15U falls to Imua

15U/17U practice
Sunday, 11 am, McCully Gym; 4 pm, Makiki Park (especially for the guys who can't come to practice on Sunday morning.

13U/15U/17U practice
Monday, 6 pm, Kalakaua
Tuesday, 6 pm, Kalakaua

IF YOU CANNOT MAKE PRACTICE, CALL ME (551-1054). IF YOU NEED A RIDE, CALL ME (551-1054) before 5 pm (Mon/Tue).

Thunder 15U lost to Imua tonight, think the final was 45-35 (or close to that). All our losses in PAA 15U were close, or at least close until late in the second half. Thunder 15U finished 3-4 with just a few weeks together. A lot of hustle and effort, but it takes time to get chemistry.

I'm hoping the team stays together and PRACTICES together to gain that trust in each other. We also need to LISTEN better. When there's a certain offensive set we need to run — Imua used a 1-2-2 all game long — we need to stick with it and not freelance. We WILL learn to trust each other and our coaches. Next time, we'll exploit that high post on EVERY possession, not just once in a while.

Basketball IQ takes time to develop and I'm willing to be patient — to a point — as long as everyone is hustling and playing fast, physical basketball on every inch of the court.

Next 15U game is Monday, April 1, in the PAA tournament. Be at practice, be focused and be prepared to build each day. I like our potential in 15U. But I will not be content until we commit to working hard every day and trusting each other each day. Until we run plays correctly on a consistent basis. Until we play smart, aggressive defense on a consistent basis. Those things are getting better, and that's more important to me than wins and losses.

Take care of the fundamentals and the victories will be the result. WE LUB THIS GAME!