Solid workout despite a wet start at Makiki Park. I was stuck in traffic for 30 minutes and got there late, but we still got a solid 75 minutes of work done. Even when it drizzled and soaked the court, I appreciate that everybody was patient as we literally walked through our defensive sets, working on positioning, working on offensive plays.
Things dried up later, so we got about 25 minutes of shooting drills in. Another very smooth, focused afternoon of practice. Thanks Thunder!
Lineup: Chaz, Micah, Ryan, Skylar, Chase, Radyn, Jhevin, Jance, Trinity,Sierra, Walter, Michael, Tenchi ... am I forgetting anyone else? Mahalo to Coach Bino for helping out in 5-on-5, and bringing some of the guys to practice each time.
Not available: Jayden (school function), Felcris (essay), Kali'a (shotput practice), Gabriel (hip/nose/groin), Colin (ankle), Raquel (school).
Next: Wednesday - No practice.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Accountability, Team and Success
If you cannot make it to practice, TEXT OR CALL me 551-1054 BEFORE PRACTICE. Team accountability is crucial and I am not going to put up with guys disappearing while their teammates are working hard and working together to make every game a successful effort.
Responsibility. Do it. Text, explain why you can't make practice. SIMPLE. Nobody big-times their teammates. Or me.
Otherwise...
> Suspended for one half.
> Suspended for one game.
> Suspended for two games.
> Suspended for the season (spring).
> Cut from the team.
And, if you haven't paid your share or done your fundraising (FT Challenge), you will still owe the team for your uniforms and the entry fee. No more knuckleheads. None. Time to grow up and be gentlemen warriors.
Responsibility. Do it. Text, explain why you can't make practice. SIMPLE. Nobody big-times their teammates. Or me.
Otherwise...
> Suspended for one half.
> Suspended for one game.
> Suspended for two games.
> Suspended for the season (spring).
> Cut from the team.
And, if you haven't paid your share or done your fundraising (FT Challenge), you will still owe the team for your uniforms and the entry fee. No more knuckleheads. None. Time to grow up and be gentlemen warriors.
Monday funday
After almost two weeks of working extensively on defense at practice, we got to work on offense this afternoon. The focus and consistent level of intensity of our older Thunder has been a blessing. Getting there one day at a time.
Lineup: Skylar, Jhevin, Sierra, Michael, Radyn, Tenchi, Josh R.
Mahalo to Coach Bino and Joel for stepping in during our 5-on-5 work.
Next:
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30 pm.
Wednesday - No practice.
Thursday, 6:40 pm - Stretching/warmups at Lanakila gym outside court. 7:40 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Swish (Ikaika Intermediate League).
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 4:50 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 5:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Just Play (Ikaika JV League).
Sunday, 8:00 am - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 9:00 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (Ikaika Intermediate League).
Lineup: Skylar, Jhevin, Sierra, Michael, Radyn, Tenchi, Josh R.
Mahalo to Coach Bino and Joel for stepping in during our 5-on-5 work.
Next:
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30 pm.
Wednesday - No practice.
Thursday, 6:40 pm - Stretching/warmups at Lanakila gym outside court. 7:40 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Swish (Ikaika Intermediate League).
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 4:50 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 5:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Just Play (Ikaika JV League).
Sunday, 8:00 am - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 9:00 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (Ikaika Intermediate League).
Tuesday pickup route
3:00 pm - Josh D?
3:05 pm - Felcris?
3:15 pm - Mosi? Chris?
4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Call or text me 551-1054 to confirm you are getting a ride. I drove through slow traffic to pick up two people today and neither one showed up or let me know they changed plans. Never mistake kindness for weakness. CALL OR TEXT ME. I don't like being stuck in traffic for 90 minutes for nothing.
3:05 pm - Felcris?
3:15 pm - Mosi? Chris?
4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Call or text me 551-1054 to confirm you are getting a ride. I drove through slow traffic to pick up two people today and neither one showed up or let me know they changed plans. Never mistake kindness for weakness. CALL OR TEXT ME. I don't like being stuck in traffic for 90 minutes for nothing.
Monday pickup route
4:00 pm - Josh D.
4:05 pm - Felcris?
4:15 pm - Raquel, Mosi. Chris?
5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
4:05 pm - Felcris?
4:15 pm - Raquel, Mosi. Chris?
5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Sunday, March 29, 2015
FT Challenge 3/29/15
Congrats to all the Thunder who took their 20 FTs today. Radyn led with 16 out of 20, which is a healthy 80%. Most of the guys were at 50% or slightly. Micah was 12/20 (60%). Now go contact your sponsors and tell them your totals so you can collect.
Still more shooters to come, especially our JV/15U crew and a couple of older (11th graders). We've got more leagues ahead to pay for and I sure as heck can't afford to pay much for them. So hustle and get your sponsors. Let me know if you still need a form. Main thing is get in touch with your supporters (family, friends) so they can help you and the Thunder.
Lineup: Chaz, Jayden, Micah, Skylar, Chase, Radyn, Ryan. Colin, as always, was there to support his basketball brothers.
BIG MAHALO to Mrs. Chang and Sanford for coming to Makiki Park to support today's FT Challengers. Mrs. Patti Chang gave us another generous donation! Thank you, Mrs. Chang :)
Still more shooters to come, especially our JV/15U crew and a couple of older (11th graders). We've got more leagues ahead to pay for and I sure as heck can't afford to pay much for them. So hustle and get your sponsors. Let me know if you still need a form. Main thing is get in touch with your supporters (family, friends) so they can help you and the Thunder.
Lineup: Chaz, Jayden, Micah, Skylar, Chase, Radyn, Ryan. Colin, as always, was there to support his basketball brothers.
BIG MAHALO to Mrs. Chang and Sanford for coming to Makiki Park to support today's FT Challengers. Mrs. Patti Chang gave us another generous donation! Thank you, Mrs. Chang :)
This Week (Mar. 30-Apr. 5)
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30 pm. Extra shooting drills after 6:30.
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30 pm.
Wednesday - No practice.
Thursday, 6:40 pm - Stretching/warmups at Lanakila gym outside court. 7:40 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Swish (Ikaika Intermediate League).
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 4:50 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 5:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Just Play (Ikaika JV League).
Sunday, 8:00 am - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 9:00 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (Ikaika Intermediate League).
Farewell, Javan
Not all things turn out the way we'd hope. Javan is no longer part of the H1 Thunder. His dad, Carl, decided this last night and I respect his decision. I accept that it is best for everyone that we've mutually agreed to part ways. We'll wish the Montiho ohana all the best in the present and future. Some great memories over the past two years. I prefer to dwell on the positive, so I'll leave it at that. Javan's a very good student, bright and clever. Fearless. He'll thrive at whatever he puts his mind and heart into.
Aloha Montihos.
Aloha Montihos.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
FT Challenge
Sunday, 3:00 pm - Get more sponsors, and even if you don't have sponsors, come down to Makiki Park, shoot your 20 FTs and get back to collecting sponsorships from aunties, uncles, grandmas and grandpas, your parents, parents' co-workers. The more we hustle with this, the better.
H1 Thunder 34, Hoops4Christ 30 (JV)
Ikaika League, JV Division, McCully gym
First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICAH!!
H4C had a solid team, as usual, with a 6-8 guy who was really good on the turnaround bank shots, 1970s style. Good offensive player.
Close game all the way. It was tight until we opened the lead to 8 or 9 points with about 6-8 minutes left in the game. Just a lot of solid, hard-nosed defense by all our guys tonight. Still much to work on defensively, but the focus we've given to defense in the last two weeks really showed tonight.
On the other end, we had some inconsistency, which isn't surprising. We really haven't worked much on offense in these past two weeks, but defense is really something we need to continue working at. We'll be fine offensively with more practice time, and with some of our JV/15U guys coming to practice regularly now, I have total confidence on that.
Fortunately, we did a decent job of ball movement, working the corner game with 7-Ball. Attacking with patience. Radyn was solid for us on both ends and in transition, aggressive and under control. Kali‘a gave us a lot of versatility on our pressure defenses and offense on the post and wing. Tenchi's first game went well. He did smart things on defense, altering shots with his wingspan, and his three or four buckets on offense helped. Chase still had some legs left after two earlier games, and gave us defense and a few nice attacks to the rim in transition. Micah helped immensely in the final 4 minutes as H4C tried to trap us. Smart ballhandling, changing speeds, passing under control.
Our younger guys got good minutes tonight, but the mental errors and youth showed at times. This is why I want our 13U/Intermediate guys to be at our 15U/JV/Varsity games. The best way to learn is by watching or being on the court. You learn from your mistakes and your teammates' mistakes. In a game. So be patient, keep learning, keep being aggressive, and learn to apply wisdom and knowledge to your game in ways that help the team play excellent basketball on each and every play.
Eliminate the bad habits, become a better player and team. Repeat the same errors over and over, back to the practice court to grind that down until it blows away forever. That's always the hope. I'm already looking forward to practice this week. If you can't make practice, please let me know. Try and make every one. That's the best time to improve on everything!
Lineup: Sierra, Jance, Javan, Josh R, Jonah, Micah, Jhevin, Jayden, Tenchi, Radyn, Kali'a, Chase, Ryan, Felcris.
Injured: Gabriel (nose, hip, groin). He got banged up pretty good in the earlier game today. Chris (leg). Colin (ankle).
Not available: Kyle (church event), Tani (babysitting)/
Next: Sunday, 3:00 pm - FT Challenge. Get more sponsors, and even if you don't have sponsors, come down to Makiki Park, shoot your 20 FTs and get back to collecting sponsorships from aunties, uncles, grandmas and grandpas, your parents, parents' co-workers. The more we hustle with this, the better.
For the guys who can't afford to pay for league fees, uniforms, trips, etc. — Please be honorable and show up for FT Challenge. Mrs. Chang, myself and all the friends from Oahu to Kona who have donated to help us really are helping you guys because they care. If you don't honor them, then you aren't understanding what it's all about. So show up and shoot, and if you can't make it on Sunday, let me know.
Class and maturity don't cost anything. Learn this now and continue to be blessed!
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICAH!!
H4C had a solid team, as usual, with a 6-8 guy who was really good on the turnaround bank shots, 1970s style. Good offensive player.
Close game all the way. It was tight until we opened the lead to 8 or 9 points with about 6-8 minutes left in the game. Just a lot of solid, hard-nosed defense by all our guys tonight. Still much to work on defensively, but the focus we've given to defense in the last two weeks really showed tonight.
On the other end, we had some inconsistency, which isn't surprising. We really haven't worked much on offense in these past two weeks, but defense is really something we need to continue working at. We'll be fine offensively with more practice time, and with some of our JV/15U guys coming to practice regularly now, I have total confidence on that.
Fortunately, we did a decent job of ball movement, working the corner game with 7-Ball. Attacking with patience. Radyn was solid for us on both ends and in transition, aggressive and under control. Kali‘a gave us a lot of versatility on our pressure defenses and offense on the post and wing. Tenchi's first game went well. He did smart things on defense, altering shots with his wingspan, and his three or four buckets on offense helped. Chase still had some legs left after two earlier games, and gave us defense and a few nice attacks to the rim in transition. Micah helped immensely in the final 4 minutes as H4C tried to trap us. Smart ballhandling, changing speeds, passing under control.
Our younger guys got good minutes tonight, but the mental errors and youth showed at times. This is why I want our 13U/Intermediate guys to be at our 15U/JV/Varsity games. The best way to learn is by watching or being on the court. You learn from your mistakes and your teammates' mistakes. In a game. So be patient, keep learning, keep being aggressive, and learn to apply wisdom and knowledge to your game in ways that help the team play excellent basketball on each and every play.
Eliminate the bad habits, become a better player and team. Repeat the same errors over and over, back to the practice court to grind that down until it blows away forever. That's always the hope. I'm already looking forward to practice this week. If you can't make practice, please let me know. Try and make every one. That's the best time to improve on everything!
Lineup: Sierra, Jance, Javan, Josh R, Jonah, Micah, Jhevin, Jayden, Tenchi, Radyn, Kali'a, Chase, Ryan, Felcris.
Injured: Gabriel (nose, hip, groin). He got banged up pretty good in the earlier game today. Chris (leg). Colin (ankle).
Not available: Kyle (church event), Tani (babysitting)/
Next: Sunday, 3:00 pm - FT Challenge. Get more sponsors, and even if you don't have sponsors, come down to Makiki Park, shoot your 20 FTs and get back to collecting sponsorships from aunties, uncles, grandmas and grandpas, your parents, parents' co-workers. The more we hustle with this, the better.
For the guys who can't afford to pay for league fees, uniforms, trips, etc. — Please be honorable and show up for FT Challenge. Mrs. Chang, myself and all the friends from Oahu to Kona who have donated to help us really are helping you guys because they care. If you don't honor them, then you aren't understanding what it's all about. So show up and shoot, and if you can't make it on Sunday, let me know.
Class and maturity don't cost anything. Learn this now and continue to be blessed!
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Saturday PM pickup route
Saturday PM
5:30 pm - Kali'a.
6:00 pm - Felcris. Micah?
6:10 pm - Mosi, Chris? Raquel?
6:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court.
7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. H4C (Ikaika League, JV Division).
Sunday
2:00 pm - Josh D, Micah? Chaz?
2:05 pm - Felcris.
2:15 pm - Mosi? Chris? Raquel?
3:00 pm - Free-Throw Challenge (fundraiser), Makiki Park.
5:30 pm - Kali'a.
6:00 pm - Felcris. Micah?
6:10 pm - Mosi, Chris? Raquel?
6:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court.
7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. H4C (Ikaika League, JV Division).
Sunday
2:00 pm - Josh D, Micah? Chaz?
2:05 pm - Felcris.
2:15 pm - Mosi? Chris? Raquel?
3:00 pm - Free-Throw Challenge (fundraiser), Makiki Park.
Kailua 59, H1 Thunder 37 (15U)
PAA 15U semifinals, Palolo Valley gym
Great hustle and effort by our Thunder. Lot of missing players, but the ones we had played hard and made some nice plays. Kailua is the top seed, but we stayed close in the first 10 minutes at 14-13. Then their depth, skill, size and experience took over.
Our young guys off the bench, including some of our 13U Pups, played hard. Three of our starters in this game are Intermediate Thunder. Learning to step up to the challenge of playing older, taller, quick players is a process and they got some good experience today.
Before this game, we won our quarterfinal game against the Cats by forfeit. They had just four players who were eligible (or three), so they filled in their roster spots with guys from their other Sharks teams and we scrimmaged. didn't tell our guys until after the game because I didn't want anybody going soft. That's how injuries can happen.
All in all, our PAA 15U winter season went OK. If we'd been at full strength, no doubt we can stay with Kailua or any other team. A title was within reach. But we can't do anything about circumstances beyond our control. Hopefully, all our guys keep gaining knowledge and experience, keep getting better every day.
Lineup: Sierra, Jhevin, Jayden, Josh R, Gabriel, Josh D, Kali'a Mielke,Chase, Felcris, Javan.
Next: Today, 7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. H4C (Ikaika League JV Division), McCully gym. Get there 6:30 pm for stretching, hydration, warmups.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Great hustle and effort by our Thunder. Lot of missing players, but the ones we had played hard and made some nice plays. Kailua is the top seed, but we stayed close in the first 10 minutes at 14-13. Then their depth, skill, size and experience took over.
Our young guys off the bench, including some of our 13U Pups, played hard. Three of our starters in this game are Intermediate Thunder. Learning to step up to the challenge of playing older, taller, quick players is a process and they got some good experience today.
Before this game, we won our quarterfinal game against the Cats by forfeit. They had just four players who were eligible (or three), so they filled in their roster spots with guys from their other Sharks teams and we scrimmaged. didn't tell our guys until after the game because I didn't want anybody going soft. That's how injuries can happen.
All in all, our PAA 15U winter season went OK. If we'd been at full strength, no doubt we can stay with Kailua or any other team. A title was within reach. But we can't do anything about circumstances beyond our control. Hopefully, all our guys keep gaining knowledge and experience, keep getting better every day.
Lineup: Sierra, Jhevin, Jayden, Josh R, Gabriel, Josh D, Kali'a Mielke,Chase, Felcris, Javan.
Next: Today, 7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. H4C (Ikaika League JV Division), McCully gym. Get there 6:30 pm for stretching, hydration, warmups.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Friday, March 27, 2015
Friday funday
Optional shooting workout at Makiki Park was small, but effective. Jance caught the bus from Kalihi Valley (again) and shot with Jhevin and his sister, birthday girl Jayla.
Mahalo Coach Bino for being there for Jance and everybody who can make it on optional shooting days. No substitute for reps!
Bino: "Would like to nominate Jance as one of the most passionate Thunder players. When he first sprained his ankle, still comes to games and practices. Also taking the bus to practice. I'm very inspired awesome! The journey to greatness."
Mahalo Coach Bino for being there for Jance and everybody who can make it on optional shooting days. No substitute for reps!
Bino: "Would like to nominate Jance as one of the most passionate Thunder players. When he first sprained his ankle, still comes to games and practices. Also taking the bus to practice. I'm very inspired awesome! The journey to greatness."
Saturday pickup route
8:00 am - Kali'a Mielke.
8:30 am - Josh M DE Jesus, Micah?
8:35 am - Felcris Ahadain.
8:45 am - Mosi Afe, Raquel.
9:15 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully Gym outside court.
1015 am - H1 Thunder vs. Cats (PAA 15U quarterfinals).
11:45 am - Stretching/warmups, Palolo gym outside court.
12:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. TBA (PAA 15U semifinal).
2:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Palolo gym outside court.
3:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. TBA (PAA 15U championship).
6:30 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court.
7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Hoops4Christ (Ikaika League JV Division).
8:30 am - Josh M DE Jesus, Micah?
8:35 am - Felcris Ahadain.
8:45 am - Mosi Afe, Raquel.
9:15 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully Gym outside court.
1015 am - H1 Thunder vs. Cats (PAA 15U quarterfinals).
11:45 am - Stretching/warmups, Palolo gym outside court.
12:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. TBA (PAA 15U semifinal).
2:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Palolo gym outside court.
3:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. TBA (PAA 15U championship).
6:30 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court.
7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Hoops4Christ (Ikaika League JV Division).
Friday workout
Friday, 4:00 pm - Optional shooting drills (Coach Bino). Bino has a birthday night with his daughter (Jayla), so optional shooting will start earlier (4 pm).
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Thursday funday
Great turnout today by our older and younger Thunder. We start Ikaika League JV Division this Saturday night, so it was solid to see some old and new faces back again. Work ethic overall is very good, and though I'd like to see more consistency with focus, I'm very appreciative to all our guys and gals for working hard today.
Emphasis today was defense, defense and more defense. Even if it hadn't been windy, that was the priority. Getting our man-to-man defenses fine-tuned is going to take time, but I definitely like what I see so far.
BIG BIG MAHALO to Coach Bino for helping out. I was stuck working later than expected when the volleyball match started late and ran late. Bino took all the guys who needed rides home to Kalihi. Thank you, Bino!
If the turnout continues to be hefty like today — a good problem — we'll start splitting the JV/15U and Intermediate/13U practices. Occasional combined practices, but mostly split. We'll figure that out later.
I'm pretty sure I can't remember everybody who was there today. It was more than 15, even with Trinity and Colin out with injuries. Josh R is on a family trip.
Lineup: Javan, Jhevin, Jance, Sierra Sisi, Raquel, Felcris, Josh, Mosi, Kali'a, Chase, Radyn, Michael, Tenchi, Skylar, Keanu, Ryan.
NEXT:
Saturday, 9:15 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 10:15 am - H1 Thunder vs Cats, PAA League (15U), Quarterfinal Round.
Saturday, 12:45 pm - Thunder-Cats winner vs Kailua-Court Kings winner, PAA League (15U), Semifinal Round, Palolo gym.
Saturday, 3:00 pm - Championship game, PAA League (15U), Palolo gym.
Saturday, 6:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs Hoops4Christ (Ikaika JV League).
Sunday, 3:00 pm - Free-Throw Challenge at Makiki Park. Collect your sponsors and practice those FTs. The more sponsors, the better. This fundraiser will help offset the cost of league entry fees, uniforms, Gatorades, gasoline for transportation and more. Extra funds will help build toward summer trip.
Emphasis today was defense, defense and more defense. Even if it hadn't been windy, that was the priority. Getting our man-to-man defenses fine-tuned is going to take time, but I definitely like what I see so far.
BIG BIG MAHALO to Coach Bino for helping out. I was stuck working later than expected when the volleyball match started late and ran late. Bino took all the guys who needed rides home to Kalihi. Thank you, Bino!
If the turnout continues to be hefty like today — a good problem — we'll start splitting the JV/15U and Intermediate/13U practices. Occasional combined practices, but mostly split. We'll figure that out later.
I'm pretty sure I can't remember everybody who was there today. It was more than 15, even with Trinity and Colin out with injuries. Josh R is on a family trip.
Lineup: Javan, Jhevin, Jance, Sierra Sisi, Raquel, Felcris, Josh, Mosi, Kali'a, Chase, Radyn, Michael, Tenchi, Skylar, Keanu, Ryan.
NEXT:
Saturday, 9:15 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 10:15 am - H1 Thunder vs Cats, PAA League (15U), Quarterfinal Round.
Saturday, 12:45 pm - Thunder-Cats winner vs Kailua-Court Kings winner, PAA League (15U), Semifinal Round, Palolo gym.
Saturday, 3:00 pm - Championship game, PAA League (15U), Palolo gym.
Saturday, 6:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs Hoops4Christ (Ikaika JV League).
Sunday, 3:00 pm - Free-Throw Challenge at Makiki Park. Collect your sponsors and practice those FTs. The more sponsors, the better. This fundraiser will help offset the cost of league entry fees, uniforms, Gatorades, gasoline for transportation and more. Extra funds will help build toward summer trip.
Video: Thunder-Court Kings (15U)
Highlights
Full game footage
Video: Raquel Afe.
Highlights. Positive Attitude Always (PAA) League, 15-Under Division. Saturday, Mar. 21, 2015. McCully District Park gym.
Score: Thunder 36, Kings 35.
Full game footage
Video: Raquel Afe.
Highlights. Positive Attitude Always (PAA) League, 15-Under Division. Saturday, Mar. 21, 2015. McCully District Park gym.
Score: Thunder 36, Kings 35.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Video: Thunder vs Just Play (inter)
Highlights
Full game footage
vs Just Play (Inter) 03/22/2015
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 61, Just Play 25
Full game footage
vs Just Play (Inter) 03/22/2015
video: Brandon Higashionna
score: Thunder 61, Just Play 25
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
FT Challenge: Sunday
For all 13U, 15U and 17U, please collect your sponsors and raise those dollars we need. The Free-Throw Challenge continues on Sunday afternoon at Makiki Park. If you need the form, let me know and I'll e-mail the attachment to you, or I can get you a printout.
It's easy enough. Just ask family and friends to sponsor you, at least $1 per FT made. You will shoot 20 FTs total, and if you have a lot of sponsors, that would help with our league fee costs, uniforms, and also help with the guys who can't afford everything. I was one of those guys when me, my brother and mom were on food stamps and public assistance. So please kokua Thunder Ohana. We're in this together :)
It's easy enough. Just ask family and friends to sponsor you, at least $1 per FT made. You will shoot 20 FTs total, and if you have a lot of sponsors, that would help with our league fee costs, uniforms, and also help with the guys who can't afford everything. I was one of those guys when me, my brother and mom were on food stamps and public assistance. So please kokua Thunder Ohana. We're in this together :)
Ikaika League, JV Division waivers
Parents and players, please print out what I e-mailed and fill out the waiver forms. Bring them to me on Thursday (practice) or on Saturday (first game).
Also, please kokua and chip in $30 per player to help offset the cost. Entry fee is $575, which is on the high side. We do have 10 guaranteed games, though, so that's a very good rate. For the league website and standings, click HERE.
Mahalo,
Coach Paul
Also, please kokua and chip in $30 per player to help offset the cost. Entry fee is $575, which is on the high side. We do have 10 guaranteed games, though, so that's a very good rate. For the league website and standings, click HERE.
Mahalo,
Coach Paul
Monday, March 23, 2015
Monday funday
We were 9 Thunder strong today, including a couple of new faces. We got in some basic shooting work, ballhandling/penetration drill, and a lot of fullcourt man (scrimmage) work. It was a solid 80-minute workout and thank God the weather was great. No wind, sunny, not muggy. The guys who stayed after practice got 30 minutes of shooting drills in. Reps build confidence!
Lineup: Jonah, Sierra, Jhevin, Jance, Walter, Skylar, Radyn, Javan, Michael, Tenchi. Mahalo to Eric Murobayashi, Bino Bong and Ryan (Radyn's dad) for stepping in to help with drills.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!
Next: No practice until Thursday, 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Coach Bino will stay later (I have to work) if guys want to get more shooting in.
Lineup: Jonah, Sierra, Jhevin, Jance, Walter, Skylar, Radyn, Javan, Michael, Tenchi. Mahalo to Eric Murobayashi, Bino Bong and Ryan (Radyn's dad) for stepping in to help with drills.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!
Next: No practice until Thursday, 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Coach Bino will stay later (I have to work) if guys want to get more shooting in.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
This Week (Mar. 23-29)
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30 pm.
Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Optional shooting drills (tentative). Pau 6:30 pm.
Wednesday - No practice.
Thursday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30, but if anyone wants to get more shooting reps, Coach Bino may stay later.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Optional shooting drills (Coach Bino). Pau 6:30 pm..
Saturday, 9:15 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 10:15 am - H1 Thunder vs Cats, PAA League (15U), Quarterfinal Round.
Saturday, 12:45 pm - Thunder-Cats winner vs Kailua-Court Kings winner, PAA League (15U), Semifinal Round, Palolo gym.
Saturday, 3:00 pm - Championship game, PAA League (15U), Palolo gym.
Saturday, 6:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs Hoops4Christ (Ikaika JV League).
Sunday, 3:00 pm - Free-Throw Challenge at Makiki Park. Collect your sponsors and practice those FTs. The more sponsors, the better. This fundraiser will help offset the cost of league entry fees, uniforms, Gatorades, gasoline for transportation and more. Extra funds will help build toward summer trip.
Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Optional shooting drills (tentative). Pau 6:30 pm.
Wednesday - No practice.
Thursday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30, but if anyone wants to get more shooting reps, Coach Bino may stay later.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Optional shooting drills (Coach Bino). Pau 6:30 pm..
Saturday, 9:15 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 10:15 am - H1 Thunder vs Cats, PAA League (15U), Quarterfinal Round.
Saturday, 12:45 pm - Thunder-Cats winner vs Kailua-Court Kings winner, PAA League (15U), Semifinal Round, Palolo gym.
Saturday, 3:00 pm - Championship game, PAA League (15U), Palolo gym.
Saturday, 6:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 7:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs Hoops4Christ (Ikaika JV League).
Sunday, 3:00 pm - Free-Throw Challenge at Makiki Park. Collect your sponsors and practice those FTs. The more sponsors, the better. This fundraiser will help offset the cost of league entry fees, uniforms, Gatorades, gasoline for transportation and more. Extra funds will help build toward summer trip.
Monday pickup route
3:45 pm - Josh M DE Jesus? Micah? Chaz?
4:00 pm - Mosi Afe? Chris Afe? Raquel Afe?
5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30 pm.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
4:00 pm - Mosi Afe? Chris Afe? Raquel Afe?
5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30 pm.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
H1 Thunder 61, Just Play 25 (Inter)
Ikaika League, Intermediate Division, Aiea gym
Good team win, solid defense, offense, transition. A lot of good plays today by our starters and reserves. Just Play is a young team, much like we were 2 years ago, when our older guys were 12 and 13, playing against stronger, more experienced teams. We got beat pretty good a few times, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.
Starters gave us a lot of energy and smart defensive angles on the press. We went to two versions of man defense in the second half and our reserves showed a lot of smarts, making adjustments on the fly.
Some of the guys hung out later when we got pizza and enjoyed the shade and playground at Waimalu Park. Good chance to chill out. Mahalo to Ray-Marlyn Ramos for bringing soda, ice and cups!
The only bad news: Trinity sprained her right ankle while going up for an offensive rebound in the second half. Her dad did a great job getting ice on the injury, reducing the swelling and wrapping it up good.
Lineup: Jhevin, Jance, Micah, Chaz, Trinity, Walter, Jayden, Ryan, Javan, Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain, Jonah.
Next:
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30 pm.
Good team win, solid defense, offense, transition. A lot of good plays today by our starters and reserves. Just Play is a young team, much like we were 2 years ago, when our older guys were 12 and 13, playing against stronger, more experienced teams. We got beat pretty good a few times, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.
Starters gave us a lot of energy and smart defensive angles on the press. We went to two versions of man defense in the second half and our reserves showed a lot of smarts, making adjustments on the fly.
Some of the guys hung out later when we got pizza and enjoyed the shade and playground at Waimalu Park. Good chance to chill out. Mahalo to Ray-Marlyn Ramos for bringing soda, ice and cups!
The only bad news: Trinity sprained her right ankle while going up for an offensive rebound in the second half. Her dad did a great job getting ice on the injury, reducing the swelling and wrapping it up good.
Lineup: Jhevin, Jance, Micah, Chaz, Trinity, Walter, Jayden, Ryan, Javan, Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain, Jonah.
Next:
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30 pm.
Ikaika League: parents
Please print out the waiver form I e-mailed last week and fill it out for today's first game in the Ikaika League Intermediate Division.
Also, please chip in $30 per player. The entry fee is $575 and I need all the help I can get.
I will need the same for the guys and gals playing in the Ikaika League JV Division.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!
Mahalo,
Coach Paul
Also, please chip in $30 per player. The entry fee is $575 and I need all the help I can get.
I will need the same for the guys and gals playing in the Ikaika League JV Division.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!
Mahalo,
Coach Paul
PAA 15U playoffs
All on Saturday next weekend.
Saturday, Mar. 28, 10:15 am - vs Cats, PAA League (15U), Quarterfinal Round, McCully gym
Saturday, Mar. 28, 12:45 pm - Thunder-Cats winner vs Kailua-Court Kings winner, PAA League (15U), Semifinal Round, Palolo gym
Saturday, Mar. 28, 3:00 pm - Championship game, PAA League (15U), Palolo gym
Note: We also have an Ikaika League JV game that night (7:30 pm) at McCully gym.
Note: We also have an Ikaika League JV game that night (7:30 pm) at McCully gym.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Sunday pickup route
11:15 am - Micah? Chaz? Josh M DE Jesus?
11:20 am - Felcris Ahadain.
11:30 am - Raquel Afe? Chris Afe?
12:10 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court.
1:10 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Just Play (Ikaika Intermediate League).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAAAME!!
11:20 am - Felcris Ahadain.
11:30 am - Raquel Afe? Chris Afe?
12:10 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court.
1:10 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Just Play (Ikaika Intermediate League).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAAAME!!
Homegrown 44, H1 Thunder 27 (Inter)
CAL Intermediate Gold Division, Kilauea gym
Our guys hustled, but the mental part of our game is still not quite there. We let a very big team push us around too often, and though we had some box outs here and there, we didn't have the heart from start to finish to really battle in the paint.
When we ran the floor and stepped up on the traps, we were fine. But too many of our Pups don't know where to go or when to do it. Missing practice time has hurt us as a team, and though it can't be helped, it is still a major factor in our slower-than-expected (by me) development.
Missing players (Josh D, Chris, Micah) have really hurt this winter/spring. Our first-time players are doing their best, but without our experienced guys to round out our starting lineup/rotation, the challenge is mountainous at times.
I was disappointed to hear one of our parents call out one of our players a few seconds before the game started regarding one of the weaknesses in his game. Be aware that I heard it loud and clear, and though I love all our parents, I do not tolerate this kind of stuff. If you think it's an issue, you know I already know about it. Each of our players has strengths and weaknesses he or she is working on. If you feel there's an issue, bring it to me and the team and that's the way it's done. Not yelling something from the bleachers that could easily distract the team and take their focus off what I've instructed them. Since we've been playing as the Thunder since 2010, this is the first time I've ever heard any parent do this at a game.
I hope to God that every one of our parents takes what I'm saying to heart. None of our players are perfect. None of our parents are perfect. Lord knows I am far from perfect. But when it comes to keeping our players accountable, it's the COACH who does this and nobody from the bleachers. I've always welcomed our parents to join us on the bench if they want to coach. That would be welcome. I would love it if our experienced parents or former coaches would be there on the bench to help us. But if you are NOT on the bench, please refrain from calling anybody out.
If this is not acceptable, that's fine. This might not be the right team for you and your child. I would hate to see that happen, but I won't put up with this stuff being yelled from the bleachers. Give me space to coach our Thunder or join me on the bench. Easy enough? I think so. Let's do this with love. Sometimes it's tough love, but love is key.
LOVE.
Our guys hustled, but the mental part of our game is still not quite there. We let a very big team push us around too often, and though we had some box outs here and there, we didn't have the heart from start to finish to really battle in the paint.
When we ran the floor and stepped up on the traps, we were fine. But too many of our Pups don't know where to go or when to do it. Missing practice time has hurt us as a team, and though it can't be helped, it is still a major factor in our slower-than-expected (by me) development.
Missing players (Josh D, Chris, Micah) have really hurt this winter/spring. Our first-time players are doing their best, but without our experienced guys to round out our starting lineup/rotation, the challenge is mountainous at times.
I was disappointed to hear one of our parents call out one of our players a few seconds before the game started regarding one of the weaknesses in his game. Be aware that I heard it loud and clear, and though I love all our parents, I do not tolerate this kind of stuff. If you think it's an issue, you know I already know about it. Each of our players has strengths and weaknesses he or she is working on. If you feel there's an issue, bring it to me and the team and that's the way it's done. Not yelling something from the bleachers that could easily distract the team and take their focus off what I've instructed them. Since we've been playing as the Thunder since 2010, this is the first time I've ever heard any parent do this at a game.
I hope to God that every one of our parents takes what I'm saying to heart. None of our players are perfect. None of our parents are perfect. Lord knows I am far from perfect. But when it comes to keeping our players accountable, it's the COACH who does this and nobody from the bleachers. I've always welcomed our parents to join us on the bench if they want to coach. That would be welcome. I would love it if our experienced parents or former coaches would be there on the bench to help us. But if you are NOT on the bench, please refrain from calling anybody out.
If this is not acceptable, that's fine. This might not be the right team for you and your child. I would hate to see that happen, but I won't put up with this stuff being yelled from the bleachers. Give me space to coach our Thunder or join me on the bench. Easy enough? I think so. Let's do this with love. Sometimes it's tough love, but love is key.
LOVE.
H1 Thunder 36, Court Kings 35 (15U)
PAA 15U Division, McCully gym
We played fairly well, made a lot of good plays and fewer not-so-good plays that we've seen in the past week or so. We got solid minutes from our bench, and we were aggressive while staying under control. Our fastbreak off steals was another plus.
We did miss too many layups, though, mainly because a few of our guys rush their shots instead of (jump) stopping and regaining control and balance before going up. That's correctable with a LOT of reps. We'll get those in.
The high-low post game was there, and though we didn't execute it often enough, it did make a difference against CK's zone. They had to respect our inside game. Tani drove and passed to Chase for a nice 6-foot jump hook to give us the lead with 5 seconds left. Then Tani blocked a shot by one of the CK guys driving to the basket to seal our win. We didn't play great, but we did just enough to win.
This gives us a 4-3 record in PAA and left us in 6th place. That was big because a loss would've pushed us lower and we would've been playing two afternoon play-in games today while we had a CAL Intermediate game scheduled at the same time. We've done quite a bit with the crew we have, small and somewhat inexperienced with so many guys out with injuries, etc. This was a win about heart and hustle, and that always feels good.
Lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Trinity, Sierra, Jayden, Ryan, Javan,Felcris Ahadain, Chase Santos, Gabriel Porras.
Did not play: Chris Afe (football), Josh M DE Jesus (?), Micah (?), Colin Micah Ramos (ankle), Kali'a Mielke (ankle).
Next:
12:10 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 1:10 pm - vs Just Play, Ikaika League (Inter), Aiea gym.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!!
We played fairly well, made a lot of good plays and fewer not-so-good plays that we've seen in the past week or so. We got solid minutes from our bench, and we were aggressive while staying under control. Our fastbreak off steals was another plus.
We did miss too many layups, though, mainly because a few of our guys rush their shots instead of (jump) stopping and regaining control and balance before going up. That's correctable with a LOT of reps. We'll get those in.
The high-low post game was there, and though we didn't execute it often enough, it did make a difference against CK's zone. They had to respect our inside game. Tani drove and passed to Chase for a nice 6-foot jump hook to give us the lead with 5 seconds left. Then Tani blocked a shot by one of the CK guys driving to the basket to seal our win. We didn't play great, but we did just enough to win.
This gives us a 4-3 record in PAA and left us in 6th place. That was big because a loss would've pushed us lower and we would've been playing two afternoon play-in games today while we had a CAL Intermediate game scheduled at the same time. We've done quite a bit with the crew we have, small and somewhat inexperienced with so many guys out with injuries, etc. This was a win about heart and hustle, and that always feels good.
Lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Trinity, Sierra, Jayden, Ryan, Javan,Felcris Ahadain, Chase Santos, Gabriel Porras.
Did not play: Chris Afe (football), Josh M DE Jesus (?), Micah (?), Colin Micah Ramos (ankle), Kali'a Mielke (ankle).
Next:
12:10 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 1:10 pm - vs Just Play, Ikaika League (Inter), Aiea gym.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!!
Friday, March 20, 2015
Saturday pickup route
7:30 am - Josh M DE Jesus? Micah? Chaz?
7:35 am - Felcris Ahadain.
7:45 am - Mosi Afe, Raquel Afe.
8:00 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court.
9:00 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 15U). If we win, we finish 6th and earn a playoff bye until 3/28. If we lose, we have a playoff game at either 1:00 or 1:50 pm, and possibly another one at 3:15 pm.
WE LUB THIS GAAME!!
7:35 am - Felcris Ahadain.
7:45 am - Mosi Afe, Raquel Afe.
8:00 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court.
9:00 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 15U). If we win, we finish 6th and earn a playoff bye until 3/28. If we lose, we have a playoff game at either 1:00 or 1:50 pm, and possibly another one at 3:15 pm.
WE LUB THIS GAAME!!
Friday funday
Coach Bino:
"Friday optional shooting practice with Gabriel, Jance and Jhevin 200-plus shots. Good job Thunder!"
Optional shooting drills are about getting in that daily workout, hustling for those 200, 300, 400, 500 shots while everybody else is idle. Proud of you guys!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Sharks 2 53, H1 Thunder 48 (15U)
PAA 15U Division, Kilauea gym
Proud our guys tonight. They played with great hustle and determination on offense and defense tonight. Yes, we have a lot of areas to improve on as team, and individually. But for now, I feel like tonight is a bit of a victory in some ways. We got back to pushing the ball in transition, to putting pressure on a good team full court, and hitting the boards a little better.
We had a mediocre start, down 15 or so early, walking upcourt. Part of that is my fault for being late after we had some transportation miscommunication, but we rallied to within 2 points before halftime. Amazing.
• Halfcourt defense was a bit better tonight, could have closed out on shooters better, but overall, decent.
• Box-outs still too rare. Should be on every shot, every Thunder defender winning every position.
• Offense - ball movement was fairly good, nice work by Kyle and Tani getting good looks at the elbows.
• Still need more catch, pivot and aggression to the basket from the high post by our bigs. With our 3-point shooters covered outside, we had a number of high-low post opportunities against their center and didn't take advantage. This gets better with reps at practice against big and/or tall defenders. Gonna need me, Bino and our dads to help out and help our guys get stronger with the ball in that critical paint area.
Our younger guys got some key minutes, though not as much as I had gameplanned for. I wasn't expecting Kyle to play, so I was prepared to have us go full-throttle, full-court pressure and running the floor all night. Having both Kyle and Tani changed that somewhat, and even with some of our key guys still injured or sick (Kali'a, Colin, Josh D), we showed improvement.
We are now 3-3 in league play with one game left before the playoffs. We don't know for sure, but if we win Saturday morning (vs. Court Kings), that gives us a chance to finish 6th or higher in the standings. If we lose, we will probably finish below 6th (out of 10 teams), and that sets us up for a play-in playoff game (plus one more extra playoff game for seeding) on Saturday afternoon. We want to avoid that, but be prepared for any scenario.
Lineup: Jhevin, Javan, Jayden, Trinity, Micah, Ryan, Tani Mosi Afe, Kyle Moraga, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos.
MAHALO to Kali'a Mielke for helping coach on the bench (not kidding, he knows the game, our system and what works, no surprise). MAHALO to Jennifer Martin (Trinity's mom) for letting me copy the game video. Mahalo to all our parents who bring spirit and support to the gym for our Thunder keiki. And mahalo to our friends who also bring great support by just being there. We are truly the most beloved team I know.
FRIDAY
4:00 pm - Optional shooting drills at Makiki Park. Coach Bino will be there to help out all the Thunder who want to get a good 200+ shots in. Bino will stay until 6:30 (or later) so everybody can get shots in.
SATURDAY
8:00 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 9:00 am - vs Court Kings, PAA League (15U). If our team finishes below 6th place, playoff game in the afternoon. If our team finishes 6th or higher, we have a bye for the weekend.
12:00 or 12:50 pm (tentative) - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 1:00 or 1:50 pm - PAA 15U playoffs, Game 1 or 2.
2:40 pm - vs Homegrown, CAL League (Inter), Kilauea gym - RESCHEDULED from 3/8/15. If we have PAA 15U playoff games, our 'Pup Squad' will start and play this game.
3:15 pm - PAA 15U playoffs, Palolo gym. If we win the earlier playoff game, we play this for the 7th or 8th seed.
SUNDAY
12:10 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 1:10 pm - vs Just Play, Ikaika League (Inter), Aiea gym.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!!
Proud our guys tonight. They played with great hustle and determination on offense and defense tonight. Yes, we have a lot of areas to improve on as team, and individually. But for now, I feel like tonight is a bit of a victory in some ways. We got back to pushing the ball in transition, to putting pressure on a good team full court, and hitting the boards a little better.
We had a mediocre start, down 15 or so early, walking upcourt. Part of that is my fault for being late after we had some transportation miscommunication, but we rallied to within 2 points before halftime. Amazing.
• Halfcourt defense was a bit better tonight, could have closed out on shooters better, but overall, decent.
• Box-outs still too rare. Should be on every shot, every Thunder defender winning every position.
• Offense - ball movement was fairly good, nice work by Kyle and Tani getting good looks at the elbows.
• Still need more catch, pivot and aggression to the basket from the high post by our bigs. With our 3-point shooters covered outside, we had a number of high-low post opportunities against their center and didn't take advantage. This gets better with reps at practice against big and/or tall defenders. Gonna need me, Bino and our dads to help out and help our guys get stronger with the ball in that critical paint area.
Our younger guys got some key minutes, though not as much as I had gameplanned for. I wasn't expecting Kyle to play, so I was prepared to have us go full-throttle, full-court pressure and running the floor all night. Having both Kyle and Tani changed that somewhat, and even with some of our key guys still injured or sick (Kali'a, Colin, Josh D), we showed improvement.
We are now 3-3 in league play with one game left before the playoffs. We don't know for sure, but if we win Saturday morning (vs. Court Kings), that gives us a chance to finish 6th or higher in the standings. If we lose, we will probably finish below 6th (out of 10 teams), and that sets us up for a play-in playoff game (plus one more extra playoff game for seeding) on Saturday afternoon. We want to avoid that, but be prepared for any scenario.
Lineup: Jhevin, Javan, Jayden, Trinity, Micah, Ryan, Tani Mosi Afe, Kyle Moraga, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos.
MAHALO to Kali'a Mielke for helping coach on the bench (not kidding, he knows the game, our system and what works, no surprise). MAHALO to Jennifer Martin (Trinity's mom) for letting me copy the game video. Mahalo to all our parents who bring spirit and support to the gym for our Thunder keiki. And mahalo to our friends who also bring great support by just being there. We are truly the most beloved team I know.
FRIDAY
4:00 pm - Optional shooting drills at Makiki Park. Coach Bino will be there to help out all the Thunder who want to get a good 200+ shots in. Bino will stay until 6:30 (or later) so everybody can get shots in.
SATURDAY
8:00 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court. 9:00 am - vs Court Kings, PAA League (15U). If our team finishes below 6th place, playoff game in the afternoon. If our team finishes 6th or higher, we have a bye for the weekend.
12:00 or 12:50 pm (tentative) - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 1:00 or 1:50 pm - PAA 15U playoffs, Game 1 or 2.
2:40 pm - vs Homegrown, CAL League (Inter), Kilauea gym - RESCHEDULED from 3/8/15. If we have PAA 15U playoff games, our 'Pup Squad' will start and play this game.
3:15 pm - PAA 15U playoffs, Palolo gym. If we win the earlier playoff game, we play this for the 7th or 8th seed.
SUNDAY
12:10 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 1:10 pm - vs Just Play, Ikaika League (Inter), Aiea gym.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Thursday pickup route
3:30 pm - Josh M DE Jesus? Micah? Chaz?
3:35 pm - Felcris Ahadain.
3:45 pm - Mosi Afe? Chris Afe? Raquel Afe.
4:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court.
5:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks 2, PAA League (15U).
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!!!
3:35 pm - Felcris Ahadain.
3:45 pm - Mosi Afe? Chris Afe? Raquel Afe.
4:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court.
5:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks 2, PAA League (15U).
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!!!
Thursday roster (PAA 15U)
Sierra Murobayashi - not available (practice with Islanderz)
Kali'a Mielke - injured
Tanielu Mosi Afe?
Kyle Moraga - not available (practice w/ Lanakila 17U)
Chase Santos
Gabriel Porras
Jared Elwin - volleyball
Josh M DE Jesus - sick
Kapaa Nishimura - volleyball
Felcris Ahadain
Colin Micah Ramos - injured
Javan Montiho
Chris Afe - football
Josh Roberts
Micah Visoria?
Jhevin Mercado
Trinity Martin
Ryan Higashionna
Jonah Gormley
Jayden Ramos
Kali'a Mielke - injured
Tanielu Mosi Afe?
Kyle Moraga - not available (practice w/ Lanakila 17U)
Chase Santos
Gabriel Porras
Jared Elwin - volleyball
Josh M DE Jesus - sick
Kapaa Nishimura - volleyball
Felcris Ahadain
Colin Micah Ramos - injured
Javan Montiho
Chris Afe - football
Josh Roberts
Micah Visoria?
Jhevin Mercado
Trinity Martin
Ryan Higashionna
Jonah Gormley
Jayden Ramos
MAHALO MRS. CHANG!
Thank you, Patti Chang, for donating generously again to the H1 Thunder keiki. Your support is a big help in so many ways. Thank you for coming to the games (with Sanford) and backing our young men and women up to the fullest. Your wisdom is invaluable!
Cats 40, H1 Thunder 36 (15U)
PAA 15U Division, Kilauea gym
Another 12-point lead, another tough loss. We're 3-2 in PAA 15U, but this really was our game to win. I feel bad for the team. We played great team basketball for most of the game.
Where we let this slip away: 1) Defensively, lack of communication in picking up one of the Cats who got hot and made four 3-pointers in a row. It's both communication and basketball IQ that win close games, and we had no business letting one player beat us that way; 2) Lack of IQ on offense. We were virtually unstoppable on the high post with Chase and Gabriel making shot after shot in the first half. But our guys chose to go away from what was working for most of the second half. Even a play I called to use low and high post passing didn't get executed. Why?
One of their players arrived late, and though he's tall (6-4?), we never really tested him and their 2-3 zone consistently after halftime. One defender changed our players' vision of offense without blocking a shot, without doing much at all. It's a mental game, and we showed an unwillingness to attack. When we are not aggressive, we end up settling for lower-percentage shots, and that's what happened. We hit a cold streak from the 3-point line and no matter how many times I called for our high-post offensive sets, our guys just didn't have the guts to attack the Cats' defense consistently. All it takes is an entry pass to the low post and a bounce pass to the cutter from the high post. But nobody listened.
Losing Gabriel in the second half (stomach ache) hurt us big time. Without some of our best defenders, not having him on the floor limited what we could do defensively.
We need courage, quickness, patience and teamwork on both ends of the court. If we prioritize those important factors, we will do fine. We can win this league. Without them, we go from 3-0 to 3-2. We can blame injuries and illnesses, but we led by 12. Repeat success. Repeat success. Repeat success.
Lineup: Jhevin, Trinity, Sierra, Javan, Jonah, Josh R, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos, Ryan, Kyle Moraga, Felcris Ahadain.
Another 12-point lead, another tough loss. We're 3-2 in PAA 15U, but this really was our game to win. I feel bad for the team. We played great team basketball for most of the game.
Where we let this slip away: 1) Defensively, lack of communication in picking up one of the Cats who got hot and made four 3-pointers in a row. It's both communication and basketball IQ that win close games, and we had no business letting one player beat us that way; 2) Lack of IQ on offense. We were virtually unstoppable on the high post with Chase and Gabriel making shot after shot in the first half. But our guys chose to go away from what was working for most of the second half. Even a play I called to use low and high post passing didn't get executed. Why?
One of their players arrived late, and though he's tall (6-4?), we never really tested him and their 2-3 zone consistently after halftime. One defender changed our players' vision of offense without blocking a shot, without doing much at all. It's a mental game, and we showed an unwillingness to attack. When we are not aggressive, we end up settling for lower-percentage shots, and that's what happened. We hit a cold streak from the 3-point line and no matter how many times I called for our high-post offensive sets, our guys just didn't have the guts to attack the Cats' defense consistently. All it takes is an entry pass to the low post and a bounce pass to the cutter from the high post. But nobody listened.
Losing Gabriel in the second half (stomach ache) hurt us big time. Without some of our best defenders, not having him on the floor limited what we could do defensively.
We need courage, quickness, patience and teamwork on both ends of the court. If we prioritize those important factors, we will do fine. We can win this league. Without them, we go from 3-0 to 3-2. We can blame injuries and illnesses, but we led by 12. Repeat success. Repeat success. Repeat success.
Lineup: Jhevin, Trinity, Sierra, Javan, Jonah, Josh R, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos, Ryan, Kyle Moraga, Felcris Ahadain.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Tuesday pickup route
3:00 pm - Josh M DE Jesus? Felcris Ahadain. Chaz? Micah?
3:10 pm - Chris Afe?
4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
5:30 pm - Head home, drop off.
6:30 pm - Work at KS volleyball match.
3:10 pm - Chris Afe?
4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
5:30 pm - Head home, drop off.
6:30 pm - Work at KS volleyball match.
Monday funday
Fun is optional, always, and so was shooting practice today. With most of our Thunder on spring break, we had an early-afternoon shooting practice at Makiki Park. Great conditions — slight breeze, no rain. Hot, sunny. We got a solid 90 minutes of shooting in before I headed to work. Nice work, Thunderrr!
Lineup: Ryan, Javan, Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Jance.
Mahalo to Coach Bino and his youngest, Jayla, for helping out on drills. She's another Mercado who can hit the 3.
Next:
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30.
Lineup: Ryan, Javan, Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Jance.
Mahalo to Coach Bino and his youngest, Jayla, for helping out on drills. She's another Mercado who can hit the 3.
Next:
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Raiders 35, H1 Thunder 30 (Inter)
CAL Intermediate Gold Division, Kilauea gym
Great effort by the Raiders and their "Ironman 5". They were in shape and shot the ball extremely well, great execution while our guys inexplicably decided to watch the Raiders' 3-point show instead of defending. Coach Rudy and his guys did a nice job rallying from 10 or so points down.
Maybe it was the fatigue from playing two games the day before. Maybe we missed Colin (injury), Josh D (family time) and Josh R (sick). But all the maybes are weak excuses. We had enough talent and numbers to beat the Raiders, but they wanted it more. They played defense and we were borderline horrible defensively for the first three quarters.
Positive: We have a history of playing tough defense despite any size disadvantages. We can step up to that tradition if our hearts are there and we start playing with guts every minute and every play of every game.
Negative: Some of our more experienced players are too cool to play great defense on every play. That's how a 4-0 start turns into a 3-game losing streak.
I will be positive. I will have hope. Some people may get themselves benched very soon. That's what it will take, apparently.
Lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Trinity, Chaz, Jance (ankle), Jayden, Javan, Micah, Ryan, Felcris Ahadain. Mahalo to Colin Micah Ramos for assisting.
BIG MAHALO to Jason Apuya for shooting game video.
Great effort by the Raiders and their "Ironman 5". They were in shape and shot the ball extremely well, great execution while our guys inexplicably decided to watch the Raiders' 3-point show instead of defending. Coach Rudy and his guys did a nice job rallying from 10 or so points down.
Maybe it was the fatigue from playing two games the day before. Maybe we missed Colin (injury), Josh D (family time) and Josh R (sick). But all the maybes are weak excuses. We had enough talent and numbers to beat the Raiders, but they wanted it more. They played defense and we were borderline horrible defensively for the first three quarters.
Positive: We have a history of playing tough defense despite any size disadvantages. We can step up to that tradition if our hearts are there and we start playing with guts every minute and every play of every game.
Negative: Some of our more experienced players are too cool to play great defense on every play. That's how a 4-0 start turns into a 3-game losing streak.
I will be positive. I will have hope. Some people may get themselves benched very soon. That's what it will take, apparently.
Lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Trinity, Chaz, Jance (ankle), Jayden, Javan, Micah, Ryan, Felcris Ahadain. Mahalo to Colin Micah Ramos for assisting.
BIG MAHALO to Jason Apuya for shooting game video.
Monday Sharpshooters
Optional shooting practice is confirmed. Jance, Jonah and Javan will be there. We'll start at 12:30 pm, pau 2:00.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Basic Protocol
I am not big on formality, as our longtime parents and players know. However, things have been frazzled in the past few weeks, so I'm going to lay out the basics with the hope that we have more quality time at practice (i.e. more players working together in 5-on-5's). We had 12 at a practice last week, which is a promising and good thing.
1. ATTENDANCE. For practice, if you can't make it to practice or a game, please text or call me (551-1054). The responsibility is on our players, and if they can't do it, please one of the parents let me know. Better yet, both contact me. Basic consideration.
2. DISCIPLINE. We've had a few too many players yakking away, bouncing basketballs and not paying attention to details at practice, at pre-game, during time outs, and more. Some adults might chalk this up to youth. I don't. We've had 12U and 13U for two solid years and the earlier teams did not have this amount of inattention and disruption. Instead of wasting precious practice time when this happens by having everybody run, I'm simply going to send players home. They can run until their parent(s) arrive. We just don't have the time to waste.
Mahalo,
Coach Paul
1. ATTENDANCE. For practice, if you can't make it to practice or a game, please text or call me (551-1054). The responsibility is on our players, and if they can't do it, please one of the parents let me know. Better yet, both contact me. Basic consideration.
2. DISCIPLINE. We've had a few too many players yakking away, bouncing basketballs and not paying attention to details at practice, at pre-game, during time outs, and more. Some adults might chalk this up to youth. I don't. We've had 12U and 13U for two solid years and the earlier teams did not have this amount of inattention and disruption. Instead of wasting precious practice time when this happens by having everybody run, I'm simply going to send players home. They can run until their parent(s) arrive. We just don't have the time to waste.
Mahalo,
Coach Paul
Heart & Teamwork
Two vital points about the past week. We were very competitive in four games, lost three. A big reason: we were a bit short on heart and a bit short on teamwork. These issues can be hammered out through practicing together and by thinking team first.
> HEART. Today, we had a 10-point lead or something like that against the Raiders. Then we broke away from our game plan and started letting them shoot open shots for the rest of the game - until the fourth quarter. Defense has always been a strength for our Thunder teams since the beginning in 2010. Today was an eye-opener, to see guys stand there and not even attempt to get out and play defense often times.
Defense isn't just part of our game. It's our DNA. We've usually been a small team no matter what age group, but our hustle and heart on defense has been part of who we are. So I ask and challenge our Thunder players to step up to the standard. If it can't be done by our Intermediate team, I won't tolerate it. I never have and never will.
No heart, there's no point. I will not hesitate to shut down this age-group team. That is NOT Thunder Basketball and what I saw out there by some of our players today was something that has nothing to do with what we teach and it has nothing to do with our history.
The standard will never be lowered, and if that's a problem, I suggest the player(s) go somewhere else where basketball without heart and teamwork are tolerated. And no, I am not going to use Colin's injury or Josh D's family time, or Josh R's absence as an excuse. We are a team, period. Time to play with guts and put heart on the court on every play.
> TEAMWORK. There are two definite aspects to this. One is sharing the ball and moving it to the open shooter, which requires court vision, quick execution and TRUST. In the past four games, we've had at least four or five instances where we didn't swing the ball to open shooters on the corner or wing. I don't mind an aggressive player who drives to the basket. I embrace it. But the point of reversing/swinging the ball is to get the ball to our most open shooter (provided he or she is a good shooter).
Teamwork also means turning those blaming fingers toward ourselves. One of our guys chastized a teammate recently for not kicking the ball out after he drew a double team. Yet, after I edited that game video, that same player was guilty of the same thing just a few minutes earlier. Look, we all make mistakes. EVERYBODY. It's OK to talk with each other after a mistake so we can improve on it next time. But let's not point any fingers at each other. I'll keep everyone accountable and that's plenty enough.
The other aspect in teamwork that is churning away in my mind is defense. We have some of the chattiest people on earth playing for H1 Thunder. Yet, on the court, they go silencio mode. If you are a chatty person, PLEASE use that gift to communicate and direct your teammates, to call out screens and switches. It is a gift, no joke, but if you don't open it and use it at the right time, it's useless. Put it to use, Thunder, we need more talking on defense whether it's fullcourt or halfcourt or even on the offensive side.
Coach Paul
> HEART. Today, we had a 10-point lead or something like that against the Raiders. Then we broke away from our game plan and started letting them shoot open shots for the rest of the game - until the fourth quarter. Defense has always been a strength for our Thunder teams since the beginning in 2010. Today was an eye-opener, to see guys stand there and not even attempt to get out and play defense often times.
Defense isn't just part of our game. It's our DNA. We've usually been a small team no matter what age group, but our hustle and heart on defense has been part of who we are. So I ask and challenge our Thunder players to step up to the standard. If it can't be done by our Intermediate team, I won't tolerate it. I never have and never will.
No heart, there's no point. I will not hesitate to shut down this age-group team. That is NOT Thunder Basketball and what I saw out there by some of our players today was something that has nothing to do with what we teach and it has nothing to do with our history.
The standard will never be lowered, and if that's a problem, I suggest the player(s) go somewhere else where basketball without heart and teamwork are tolerated. And no, I am not going to use Colin's injury or Josh D's family time, or Josh R's absence as an excuse. We are a team, period. Time to play with guts and put heart on the court on every play.
> TEAMWORK. There are two definite aspects to this. One is sharing the ball and moving it to the open shooter, which requires court vision, quick execution and TRUST. In the past four games, we've had at least four or five instances where we didn't swing the ball to open shooters on the corner or wing. I don't mind an aggressive player who drives to the basket. I embrace it. But the point of reversing/swinging the ball is to get the ball to our most open shooter (provided he or she is a good shooter).
Teamwork also means turning those blaming fingers toward ourselves. One of our guys chastized a teammate recently for not kicking the ball out after he drew a double team. Yet, after I edited that game video, that same player was guilty of the same thing just a few minutes earlier. Look, we all make mistakes. EVERYBODY. It's OK to talk with each other after a mistake so we can improve on it next time. But let's not point any fingers at each other. I'll keep everyone accountable and that's plenty enough.
The other aspect in teamwork that is churning away in my mind is defense. We have some of the chattiest people on earth playing for H1 Thunder. Yet, on the court, they go silencio mode. If you are a chatty person, PLEASE use that gift to communicate and direct your teammates, to call out screens and switches. It is a gift, no joke, but if you don't open it and use it at the right time, it's useless. Put it to use, Thunder, we need more talking on defense whether it's fullcourt or halfcourt or even on the offensive side.
Coach Paul
Video: Thunder vs PC All-Stars (Inter)
HIGHLIGHTS
FULL GAME FOOTAGE
Coming soon.
FULL GAME FOOTAGE
Coming soon.
vs Pearl City All-Stars (Inter) 3/14/2015
video: Lorelai Ramos.
score: All-Stars 48, Thunder 46.
This Week: Mar. 16-22 - UPDATE 3/16
UPDATE 3/16 with CAL Intermediate and PAA 15U playoff info.
Monday 12:30 pm - Optional shooting practice. Pau 2:00 pm. (I have to work.) Jonah and Jance confirmed that they will be there.
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30 pm. (I have to work.)
Wednesday, 5:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 6:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Cats, PAA League (15U).
Thursday, 4:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 5:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks 2, PAA League (15U).
Friday, 4:00 pm - Optional shooting practice if Coach Bino is available. (I have to work.)
Saturday, 9:00 am - vs Court Kings, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym. End regular season.
Saturday, 1:00 or 1:50 pm - PAA 15U playoffs, Game 1 or 2, Palolo gym. If our team finishes below 6th place in the standings, we will be in this playoff game (15U). If our team finishes 6th or higher, we have a bye for the weekend.
Saturday, Mar. 21, 2:40 pm - vs Homegrown, CAL League (Inter) - RESCHEDULED from 3/8/15. (Note: If we enter the PAA 15U playoff scenario, our 'Pup Squad' would finish the CAL game against Homegrown. Depending on the start time for the earlier PAA 15U playoff game, our Pups might play the whole CAL Inter game while our Inter starters are playing in the PAA 15 playoff.)
Saturday, 3:15 pm - PAA 15U playoffs, Palolo gym, if we finish below 6th in the standings and play in Game 1 or 2, and if we win that game, we play again here.
Sunday, 12:10 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 1:10 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Just Play (Ikaika League, Inter division).
Monday 12:30 pm - Optional shooting practice. Pau 2:00 pm. (I have to work.) Jonah and Jance confirmed that they will be there.
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 5:30 pm. (I have to work.)
Wednesday, 5:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 6:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Cats, PAA League (15U).
Thursday, 4:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 5:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Sharks 2, PAA League (15U).
Friday, 4:00 pm - Optional shooting practice if Coach Bino is available. (I have to work.)
Saturday, 9:00 am - vs Court Kings, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym. End regular season.
Saturday, 1:00 or 1:50 pm - PAA 15U playoffs, Game 1 or 2, Palolo gym. If our team finishes below 6th place in the standings, we will be in this playoff game (15U). If our team finishes 6th or higher, we have a bye for the weekend.
Saturday, Mar. 21, 2:40 pm - vs Homegrown, CAL League (Inter) - RESCHEDULED from 3/8/15. (Note: If we enter the PAA 15U playoff scenario, our 'Pup Squad' would finish the CAL game against Homegrown. Depending on the start time for the earlier PAA 15U playoff game, our Pups might play the whole CAL Inter game while our Inter starters are playing in the PAA 15 playoff.)
Saturday, 3:15 pm - PAA 15U playoffs, Palolo gym, if we finish below 6th in the standings and play in Game 1 or 2, and if we win that game, we play again here.
Sunday, 12:10 pm - Stretching/warmups at Aiea gym outside court. 1:10 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Just Play (Ikaika League, Inter division).
All hands on deck!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Sunday pickup route
12:00 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain.
12:15 pm - Chris Afe?
12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court.
1:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Raiders (CAL Intermediate).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
12:15 pm - Chris Afe?
12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court.
1:50 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Raiders (CAL Intermediate).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
H1 Thunder 33, Kahuku 30 (15U)
PAA League, 15U Division, Palolo Valley gym
Another great effort by the Thunder keiki. Some of our guys were tired from the earlier intermediate game (CAL), but Kyle and Chase did a great job of carrying us against a BIG, physical Kahuku squad.
Like our earlier game, we had a 9-point lead, but working our rotation in to rest starters, we lost most of that lead. Then our starters finished the first half and we opened the lead up some again.
We still had rebounding/boxing out issues, but it was better in this game. And we got some solid minutes from our Pups in the second half. Kahuku missed a shot from the right corner in the final seconds and we got a hard-earned win. We had to do it without Colin in the second half after he suffered an ankle injury.
Big heart by everybody, especially Kyle (played all 30 minutes) and Josh, who hit a lot of key shots.
Lineup: Javan, Jhevin, Jayden, Trinity, Colin, Ryan, Chase Santos, Kyle Moraga, Josh M DE Jesus
BIG MAHALO to Lorelai and Coach Bino for shooting game videos today. Also, BIG MAHALO to our "assistant coaches" Keanu Ksb Pratt and Kali'a Mielke. Means a lot to me and our Thunder that they come support the team even though they can't play.
Another great effort by the Thunder keiki. Some of our guys were tired from the earlier intermediate game (CAL), but Kyle and Chase did a great job of carrying us against a BIG, physical Kahuku squad.
Like our earlier game, we had a 9-point lead, but working our rotation in to rest starters, we lost most of that lead. Then our starters finished the first half and we opened the lead up some again.
We still had rebounding/boxing out issues, but it was better in this game. And we got some solid minutes from our Pups in the second half. Kahuku missed a shot from the right corner in the final seconds and we got a hard-earned win. We had to do it without Colin in the second half after he suffered an ankle injury.
Big heart by everybody, especially Kyle (played all 30 minutes) and Josh, who hit a lot of key shots.
Lineup: Javan, Jhevin, Jayden, Trinity, Colin, Ryan, Chase Santos, Kyle Moraga, Josh M DE Jesus
BIG MAHALO to Lorelai and Coach Bino for shooting game videos today. Also, BIG MAHALO to our "assistant coaches" Keanu Ksb Pratt and Kali'a Mielke. Means a lot to me and our Thunder that they come support the team even though they can't play.
PC All-Stars 48, Thunder 46 (Inter)
CAL League, Intermediate Gold Division, McCully gym
Hats off to PC, which added some new, tall players from Kailua (and McKinley?) since the last time we played them.
Our guys played their hearts out and we had a 9- or 10-point lead, using our fullcourt pressure to get steals and fastbreak buckets. But we still don't box out on every shot, and they had a massive frontcourt (one guy was about 6 foot and 250 pounds). We lost the battle on the boards most of the game.
Still, we had our chances. A lot of rushed 3-point shots in the final minutes when we just had to execute and move the ball for a better look. We also had the rebound after PC missed a free throw with :07 left. Micah got the rebound outlet pass to Colin, who tried to drive and draw a foul. There was reach, maybe a foul, and the ball went loose as time expired. We had open shooters in the corner, on the wing.
It's the same thing that happened earlier this week, not moving the ball to open shooters (15U game). That's something that a lack of practice time together causes. It was a great effort overall, proud of our guys.
Lineup: Trinity, Josh R, Jhevin, Jayden, Chaz, Colin Micah Ramos, Javan,Josh M DE Jesus, Ryan, Micah.
Note: The game was around 37-all in the third or fourth quarter when Micah had an open layup and was chest-bumped by one of PC's big guys. He missed, no foul call. On the next dead ball, I asked the referee about it. He refused to talk. So I asked, "Did you see the foul or did you miss it?" He yelled at me to get back in the box. I was out near the corner asking him so I wouldn't have to yell from the bench. So, I said, "Yes, sir" and went to the bench. A few seconds later, he blows the whistle and calls a technical foul on me.
In all the years we've played in CAL League, since the very first season in 2010, I've been able to ask referees a question now and then. The really good ones like Ray Fujino and Yale Alama tell me straight that they got it right or they simply missed it, and I'm fine with either answer. But this referee is in the same category with Ramon and Matt Ho of NJB All-Net. He refused to give me an explanation for the tech even after the league director, Greydon Espinda, told me to ask for one.
It would've been funny and comical except for this: Any referee who places himself above the game, above the players and coaches — even above the league director — is bound to get in trouble. And this referee was clearly taking the game over. When he refused to call a foul on Micah's shot, he was completely changing his interpretation and mechanics in calling the game. Our 100-pound guys getting HIT by PC's 200-pound guys without a foul would've left us with no chance to win over the span of a full game. That's why I had to raise the question, and I did it without yelling, cussing, etc.
We've already seen what happens in NJB All-Net, where they place officials over the kids, even when those referees are really bad. I've never seen CAL League go in this direction before. This is the second time this particular referee has called a Thunder game poorly (the other on was in Aiea 13U a month ago), and when I questioned a call, he reacts by giving a coach (me) a tech instead of simply talking.
It's impossible for me to consider exposing our kids, who work their tails off EVERY DAY, and subjecting them and our parents, some of whom drive huge miles from the other side of the island to give their children opportunities, to immature adults who attempt to dominate basketball games rather than simply officiate them. I am not saying we will pull out of CAL League. I trust Greydon as much (or more) as any league director anywhere and that includes the mainland.
But this particular official really undermined us today, and I'll never forget that. His officiating partner had no idea why he was acting strangely. Greydon wasn't surprised and says he's trying to work on him, help him improve. Whatever the case, I agree with Greydon. This referee is not ready to officiate games at a higher level, and in some very fundamental ways, can't even deal with a normal age-group game.
Today made me wish for the veteran CAL referees like Ray, Yale (who worked our 15U game later in the day at PAA League and did a great job), Will... I never take them for granted, EVER.
This game was determined by some of our great plays and mistakes, by my inability to communicate with a referee who tried to big-time us. There is a way to communicate even with horrendous officials like that. I just haven't figured that out yet, and for that, Thunder players and parents, I am sorry.
Hats off to PC, which added some new, tall players from Kailua (and McKinley?) since the last time we played them.
Our guys played their hearts out and we had a 9- or 10-point lead, using our fullcourt pressure to get steals and fastbreak buckets. But we still don't box out on every shot, and they had a massive frontcourt (one guy was about 6 foot and 250 pounds). We lost the battle on the boards most of the game.
Still, we had our chances. A lot of rushed 3-point shots in the final minutes when we just had to execute and move the ball for a better look. We also had the rebound after PC missed a free throw with :07 left. Micah got the rebound outlet pass to Colin, who tried to drive and draw a foul. There was reach, maybe a foul, and the ball went loose as time expired. We had open shooters in the corner, on the wing.
It's the same thing that happened earlier this week, not moving the ball to open shooters (15U game). That's something that a lack of practice time together causes. It was a great effort overall, proud of our guys.
Lineup: Trinity, Josh R, Jhevin, Jayden, Chaz, Colin Micah Ramos, Javan,Josh M DE Jesus, Ryan, Micah.
Note: The game was around 37-all in the third or fourth quarter when Micah had an open layup and was chest-bumped by one of PC's big guys. He missed, no foul call. On the next dead ball, I asked the referee about it. He refused to talk. So I asked, "Did you see the foul or did you miss it?" He yelled at me to get back in the box. I was out near the corner asking him so I wouldn't have to yell from the bench. So, I said, "Yes, sir" and went to the bench. A few seconds later, he blows the whistle and calls a technical foul on me.
In all the years we've played in CAL League, since the very first season in 2010, I've been able to ask referees a question now and then. The really good ones like Ray Fujino and Yale Alama tell me straight that they got it right or they simply missed it, and I'm fine with either answer. But this referee is in the same category with Ramon and Matt Ho of NJB All-Net. He refused to give me an explanation for the tech even after the league director, Greydon Espinda, told me to ask for one.
It would've been funny and comical except for this: Any referee who places himself above the game, above the players and coaches — even above the league director — is bound to get in trouble. And this referee was clearly taking the game over. When he refused to call a foul on Micah's shot, he was completely changing his interpretation and mechanics in calling the game. Our 100-pound guys getting HIT by PC's 200-pound guys without a foul would've left us with no chance to win over the span of a full game. That's why I had to raise the question, and I did it without yelling, cussing, etc.
We've already seen what happens in NJB All-Net, where they place officials over the kids, even when those referees are really bad. I've never seen CAL League go in this direction before. This is the second time this particular referee has called a Thunder game poorly (the other on was in Aiea 13U a month ago), and when I questioned a call, he reacts by giving a coach (me) a tech instead of simply talking.
It's impossible for me to consider exposing our kids, who work their tails off EVERY DAY, and subjecting them and our parents, some of whom drive huge miles from the other side of the island to give their children opportunities, to immature adults who attempt to dominate basketball games rather than simply officiate them. I am not saying we will pull out of CAL League. I trust Greydon as much (or more) as any league director anywhere and that includes the mainland.
But this particular official really undermined us today, and I'll never forget that. His officiating partner had no idea why he was acting strangely. Greydon wasn't surprised and says he's trying to work on him, help him improve. Whatever the case, I agree with Greydon. This referee is not ready to officiate games at a higher level, and in some very fundamental ways, can't even deal with a normal age-group game.
Today made me wish for the veteran CAL referees like Ray, Yale (who worked our 15U game later in the day at PAA League and did a great job), Will... I never take them for granted, EVER.
This game was determined by some of our great plays and mistakes, by my inability to communicate with a referee who tried to big-time us. There is a way to communicate even with horrendous officials like that. I just haven't figured that out yet, and for that, Thunder players and parents, I am sorry.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Prayer on a Friday night
I know some of our guys have heard about what happened to Tani tonight. He never made it home in time to get a ride to practice, but later his dad told me that Tani had been ganged up on by a couple of older guys (23, 24) and hit with a metal baton near the Farrington campus.
I don't know any other details. Tani's dad said that he was at home and doing OK, though from what I read on another thread, they took him to the hospital and he has a mean shiner on his right cheek and eye. It was a cowardly and unmanly act by those two adults, and justice will prevail. It may not happen tonight or tomorrow, but in due time, those two "men" will get their due.
I pray that Tani heals physically and mentally from this unprovoked attack. I thank God that his injuries were not more serious. I don't care if he plays a game tomorrow or not. His health and his state of mind are the only important things right now. I would be furious and angry if some guys did that to me. It will take inner strength and a blessing from the Lord to truly calm down and process this one step at a time.
What we need as a team and as a family is to remain unified, to pray together and support Tani and his friends who were there under attack today. We need to bolster each other by locking together as a unit, and to trust that the process of justice will unfold, and it will unveil those two guys who did this.
Patience is crucial. Please be focused on Tani rather than the external things. I'm hopeful (and I'll be in touch with some of the people I know at Farrington High School) that something will be organized to prevent this from happening again so close to campus — before anyone else gets hurt.
It's almost impossible to pray for our enemies, but I do pray for them, that they come to their senses and come to a life of peace before the Lord truly unleashes them into things that will bring their ultimate demise. One day, there will be peace out of this horrible act of violence, and I pray it comes sooner rather than later. Do not fall into the temptation of seeking revenge. This is exactly what evil is, pulling good people into a pattern of eye for an eye, and that never ends well. It's so hard to resist, but please, breathe. Pray. Think. Stay together, more than anything.
Love on Tani, love on his friends and stay unified against the mindless acts of mindless men. Evil lurks in their empty hearts, but it doesn't have to be that way forever. There is always hope. Never lose that hope, Thunder Ohana.
I don't know any other details. Tani's dad said that he was at home and doing OK, though from what I read on another thread, they took him to the hospital and he has a mean shiner on his right cheek and eye. It was a cowardly and unmanly act by those two adults, and justice will prevail. It may not happen tonight or tomorrow, but in due time, those two "men" will get their due.
I pray that Tani heals physically and mentally from this unprovoked attack. I thank God that his injuries were not more serious. I don't care if he plays a game tomorrow or not. His health and his state of mind are the only important things right now. I would be furious and angry if some guys did that to me. It will take inner strength and a blessing from the Lord to truly calm down and process this one step at a time.
What we need as a team and as a family is to remain unified, to pray together and support Tani and his friends who were there under attack today. We need to bolster each other by locking together as a unit, and to trust that the process of justice will unfold, and it will unveil those two guys who did this.
Patience is crucial. Please be focused on Tani rather than the external things. I'm hopeful (and I'll be in touch with some of the people I know at Farrington High School) that something will be organized to prevent this from happening again so close to campus — before anyone else gets hurt.
It's almost impossible to pray for our enemies, but I do pray for them, that they come to their senses and come to a life of peace before the Lord truly unleashes them into things that will bring their ultimate demise. One day, there will be peace out of this horrible act of violence, and I pray it comes sooner rather than later. Do not fall into the temptation of seeking revenge. This is exactly what evil is, pulling good people into a pattern of eye for an eye, and that never ends well. It's so hard to resist, but please, breathe. Pray. Think. Stay together, more than anything.
Love on Tani, love on his friends and stay unified against the mindless acts of mindless men. Evil lurks in their empty hearts, but it doesn't have to be that way forever. There is always hope. Never lose that hope, Thunder Ohana.
Friday funday
12 Thunder strong on another breezy afternoon at Makiki Park. Did a lot of ballhandling basics, a lot of focus on man-to-man defense. Worked out well with the 12 we had, even though we were still not heavy with our older guys (busy with workouts and spring sports). Scrimmaged halfcourt and fullcourt, got just the right amount of work done. We needed that.
Good job, Thunder! It was the first practice for both Skyler (Chase's brother) and Raquel (Tani and Chris' cousin). They stepped in and got to work real nice. Jance also got back on the court, moving around for the first time since his ankle injury. Same with Micah (ankle). Also the first practice in awhile for Radyn, first time since last fall.
Lineup: Skyler, Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Raquel, Trinity, Jance, Chaz, Micah, Chase Santos, Radyn, Jonah, Jayden, Colin Micah Ramos.
Tomorrow: GAME DAY!
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
Good job, Thunder! It was the first practice for both Skyler (Chase's brother) and Raquel (Tani and Chris' cousin). They stepped in and got to work real nice. Jance also got back on the court, moving around for the first time since his ankle injury. Same with Micah (ankle). Also the first practice in awhile for Radyn, first time since last fall.
Lineup: Skyler, Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Raquel, Trinity, Jance, Chaz, Micah, Chase Santos, Radyn, Jonah, Jayden, Colin Micah Ramos.
Tomorrow: GAME DAY!
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Thursday is your day
100 pushups (sets of 10)
100 crunches
200+ shots
ballhandling drills
run 3 miles
jump rope 5 minutes
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
100 crunches
200+ shots
ballhandling drills
run 3 miles
jump rope 5 minutes
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
Tar Heels 41, H1 Thunder 25 (15U)
PAA League, 15-Under Division, Kilauea gym
After Sierra hit a wing 3, we were within 22-21 early in the second half. Then went cold. It was a good team win by the Tar Heels. They brought a lot of help defense any time Kyle had the ball. They spread the floor and move the ball effectively. We had some good moments, but our lack of practice time together caught up with us.
We got by in our first two games, both wins, with Kali'a healthy and strong. Without him and Josh D (sick), our weaknesses really showed. I gave our older guys a lot of minutes last night and their endurance, chemistry and defense on the whole wasn't as good as I expected.
At 2-1, we're in decent shape. We have one more game (15U) on Saturday and three next week. The playoffs will be here soon. This league championship game is on Mar. 28. It's going to roll by quickly. The guys who commit and get to practice will help build chemistry and learn how to play more consistent defense under the rim and on the perimeter.
The guys who don't commit will fall further behind. I want us to move forward as a TEAM, so please, please show up to practice. If you need a ride, just let me know.
We have as much of a chance as any team to win this championship. But without championship commitment and unity, we're not going to improve. Let's do this. I've always believed that players win games and coaches lose games. If I can't convince all our Thunder to get to practice, then it's inevitable that the teams with more practice time and preparation will compete with us. And beat us. For us to win this title, all our players have to do this for each other ... because players win games.
Lineup: Felcris Ahadain, Ryan, Trinity, Sierra, Jayden, Javan, Josh R, Kyle Moraga, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos, Mosi Afe, Colin Micah Ramos.
MAHALO to Lorelai for shooting the game video. Props to Kali'a (ankle) and Micah (ankle) (and Chaz) for supporting their teammates from the bench.
Next:
Thursday - No practice.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30 pm.
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter) (corrects site).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
After Sierra hit a wing 3, we were within 22-21 early in the second half. Then went cold. It was a good team win by the Tar Heels. They brought a lot of help defense any time Kyle had the ball. They spread the floor and move the ball effectively. We had some good moments, but our lack of practice time together caught up with us.
We got by in our first two games, both wins, with Kali'a healthy and strong. Without him and Josh D (sick), our weaknesses really showed. I gave our older guys a lot of minutes last night and their endurance, chemistry and defense on the whole wasn't as good as I expected.
At 2-1, we're in decent shape. We have one more game (15U) on Saturday and three next week. The playoffs will be here soon. This league championship game is on Mar. 28. It's going to roll by quickly. The guys who commit and get to practice will help build chemistry and learn how to play more consistent defense under the rim and on the perimeter.
The guys who don't commit will fall further behind. I want us to move forward as a TEAM, so please, please show up to practice. If you need a ride, just let me know.
We have as much of a chance as any team to win this championship. But without championship commitment and unity, we're not going to improve. Let's do this. I've always believed that players win games and coaches lose games. If I can't convince all our Thunder to get to practice, then it's inevitable that the teams with more practice time and preparation will compete with us. And beat us. For us to win this title, all our players have to do this for each other ... because players win games.
Lineup: Felcris Ahadain, Ryan, Trinity, Sierra, Jayden, Javan, Josh R, Kyle Moraga, Gabriel Porras, Chase Santos, Mosi Afe, Colin Micah Ramos.
MAHALO to Lorelai for shooting the game video. Props to Kali'a (ankle) and Micah (ankle) (and Chaz) for supporting their teammates from the bench.
Next:
Thursday - No practice.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30 pm.
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter) (corrects site).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
3 down tonight, who steps up?
Kali'a Mielke is out (ankle injury at Derby camp Sunday). Felcris Ahadain and Josh M DE Jesus are sick. Who steps up tonight?
EVERYBODY!
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!!
EVERYBODY!
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!!
Wednesday pickup route
5:30 pm - Mosi Afe, Chris Afe?
5:45 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain
6:45 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court
7:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Tar Heels (PAA 15U).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!!
5:45 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain
6:45 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court
7:45 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Tar Heels (PAA 15U).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!!
Tuesday funday
Coach Bino and the guys got a solid workout done. Jhevin, Jance and Walter got in 200-plus shots each. Good work, Thunder! There's no substitute for daily reps.
Bino says, "Good job hard work will pay off!!"
WE LOVE THIS GAME!
Next:
Wednesday, 6:45 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U).
Thursday - No practice.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30.
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter) (corrects site).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Bino says, "Good job hard work will pay off!!"
WE LOVE THIS GAME!
Next:
Wednesday, 6:45 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U).
Thursday - No practice.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30.
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter) (corrects site).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Monday, March 9, 2015
Updated combined game schedule 3/9
## Game schedules updated 3/9 w/ Ikaika League ##
Wednesday, Mar. 11, 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym
Wednesday, Mar. 11, 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Mar. 14, 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter), McCully gym* (corrects site)
Saturday, Mar. 14, 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U), Palolo gym
Sunday, Mar. 15, 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter), Kilauea gym
Wednesday, Mar. 18, 6:30 pm* - vs Cats, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym (game time changed again)
Thursday, Mar. 19, 6:15 pm - vs Sharks 2, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Mar. 21, 10:30 am** - vs Court Kings, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym (game time changed again)
Sunday, Mar. 22, 1:10 pm - vs Just Play, Ikaika League (Inter), Aiea gym
Saturday, Mar. 28 - 13U championship, PAA League, Palolo gym
Saturday, Mar. 28 - Quarterfinals, semifinals, finals, PAA League (15U), McCully and Palolo gyms
Saturday, Mar. 28, 7:30 pm - vs Hoops4Christ, Ikaika League (JV), McCully gym
Thursday, Apr. 2, 7:40 pm - vs Swish, Ikaika League (Inter), Lanakila gym
Saturday, Apr. 4, 5:50 pm - vs Just Play, Ikaika League (JV), McCully gym
Sunday, Apr. 5, 9:00 am - vs Court Kings, Ikaika League (Inter), Aiea gym
Saturday, Apr. 11, 6:40 pm - vs Lanakila, Ikaika League (JV), McCully gym
Thursday, Apr. 16, 6:55 pm - vs Hawaii Storm, Ikaika League (Inter), Lanakila gym
Saturday, Apr. 18, 7:30 pm - vs Cougars, Ikaika League (JV), McCully gym
Thursday, Apr. 23, 6:55 pm - vs Hoops4Christ, Ikaika League (Inter), Lanakila gym
Saturday, Apr. 25, 6:40 pm - vs Sharks A, Ikaika League (JV), McCully gym
Thursday, Apr. 30, 6:55 pm - vs Lanakila, Ikaika League (Inter), Lanakila gym
Sunday, May 3, 11:30 am - vs Mililani Storm, Ikaika League (JV), Aiea gym
Thursday, May 7, 6:55 pm - vs Hustle, Ikaika League (Inter), Lanakila gym
Saturday, May 9, 5:50 pm - vs TBD*, Ikaika League (JV), McCully gym
Sunday, May 10, times TBD - Ikaika League JV, Intermediate playoffs, Aiea gym
Thursday, May 14, times TBD - Ikaika League (Inter) playoffs, Lanakila gym
Saturday, May 16, times TBD - Ikaika League (JV) playoffs, McCully gym
Sunday, May 17, times TBD - Ikaika League JV, Inter playoffs, Aiea gym
Thursday, May 21, times TBD - Ikaika League (Inter) playoffs, Lanakila gym
Friday, May 22, 6:00 pm - Ikaika League (JV) playoffs, Moanalua gym
Saturday, May 23, times TBD - Ikaika League (JV) playoffs, McCully gym
Sunday, May 24, times TBD - Ikaika League JV, Inter playoffs, Aiea gym
Thursday, May 28, times TBD - Ikaika League (Inter) playoffs, Lanakila gym
Saturday, May 30, times TBD - Ikaika League (JV) playoffs, McCully gym
Monday funday
Six Thunder strong today, including Jance with his still-sore ankle. We got some basic work in with transition drills, and then 100-point drills working on specific plays in transition mode. Once the wind died down, we got 20 minutes of shooting drills in. The guys who could stay after practice got an extra 25 minutes of shooting in. Mahalo to Bino Bong and Jason Apuya for stepping in and keeping the Shooting Challenge drill going. Our dads are some of the best shooters on any court!
Lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Jance, Walter, Jonah, Sierra, Trinity. GOOD WORK, THUNDER!
Next:
Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Optional shooting drills with Coach Bino. Pau 6:30 pm.
Wednesday, 6:45 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U).
Thursday - No practice.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30.
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter) (corrects site).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Jance, Walter, Jonah, Sierra, Trinity. GOOD WORK, THUNDER!
Next:
Tuesday, 5:00 pm - Optional shooting drills with Coach Bino. Pau 6:30 pm.
Wednesday, 6:45 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U).
Thursday - No practice.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30.
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter) (corrects site).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
One man down, everybody step up
Kali'a is out for awhile after injuring an ankle on Sunday. Who is going to step up for our H1 Thunder 15U? Every man step up.
This Week: Mar. 9-15
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30.
Tuesday - No practice.
Wednesday, 6:45 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U).
Thursday - No practice.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30.
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter) (corrects site).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Tuesday - No practice.
Wednesday, 6:45 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U).
Thursday - No practice.
Friday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau 6:30.
Saturday, 12:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter) (corrects site).
Saturday, 2:15 pm - Stretching/warmups at Palolo gym outside court. 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U).
Sunday, 12:50 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Video: Thunder-Windward (15U)
HIGHLIGHTS
FULL GAME FOOTAGE
Video: Brandon Higashionna.
Highlights. Positive Attitude Always (PAA) League, 15-Under Division. Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015. Lanakila District Park gym.
Score: Thunder 43, Windward 28.
FULL GAME FOOTAGE
Video: Brandon Higashionna.
Highlights. Positive Attitude Always (PAA) League, 15-Under Division. Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015. Lanakila District Park gym.
Score: Thunder 43, Windward 28.
Video: Thunder-Court Kings (13U)
HIGHLIGHTS
FULL GAME FOOTAGE
Video: Bino Mercado.
Highlights. Positive Attitude Always (PAA) League, 13-Under Division, quarterfinals. Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015. McCully District Park gym.
Score: Kings 38, Thunder 35, 2 OT.
FULL GAME FOOTAGE
Video: Bino Mercado.
Highlights. Positive Attitude Always (PAA) League, 13-Under Division, quarterfinals. Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015. McCully District Park gym.
Score: Kings 38, Thunder 35, 2 OT.
Spring 15U/JV/Intermediate fees
## Player league fees for PAA 15U, Ikaika JV/Intermediate ##
Reminder: Parents, please chip in $25 if your Thunder keiki is playing in PAA 15U League (team entry fee is $525). For Ikaika League (JV, Intermediate), please chip in $30 per division. Ikaika League is expecting to charge $550, but that could change depending on how everything ends up with the schedule, according to the league director. I've already paid the deposit for that league.
If no can pay, no worries. If can, can.
Mahalo!
Reminder: Parents, please chip in $25 if your Thunder keiki is playing in PAA 15U League (team entry fee is $525). For Ikaika League (JV, Intermediate), please chip in $30 per division. Ikaika League is expecting to charge $550, but that could change depending on how everything ends up with the schedule, according to the league director. I've already paid the deposit for that league.
If no can pay, no worries. If can, can.
Mahalo!
ALERT: Today's game postponed 3/8
The game scheduled for today (Sunday, Mar. 8), 3:30 pm, has been postponed. I misread the schedule sent by CAL League (Intermediate) and we were supposed to play at noon today against Homegrown. MY APOLOGIES.
League director Greydon Espinda called and we figured out what my mistake was. Greydon will reschedule this game at a later date.
Sorry everybody. I was looking forward to a game, too. Relax and enjoy the rest of your Sunday. And get more sponsors for your FT Challenge.
If anyone wants to get shooting reps in, I'll meet you at Makiki Park. Let me know when.
League director Greydon Espinda called and we figured out what my mistake was. Greydon will reschedule this game at a later date.
Sorry everybody. I was looking forward to a game, too. Relax and enjoy the rest of your Sunday. And get more sponsors for your FT Challenge.
If anyone wants to get shooting reps in, I'll meet you at Makiki Park. Let me know when.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Congrats, Thunder Pups
Proud of our 13U 'Pup Squad', which didn't exist as a unit until two months ago. A mix of our younger veterans with totally new Thunder. We were 4-3 in the regular season of PAA League (13U), which was fifth out of 11 teams Today, we lost in double OT to a tough, very tall Court Kings squad that earned a 38-35 win. Even though we were by far the smallest team in the league, our Pups are so close to being a good team. Good work, puppies!
H1 Thunder 43, Windward 28 (15U)
PAA League, 15U Division, Lanakila gym
Great, balanced effort and execution tonight. Having experience and leadership from our veterans like Kyle and Kali‘a makes a big difference. Windward was a tall, athletic team, but we did nice work against their man defense, and we contained them on the other end most of the night.
Chase was outstanding applying defense on their shooters, and Gabriel was solid in that role, too, off the bench. We got smart play from our reserves like Ryan, Felcris, Javan plus Gabriel.
Kyle was really impossible for them to guard tonight, absolute control of the ball, changing speeds and directions, using the high pick as a decoy sometimes. Kali‘a was on fire from near and far. He and Chase and Kyle really did a solid job on the boards. Both of them, and Chase, have grown about 2-3 inches since last summer and it helps us a lot, being a team without a giant at center.
We also got solid minutes, especially on defense, from Josh D. and Colin. When they're on court together, it forces teams to really hesitate about their passing lanes. Nice team win tonight, Thunder!
Lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Trinity, Jayden, Josh R, Javan, Felcris Ahadain, Ryan, Gabriel Porras, Kyle Moraga, Kali'a Mielke, Chase Santos, Josh M DE Jesus, Colin Micah Ramos.
Mahalo to Brandon Higashionna for kindly shooting game video again. And mahalo to Joel Gormley for helping me out by shooting the second half of the Senior Classic game over at Moanalua when I had to leave. Thank you, parents, for being their for your Thunder keiki and a late-night game. Much appreciated :)
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!
Great, balanced effort and execution tonight. Having experience and leadership from our veterans like Kyle and Kali‘a makes a big difference. Windward was a tall, athletic team, but we did nice work against their man defense, and we contained them on the other end most of the night.
Chase was outstanding applying defense on their shooters, and Gabriel was solid in that role, too, off the bench. We got smart play from our reserves like Ryan, Felcris, Javan plus Gabriel.
Kyle was really impossible for them to guard tonight, absolute control of the ball, changing speeds and directions, using the high pick as a decoy sometimes. Kali‘a was on fire from near and far. He and Chase and Kyle really did a solid job on the boards. Both of them, and Chase, have grown about 2-3 inches since last summer and it helps us a lot, being a team without a giant at center.
We also got solid minutes, especially on defense, from Josh D. and Colin. When they're on court together, it forces teams to really hesitate about their passing lanes. Nice team win tonight, Thunder!
Lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Trinity, Jayden, Josh R, Javan, Felcris Ahadain, Ryan, Gabriel Porras, Kyle Moraga, Kali'a Mielke, Chase Santos, Josh M DE Jesus, Colin Micah Ramos.
Mahalo to Brandon Higashionna for kindly shooting game video again. And mahalo to Joel Gormley for helping me out by shooting the second half of the Senior Classic game over at Moanalua when I had to leave. Thank you, parents, for being their for your Thunder keiki and a late-night game. Much appreciated :)
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!
Court Kings 38, Thunder Pups 35, 2 OT
PAA League, 13U Division quarterfinals, McCully gym
We were down 12, a lot of little mistakes. Then we started working the ball halfcourt pressure, got steals off our press, drove strong to the basket, then Micah hit a clutch 3 from the right corner to tie the game in the final seconds.
The score was tied when we committed an unnecessary foul with :07 left, but they missed a 1-and-1 and we had a chance to win. We didn't get a shot off, traveling with :01 left. Josh R stole the Kings' inbounds "roll" but time ran out.
We were down 2 in the first OT with time running out when Micah missed a 3, but Jonah's follow shot tied it and forced a second OT. (First OT, team that leads at the end of 1 minute wins, or the team that scores 3 points.)
Second OT is sudden-death, first to score wins. Micah made a nice defensive stop to force one of the Kings to travel. Then we turned the ball one final time against their wing trap, they got the ball upcourt and nobody was on the left wing to stop their 3-point shooter. He hit the shot and we lost 38-35.
We got solid play from Jonah, attacking from the high post and battling the 6-2 and 6-footers underneath. Ryan hit the boards and was tough driving and dishing. Micah played on a sore ankle and hit some key shots. Josh R played tough defense
This was a great effort, and in the final 5 minutes and two OTs, we played some great basketball. A lot of HEART. Unfortunately, before and after that stretch of solid basketball as a team, we didn't use our smarts often enough. We'll build on what we did well and keep working to eliminate bad habits. This Thunder Pups 13U winter season is pau and we were 4-4 overall.
Moving forward, there's Ikaika League (JV, Intermediate), which starts on Mar. 15. There's PAA 15U, which started this week. NJB All-Net 13U and/or 15U could be a possibility if parents are willing to chip in. Not my favorite league as you guys know, but it's an option. I'm fine if we don't do that league. For another 13U team, we'd need to reload the roster. The only current 13U who would be eligible (Sept. 1 cutoff) would be Ryan, Jayden and Chaz. Maybe Devin (new guy who came to practice last week).
Maryknoll JV League (haven't heard yet, but we won it last summer) and Kalani Varsity League both start in early June.
Lineup: Trinity, Jhevin, Chaz, Micah, Ryan, Jayden, Jonah, Josh R.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
We were down 12, a lot of little mistakes. Then we started working the ball halfcourt pressure, got steals off our press, drove strong to the basket, then Micah hit a clutch 3 from the right corner to tie the game in the final seconds.
The score was tied when we committed an unnecessary foul with :07 left, but they missed a 1-and-1 and we had a chance to win. We didn't get a shot off, traveling with :01 left. Josh R stole the Kings' inbounds "roll" but time ran out.
We were down 2 in the first OT with time running out when Micah missed a 3, but Jonah's follow shot tied it and forced a second OT. (First OT, team that leads at the end of 1 minute wins, or the team that scores 3 points.)
Second OT is sudden-death, first to score wins. Micah made a nice defensive stop to force one of the Kings to travel. Then we turned the ball one final time against their wing trap, they got the ball upcourt and nobody was on the left wing to stop their 3-point shooter. He hit the shot and we lost 38-35.
We got solid play from Jonah, attacking from the high post and battling the 6-2 and 6-footers underneath. Ryan hit the boards and was tough driving and dishing. Micah played on a sore ankle and hit some key shots. Josh R played tough defense
This was a great effort, and in the final 5 minutes and two OTs, we played some great basketball. A lot of HEART. Unfortunately, before and after that stretch of solid basketball as a team, we didn't use our smarts often enough. We'll build on what we did well and keep working to eliminate bad habits. This Thunder Pups 13U winter season is pau and we were 4-4 overall.
Moving forward, there's Ikaika League (JV, Intermediate), which starts on Mar. 15. There's PAA 15U, which started this week. NJB All-Net 13U and/or 15U could be a possibility if parents are willing to chip in. Not my favorite league as you guys know, but it's an option. I'm fine if we don't do that league. For another 13U team, we'd need to reload the roster. The only current 13U who would be eligible (Sept. 1 cutoff) would be Ryan, Jayden and Chaz. Maybe Devin (new guy who came to practice last week).
Maryknoll JV League (haven't heard yet, but we won it last summer) and Kalani Varsity League both start in early June.
Lineup: Trinity, Jhevin, Chaz, Micah, Ryan, Jayden, Jonah, Josh R.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Saturday pickup route
Saturday
8:45 am - Micah? Chaz?
9:30 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court.
10:30 am - H1 Thunder 'Pup Squad' vs Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs)
6:20 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain.
6:30 pm - Mosi Afe, Chris Afe?
7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court.
8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
9:30 am - Stretching/warmups at McCully gym outside court.
10:30 am - H1 Thunder 'Pup Squad' vs Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs)
6:20 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain.
6:30 pm - Mosi Afe, Chris Afe?
7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court.
8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday
1:30 pm - Felcris, Josh D, Micah? Chaz? Chris?
2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court.
3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
1:30 pm - Felcris, Josh D, Micah? Chaz? Chris?
2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court.
3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
Video: H1 Thunder vs OTB (15U)
HIGHLIGHTS
FULL GAME FOOTAGE
Video: Brandon Higashionna.
Full game footage. Positive Attitude Always (PAA) League, 15U Division. Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2015. Kilauea District Park gym.
FULL GAME FOOTAGE
Video: Brandon Higashionna.
Full game footage. Positive Attitude Always (PAA) League, 15U Division. Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2015. Kilauea District Park gym.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Thursday funday
9 Thunder strong. Got some basic work done. Pruning off bad habits takes time, Repetition. Patience. Focus. It was breezy all though practice, but sun was out and we got to do our work. Thankful for that.
Lineup: Walter, Jhevin, Felcris Ahadain, Josh M DE Jesus, Trinity, Chase Santos, Skyler, Josh R, Ryan.
Next:
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
Lineup: Walter, Jhevin, Felcris Ahadain, Josh M DE Jesus, Trinity, Chase Santos, Skyler, Josh R, Ryan.
Next:
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Thursday pickup route
4:00 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain, Chaz? Micah? (Micah injured)
4:15 pm - Tanielu Mosi Afe? Chris Afe injured
5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!
4:15 pm - Tanielu Mosi Afe? Chris Afe injured
5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!
H1 Thunder 42, OTB 32 (15U)
PAA League, 15U Division, Kilauea gym
We were down 26-14 with 10 minutes left. Then our fullcourt pressure took control. Chase, Kali‘a, Colin, Josh D and Tanielu did a great job of settting good traps, deflecting passes and converting turnovers by OTB into points. Within 3 minutes, we were ahead. After we scored again, it was a 15-0 run.
During the big run, we had ZERO turnovers. Beautiful. After Kali‘a hit a 3 on a feed from Josh D, we went on another run.
Our guards, especially Sierra, did a smart job of containing OTB's best 3-point shooter in the second half. We got solid defense and overall play from everyone tonight. Good team win, Thunder! Another very tall team, you did the job.
Lineup: Trinity, Josh R, Sierra Sisi, Javan, Felcris Ahadain, Josh M DE Jesus, Tanielu Mosi Afe, Ryan, Chase Santos, Kali'a Mielke, Gabriel Porras.
Injuries: Felcris (wrist) played a few minutes and that was it. It's been just 3 days since he jammed his wrist at practice, so he got a little game action and that was enough. Chris (shoulder), Micah (ankle), Jance (ankle) are also healing up.
Kyle Moraga made it to the game, but didn't play. In the traffic and hustle, his uniform was left home while he waited at school for a ride. There's always next time.
MAHALO to Brandon Higashionna for shooting the game video.
Between the rain, traffic and tracking down one of our guys before the game, didn't get to the gym until less than 1 minute before the tip-off. My apologies.
Next:
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
We were down 26-14 with 10 minutes left. Then our fullcourt pressure took control. Chase, Kali‘a, Colin, Josh D and Tanielu did a great job of settting good traps, deflecting passes and converting turnovers by OTB into points. Within 3 minutes, we were ahead. After we scored again, it was a 15-0 run.
During the big run, we had ZERO turnovers. Beautiful. After Kali‘a hit a 3 on a feed from Josh D, we went on another run.
Our guards, especially Sierra, did a smart job of containing OTB's best 3-point shooter in the second half. We got solid defense and overall play from everyone tonight. Good team win, Thunder! Another very tall team, you did the job.
Lineup: Trinity, Josh R, Sierra Sisi, Javan, Felcris Ahadain, Josh M DE Jesus, Tanielu Mosi Afe, Ryan, Chase Santos, Kali'a Mielke, Gabriel Porras.
Injuries: Felcris (wrist) played a few minutes and that was it. It's been just 3 days since he jammed his wrist at practice, so he got a little game action and that was enough. Chris (shoulder), Micah (ankle), Jance (ankle) are also healing up.
Kyle Moraga made it to the game, but didn't play. In the traffic and hustle, his uniform was left home while he waited at school for a ride. There's always next time.
MAHALO to Brandon Higashionna for shooting the game video.
Between the rain, traffic and tracking down one of our guys before the game, didn't get to the gym until less than 1 minute before the tip-off. My apologies.
Next:
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Wednesday pickup route
5:00 pm - Josh M DE Jesus, Micah?
5:05 pm - Felcris Ahadain.
5:15 pm - Tanielu Mosi Afe.
6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court.
7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!
5:05 pm - Felcris Ahadain.
5:15 pm - Tanielu Mosi Afe.
6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court.
7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!
Tuesday funday
Small group, but great teamwork and solid reps on a mostly windy day at Makiki Park. Ballhandling, defensive footwork, offensive sets/execution. Good to have Tani back. He's gotten stronger (175 lbs now) and more consistent on his outside shot, still quick as heck laterally on defense, still smart w/ high basketball IQ as always.
Hoping that our older guys continue to work together as often as possible, enough to have 5-on-5 practices with our 14/15s at weekday practices.
Lineup: Sierra, Trinity, Walter, Tanielu Mosi Afe.
BIG MAHALO to Eric Murobayashi and Sierra for helping out and giving Tani a ride home because I had to go straight to work. Lub you guys!
Wednesday, 6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U).
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAAAME!!
Hoping that our older guys continue to work together as often as possible, enough to have 5-on-5 practices with our 14/15s at weekday practices.
Lineup: Sierra, Trinity, Walter, Tanielu Mosi Afe.
BIG MAHALO to Eric Murobayashi and Sierra for helping out and giving Tani a ride home because I had to go straight to work. Lub you guys!
Wednesday, 6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U).
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAAAME!!
Plus or Minus, trust the Lord
If what I believe could be true, it would be sad that one (or two) of our guys are going to waste 2 years of hard work and brotherhood in H1 Thunder ... just because one (or both) of them have a crush on a girl who plays for another team. If that's not true, then one (or both) are just being greedy by wanting to play for another team AGAINST their Thunder brothers in our next league.
That's just greedy, cutting out of our team practices to play for a team that has always tried to steal our players, and then their coaches smile to our faces like nothing happened. Lanakila. For the guys today and those in the past who tried to two-time us or just disappeared, the cut was clean. They never got their new uniforms or were allowed back into our family no matter how often they asked. Or we just cancelled their uniform order, which it looks like I'll have to do soon.
We've been blessed since our team started in 2010. And our parents and supporters and players and coaches have been so devoted to blessing ALL our kids, not just a few. If they don't have the money, we pitch in for their uniforms, league fees ($50-60 per player, per league), tournament fees, plane tickets ($800-1,000), hotel costs, van rentals, FOOD... all the miles we drove to bring them to games and practices.
So it's heartbreaking when that love and aloha is not returned. But we will grow stronger, as we always have when certain kids leave, and grow closer together.
God is good and always will be. Thank the Lord for all blessings, pray for our guys (and gals) and families in need. Pray for our Thunder who are injured (Jance, Micah, Chris). Keep moving forward together. Sometimes the Lord adds to our lives by subtracting for our own good. It just stings and hurts for awhile because ALL of our Thunder keiki are like nephews and nieces to me. Our team started because my nephew and his teammates became friends and wanted to keep playing together after being drafted together in KAC League (2010). So that spirit and feeling that all our kids are family is still with me, long after my nephew went on his own (now in (college).
It's hard to trust and let go, but at this point, it's the only way. God is good.
That's just greedy, cutting out of our team practices to play for a team that has always tried to steal our players, and then their coaches smile to our faces like nothing happened. Lanakila. For the guys today and those in the past who tried to two-time us or just disappeared, the cut was clean. They never got their new uniforms or were allowed back into our family no matter how often they asked. Or we just cancelled their uniform order, which it looks like I'll have to do soon.
We've been blessed since our team started in 2010. And our parents and supporters and players and coaches have been so devoted to blessing ALL our kids, not just a few. If they don't have the money, we pitch in for their uniforms, league fees ($50-60 per player, per league), tournament fees, plane tickets ($800-1,000), hotel costs, van rentals, FOOD... all the miles we drove to bring them to games and practices.
So it's heartbreaking when that love and aloha is not returned. But we will grow stronger, as we always have when certain kids leave, and grow closer together.
God is good and always will be. Thank the Lord for all blessings, pray for our guys (and gals) and families in need. Pray for our Thunder who are injured (Jance, Micah, Chris). Keep moving forward together. Sometimes the Lord adds to our lives by subtracting for our own good. It just stings and hurts for awhile because ALL of our Thunder keiki are like nephews and nieces to me. Our team started because my nephew and his teammates became friends and wanted to keep playing together after being drafted together in KAC League (2010). So that spirit and feeling that all our kids are family is still with me, long after my nephew went on his own (now in (college).
It's hard to trust and let go, but at this point, it's the only way. God is good.
Tuesday pickup route
2:15 pm - Tanielu Mosi Afe
3:00 pm - Micah? Chaz? Felcris Ahadain?
4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
3:00 pm - Micah? Chaz? Felcris Ahadain?
4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park.
Note: I have to cover volleyball at Maryknoll after practice. If one of our dads can help take Tani and anybody else home, that would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, Tani and anybody else will be stuck with me until volleyball is pau around 8 pm.
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Monday funday
6 Thunder strong today at breezy Makiki Park. We got a lot of ballhandling work in. Some defensive footwork. Fastbreak drills. A lot of 3-on-3 defensive work and scrimmaging. The wind finally backed off by 6:00 pm, so we got a lot of shooting in, too. I would've liked more shooting, but we'll take what we can get.
Was hoping to see more of the 15U guys there. We play two games this week and the entire PAA 15U schedule will be over by the end of February,so we need to get that chemistry going again.
Today's lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Walter, Sierra, Trinity, Jonah, Josh R.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!!
Next:
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park (shooting drills). Pau: 5:30 pm. (I have to work right after that.)
Wednesday, 6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U).
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
Was hoping to see more of the 15U guys there. We play two games this week and the entire PAA 15U schedule will be over by the end of February,so we need to get that chemistry going again.
Today's lineup: Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Walter, Sierra, Trinity, Jonah, Josh R.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAME!!!
Next:
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park (shooting drills). Pau: 5:30 pm. (I have to work right after that.)
Wednesday, 6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U).
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
This Week (Mar. 3-9)
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park (shooting drills). Pau: 5:30 pm. (I have to work right after that.)
Wednesday, 6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U).
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
Tuesday, 4:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park (shooting drills). Pau: 5:30 pm. (I have to work right after that.)
Wednesday, 6:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Kilauea gym outside court. 7:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. OTB (PAA 15U).
Thursday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30.
Friday - No practice.
Saturday, 9:30 am - Stretching/warmups, McCully gym outside court. 10:30 am - H1 Thunder vs. Court Kings (PAA 13U playoffs).
Saturday, 7:00 pm - Stretching/warmups, Lanakila gym outside court. 8:00 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Windward (PAA 15U).
Sunday, 2:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kilauea gym outside court. 3:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Kiawe Heat (CAL Inter).
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Game schedule update 3/1
PAA League shifted a lot of game times, still on the same dates. Note the asterisks. Also note that Ikaika League (Intermediate, JV) will begin on Mar. 21.
Wednesday, Mar. 4, 7:00 pm* - vs OTB, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Mar. 7, 10:30 am* - vs. Court Kings, PAA League (13U playoffs), McCully gym
Saturday, Mar. 7, 8:00 pm - vs Windward, PAA League (15U), Lanakila gym
Sunday, Mar. 8, 3:30 pm - vs. Kiawe Heat, CAL League (Inter), Kilauea gym
Wednesday, Mar 11, 7:45 pm - vs Tar Heels, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Mar. 14, 10:30 am - vs. Sharks-Grey (if we win 3/7 playoff), PAA League (13U playoffs), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Mar. 14, 1:00 pm - vs Pearl City All-Stars, CAL League (Inter), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Mar. 14, 3:15 pm* - vs Kahuku, PAA League (15U), Palolo gym
Sunday, Mar. 15, 1:50 pm - vs Raiders, CAL League (Inter), Kilauea gym
Wednesday, Mar. 18, 6:00 pm* - vs Cats, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym
Thursday, Mar. 19, 6:15 pm - vs Sharks 2, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Mar. 21, 1:45 pm - vs Court Kings, PAA League (15U), Kilauea gym
Saturday, Mar. 28 - 13U championship, PAA League, Palolo gym
Saturday, Mar. 28 - Quarterfinals, semifinals, finals, PAA League (15U), McCully and Palolo gyms
* Asterisks note time changes as of PAA e-mail 3/1/15.
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