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!!
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