JV: Thunder 53, Rough Riders 35

A solid first half, then, true to form, a soft second half. That's been the pattern for our 15U this year. The good news is that these guys usually finish strong. We led 40-20 in the first half, solid all-around play from our starters, then three 3-pointers off the bench by Felcris. Also good play from reserves Javan, Joshua and Keanu.

Nice first-half play from Sifo, Tone, Jerry, Kyle and Tanielu. When this group in 15U is playing well, they really roll. Big time.

The way I nitpick, you'd think I was talking about an average or below-average team if you didn't know better. But we're 7-0 in the Pearl City JV Summer League. We've got some improved teams to play again on the schedule, so it gets more challenging from here. But overall, the guys are playing together, playing with great teamwork and hustle most of the time. That's half the battle.

The other half is consistent improvement, and the lack of consistent intensity on the boards and defense is my biggest concern. It should never matter who the competition is. Defensive intensity should always be full throttle. That's what championships are about. Everybody else who plays soft just fades out of contention. And I HATE soft defense.

As for the transition game that I always endorse, we did that real well in the first half. We better have — Roosevelt played most of the first half with just four players. One of these games, we'll actually be in fantastic shape physically, play a team that likes to run as much as us, and have a really wild, high-scoring battle that would break some team records. That day will come. We shall see.

Next: 

Friday, 5:00 pm, Practice, Makiki Park

Saturday, 2:00 pm, 15U vs. Monarchs JV, Pearl City High School gym (Pearl City JV League)

Sunday, 11:00 am, Practice, McCully gym

Monday, 8:00 pm, 15U vs. Kahuku, Kilauea gym (CAL)

Tuesday, 4:00 pm, 13U, Practice, Makiki Park

Tuesday, 7:15 pm, 17U vs. Falcons, Kalani HS gym (Kalani Varsity League)

Wednesday, 4:00 pm, 13U, Practice, Makiki Park

Wednesday, 7:15 pm, 17U vs. Monarchs, Kalani HS gym (Kalani Varsity League)

Thursday (4th of July) - No practice (unless requested by players)