to beat the Huskies in the early game. We got a lot of clutch shots off good passes, and a lot of strong defense both on the 10 and halfcourt man.(Sorry, I'll post the score later. I can't remember.) The 13U got a big boost from Jerry in the post today. When we have him or Kalai or Tani or Chris to help us on the boards, it makes a huge difference.
Thunder 15U 31, Boom 29
15U did its own pull-away late in the game to beat Boom. It was a really unusual situation, a team filled with new guys (McKinley) and returnees, and with so little practice time together, even some of the returnees weren't familiar with some of our new plays. The sets are pretty basic and easy to learn, but there's nothing like getting on the court to play. We haven't even had a 5-on-5 scrimmage yet. Hopefully, we'll get that on Sunday (McCully gym, 11 am practice).
I'm proud of both teams, Everybody hustled, worked hard on defense and shared the ball. It was great to see Brent and Sifo back on the court wearing Thunder orange. Dan looked very comfortable on the floor. So did Boo-Boo (Jonah), so they finished the game along with Kyle. Our 13U guys got some time on the court, and our brand-new guys got some playing time in the first half. It always takes some time for everybody to feel comfortable with the plays, the defenses and each other. But we'll get there.
Off to a good start in 15U. It's really good considering we didn't have enough players less than two weeks ago. Get better every day, everybody. It's all up to you.
BIG MAHALO to Auntie Claire and Uncle Scott for bringing food and snacks for everybody, especially the 15U guys who were getting hungry before their game (7:45 pm). Also, mahalo to Scott for shooting the 15U game video and Jimark for shooting the 13U video. BIG MAHALO to Coach Reuben and Coach Roy for transporting the guys from Palama and Kalihi!
WE LUB THIS GAME!
Thunder 13U 38, Kapolei Huskies 31
The 13U pulled away late to beat the Huskies in the early game. We got a lot of clutch shots off good passes, and a lot of strong defense both on the 10 and halfcourt man.
Thunder 15U 31, Boom 29
15U did its own pull-away late in the game to beat Boom. It was a really unusual situation, a team filled with new guys (McKinley) and returnees, and with so little practice time together, even some of the returnees weren't familiar with some of our new plays. The sets are pretty basic and easy to learn, but there's nothing like getting on the court to play. We haven't even had a 5-on-5 scrimmage yet. Hopefully, we'll get that on Sunday (McCully gym, 11 am practice).
I'm proud of both teams, Everybody hustled, worked hard on defense and shared the ball. It was great to see Brent and Sifo back on the court wearing Thunder orange. Dan looked very comfortable on the floor. So did Boo-Boo (Jonah), so they finished the game along with Kyle. Our 13U guys got some time on the court, and our brand-new guys got some playing time in the first half. It always takes some time for everybody to feel comfortable with the plays, the defenses and each other. But we'll get there.
Off to a good start in 15U. It's really good considering we didn't have enough players less than two weeks ago. Get better every day, everybody. It's all up to you.
BIG MAHALO to Auntie Claire and Uncle Scott for bringing food and snacks for everybody, especially the 15U guys who were getting hungry before their game (7:45 pm). Also, mahalo to Scott for shooting the 15U game video and Jimark for shooting the 13U video. BIG MAHALO to Coach Reuben and Coach Roy for transporting the guys from Palama and Kalihi!
WE LUB THIS GAME!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Tuesday Funday
Tonight's practice, very good. The 15U and 13U/12U worked well together, teaching each other plays and sets. 15U boys from McKinley are solid, unselfish, hustling, good overall athleticism. Once we get Brent, Sifo and some of the 13U (Kyle, Tanielu, Chris) blending with them, we have a chance to have a lot of fun in 15U. If we end up with extra firepower (Sierra, Micah T, Tone, etc), even better.
Doubleheader tomorrow at Kilauea gym (13U, 15U). WE LUB THIS GAME.
Reversible jerseys needed
17U - Need your help. If you have a reversible Thunder jersey, we need them for the 15U. They play on Wednesday night (tomorrow). Call me 551-1054 so I can pick it up tonight after practice. I'm not going to have time tomorrow afternoon (work) to pick jerseys up, but I'll be at the game (Kilauea gym) with our 13U (6:15 pm) and 15U (745 pm). Thanks guys.
Video: Thunder vs. Boom (CAL)
Compete & Learn League, Middle School Division. This was a very interesting challenge, facing an experienced team while we had an all-guard lineup. That can be a plus when there's chemistry, good passing, solid defense and execution. But we didn't shoot well or pass well, and it turned into a struggle. Props to Boom. They played smart and we have a lot of work to do.
Part 1 Part 2
Part 1 Part 2
Monday, February 18, 2013
Monday hoopaholics
Good practice tonight despite the wind. Got a lot of work done: ballhandling, on-ball defense, halfcourt sets, some conditioning. Tonight's practice lineup: Jared Elwin, Ryan Higashionna, Javan Montiho, Jimark Gwapo De Jesus, Joshua de Jesus and Macjun Cruz Otarra. Jared and Ryan stayed afterwards and got a lot of ballhandling work done. Coaching these guys is easy and fun when they already have a love for the game and a hunger to get better.
Next practice: Tuesday, 6 pm, Kalakaua Gym. 15U needs to be there. Game is on Wednesday for 15U and 13U.
Next practice: Tuesday, 6 pm, Kalakaua Gym. 15U needs to be there. Game is on Wednesday for 15U and 13U.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Updated schedule
The next three weeks of PAA League games are now listed. Received the e-mail today.
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 20
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
6:15 pm - 13U vs. Huskies, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
7:45 pm - 15U vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Feb. 23
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 pm - 12U vs. Imua, Aiea Gym
Sunday, Feb. 24
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
1:10 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
2:10 pm - Thunder vs. Tar Heels (CAL middle school division)
5:00 pm - Parents/Players meeting, Makiki Park (mandatory)
Monday, Feb. 25
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 26
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 27
6:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:00 pm - 13U vs. Mililani Storm (PAA League)
Friday, Mar. 1
7:15 pm - Warmups, Koko Head Gym outside courts
8:15 pm - 15U vs. Hui Lokahi, Koko Head Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Mar. 2
8:00 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
9:00 am - 12U vs. Hoops 4 Christ, Aiea Gym
2:00 pm - Warmups, Palolo Gym
3:00 pm - 15U vs. Kahuku, Palolo Gym (PAA League)
Sunday, Mar. 3
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 4
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 5
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Mar. 6
6:45 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:45 pm - 15U vs. TNT, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, Mar. 9
Aiea 12U playoffs (one or two games), TBA
Sunday, Mar. 10
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 12
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Mar. 17
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Mar. 20-23
Aiea 13U Tournament, Aiea Gym
Sunday, Mar. 24
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 25
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 26
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Mar. 27
Aiea 17U league begins
Sunday, Mar. 31
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Apr. 1
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Apr. 2
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Friday, Apr. 5
NJB All-Net League begins (17U/15U/13U)
Sunday, Apr. 7
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Apr. 8
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Apr. 9
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
(Note: CAL schedule will be posted when it arrives.)
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 20
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
6:15 pm - 13U vs. Huskies, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
7:45 pm - 15U vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Feb. 23
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 pm - 12U vs. Imua, Aiea Gym
Sunday, Feb. 24
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
1:10 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
2:10 pm - Thunder vs. Tar Heels (CAL middle school division)
5:00 pm - Parents/Players meeting, Makiki Park (mandatory)
Monday, Feb. 25
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 26
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 27
6:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:00 pm - 13U vs. Mililani Storm (PAA League)
Friday, Mar. 1
7:15 pm - Warmups, Koko Head Gym outside courts
8:15 pm - 15U vs. Hui Lokahi, Koko Head Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Mar. 2
8:00 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
9:00 am - 12U vs. Hoops 4 Christ, Aiea Gym
2:00 pm - Warmups, Palolo Gym
3:00 pm - 15U vs. Kahuku, Palolo Gym (PAA League)
Sunday, Mar. 3
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 4
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 5
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Mar. 6
6:45 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:45 pm - 15U vs. TNT, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, Mar. 9
Aiea 12U playoffs (one or two games), TBA
Sunday, Mar. 10
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 12
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Mar. 17
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Mar. 20-23
Aiea 13U Tournament, Aiea Gym
Sunday, Mar. 24
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Mar. 25
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Mar. 26
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Mar. 27
Aiea 17U league begins
Sunday, Mar. 31
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Apr. 1
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Apr. 2
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Friday, Apr. 5
NJB All-Net League begins (17U/15U/13U)
Sunday, Apr. 7
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Monday, Apr. 8
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Apr. 9
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
(Note: CAL schedule will be posted when it arrives.)
Boom 46, Thunder 23 (CAL middle school div.)
Ups and down of a young team with missing players and a lot of inexperience as a group. Boom didn't do anything spectacular. A 2-3 zone, smart passing, opportunistic fastbreaks. Kind of like us when we play in the 12U league, except we rarely play zone.
Credit to Boom. They look like a team that's played together a long time because that's what they are. Our execution offensively was ragged today, partly because of our lack of practice time together. Partly because we were so guard heavy today and didn't pass well or shoot well. Without Jerry, Kalai, Tanielu and Chris, we really struggled on the offensive boards. We missed all of them, as well as Jared. I still think if our best big guys today stayed on the post and attacked, it's a different game. But the will to do it wasn't there, and that's why we need to get back to practice and develop that killer instinct, that attack mentality.
With just seven guys today, we also ran out of gas. That's about conditioning. Getting that to a higher level, getting our attack mode in gear — that's a coach's job. My job.
Today's lineup: Micah Tong, Micah Visoria, Kyle Moraga, Ryan Higashionna, Joshua de Jesus, Felcris Corpuz, Jimark de Jesus.
It's a learning curve. You learn from the losses more than the wins. It just doesn't feel great to lose. Ever. But we will get better with reps. Winning and losing don't change what we do: work on fundamentals, play smart and play fast!
Practice for 15U in the afternoon was productive. It was mostly our 17U Maryknoll guys, plus Isaiah and most of the 12U/13U squad. All together, we had 14 players. We got a lot of basics done, including about 20 minutes of rebounding/box-out drills. We really need that, and we'll continue to work on that. It's basic and one of our weak spots. This will become one of our strengths.
Big MAHALO to Auntie Claire and Uncle Scott for post-game grinds at McDonald's. Also, MAHALO to Scott for shooting the game video and Claire for keeping score.
Video: 12U vs. Makakilo
We've come a long way in 12U. Still a long way to go. No matter what, though, it's a lot of fun watching you guys play. Here's yesterday's game, videotaped by Jimark de Jesus. Final: H1 Thunder 44, Makakilo Knights 32.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 1
Part 2
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Thunder 12U 44, Makakilo 32
Good hustle and teamwork by the 12U this morning against a scrappy, skilled Makakilo team. We were fortunate that our defensive work carried us on an overall off-shooting day. A lot of missed layups and open shots, but I'll take that any time as long as our defense is steady.
Our defensive pressure was constant, and once we correct our judgment on the back side of the press (Makakilo had about five or six open layups), we'll be even tougher defensively.
Our younger gunners got quite a bit of playing time today, which is always good. Good work, Thunder!
12U lineup today: Micah Tong, Javan Montiho, Felcris Corpuz, Ryan Higashionna, Joshua de Jesus, Jared Elwin, Walter Berthold, Kalai Kuia, Micah Visoria.
And MAHALO to Auntie Claire and Uncle Scott for bringing awesome doughnuts from Regal Bakery. The kids are getting spoiled . . .
15U practice in the afternoon was solid. Some of our new McKinley guys were there, so we got in some basic work on our offensive halfcourt sets, plus a lot of shooting work. As long as we can get indoors, we'll work consistently on shooting. After three years of practicing outside in the wind and rain, it's blessing to have access to any gym.
Practice lineup: Tai Boyd (17U), Joseph (15U), Ryan (15U), Niko (15U), Javan (13U/12U), Jimark (15U). We got a good two hours in.
WE LUB THIS GAME!
Schedule Update: 15U starts playing on Wednesday. Yeeeeaaah!
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
2:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's Kahala
4:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 20
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
6:15 pm - 13U vs. Huskies, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Our defensive pressure was constant, and once we correct our judgment on the back side of the press (Makakilo had about five or six open layups), we'll be even tougher defensively.
Our younger gunners got quite a bit of playing time today, which is always good. Good work, Thunder!
12U lineup today: Micah Tong, Javan Montiho, Felcris Corpuz, Ryan Higashionna, Joshua de Jesus, Jared Elwin, Walter Berthold, Kalai Kuia, Micah Visoria.
And MAHALO to Auntie Claire and Uncle Scott for bringing awesome doughnuts from Regal Bakery. The kids are getting spoiled . . .
15U practice in the afternoon was solid. Some of our new McKinley guys were there, so we got in some basic work on our offensive halfcourt sets, plus a lot of shooting work. As long as we can get indoors, we'll work consistently on shooting. After three years of practicing outside in the wind and rain, it's blessing to have access to any gym.
Practice lineup: Tai Boyd (17U), Joseph (15U), Ryan (15U), Niko (15U), Javan (13U/12U), Jimark (15U). We got a good two hours in.
WE LUB THIS GAME!
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
2:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's Kahala
4:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 20
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
6:15 pm - 13U vs. Huskies, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
7:45 pm - 15U vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Friday, February 15, 2013
17U update
1. If you're in 17U, yes, you're welcome to practice with our 15U this weekend.
2. There are absolutely no roster spots guaranteed to anybody. Zero. Especially with players who left/quit on the team last year. We'll see how the 17U parents meeting goes on Sunday, Feb. 24 (5 pm).
3. Aiea 17U begins on March 27. Entry fee is $375. Players will pay for half and/or sell T-shirts to pay for their share.
4. NJB All-Net has raised the entry fee to $550. Each player will be expected to chip in for half of that cost. Same goes for 15U and 13U. We have team T-shirts as a fundraiser, so the sooner each player starts selling, the better. NJB All-Net begins on Apr. 5.
Questions, call me 551-1054.
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
1:00 pm - 15U practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
2:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's Kahala
4:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 20
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
6:15 pm - 13U vs. Huskies, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
(Note: Awaiting PAA 15U schedule)
2. There are absolutely no roster spots guaranteed to anybody. Zero. Especially with players who left/quit on the team last year. We'll see how the 17U parents meeting goes on Sunday, Feb. 24 (5 pm).
3. Aiea 17U begins on March 27. Entry fee is $375. Players will pay for half and/or sell T-shirts to pay for their share.
4. NJB All-Net has raised the entry fee to $550. Each player will be expected to chip in for half of that cost. Same goes for 15U and 13U. We have team T-shirts as a fundraiser, so the sooner each player starts selling, the better. NJB All-Net begins on Apr. 5.
Questions, call me 551-1054.
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
1:00 pm - 15U practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
2:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's Kahala
4:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 20
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
6:15 pm - 13U vs. Huskies, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
(Note: Awaiting PAA 15U schedule)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
13U: Thunder 64, Lanakila 49
Final: H1 Thunder 64, Lanakila 49. Nice work tonight, Thunder 13U. They were quick. We were quicker. Our passing keeps improving. Our rebounding is getting better. We're becoming more opportunistic on the fastbreak and looking for our teammates who have easy/open layups and 3-point looks. It's fun when that happens. More later. The video is uploading.
It's always funner when we have our full lineup. It won't happen often this winter/spring, but it's always great to see everybody who's put in so much work last summer, fall and early winter start to gel with our new additions. That 64 points might be a record by our 13U. I loved the pace and transition. Getting faster and smarter each day!
Tonight's lineup: Jared Elwin, Kyle Moraga, Sierra Murobayshi, Joshua de Jesus, Micah Tong, Javan Montiho, Felcris Corpuz, Chris Afe, Tanielu Afe, Jerry Killion. (Micah Visoria had a baseball game tonight.)
MAHALO to Auntie Claire for the doughnuts (those went fast!) and MAHALO to Uncle Nate for the post-game chips (gone in 60 seconds!). MAHALO to Uncle Cliff for keeping score again. MAHALO to Uncle Passion for helping buy post-game dinner for the team. MAHALO to Jimark Gwapo De Jesus for providing his excellent video camera work again.
REMINDER: Turn in your birth certificate copies.
Thursday, Feb. 14
5:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts (Coach Roy)
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
1:00 pm - 15U practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
2:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's Kahala
4:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 20
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
6:15 pm - 13U vs. Huskies, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
(Note: Awaiting PAA 15U schedule)
It's always funner when we have our full lineup. It won't happen often this winter/spring, but it's always great to see everybody who's put in so much work last summer, fall and early winter start to gel with our new additions. That 64 points might be a record by our 13U. I loved the pace and transition. Getting faster and smarter each day!
Tonight's lineup: Jared Elwin, Kyle Moraga, Sierra Murobayshi, Joshua de Jesus, Micah Tong, Javan Montiho, Felcris Corpuz, Chris Afe, Tanielu Afe, Jerry Killion. (Micah Visoria had a baseball game tonight.)
MAHALO to Auntie Claire for the doughnuts (those went fast!) and MAHALO to Uncle Nate for the post-game chips (gone in 60 seconds!). MAHALO to Uncle Cliff for keeping score again. MAHALO to Uncle Passion for helping buy post-game dinner for the team. MAHALO to Jimark Gwapo De Jesus for providing his excellent video camera work again.
REMINDER: Turn in your birth certificate copies.
Thursday, Feb. 14
5:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts (Coach Roy)
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
1:00 pm - 15U practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
2:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's Kahala
4:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 20
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
6:15 pm - 13U vs. Huskies, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
(Note: Awaiting PAA 15U schedule)
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Updated schedule
Wednesday, Feb. 13
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
6:15 pm - 13U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
(new) 1:00 pm - 15U practice, Kalakaua Gym
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
2:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's Kahala
(new) 4:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
(Note: Awaiting PAA 15U schedule)
Monday, Feb. 18
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua outside courts
Tuesday, Feb. 19
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
(Note: Awaiting PAA 15U schedule)
State of the H1 Thunder
STATE OF THE THUNDER ADDRESS
No Obama here. Just thought it would be a good time to update everyone on what's happenin'.
1. Great attitudes at practice. Considering all the work that 12U/13U has put in, and the way they're improving every day (the wins don't hurt either), it's been big fun. We know our individual strengths and weaknesses, we get to work and put in the investment of time and sweat. WE LUB THIS GAME.
2. We're in three leagues/divisions, and now 15U will play (PAA) starting next week. Guess what? That's a lot of entry fees! So I'm asking all players/parents to chip in $20 for each league he/she is participating in (Aiea 12U, PAA 13U, CAL Middle School Division). 10 players give $20, that's $200, which is half of the entry fee for each league. (I'm paying for the other half.) If you can't afford it, let me know. There are ways to raise funds and I expect everyone to do their share - see "T-shirt sales" below.)
3. Uniforms. I've paid up front for the new uniforms we're wearing and the new ones one the way. But I want everyone to keep their uniforms after the season. I just can't afford to give any of the uniforms away. They cost almost $40 per set, so if you want to keep yours, give Coach Paul two $20 bills or four $10s or even eight $5 bills. I'm not picky. But I sure can't be going broke (again).
Note: The 15U will need their own net set of uniforms. If they want something like the gray or orange uniforms (dri-fit fabric), that's the $40/set deal. If they want reversibles (like our previous uniforms), that's $50/set. They're all nice, just a matter of taste.
4. T-shirt sales. The best thing any of us can do is sell the T-shirts. We make a $10 profit on each when you sell one for $20. Please ask family friends, teachers, principals, janitors, co-workers, relatives ... it all adds up. I've got many friends who have not only bought shirts, but a few gave donations. A lot of super generous people know about you, Thunder, and they enjoy supporting what you do.
See. The world is not totally evil.
5. Grade checks. I am not big on babysitting our players when it comes to schoolwork. I always ask about homework, about double-checking it. But I will not act like a parent since I'm not one. Instead, I will start to send out informal grade check forms to all parents. It will be up to you parents to fill out the grades your son/daughter is getting in each class. I'll do this on an intermittent basis, maybe once a month.
There is not going to be any discipline/punishment for low grades, but I do expect all of our Thunder to give school a maximum effort. This isn't just about a GPA. It's about effort and self-respect. I want each of our kids to push him or herself to try their best. Always.
6. Food. BIG MAHALOS to all the parents who have brought food to our games for the players to eat. It really helps. I'd like everyone to share the aloha, but I'm not comfortable with starting a list and assigning one parent or another to bring anything. I really don't want to do it. So if someone is willing to take charge of that, let me know.
Otherwise, we can probably get by like this with random acts of kindness from our awesome parents!
7. When you get a chance, please, please thank our dad-coaches like Coach Roy, Uncle Cliff, Uncle Eric, Coach Loto (from last year) for transporting the kids all over town to games. It's a really tough undertaking week after week, a few nights/days each week. But they do it out of the greatness of their hearts, so please share your spirit of thanks with them. It always means a lot.
The State of the Thunder address is now pau. Mahalo everybody!
No Obama here. Just thought it would be a good time to update everyone on what's happenin'.
1. Great attitudes at practice. Considering all the work that 12U/13U has put in, and the way they're improving every day (the wins don't hurt either), it's been big fun. We know our individual strengths and weaknesses, we get to work and put in the investment of time and sweat. WE LUB THIS GAME.
2. We're in three leagues/divisions, and now 15U will play (PAA) starting next week. Guess what? That's a lot of entry fees! So I'm asking all players/parents to chip in $20 for each league he/she is participating in (Aiea 12U, PAA 13U, CAL Middle School Division). 10 players give $20, that's $200, which is half of the entry fee for each league. (I'm paying for the other half.) If you can't afford it, let me know. There are ways to raise funds and I expect everyone to do their share - see "T-shirt sales" below.)
3. Uniforms. I've paid up front for the new uniforms we're wearing and the new ones one the way. But I want everyone to keep their uniforms after the season. I just can't afford to give any of the uniforms away. They cost almost $40 per set, so if you want to keep yours, give Coach Paul two $20 bills or four $10s or even eight $5 bills. I'm not picky. But I sure can't be going broke (again).
Note: The 15U will need their own net set of uniforms. If they want something like the gray or orange uniforms (dri-fit fabric), that's the $40/set deal. If they want reversibles (like our previous uniforms), that's $50/set. They're all nice, just a matter of taste.
4. T-shirt sales. The best thing any of us can do is sell the T-shirts. We make a $10 profit on each when you sell one for $20. Please ask family friends, teachers, principals, janitors, co-workers, relatives ... it all adds up. I've got many friends who have not only bought shirts, but a few gave donations. A lot of super generous people know about you, Thunder, and they enjoy supporting what you do.
See. The world is not totally evil.
5. Grade checks. I am not big on babysitting our players when it comes to schoolwork. I always ask about homework, about double-checking it. But I will not act like a parent since I'm not one. Instead, I will start to send out informal grade check forms to all parents. It will be up to you parents to fill out the grades your son/daughter is getting in each class. I'll do this on an intermittent basis, maybe once a month.
There is not going to be any discipline/punishment for low grades, but I do expect all of our Thunder to give school a maximum effort. This isn't just about a GPA. It's about effort and self-respect. I want each of our kids to push him or herself to try their best. Always.
6. Food. BIG MAHALOS to all the parents who have brought food to our games for the players to eat. It really helps. I'd like everyone to share the aloha, but I'm not comfortable with starting a list and assigning one parent or another to bring anything. I really don't want to do it. So if someone is willing to take charge of that, let me know.
Otherwise, we can probably get by like this with random acts of kindness from our awesome parents!
7. When you get a chance, please, please thank our dad-coaches like Coach Roy, Uncle Cliff, Uncle Eric, Coach Loto (from last year) for transporting the kids all over town to games. It's a really tough undertaking week after week, a few nights/days each week. But they do it out of the greatness of their hearts, so please share your spirit of thanks with them. It always means a lot.
The State of the Thunder address is now pau. Mahalo everybody!
15U is back on
So this is how life works sometimes.
Friday, we had just three players in 15U (not including some of our 13U players). The deadline for the PAA 15U arrived and I had no choice but to pull our team out.
Saturday morning, Coach Roy informed me that Dan and some JV guys at McKinley were interested in playing 15U. Of course, it was too late. When I called PAA League (Lloyd Lee), he had already filled our spot. No surprise.
So, our next chance to play 15U (or 17U) wasn't until late March. Six weeks away.
It's Tuesday night now. Even though 15U doesn't have a game for a long while, Dan and four of the McKinley guys came to practice at Kalakaua tonight. It surprised me that we suddenly had so many players who love the game that much AND also play in 15U. Especially after the problems we had last year with deadbeat kids who stopped coming to practices.
But there we were. Five McKinley kids. Six of our 12U/13U. Our younger ballers taught our new guys our defenses. Our inbounds plays. Things went great. A lot of good listeners. Guys who hustle.
Then I got a phone call from Lloyd Lee before practice ended. Damien dropped out of the 15U. He wants us in. So we're in. (No schedule yet, but 15U will probably start playing next week.) We had about 30 minutes left of practice when I broke the good news to the guys. We spent the rest of practice working on halfcourt plays.
It'll take time to get cohesive, but for the first time in a long time, I feel good about our 15U.
We'll also have Sifo, Bill, Jimark (who's been busting his butt at practice for two months) and even Max. The cutoff date had been May 1, but PAA changed that to March 31 over the weekend, which means Max can play now.
This is the 15U lineup:
Max (Thunder returnee)
Sifo (Thunder returnee)
Brent (Thunder returnee)
Dan
Jonah (Boo-Boo)
Macjun
That's nine players. We also have Joseph, Ryan (both from McKinley). Sifo's cousin may also play.
That's 12 counting those three. (Tanielu and Chris are extremely busy with football, otherwise, I'd automatically count them on the roster.) If we're low in numbers for any reason, we have players available from our 13U team.
(Note: Brent has been sick and said he would not play again for awhile.)
When we practice on Sunday at McCully Gym (11 am), I'll talk more with everyone about this team and the roster. Though 12 is a good number to have, the reality is that some guys won't get the minutes they truthfully want, and they should know this ahead of time. I want everyone to be real, to be honest, and that'll save us any misunderstandings later.
I expect us to use 9-10 players each game. If someone can't make it one night, or another guy gets sick, grounded, etc., we'll probably have 9-10 players at each game even with a roster of 11.
But first, everyone needs to be at practice and jelling together with the team. We need that, being basically a brand new team.
For now, let's just appreciate having a 15U league to play in. With the way everyone worked tonight at practice, and with the help of our dad coaches (Coach Roy, Coach Reuben), 15U might have a lot of fun this season.
Friday, we had just three players in 15U (not including some of our 13U players). The deadline for the PAA 15U arrived and I had no choice but to pull our team out.
Saturday morning, Coach Roy informed me that Dan and some JV guys at McKinley were interested in playing 15U. Of course, it was too late. When I called PAA League (Lloyd Lee), he had already filled our spot. No surprise.
So, our next chance to play 15U (or 17U) wasn't until late March. Six weeks away.
It's Tuesday night now. Even though 15U doesn't have a game for a long while, Dan and four of the McKinley guys came to practice at Kalakaua tonight. It surprised me that we suddenly had so many players who love the game that much AND also play in 15U. Especially after the problems we had last year with deadbeat kids who stopped coming to practices.
But there we were. Five McKinley kids. Six of our 12U/13U. Our younger ballers taught our new guys our defenses. Our inbounds plays. Things went great. A lot of good listeners. Guys who hustle.
Then I got a phone call from Lloyd Lee before practice ended. Damien dropped out of the 15U. He wants us in. So we're in. (No schedule yet, but 15U will probably start playing next week.) We had about 30 minutes left of practice when I broke the good news to the guys. We spent the rest of practice working on halfcourt plays.
It'll take time to get cohesive, but for the first time in a long time, I feel good about our 15U.
We'll also have Sifo, Bill, Jimark (who's been busting his butt at practice for two months) and even Max. The cutoff date had been May 1, but PAA changed that to March 31 over the weekend, which means Max can play now.
This is the 15U lineup:
Max (Thunder returnee)
Sifo (Thunder returnee)
Brent (Thunder returnee)
Kyle (Thunder returnee)
Micah T. (Thunder-13U/12U/CAL League)
Jimark (Thunder-CAL League)Dan
Jonah (Boo-Boo)
Macjun
That's nine players. We also have Joseph, Ryan (both from McKinley). Sifo's cousin may also play.
That's 12 counting those three. (Tanielu and Chris are extremely busy with football, otherwise, I'd automatically count them on the roster.) If we're low in numbers for any reason, we have players available from our 13U team.
(Note: Brent has been sick and said he would not play again for awhile.)
When we practice on Sunday at McCully Gym (11 am), I'll talk more with everyone about this team and the roster. Though 12 is a good number to have, the reality is that some guys won't get the minutes they truthfully want, and they should know this ahead of time. I want everyone to be real, to be honest, and that'll save us any misunderstandings later.
I expect us to use 9-10 players each game. If someone can't make it one night, or another guy gets sick, grounded, etc., we'll probably have 9-10 players at each game even with a roster of 11.
But first, everyone needs to be at practice and jelling together with the team. We need that, being basically a brand new team.
For now, let's just appreciate having a 15U league to play in. With the way everyone worked tonight at practice, and with the help of our dad coaches (Coach Roy, Coach Reuben), 15U might have a lot of fun this season.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Rainout practice, back at it Tuesday
Practice tonight was rained out. Not a heavy rain, but the court was slick and dangerous to play on. Gym was busy with PAL 17U league. But we'll be there tomorrow (Tuesday) and have a good practice, 6:00 pm.
Tuesday, Feb. 12
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 13
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
6:15 pm - 13U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
Update - 3:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Dan and the McKinley JV guys (seven of them) were there and ready to practice tonight. We won't have a 15U to play in for six weeks, so it's good to see they're HUNGRY and READY to play for the Thunder. WE LUB THIS GAME!
Practice gang: Ryan Higashionna, Javan Montiho, Felcris Corpuz, Jared Elwin, Micah Visoria, Micah Tong, Jimark de Jesus, Joshua de Jesus, Sierra Murobayashi and Kyle Moraga. We got a tiny bit of shooting in before calling it a night. Our 12U/13U has a lot of energy and love for basketball. That makes it so much more fun whenever we practice.
Day by day, transforming into an unbreakable team!
Tuesday, Feb. 12
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 13
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
6:15 pm - 13U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
Update - 3:00 pm - 15U practice, Makiki Park
Video: Thunder vs Crush 1 (CAL)
Compete & Learn (CAL) Basketball League, Middle School Division. Another tough battle with Crush. We led at the half 25-22, then struggled in the third quarter before losing 49-39. We've got lots of work to do, but we're getting there one day at a time. Kyle had a solid game (17 points) and we played well in stretches. It's coming together. WE LUB THIS GAME.
And yes, I hope we can play Crush 1 again before the season is done.
Part 1 > This intro had some wrong info, so I corrected it and reposted the video (new link). Part 2
Part 1 > This intro had some wrong info, so I corrected it and reposted the video (new link). Part 2
Aiea 12U standings
From our old friend Rob Godinez III of the Aiea 12U League. KEEP WORKING HARD, THUNDER!
Aloha Coaches,
Here's an update on the league standings so far...
1) Thunder (4-0)
2) Imua (3-0)
3) Islanderz (3-1)
4) Honolulu Sharks (2-2)
5) Aiea Blazers 2 (2-3)
6) Aiea Blazers 1 (1-3)
7) Makakilo Knights (1-3)
8) Hoops 4 Christ (0-3)
Just a few reminders...
*Imua & Hoops 4 Christ play double-headers on March 2 to make up games.
*The playoffs on March 9 will be played in a tournament format. Teams may play 2 games that day if not eliminated. Please see schedule. We are hopeful that we can play the schedule as is without any changes so please check with your schedules.
Mahalo,
Rob
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Mahalos of the Week
So many parents and coaches helping to make our season happen for the kids. MAHALO to Coach Roy for going back to Kalihi to pick up Tanielu and Chris after their football game and MAHALO to Coach Larry for going to Kilauea Gym to pick up Jerry after his other basketball game on Saturday.
MAHALO to Uncle Cliff (Jared's dad) for bringing snacks after our game at Aiea on Saturday, and ALSO for keeping score for us in the game against the Tar Heels at McCully Gym.
MAHALO to Auntie Joy (Sierra's mom) for keeping score today at the game against Crush1.
MAHALO to Coach Roy for always transporting the boys from Kalihi to our games at Kilauea and McCully gyms. Without your wheels, there is no 12U/13U Thunder team.
And, as always, MAHALO to Jimark for videotaping our 12U and 13U games. The heart of a generous, selfless young man!
MAHALO to Uncle Cliff (Jared's dad) for bringing snacks after our game at Aiea on Saturday, and ALSO for keeping score for us in the game against the Tar Heels at McCully Gym.
MAHALO to Auntie Joy (Sierra's mom) for keeping score today at the game against Crush1.
MAHALO to Coach Roy for always transporting the boys from Kalihi to our games at Kilauea and McCully gyms. Without your wheels, there is no 12U/13U Thunder team.
And, as always, MAHALO to Jimark for videotaping our 12U and 13U games. The heart of a generous, selfless young man!
Crush1 49, 13U 39
Another solid effort from our 13U. A lot of hustle, a lot of trying ... but we definitely need to get back to practice. Having four games in four days is fun, but win or lose, it's easy to see what we do well and what we need to improve on. That only comes with practice, reps and practice and reps.
We had a fair week, going 2-2. That game on Wednesday against Kapolei, well, if not for the scorekeeper's error, we probably win that game in regulation. But we learned a lot from that game.
The win over Aiea Blazers II - we showed a lot of patience after struggling with our shooting in the first half. Our defense kept us in the game until the shots began to fall.
The win over the Tar Heels showed what we can do with a full lineup — Tanielu and Chris there. Their experience and smarts help so much. But everyone pitched in. Both of them were tired from (I didn't know this until today) playing three football games on that day. Chris was coughing a lot, and both of them are sick today. They need rest.
The loss today? The video will show us that there's a lot of work to do with almost every element of the game. That's good. Now I know what we can focus on at practice on Monday and Tuesday night: FUNDAMENTALS. Crush1 is a solid team and I like playing against them. I hope we get to play them again.
Thanks to all our players for giving great effort and hustle. That always gives me hope for the future. And the future is bright!
We had a fair week, going 2-2. That game on Wednesday against Kapolei, well, if not for the scorekeeper's error, we probably win that game in regulation. But we learned a lot from that game.
The win over Aiea Blazers II - we showed a lot of patience after struggling with our shooting in the first half. Our defense kept us in the game until the shots began to fall.
The win over the Tar Heels showed what we can do with a full lineup — Tanielu and Chris there. Their experience and smarts help so much. But everyone pitched in. Both of them were tired from (I didn't know this until today) playing three football games on that day. Chris was coughing a lot, and both of them are sick today. They need rest.
The loss today? The video will show us that there's a lot of work to do with almost every element of the game. That's good. Now I know what we can focus on at practice on Monday and Tuesday night: FUNDAMENTALS. Crush1 is a solid team and I like playing against them. I hope we get to play them again.
Thanks to all our players for giving great effort and hustle. That always gives me hope for the future. And the future is bright!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
13U 40, Tar Heels 39
The pizza has been devoured. The video is loading. The memory will last forever.
Good work, Thunder. Great finish. Everybody contributed, even the guys who didn't get in the game. The extra work at practice, the focus and attention to detail, it all has an effect on the guy next to you. That's how a team improves and grows. I'm proud of you guys for battling. Kyle hit that smooth jumper from the elbow to win the game and it was like sweet music to hear everybody cheer.
But even if he had missed the shot, I would still be equally proud. You guys stuck together, worked together, supported each other. You guys gave it all up for your teammates. That means more to me than stats and wins. We're only getting started.
There was a time when I said to our 12U (last year) that the biggest reason we lost to the Tar Heels (twice) was that we didn't have a deep enough bench. As good and skilled as they are, it was their tough reserves who were valuable and help them wear us out. One was a close loss in the NJB tournament. Another was a loss in CAL fall league.
This time, we had a LOT of quality reserves along with our solid starters.
Tonight's lineup vs. Tar Heels: Micah Tong, Micah Visoria, Javan Montiho, Ryan Higashionna, Jared Elwin, Felcris Corpuz, Kyle Moraga, Jerry Killion, Sierra Murobayashi, Joshua de Jesus, Kalai Kuia, Chris Afe, Tanielu Afe.
Tomorrow (Sunday), no shooting practice at McCully Gym unless anybody asks for it. Coach Roy will be busy since it will be the twins' (Kerl and Karl) birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARL AND KERL!
It's also Javan's birthday tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAVAN!
I can meet whoever wants to get some shooting in before the game. The gym will be open by 11:00 am. Call me at 551-1054 if you want to get the shots in.
MAHALO to Coach Roy for going back to Kalihi to pick up Tanielu and Chris after their football game and MAHALO to Coach Larry for going to Kilauea Gym to pick up Jerry after his other basketball game.
Sunday, Feb. 10
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym (optional - call me if you want to go)
2:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
3:00 pm - Thunder vs. Crush 1, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
Monday, Feb. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Tuesday, Feb. 12
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 13
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
6:15 pm - 13U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
Good work, Thunder. Great finish. Everybody contributed, even the guys who didn't get in the game. The extra work at practice, the focus and attention to detail, it all has an effect on the guy next to you. That's how a team improves and grows. I'm proud of you guys for battling. Kyle hit that smooth jumper from the elbow to win the game and it was like sweet music to hear everybody cheer.
But even if he had missed the shot, I would still be equally proud. You guys stuck together, worked together, supported each other. You guys gave it all up for your teammates. That means more to me than stats and wins. We're only getting started.
There was a time when I said to our 12U (last year) that the biggest reason we lost to the Tar Heels (twice) was that we didn't have a deep enough bench. As good and skilled as they are, it was their tough reserves who were valuable and help them wear us out. One was a close loss in the NJB tournament. Another was a loss in CAL fall league.
This time, we had a LOT of quality reserves along with our solid starters.
Tonight's lineup vs. Tar Heels: Micah Tong, Micah Visoria, Javan Montiho, Ryan Higashionna, Jared Elwin, Felcris Corpuz, Kyle Moraga, Jerry Killion, Sierra Murobayashi, Joshua de Jesus, Kalai Kuia, Chris Afe, Tanielu Afe.
Tomorrow (Sunday), no shooting practice at McCully Gym unless anybody asks for it. Coach Roy will be busy since it will be the twins' (Kerl and Karl) birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARL AND KERL!
It's also Javan's birthday tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAVAN!
I can meet whoever wants to get some shooting in before the game. The gym will be open by 11:00 am. Call me at 551-1054 if you want to get the shots in.
MAHALO to Coach Roy for going back to Kalihi to pick up Tanielu and Chris after their football game and MAHALO to Coach Larry for going to Kilauea Gym to pick up Jerry after his other basketball game.
Sunday, Feb. 10
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym (optional - call me if you want to go)
2:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
3:00 pm - Thunder vs. Crush 1, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
Monday, Feb. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Tuesday, Feb. 12
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 13
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
6:15 pm - 13U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym (PAA League)
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym (Aiea League)
Sunday, Feb. 17
11:30 am - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
12:30 pm - Thunder vs. Boom, Kilauea Gym (CAL middle school division)
15U update: bad timing
I talked with Coach Roy this morning. Since McKinley lost last night in the OIA playoffs, Dan (Kyle's friend) is available. So are a handful of McKinley JV players. So I called Lloyd Lee of PAA, but it's too late. He made the schedule/team change on Friday night.
I asked him to consider us if the league expands or if another team drops out. That is not likely to happen since PAA doesn't have a lot of gym time. It's too bad it turned out this way. It was just bad timing. If I'd known that McKinley would lose and these JV guys were available, then we definitely would've entered a 15U team. It was just a matter of hours. Lloyd asked me to make a decision on Friday, 4:00 pm.
The McKinley game began a couple of hours later.
For now, if anyone hears about any other 15U leagues available, please let me or Coach Roy know, and we'll sign up. Hopefully, we can keep this group together and build each day. Aiea 17U begins on March 27 and NJB All-Net (13U/15U/17U) starts in April.
12U improves to 4-0
Nice work this morning by the 12U. They hustled, they battled, they were mentally tough enough to get a 43-30 42-31 win over Aiea Blazers II. We were the bigger team for a change (compared to the teams in PAA 13U or CAL middle school division), but as always, Aiea Blazers can shoot the ball and handle the ball.
Our press was inconsistent, but the hustle plays were still there. Our pressbreaker is getting better, still need consistent movement away from the ball (cutters). Our shooting was cold in the first half, but our defense (halfcourt man) kept us in it until we started making shots. Layups, especially. Good job, Thunder!
Get some rest before today's second game, 5:45 pm, McCully Gym against the Tar Heels. Always a tough game with them. Warmups 4:45 pm. I'll be done with work by then. Heading to the Mufi Hannemann Jamboree at Manoa Gym for now. Got some interviews to do and a story to write before our game.
WE LUB THIS GAME!
Our press was inconsistent, but the hustle plays were still there. Our pressbreaker is getting better, still need consistent movement away from the ball (cutters). Our shooting was cold in the first half, but our defense (halfcourt man) kept us in it until we started making shots. Layups, especially. Good job, Thunder!
Get some rest before today's second game, 5:45 pm, McCully Gym against the Tar Heels. Always a tough game with them. Warmups 4:45 pm. I'll be done with work by then. Heading to the Mufi Hannemann Jamboree at Manoa Gym for now. Got some interviews to do and a story to write before our game.
WE LUB THIS GAME!
No 15U in PAA
Had to cancel our 15u team in PAA league. Not enough commitment, not enough players, and the league needed an answer today (Friday). That was draining, trying to save that team, but with only Sifo Lauvao and Jimark Gwapo De Jesus committed, our other guys would've been the 13u and 12u guys. An unfair situation for most of them.
Kyle Moraga would've held his own. William Moraga (14) wanted to play. So did Sifo's cousin. but overall not enough strength, power to play at the 15u level. Not enough guys with mustaches. So we'll keep playing at 12u and 13u and keep improving every day. we're busy enough with games on Wednesdays (PAA 13u), Saturdays (Aiea 12u), Saturday nights (PAA 13u) and Sundays (CAL).
Maybe this is just a good thing. learning to be content rather than do what we did last year with 15u, just hoping players would stay committed. We should probably start with committed players first, then enter leagues. Aiea 17u league begins march 27. NJB all-net league (13u/15u/17u) begins in April. CAL 13u/15u is in june.
Sorry Jimark. I tried like hell man.
Maybe this is just a good thing. learning to be content rather than do what we did last year with 15u, just hoping players would stay committed. We should probably start with committed players first, then enter leagues. Aiea 17u league begins march 27. NJB all-net league (13u/15u/17u) begins in April. CAL 13u/15u is in june.
Sorry Jimark. I tried like hell man.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
15U needs infusion of players
15U. Waiting to hear back today and tomorrow from varsity coaches. If they send us some players, we're playing in PAA 15U league next week. If not, then we'll skip 15U for now. I just can't give up yet. Jimark has worked his tail off these past two months and still hasn't played a game because he's too old for 12U and 13U.
Beyond PAA 15U league, there's Aiea 17U (Mar. 27), NJB All-Net 17U/15U/13U (April), then CAL 15U/13U in June.
Beyond PAA 15U league, there's Aiea 17U (Mar. 27), NJB All-Net 17U/15U/13U (April), then CAL 15U/13U in June.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
PAA 13U: Kapolei 51, Thunder 48, OT
Final: Kapolei/Holy Family 51, H1 Thunder 48, OT (13U)
That ... was ... promising! We always, always have close games with Kapolei/Holy Family. The first time, in CAL League three years ago, we beat them. Later in the next season, we lost on a last-second shot by Dayson Watanabe. We had more battles with them, including one game in 14U (NJB All-Net where we led 44-34 at halftime, but we lost 79-72.
Tonight, it was the other way around. We were down 10 or 12 points and made a supremely awesome comeback. It was beautiful. Then the overtime period and that weird rule, losing after their wing hit a 3 with :30 left.
In the end, we showed a lot of great heart. That's the most important thing. Micah T shot the ball so well and was active on the press. Kyle toughed it out despite getting almost no rest, facing constant pressure by their defense. Jared played great on both ends after picking up those three early fouls. Ryan hit a clutch 3 during our rally. Jerry played strong and physical inside and is really picking up the press and the offenses nicely. Kalai is getting used to our system. Sierra hit a good 3 in transition (the best kind!). Josh got us a bucket on a fastbreak. Javan and Felcris? Javan got a few minutes against the older boys. Felcris - still learning the plays at practice, almost ready for the older (13U) competition.
The loss? You have to blame the coach (me) for not knowing that rule. Most losses are because a coach didn't make the right technical adjustment(s). This was a weird one because it was about something that had nothing to do with the teams and players. I should've checked with the refs before the OT started just to be sure.
I know we're ALL in this together, win or lose, but the basic rule is PLAYERS WIN GAMES, COACHES LOSE GAMES.
But I don't feel bitter. I feel a little guilty. But I feel more proud of our team for hanging in there. That team, if I'm not mistaken, won the CYL championship recently. Coach Ed is a longtime coach there (at Holy Family) and they have a superb program.
Considering that it wasn't our best game, some of us are out of shape, rusty, sloppy, playing with some new teammates, we actually did fantastic. Now we just get better and better. And we know how to play in OT next time.
I haven't gotten home yet, just finished work (I went back after the game). I'll load the game video overnight. We'll have a lot to feel good about. We'll have mistakes that are fixable. We'll learn, grow and advance higher. That's life. Win or lose, keep moving forward and striving to improve.
Losing doesn't feel good, but facing great competition is awesome. Always awesome. It strips down our game to the basics, and there's no hiding the things we do well and not so well. It gives us a chance to be real and go to work on our weaknesses, and EVERY team has weaknesses. I hope we get to play them again. By then, we will have worked out our kinks, more of us can get on the floor and play more minutes and we can run more, score more and play THUNDER BASKETBALL. Until we're scoring 60 points a game, we're not quite there yet.
Note: I know you guys were looking forward to playing with Tanielu and Chris again. I was looking forward to it, too. But apparently, it's not going to happen, at least not for the current time. I don't know the actual reason why. They worked their butts off during the summer. The fall. Even in October through December when we didn't have any leagues or games. Drill after drill, shot after shot, day after day, sometimes seven days a week. They wanted it! They asked for it. They were so hungry. Love for the game.
For them to not be able to show the result of all that hard work, day after day, it hurts. As a coach, I feel bad for them.
But that's something I have no control over. None of us do. So we keep working, keep improving, do far more than anyone would ever expect and have fun doing it! That's what we can control.
No rest for the weary - three games this weekend!
Saturday, Feb. 9
9:40 am - 12U warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Aiea Blazers II, Aiea Gym
12:30 pm - Lunch
4:45 pm - 13U warmups, McCully Gym outside court
5:45 pm - 13U vs. Tar Heels, McCully Gym (PAA)
Sunday, Feb. 10
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
1:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's McCully
2:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
3:00 pm - Thunder vs. Crush 1, Kilauea Gym (CAL)
Monday, Feb. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Tuesday, Feb. 12
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 13
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
6:15 pm - 13U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym
Thursday, Feb. 14
6:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
7:00 pm - 15U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym
More schedule information will be posted when we receive it. Stay tuned.
That ... was ... promising! We always, always have close games with Kapolei/Holy Family. The first time, in CAL League three years ago, we beat them. Later in the next season, we lost on a last-second shot by Dayson Watanabe. We had more battles with them, including one game in 14U (NJB All-Net where we led 44-34 at halftime, but we lost 79-72.
Tonight, it was the other way around. We were down 10 or 12 points and made a supremely awesome comeback. It was beautiful. Then the overtime period and that weird rule, losing after their wing hit a 3 with :30 left.
In the end, we showed a lot of great heart. That's the most important thing. Micah T shot the ball so well and was active on the press. Kyle toughed it out despite getting almost no rest, facing constant pressure by their defense. Jared played great on both ends after picking up those three early fouls. Ryan hit a clutch 3 during our rally. Jerry played strong and physical inside and is really picking up the press and the offenses nicely. Kalai is getting used to our system. Sierra hit a good 3 in transition (the best kind!). Josh got us a bucket on a fastbreak. Javan and Felcris? Javan got a few minutes against the older boys. Felcris - still learning the plays at practice, almost ready for the older (13U) competition.
The loss? You have to blame the coach (me) for not knowing that rule. Most losses are because a coach didn't make the right technical adjustment(s). This was a weird one because it was about something that had nothing to do with the teams and players. I should've checked with the refs before the OT started just to be sure.
I know we're ALL in this together, win or lose, but the basic rule is PLAYERS WIN GAMES, COACHES LOSE GAMES.
But I don't feel bitter. I feel a little guilty. But I feel more proud of our team for hanging in there. That team, if I'm not mistaken, won the CYL championship recently. Coach Ed is a longtime coach there (at Holy Family) and they have a superb program.
Considering that it wasn't our best game, some of us are out of shape, rusty, sloppy, playing with some new teammates, we actually did fantastic. Now we just get better and better. And we know how to play in OT next time.
I haven't gotten home yet, just finished work (I went back after the game). I'll load the game video overnight. We'll have a lot to feel good about. We'll have mistakes that are fixable. We'll learn, grow and advance higher. That's life. Win or lose, keep moving forward and striving to improve.
Losing doesn't feel good, but facing great competition is awesome. Always awesome. It strips down our game to the basics, and there's no hiding the things we do well and not so well. It gives us a chance to be real and go to work on our weaknesses, and EVERY team has weaknesses. I hope we get to play them again. By then, we will have worked out our kinks, more of us can get on the floor and play more minutes and we can run more, score more and play THUNDER BASKETBALL. Until we're scoring 60 points a game, we're not quite there yet.
Note: I know you guys were looking forward to playing with Tanielu and Chris again. I was looking forward to it, too. But apparently, it's not going to happen, at least not for the current time. I don't know the actual reason why. They worked their butts off during the summer. The fall. Even in October through December when we didn't have any leagues or games. Drill after drill, shot after shot, day after day, sometimes seven days a week. They wanted it! They asked for it. They were so hungry. Love for the game.
For them to not be able to show the result of all that hard work, day after day, it hurts. As a coach, I feel bad for them.
But that's something I have no control over. None of us do. So we keep working, keep improving, do far more than anyone would ever expect and have fun doing it! That's what we can control.
No rest for the weary - three games this weekend!
Saturday, Feb. 9
9:40 am - 12U warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Aiea Blazers II, Aiea Gym
12:30 pm - Lunch
4:45 pm - 13U warmups, McCully Gym outside court
5:45 pm - 13U vs. Tar Heels, McCully Gym (PAA)
Sunday, Feb. 10
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
1:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's McCully
2:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
3:00 pm - Thunder vs. Crush 1, Kilauea Gym (CAL)
Monday, Feb. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Tuesday, Feb. 12
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 13
5:15 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
6:15 pm - 13U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym
Thursday, Feb. 14
6:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside court
7:00 pm - 15U vs. LBC, Kilauea Gym
Saturday, Feb. 16
9:40 am - Warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Makakilo, Aiea Gym
More schedule information will be posted when we receive it. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
15U in need of a boost
H1 THUNDER 15U (PAA LEAGUE)
Just found out Brent Quackenbush will not be playing for awhile. He wants to take a break now that the JV season is over. So that means we have only one player who is 14 (Sifo), and the rest of our guys are 13 or 12 years old. We are really in need of experienced, physical players who can bang against the 14- and 15-year-old players of other teams. Remember, if we're stuck playing on Thursdays, Tani and Chris won't be there (football).
So, we have to go into invite/recruit mode ASAP. First game in 15U is next week Thursday (Feb 14). I don't want to pull out of the league. We have a pretty good core of younger guys who have won at this level before (CAL 15U Fall League). But we need more guys. At least FIVE more.
Let's get busy!
Just found out Brent Quackenbush will not be playing for awhile. He wants to take a break now that the JV season is over. So that means we have only one player who is 14 (Sifo), and the rest of our guys are 13 or 12 years old. We are really in need of experienced, physical players who can bang against the 14- and 15-year-old players of other teams. Remember, if we're stuck playing on Thursdays, Tani and Chris won't be there (football).
So, we have to go into invite/recruit mode ASAP. First game in 15U is next week Thursday (Feb 14). I don't want to pull out of the league. We have a pretty good core of younger guys who have won at this level before (CAL 15U Fall League). But we need more guys. At least FIVE more.
Let's get busy!
Monday, February 4, 2013
15U tips off on Feb. 14
That's right, PAA League's 15U Division begins play in 10 days. Our 15U will play LBC on Thursday, Feb. 14, 7:00 pm at Kilauea Gym.
I requested that both our teams in PAA (13U, 15U) avoid Thursdays since we have players who are busy on those nights. But PAA is really crunched for gyms and gym time, so I appreciate everything they're trying to do for us and the other teams. We may not have our request fulfilled sometimes.
Right now, the 15U looks like this: Sifo Lauvao, Brent Quackenbush, Kyle Moraga, Tanielu Afe, Chris Afe, Sierra Murobayashi and Jimark de Jesus. Those are the guys who have been most consistent in the past year in 15U; Jimark is new but he has been to almost every practice since we started this winter. Everybody else from last year's 15U was not reliable. If games are on Wed/Sat nights, I expect Chris and Tanielu to be there. Otherwise, they're busy with football. Sierra has been busy with studying lately, but hopefully she'll be available by the start of 15U.
I'm also expecting new guys like Bill Moraga (he played with us briefly last year). If we can find five more guys for 15U to go with our core group, that would be great. Having 10 reliable players would be ideal. We could run and have fun. Lots of fun.
I requested that both our teams in PAA (13U, 15U) avoid Thursdays since we have players who are busy on those nights. But PAA is really crunched for gyms and gym time, so I appreciate everything they're trying to do for us and the other teams. We may not have our request fulfilled sometimes.
Right now, the 15U looks like this: Sifo Lauvao, Brent Quackenbush, Kyle Moraga, Tanielu Afe, Chris Afe, Sierra Murobayashi and Jimark de Jesus. Those are the guys who have been most consistent in the past year in 15U; Jimark is new but he has been to almost every practice since we started this winter. Everybody else from last year's 15U was not reliable. If games are on Wed/Sat nights, I expect Chris and Tanielu to be there. Otherwise, they're busy with football. Sierra has been busy with studying lately, but hopefully she'll be available by the start of 15U.
I'm also expecting new guys like Bill Moraga (he played with us briefly last year). If we can find five more guys for 15U to go with our core group, that would be great. Having 10 reliable players would be ideal. We could run and have fun. Lots of fun.
Monday's fab 5
Solid workout with tonight's Fab Five: Ryan Higashionna, Jared Elwin, Jerry Killion, Felcris Jay Corpuz and Micah Tong. Good work ethic, guys. There will improvement day by day as we get our timing down as a team. Passing. Screening. Man to man defense. It all takes time and work. You guys are putting in the most important investment: heart. Good job!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Birth certificate copies needed
Solid workout today at McCully. Javan Montiho, Jimark de Jesus, Joshua de Jesus, Kyle Moraga, Felchris Corpuz and Micah Tong. Got a lot of footwork drills done, a lot of shooting done. Nothing like a quiet gym, a bunch of basketballs and a group of hungry basketball players.
The boys spent the afternoon at McDonald's, eating and keeping track of the Super Bowl via free wi-fi on my laptop. By the time we left, I'd finished a phone interview with a high school player and the Ravens were ahead of the 49ers 28-6. That sure changed quickly.
Please remember: PAA requires copies of birth certificates for all players, so please bring a copy to practice tomorrow or to the game on Wednesday. See this week's daily schedule in the earlier post below. Thanks everybody!
The boys spent the afternoon at McDonald's, eating and keeping track of the Super Bowl via free wi-fi on my laptop. By the time we left, I'd finished a phone interview with a high school player and the Ravens were ahead of the 49ers 28-6. That sure changed quickly.
Please remember: PAA requires copies of birth certificates for all players, so please bring a copy to practice tomorrow or to the game on Wednesday. See this week's daily schedule in the earlier post below. Thanks everybody!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
12U improves to 3-0 (videos posted)
Part 1
Part 2
Good work this morning by the 12U in a 35-15 win over Aiea Blazers I. The Blazers are always well-coached and always have good shooters when we've played them at the 16U level. But they have so many 12U kids that they split into two teams for this league. This is the reason why there's a 12U league at Aiea, which I'm greatly thankful for.
Today's lineup: Jared Elwin, Ryan Higashionna, Joshua de Jesus, Micah Tong, Kalai Kuia, Walter Berthold, Javan Montiho and Felcris Corpuz. Our first-season guys are learning and growing and our returnees are showing great composure, leadership and patience. I really like the guys on this team. Everybody is very coachable and hard-working.
I'll edit the game video this afternoon since there's time before I go to work. That's one of the benefits of playing the earliest game of the day (9:00 am). Overall, we played fast at times, smart most of the time and hustled a lot, so I'm happy regardless of the result. Can we get better? You know we can. That will come one practice at a time, one day at a time. But you guys have earned your way into first place. Three wins, no losses - not bad at all.
Micah Visoria missed the game. He injured his right thumb at school on Friday. Bummers!
BIG MAHALO to Micah T's parents, Scott and Claire, for bringing three huge boxes of manapua for the post-game snack. Also, BIG MAHALO to Javan's parents, Carl and Julie, for bringing a ton of manapua last week.
Part 2
Good work this morning by the 12U in a 35-15 win over Aiea Blazers I. The Blazers are always well-coached and always have good shooters when we've played them at the 16U level. But they have so many 12U kids that they split into two teams for this league. This is the reason why there's a 12U league at Aiea, which I'm greatly thankful for.
Today's lineup: Jared Elwin, Ryan Higashionna, Joshua de Jesus, Micah Tong, Kalai Kuia, Walter Berthold, Javan Montiho and Felcris Corpuz. Our first-season guys are learning and growing and our returnees are showing great composure, leadership and patience. I really like the guys on this team. Everybody is very coachable and hard-working.
I'll edit the game video this afternoon since there's time before I go to work. That's one of the benefits of playing the earliest game of the day (9:00 am). Overall, we played fast at times, smart most of the time and hustled a lot, so I'm happy regardless of the result. Can we get better? You know we can. That will come one practice at a time, one day at a time. But you guys have earned your way into first place. Three wins, no losses - not bad at all.
Micah Visoria missed the game. He injured his right thumb at school on Friday. Bummers!
BIG MAHALO to Micah T's parents, Scott and Claire, for bringing three huge boxes of manapua for the post-game snack. Also, BIG MAHALO to Javan's parents, Carl and Julie, for bringing a ton of manapua last week.
Busy week ahead. With limited practice time, it's so important that we get the most out of practice each time out.
Sunday, Feb. 3
11:00 am - Practice, McCully Gym
2:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's McCully (CANCELLED DUE TO SUPER DUPER BOWL)
4:00 pm - Shooting drills, Makiki Park (CANCELLED DUE TO SUPER DUPER BOWL)
Monday, Feb. 4
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 6
6:15 pm - 13U warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:15 pm - 13U vs. Kapolei, Kilauea Gym (PAA) (Coach Roy)
Saturday, Feb. 9
9:40 am - 12U warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Aiea Blazers II, Aiea Gym
12:30 pm - Lunch
4:45 pm - 13U warmups, McCully Gym outside court
5:45 pm - 13U vs. Tar Heels, McCully Gym (PAA)
Sunday, Feb. 10
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
Sunday, Feb. 3
11:00 am - Practice, McCully Gym
Monday, Feb. 4
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Wednesday, Feb. 6
6:15 pm - 13U warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
7:15 pm - 13U vs. Kapolei, Kilauea Gym (PAA) (Coach Roy)
Saturday, Feb. 9
9:40 am - 12U warmups, Aiea Gym outside court
10:40 am - 12U vs. Aiea Blazers II, Aiea Gym
12:30 pm - Lunch
4:45 pm - 13U warmups, McCully Gym outside court
5:45 pm - 13U vs. Tar Heels, McCully Gym (PAA)
Sunday, Feb. 10
11:00 am - Shootaround, McCully Gym
1:00 pm - Lunch, McDonald's McCully
2:00 pm - Warmups, Kilauea Gym outside courts
3:00 pm - Thunder vs. Crush 1, Kilauea Gym (CAL)
Monday, Feb. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Monday, Feb. 11
6:00 pm - Practice, Kalakaua Gym
Friday, February 1, 2013
New uniforms almost ready
I went to Soccer Locker this afternoon to get the new gray jerseys. He had almost all of them ready, so I took what he had. I'll go pick up the rest tomorrow morning, early, before I pick up Josh, Jimark and Felcris on the way to Aiea.
WE LUB THIS GAME!
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