15U: Thunder 37, Kailua White 23

Good doubleheader experience for our Thunder 15U today.

First game, Thunder 15U 37, Kailua White 23. Had just six players, not bad for Mother's Day. We led 26-7 and everybody did a decent job defensively in the second half. That lack of depth could've hurt us, but we controlled the tempo in the second half, saved our legs. At some point, when 15U has 8-10 players again, the tempo will be fast almost all the time. Until then, we have to be smart with the tempo.

Everybody continues to step up, particularly with Tone out (one-game suspension due to two technicals last game). The 15U plays smarter and smarter each game, especially down the stretch. The lineup: Sifo, Brent, Sierra, Triton, Jerry, Keanu.

Second game, exhibition game against NJB Select 17U: NJB Select 52, Thunder 34. We had our 15U — Sifo, Triton, Jerry, Keanu, Tone — plus Jared, Isaiah and Cody. Before the game, we knew we were short on 17U players (Mother's Day, Roosevelt guys at another game), so we got permission to play our younger Thunder in this game. Good experience for everybody playing a solid team.

We were tied at 14 late in the first half when NJB Select pulled away before halftime. Then they jumped on us to start the second half. Fatigue was a factor, but overall I'm happy with today. Sifo stepped up big offensively with smart shot selection and good passing. Triton was solid for the most part, improving rapidly. Sierra was strong defensively and hit some big 3-pointers. 'Anu was steady and all over the court in the first game, so valuable as a point guard and post. (Second game, he was worn out from all that work in the first game.) Brent had a great game defensively, made some nifty plays on offense. We missed him in that second game. Jerry was a big plus offensively with his passing, and his rebounding and defense always help big time.

Tone was unstoppable in the first 5 minutes of the exhibition game. He was on fire in the low post. But NJB did a good job of pressuring us out of our early flow and Tone didn't get as many touches after that. Foul trouble (three in the first half) was a factor, too. But overall, Tone and everybody did well today. Sure, we miss our McKinley guys, but this has allowed us to find our rhythm and chemistry as a team.

Cody gave us a lot of strong minutes, one of the smarter players on the floor. Experience does matter. Isaiah was very effective on the mid-range J at the high post. I've got some ideas on how to put his versatility to use against zone defenses.

To the moms who came and watched their sons play basketball on Mother's Day, thank you! You are one of a kind. The best kind :)