Sunday grind day

We were 12 strong today at Makiki Park, 13 if you count Micah (injured ankle). We got to business right away. Defense. Rebounding. Defense. Rebounding. 

Thank God we had some of our older guys there for their mandatory practice. Jared. Kali‘a. Gabriel made it. Keanu.

It's a lot more effective to see our older players show how to play defense and rebound, to battle and never stop battling. Intensity. And that's how we spent our first hour. We did some 3-man weave fullcourt, but everything in the first hour+ was about team defense and the grind.

I was impressed by everyone's effort. We still have a lot of work to do, but it's a start. Middle school and high school season is finally pau, so we have a real chance to work together during the week and build on our strengths, eliminate bad habits. We'll get there with the right heart and the right commitment.

Injuries: Jared got a bloody nose during our 4-on-4 man defense drill after taking an elbow to the face. He took it well, like a boxer. His grandpa would've been proud. No broken nose, just blood dripping off his face for a few minutes. He got back in after I had him sit for awhile.

Felcris got tripped from behind while dribbling on a fastbreak, lost control and hit his knee on the ground, and he jammed his left wrist pretty good. Couldn't make a fist. Hopefully, it's better in the morning. We iced it down later, but if it's still the same later, he'll have to go to the doctor. Ryan just came back a few weeks ago with a similar injury (probably worse, actually). It's bad timing, Felcris getting hurt in his first practice back since school season ended.

It was a long one today. Mahalo to the parents to let their Thunder players work out as long as we did (2-plus hours).

Lineup: Sierra, Kali'a Mielke, Gabriel Porras, Jared Elwin, Colin Micah Ramos, Jayden, Ryan, Josh R, Josh M DE Jesus, Felcris Ahadain, Sponger Jhevin Mercado, Keanu Ksb Pratt.

Next:
Monday, 5:00 pm - Practice at Makiki Park. Pau: 6:30 pm.
WE LOVE THIS GAAAAME!!