Le Jardin JV League
Our first loss after five wins in this league. Overtime was a sudden-death format, first to score 3 points wins. We got fouled on the OT opening tip. Tenchi missed the front of a 1-and-1. Raiders called time out and we had them a bit baffled with our Sonic matchup zone late in the game. But one of their wings shot an NBA 3-pointer from the right side, all net, to win it. Great shot, could've been much tighter defense, but that's how it goes.
That's also not why we lost. Our first 5 minutes were really messy. No offensive execution, settling for shots the Raiders pushed us into with basic double-team traps at halfcourt. We turned the ball over four times in those first 5 minutes and fell behind eventually by 8 points.
Our guys showed a lot of heart and poise in the final 10 minutes, rallying to take a 36-35 lead on a layup by Tenchi with about 2 minutes left. It was 36-all when we got the ball back with 1.5 seconds left. Radyn's long throw downcourt to Tenchi was almost perfect, but Tenchi caught the ball at a bad angle (almost under the backboard) and missed a layup try at the buzzer to end regulation.
Congrats to Coach Rudy and his Raiders. Always great battles with them, usually really close.
But we couldn't make up for all the early, panicky mistakes. All we needed to do was pass and cut, give and go, and we did that (finally) later in the game. Missed free throws early. Missed free throws late. That's something that can be improved with reps, as in 100 FTs every day. Easy 'nuff.
The guys who play nonstop year-round get it. The guys who stop for whatever reason, or limit themselves to only one league or age-group division don't get this kind of real game defensive pressure quite enough. They're the ones who develop more slowly, unfortunately. Whether it's 13U, JV, Intermediate or Varsity, going up against good teams and programs at any age level is a GREAT way to prepare for the next level because made no mistake - Hawaii Raiders, Punahou, Sharks, Aliis, Kamehameha, etc., all play solid basketball whether it's Varsity, JV or Intermediate. It's impossible to replicate the pressure at practice or in a scrimmage.
The guys who keep playing against ALL competition from February to November benefit most.
Poise comes from consistently being in crucial situations whether it's a close lead or trailing by a close margin. Real improvement doesn't come from playing intermittently, taking 4 weeks off, doing drills without facing real-game competition, etc. Our younger Thunder, especially, grow stronger and smarter by facing competition of all age levels.
So yes, it's a loss, but again, it's a great experience each time out, win or lose. My hope and mission as a coach is to find ways to encourage all our players to participate in every opportunity and GROW stronger, tougher and better by being in every one of these battles — with as few limitations as possible.
This is our first loss after 11 wins in a row at Kalani Varsity League, Le Jardin JV League and CAL 13U Gold, so we're not perfect. We're good, though. Very good, and we are hungrier than ever. Keep getting better, Thunder!
Lineup: Jonah, Josh D, Felcris, Chase, Radyn, Tenchi, Kali'a.
This is our first loss in Le Jardin League after five wins. We've got a few more regular-season games to really improve before the playoffs start. We have a group of good young men who have personal pride and a great sense of team unity. I like our chances on bouncing back, running the table and winning this championship.
Next: Tuesday, 3:30 pm - Stretching/warmups at Kalani HS gym. 4:30 pm - H1 Thunder vs. Hawaii Baptist (Kalani Varsity League).
WE LUB THIS GAAAME!!
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