Had a flashback tonight to something Tani Mosi Afe said recemtly that caught me way off guard. We were driving and he said, "I'm gonna be sad when we don't have Thunder next year."
I said "What?"
So Tani thought that we aren't going to have a 17U team in the future because we don't have one right mow. But that is a totally different deal. We've had this gap between our younger and older (now graduated) groups all along. When our Class of 2014 and '15 guys were seniors and juniors, that's when our 12U/13U began with Tani, Chris, Kyle (then Jared, Kali'a, Felcris,Josh D, and later Kapaa, and also shortly after our first 12U/13U formed, we got Micah, Ryan and that group of guys who were 6th graders, then Colinand Jayden, then Jonah and the newer Thunder). There's always been that gap in between the c/o '13, '14 and '15 guys and our current sophomores/freshmen/8th graders (c/o '17, '18 and '18) where we had no team.
We have such uniquely talented, unselfish and unified kids in 15U, 14U, 13U... I don't know what happens once these core Thunder move up and later graduate. We may or may not have 11U and 13U in 1 or 2 or 3 years from now.
For now I just hope all our Thunder stay together. We have something special. Enjoy the ride :)
Showing posts with label 12U. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 12U. Show all posts
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Starting Early
So D.J. came to his first Thunder practice yesterday. He looks pretty much like Tani probably did when he was 7. Athletic. Competitive. Always wanting to jump in with the older guys. But you hear D.J.'s voice and you remember, he's only in 2nd grade.
He did some drills with our guys (12, 13, 14, 15, 16 years old) and did pretty good. Tani showed him the ropes, too, running alongside him on our 3-man weave drill. D.J. has a lot of potential.
After practice, on the way home, he asked, "Is there gonna be a team?"
This is not an easy solution, of course. We had a 17U and 15U going on when 12-year-old Kyle Moraga showed up at Makiki Park with his dad, Roy, one afternoon about 3 years ago. I hadn't seen Kyle since two years before that when his brothers Karl and Kerl were on our first team at KAC.
But Kyle and Roy kept coming to all the practices, and one by one, we suddenly started getting more kids who were 12 or 11. Micah came to practice since his brother Isaiah was already one of our veterans. He brought Ryan, his friend from school and Manoa League. We had some girls on the team who were very good, like Kodee, McKenzie, Jenna. But when the girls didn't show up for a tournament, we were down to just 4 players and had to get on the freeway to the game.
That's when we saw Chris shooting baskets on the other court at Makiki Park. One of the kids told me he doesn't play for anybody. I thought that was weird that a high school kid with that height and skill wasn't playing. Then they told me he goes to Kaahumanu. Elementary. He was around 5-foot-10, almost my height, and entering 6th grade that fall.
I asked Chris is if he wanted to play with us and he said, 'Yeah, but I gotta ask my mom." So he asked his mom and she said OK. Then he said, "Can my brother Tani play? He's like Kobe."
That sounded preposterous. Then Tani Mosi showed up at the park. Not as tall, a little older, but still only 12. (Chris was 11.) Tani had to ask mom, too. Just before we got into the car and left, Tani said he could play the next day. For now, he had to babysit. That was little DJ he was babysitting at the park, so they stayed and shot baskets. I guess DJ was 3 or 4 then.
So yes... it's good to start young, the younger, the better. But some things cannot be taught. Liking to practice and loving to practice are very different things sometimes. It looks to me like DJ loves to practice, anything to do with basketball (and football, especially). He can shoot it a long ways, but he's going to need practice like any other young baller to become great. I can see it.
So, hopefully, he keeps wanting to practice and who knows? Maybe some other young players will show up at Thunder practice. Before long, we might have an 8U or 9U team. (Colin and Jayden's sister Lorelai is 9 and she's got skills.) Or 7U. I have no real idea which leagues have age divisions that young, but I'm going to check around a little bit.
We've never had a team that young, but we never had a 12U and 13U team at one point, and that addition has meant the world to our H1 Thunder family. HOPE IS ALIVE haha...
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Lela Afe-passion Ray-Marlyn Ramos
He did some drills with our guys (12, 13, 14, 15, 16 years old) and did pretty good. Tani showed him the ropes, too, running alongside him on our 3-man weave drill. D.J. has a lot of potential.
After practice, on the way home, he asked, "Is there gonna be a team?"
This is not an easy solution, of course. We had a 17U and 15U going on when 12-year-old Kyle Moraga showed up at Makiki Park with his dad, Roy, one afternoon about 3 years ago. I hadn't seen Kyle since two years before that when his brothers Karl and Kerl were on our first team at KAC.
But Kyle and Roy kept coming to all the practices, and one by one, we suddenly started getting more kids who were 12 or 11. Micah came to practice since his brother Isaiah was already one of our veterans. He brought Ryan, his friend from school and Manoa League. We had some girls on the team who were very good, like Kodee, McKenzie, Jenna. But when the girls didn't show up for a tournament, we were down to just 4 players and had to get on the freeway to the game.
That's when we saw Chris shooting baskets on the other court at Makiki Park. One of the kids told me he doesn't play for anybody. I thought that was weird that a high school kid with that height and skill wasn't playing. Then they told me he goes to Kaahumanu. Elementary. He was around 5-foot-10, almost my height, and entering 6th grade that fall.
I asked Chris is if he wanted to play with us and he said, 'Yeah, but I gotta ask my mom." So he asked his mom and she said OK. Then he said, "Can my brother Tani play? He's like Kobe."
That sounded preposterous. Then Tani Mosi showed up at the park. Not as tall, a little older, but still only 12. (Chris was 11.) Tani had to ask mom, too. Just before we got into the car and left, Tani said he could play the next day. For now, he had to babysit. That was little DJ he was babysitting at the park, so they stayed and shot baskets. I guess DJ was 3 or 4 then.
So yes... it's good to start young, the younger, the better. But some things cannot be taught. Liking to practice and loving to practice are very different things sometimes. It looks to me like DJ loves to practice, anything to do with basketball (and football, especially). He can shoot it a long ways, but he's going to need practice like any other young baller to become great. I can see it.
So, hopefully, he keeps wanting to practice and who knows? Maybe some other young players will show up at Thunder practice. Before long, we might have an 8U or 9U team. (Colin and Jayden's sister Lorelai is 9 and she's got skills.) Or 7U. I have no real idea which leagues have age divisions that young, but I'm going to check around a little bit.
We've never had a team that young, but we never had a 12U and 13U team at one point, and that addition has meant the world to our H1 Thunder family. HOPE IS ALIVE haha...
WE LOVE THIS GAME!!
Lela Afe-passion Ray-Marlyn Ramos
Friday, January 2, 2015
Throwback 2013: Aiea 12U champs
Throwback 2013: Aiea 12U winter league Champs!
This was a fun team to watch. They grew together, played well together. Nice mix of guys again that played great defense and shared the ball. We beat Imua 26-22 in the final.
This was a fun team to watch. They grew together, played well together. Nice mix of guys again that played great defense and shared the ball. We beat Imua 26-22 in the final.
Monday, June 30, 2014
** REQUESTING CONFIRMATION: Kona? **
If we travel to Kona, I need to hear from everybody who is or is not planning on going.
• July 24-25 (dates subject to change), HISOA (Hawaii Island Sports Officials Associaiton) Varsity Basketball Tournament, Kekuaokalani Gym (Kailua-Kona)
• WYBT (World Youth Basketball Tournament), 14U Division, July 26-28, Kekuaokalani Gym (Kailua-Kona). Opening ceremony is July 25 (Friday evening).
1. Each Thunder player is asked to pay for air fare (currently $170 round trip), mini-van rentals ($25).
2. The entry fee for the varsity tournament (HISOA) has been waived for us. Woohoo!
3. The WYBT entry fee is $500, so our 14U players are asked to chip in $50 each to cover this.
4. Food: Players can bring their own funds. Team meals will be economically sound. Hello, Mickey D's.
5. Varsity players may leave after the HISOA tourney rather than stay for the WYBT 14U tourney. Just let me know.
6. 14U players may arrive a day later (July 25) than the varsity players (July 24), but I recommend that everybody fly out on July 24. We don't have a tourney schedule yet and some players may end up sitting and waiting at the Kona airport for awhile unless we have enough drivers (adults).
7. The varsity (HISOA) tourney features Big Island high school teams, though the tourney is seeking more teams from Oahu.
8. The 14U tourney (WYBT) has locked in teams from the Bay Area and L.A., plus teams from Kauai and Hilo.
9. The 14U tourney actually runs until July 30, but we can play all five games by July 28 and leave that night if we prefer. That's what I've budgeted hotel, etc. for: July 24-28.
If everybody can chip in and cover these costs, it will help immensely. Most of the money we've fundraised this year has gone directly to league and tournament fees. Though I still am hoping we can travel to the mainland, a Kona trip is much more economical at this point.
If everybody can chip in and cover these costs, it will help immensely. Most of the money we've fundraised this year has gone directly to league and tournament fees. Though I still am hoping we can travel to the mainland, a Kona trip is much more economical at this point.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Maryknoll JV League schedule
Released today by Maryknoll.
H1 Thunder schedule
Wednesday, June 11
5:00 pm - Thunder vs McKinley
Friday, June 13
5:00 pm - Thunder vs HBA
Saturday, June 14
1:00 pm - Sharks vs Thunder
Wednesday, June 18
6:00 pm - Thunder vs Maryknoll
Friday, June 20
4:00 pm - Thunder vs Kamehameha
5:00 pm - Thunder vs McKinley
Friday, June 13
5:00 pm - Thunder vs HBA
Saturday, June 14
1:00 pm - Sharks vs Thunder
Wednesday, June 18
6:00 pm - Thunder vs Maryknoll
Friday, June 20
4:00 pm - Thunder vs Kamehameha
Saturday, June 21
12:00 pm - Thunder vs St. Francis
Wednesday, June 25
7:00 pm - Thunder vs Mid-Pacific
Friday, June 27
5:00 pm - Thunder vs Punahou
Saturday, June 28
11:00 am - ‘Iolani vs Thunder
Wednesday, July 2
Playoff (one day only)
4:00 pm - 9 vs 10
5:00 pm - 7 vs 8
6:00 pm - 5 vs 6
7:00 pm - 3 vs 4
8:00 pm - 1 vs 2
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Watching them grow together
From late Sunday night (Thunder team page on Facebook).
Editing more game video tonight. Hard to enjoy the games until I'm done with work and can focus on the videos late at night or early in the morning. Seeing that old 12U Thunder team still playing together - Kyle Moraga, Tani Mosi Afe, Sisifo Lauvao - plus ballers like Keanu Pratt, Sierra Murobayashi and our other newer players is so much fun. Two years later, it still makes all the effort worthwhile.
Editing more game video tonight. Hard to enjoy the games until I'm done with work and can focus on the videos late at night or early in the morning. Seeing that old 12U Thunder team still playing together - Kyle Moraga, Tani Mosi Afe, Sisifo Lauvao - plus ballers like Keanu Pratt, Sierra Murobayashi and our other newer players is so much fun. Two years later, it still makes all the effort worthwhile.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
HAPPY NEW YEAR, THUNDER!!!
2013 was an unbelievable, incredibly blessed year for us as a team. Our parents, our teammates, our coaches, our families all pitched in to make it fun, successful and memorable! We travelled off-island for the first time, played in 185 games total (12U to 17U) and grew together as a great unit, brothers (and sisters) in hoops.
I'm looking forward to 2014 and seeing each of our Thunder kids continue to grow closer to becoming fine young men and women. We work together, share good times and tough times together, and keep growing. The basketball fun times will only continue. WE LUB THIS GAME!
I'm looking forward to 2014 and seeing each of our Thunder kids continue to grow closer to becoming fine young men and women. We work together, share good times and tough times together, and keep growing. The basketball fun times will only continue. WE LUB THIS GAME!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Video: Thunder 17U vs Falcons
H1 Thunder vs. Falcons (Kalani), Kalani Varsity Summer League, Tuesday, July 2, 2013, Earl C. Holmer Gymnasium. We were seven strong and played with great composure and leadership. Kalani was deep, tall (taller than us for sure) and quick with a lot of fullcourt man defense. But we had great games from Isaiah Visoria and Haka Johnson, Kyle Moraga (eighth grade) provided a lot of key relief with ballhandling and rebounding, and we got solid offensive and defensive play from Cody Ogoso, Sierra Murobayashi and Micah Visoria. An excellent team win.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 1
Part 2
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Fundraiser Update
• Some of the guys have taken care of their state (photo) IDs. Some have not. I need to see everybody's state photo ID THIS WEEKEND.
You will not be able to board the plane without a state photo ID. School ID's do not count.
• CAR WASH. Another car wash is on for Sunday, July 7. I made the down payment yesterday. Auntie Char will print more tickets this weekend. Pre-sale tickets are crucial. If you don't sell the tickets you were allotted, you must return them. Tickets are money in this situation. All players, 17U, 15U, 13U, 12U are expected to pitch in. Each age division (except 12U) has league and tournament entry-fee costs of $2,000 or more for the 2013 year.
We netted a little more than $1,000 at last week's car wash. That's a good day's pay, but we've got many more car washes to do. It's all about teamwork, which leads to fun, which leads to more teamwork and more fun . . .
• NBA Summer League. I ordered tickets for our entire traveling party. It cost a pretty penny, but it's worth it. The games start at 1:00 pm and end around 10:00 pm. Here are more details.
The matchups on Mon July 15. Cox Pavilion is the smaller gym (4,000) with better seats (I think): 1 PM - New York vs. Charlotte (Game 20)
3 PM - Cleveland vs. New Orleans (Game 21)
5 PM - LA Clippers vs. LA Lakers (Game 23)
7 PM - San Antonio vs. Atlanta (Game 25)
Same day, Mon July 15, games at humongous Thomas & Mack Center (20,000):
3:30 PM - Minnesota vs. Phoenix (Game 22)
5:30 PM - Sacramento vs. Golden State (Game 24)
7:30 PM - Chicago vs. Denver (Game 26)
You will not be able to board the plane without a state photo ID. School ID's do not count.
• CAR WASH. Another car wash is on for Sunday, July 7. I made the down payment yesterday. Auntie Char will print more tickets this weekend. Pre-sale tickets are crucial. If you don't sell the tickets you were allotted, you must return them. Tickets are money in this situation. All players, 17U, 15U, 13U, 12U are expected to pitch in. Each age division (except 12U) has league and tournament entry-fee costs of $2,000 or more for the 2013 year.
We netted a little more than $1,000 at last week's car wash. That's a good day's pay, but we've got many more car washes to do. It's all about teamwork, which leads to fun, which leads to more teamwork and more fun . . .
• NBA Summer League. I ordered tickets for our entire traveling party. It cost a pretty penny, but it's worth it. The games start at 1:00 pm and end around 10:00 pm. Here are more details.
The matchups on Mon July 15. Cox Pavilion is the smaller gym (4,000) with better seats (I think): 1 PM - New York vs. Charlotte (Game 20)
3 PM - Cleveland vs. New Orleans (Game 21)
5 PM - LA Clippers vs. LA Lakers (Game 23)
7 PM - San Antonio vs. Atlanta (Game 25)
Same day, Mon July 15, games at humongous Thomas & Mack Center (20,000):
3:30 PM - Minnesota vs. Phoenix (Game 22)
5:30 PM - Sacramento vs. Golden State (Game 24)
7:30 PM - Chicago vs. Denver (Game 26)
Friday, June 21, 2013
Car Wash update 6/21
Here's the update on Car Wash supplies. Please bring the supplies we need for Sunday and let me know. Whatever's missing, we'll pick up at the store. Better to spend less, naturally.
Note: Please return all unsold presale tickets to me at the Car Wash along with the cash from sold tickets. Mahalo to Auntie Char and Coach Bo for printing them again!
Supplies needed:
3 hoses (minimum 25') - Coach Bo, Coach Roy, Kalai
3 gun-type triggers
Car wash soap - Coach Paul
5-gallon buckets (6) - Eric Murobayashi
Small step stool (for reaching top of vans and trucks) - Eric Murobayashi (1)
Long-handled soft-bristled brushes can substitute for step stools - Eric Murobayashi (1)
Large hand sponges (at least 15) - I have 6 (Paul)
Hard-bristled wheel brushes (at least 4) - Coach Bo
Squeegees (at least 5) - Kalai
Chamois or water sprite for drying (at least 20) - Eric Murobayashi (2)
Cash box
Water, drinks and snacks for all - Eriko Berthold (musubi), Kalai (water),
Car was signs (at least 4)
Also: 4-foot ladder - Eric Murobayashi
SHIFT SCHEDULE
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Sierra Murobayashi
Eric Murobayashi
Joy Murobayashi
Walter Berthold
Mark Berthold
Kali‘a Mielke
Robert Mielke
Kalai Kuia
Keano Kuia
Coach Paul
Coach Bo
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Kali‘a Mielke
Robert Mielke
Coach Paul
Coach Bo
Ryan Higashionna
Nate Higashionna
Note: The guys who work both shifts will get double credit. We need everyone from 17U, 15U, 13U and 12U to pitch in. The costs of playing basketball are rising, but we can manage them by working together.
The Car Wash will be at McCully Union Service Station, 2105 S. King St. (next to McDonald's).
Monday, June 17, 2013
Special conditioning Tuesday
Carl Montiho, Javan's dad, said that his friend, Coach Nate Dudoit, will be at Makiki Park on the open field every Tuesday at 5:00 pm for anyone who wants to do some elite conditioning work. Coach Nate works with a lot of the top local athletes, including football players like Isaac Savaiinaea and Canton Kaumatule. I don't know Nate personally, but I've heard good things about him and his conditioning program.
Also, he runs conditioning workouts on Saturdays, 8:00 am, on the rolling hills at Kakaako Park. So mark your calendars and show up if you'd like to get into top physical peak condition.
We've been doing more conditioning work at Thunder practices on Sunday and today. We're in that mode now, preparing for the Vegas/Anaheim tournaments. It's been good work.
Today, we had Kali‘a, Kyle, Jared, Javan, Kaiser and Micah. Everyone did a great job. The job isn't about burning every player out 3-4 weeks before the Road Trip. It's about cross training, working to get in peak shape gradually, and staying hydrated. During the hottest months of the year, it's crucial to stay hydrated during these workouts. I want us to be ready for that desert heat, and we'll be more than ready if we keep up this good work.
Again, the workout with Coach Nate is tomorrow (Tuesday), 5:00 pm. If I'm not on the road picking up guys for the 7:15 game at Kalani Varsity Summer League, I'll be there at Makiki Park to observe and learn. I'll leave the running to you guys!
Also, he runs conditioning workouts on Saturdays, 8:00 am, on the rolling hills at Kakaako Park. So mark your calendars and show up if you'd like to get into top physical peak condition.
We've been doing more conditioning work at Thunder practices on Sunday and today. We're in that mode now, preparing for the Vegas/Anaheim tournaments. It's been good work.
Today, we had Kali‘a, Kyle, Jared, Javan, Kaiser and Micah. Everyone did a great job. The job isn't about burning every player out 3-4 weeks before the Road Trip. It's about cross training, working to get in peak shape gradually, and staying hydrated. During the hottest months of the year, it's crucial to stay hydrated during these workouts. I want us to be ready for that desert heat, and we'll be more than ready if we keep up this good work.
Again, the workout with Coach Nate is tomorrow (Tuesday), 5:00 pm. If I'm not on the road picking up guys for the 7:15 game at Kalani Varsity Summer League, I'll be there at Makiki Park to observe and learn. I'll leave the running to you guys!
Video: Thunder 12U vs Aiea Blazers
H1 Thunder vs. Aiea Blazers, Aiea 12U League playoffs (third-place game), Aiea District Park gym, Saturday, June 8, 2013. The guys did their best with a thin lineup (Kodee gone, Chris injured). Proud of the Thunder!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 1
Part 2
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Video: Thunder 12U vs Asing Park
H1 Thunder vs. Asing Park Heat, Aiea 12U League, semifinal round, Aiea District Park gym, Saturday, June 8, 2013. We fell behind early and trailed 22-7 at the half. Asing Park played well and we were very rusty, missing a lot of easy shots. But we rallied late in the game and got within 3 or 4 points before losing 37-31.
Everybody played their hearts out. But not practicing during that two-week break between games hurt us. Just so busy with all the age-group teams. Also, Chris hurt his leg (bone bruise) in a game two days before this game, a huge loss. But we had a very good season and our 12U players got a lot of valuable playing time against good competition.
Part 1
Part 2
Everybody played their hearts out. But not practicing during that two-week break between games hurt us. Just so busy with all the age-group teams. Also, Chris hurt his leg (bone bruise) in a game two days before this game, a huge loss. But we had a very good season and our 12U players got a lot of valuable playing time against good competition.
Part 1
Part 2
Friday, June 14, 2013
Pick up Car Wash tickets
Coach Bo and Auntie Char have printed up tickets for the Car Wash (Sun June 23), so every will need to pick them up. Call me at 551-1054 and I will drop them off with you, or you can get them on Sunday at Bo & Char's BBQ potluck/swimming pool party at their home. (More details later.)
17U: If you have paid for all the leagues and tournaments this year, the fundraiser is optional. If you'd like to help out anyway, you are definitely welcome to help. Most of our 17U has not paid anything this year, so please pick up tickets.
15U: Most of our 15U has not paid for leagues and tournaments, so please pick up tickets.
13U: Most of our 13U has not paid for leagues and tournaments, and with the mainland trip coming up soon, this group has the most work to do.
12U: For the guys who are on 12U only, there have been just two leagues so far this year, so your fundraising isn't as heavy a load. But that's still fundraising we need to do.
Everyone who does a shift at the fundraiser will be credited a share of the funds make at the Car Wash. If some players and parents do the morning and afternoon shift, that's two shares.
All in all, we need a LOT of manpower to make this work as well as last year's Car Wash. Right now, we don't have enough people signed up. Please check the earlier e-mail and please consider working both shifts.
17U: If you have paid for all the leagues and tournaments this year, the fundraiser is optional. If you'd like to help out anyway, you are definitely welcome to help. Most of our 17U has not paid anything this year, so please pick up tickets.
15U: Most of our 15U has not paid for leagues and tournaments, so please pick up tickets.
13U: Most of our 13U has not paid for leagues and tournaments, and with the mainland trip coming up soon, this group has the most work to do.
12U: For the guys who are on 12U only, there have been just two leagues so far this year, so your fundraising isn't as heavy a load. But that's still fundraising we need to do.
Everyone who does a shift at the fundraiser will be credited a share of the funds make at the Car Wash. If some players and parents do the morning and afternoon shift, that's two shares.
All in all, we need a LOT of manpower to make this work as well as last year's Car Wash. Right now, we don't have enough people signed up. Please check the earlier e-mail and please consider working both shifts.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday Funday
Good workout today at Kalakaua. Lineup: Jared Elwin, Javan Montiho (Julie Montiho), Kyle Moraga, Felcris Jay Corpuz and Ace. Good, solid work on ballhandling, shooting, footwork (wing/low post drills), on-ball defense. Ace is a new guy, real good ballhandler. If he sticks around, he'll definitely help us and have fun. I like his level of concentration and maturity.
Sunday Funday
Pau work. Shooting practice at McCully today was fun. Coach Roy & family camping, I was busy in the morning, so it was a limited group today: Javan and Kaiser. We got 1+ hour of work done. These guys don't mess around. Hard workers, no fooling around. WE LUB THIS GAME!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Saturday Thunder
Just got home after a busy, fun, occasionally annoying day of basketball plus my sister's birthday dinner. Loading the videos now. The 17U ran away from the Patriots in our last game of the St. Francis Varsity Summer League season. Props to the 17U boys, Coach Larry, Coach Loto!
Then the 12U played in the Aiea League semifinals. It was very difficult to get any consistency in the first half and we trailed 22-7. Then we rallied in the second half. Felt like we would pull it out. But we came up short, 37-31, against a solid Asing Park Heat team. We hadn't played in two weeks and were rusty at times. But playing without Chris was a real tough challenge in the semis, where the top teams have good size. We just couldn't hit shots in the first half, and that's the nature of the game. Otherwise, we played tough defense and rebounding pretty well despite our size disadvantage.
Then the 15U played in the Pearl City JV League against Roosevelt. I got to see only the last few minutes. It was great to see a deep lineup. In our first game there on Thursday, we had just 5 players. Coach Larry and Coach Loto had the boys rolling late in the game. It was 35-29, then the press took over and the 15U won 53-30.
We had a momentary mental and sportsmanship lapse late in the game. It was a very good opportunity for us to remind our guys that this is about respect, hard work and attitude when we play other teams, when we play in tournaments and leagues. Our skills are more than enough to do all the talking, and all the funny showboat moves that some of us might do at the park absolutely do NOT belong in games.
It doesn't matter if we're up 20 points or down 20, it's never a good time to have poor sportsmanship. That's something we can learn from today: winning and losing with class. You can't buy it. You can live it, though, so let's do that.
The 12U also played another game, losing by about 6-7 points in a third-place game against Aiea Blazers. By then, Kodee went to her 808 girls basketball game, but the guys hung in and played tough for as long as they could. The fatigue was unavoidable.
Good effort by everybody today. Old faces, new faces, parents (Eric Murobayashi shooting video, Coach Loto driving) helping out immensely again. More games coming this week.
Practice Sunday 11:00 am, McCully gym. (Note: I work at 9 am and may be busy until after 11 am. But please go to McCully and get your 200+ shots in.)
Parents meeting Sunday, 5:00 pm, Makiki Park. (Potluck/snacks optional)
Then the 12U played in the Aiea League semifinals. It was very difficult to get any consistency in the first half and we trailed 22-7. Then we rallied in the second half. Felt like we would pull it out. But we came up short, 37-31, against a solid Asing Park Heat team. We hadn't played in two weeks and were rusty at times. But playing without Chris was a real tough challenge in the semis, where the top teams have good size. We just couldn't hit shots in the first half, and that's the nature of the game. Otherwise, we played tough defense and rebounding pretty well despite our size disadvantage.
Then the 15U played in the Pearl City JV League against Roosevelt. I got to see only the last few minutes. It was great to see a deep lineup. In our first game there on Thursday, we had just 5 players. Coach Larry and Coach Loto had the boys rolling late in the game. It was 35-29, then the press took over and the 15U won 53-30.
We had a momentary mental and sportsmanship lapse late in the game. It was a very good opportunity for us to remind our guys that this is about respect, hard work and attitude when we play other teams, when we play in tournaments and leagues. Our skills are more than enough to do all the talking, and all the funny showboat moves that some of us might do at the park absolutely do NOT belong in games.
It doesn't matter if we're up 20 points or down 20, it's never a good time to have poor sportsmanship. That's something we can learn from today: winning and losing with class. You can't buy it. You can live it, though, so let's do that.
The 12U also played another game, losing by about 6-7 points in a third-place game against Aiea Blazers. By then, Kodee went to her 808 girls basketball game, but the guys hung in and played tough for as long as they could. The fatigue was unavoidable.
Good effort by everybody today. Old faces, new faces, parents (Eric Murobayashi shooting video, Coach Loto driving) helping out immensely again. More games coming this week.
Practice Sunday 11:00 am, McCully gym. (Note: I work at 9 am and may be busy until after 11 am. But please go to McCully and get your 200+ shots in.)
Parents meeting Sunday, 5:00 pm, Makiki Park. (Potluck/snacks optional)
Friday, June 7, 2013
This weekend: Parents meeting
Friday, June 7
5:00 pm - Thunder 17U vs. Mustangs (St. Francis Varsity League)
8:00 pm - Thunder 13U vs. Homegrown, Kilauea gym (CAL)
Saturday, June 8
11:30 am - Thunder 12U vs. Asing Park (Aiea 12U League)
2:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs. Rough Riders JV (Pearl City JV League)
2:00 pm - Thunder 12U vs. TBA (if we win 11:30 game)
Sunday, June 9
11:00 am - Practice, McCully gym
5:00 pm - Parents meeting, Makiki Park (potluck/snacks). Update and final head count (names) for the 13U Road Trip. Info on next week's car wash (17U/15U/13U/12U).
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Thunder 13U Road Trip: Head count
1. We'll be doing fundraisers - 17U/15U/13U/12U - to pay for the leagues we've played in (100+ games so far in 2013). The uniforms. The post-game food. Gatorades. The fundraisers will be this month and every month, year-round, even if we don't go on a trip.
2. I need to know exactly which of our 13U players are going on the trip or not. I need to know who's going to LA and Las Vegas for both tournaments. I also want to know who wants to go to the Vegas tournament only. Then I can set up two different travel packages for the team. If we have at least 7 players for the LA trip, then we'll do that and Vegas (July 4-16). If not, then we go to Vegas only (July 10-16).
I think we do have 7, but I want to be 100% sure before I book any plane tickets.
Prices are pretty good overall as long as we keep hunting for deals. Rooms in Vegas get down below $30/night during our stay because it's the week after 4th of July. Javan's dad, Carl, alerted me to that and it's true. Nice.
So please call me 551-1054 and let me know which travel plan you guys want to do. Hopefully, two tourneys in two cities. I want us to make the most of it. WE LUB THIS GAME!
2. I need to know exactly which of our 13U players are going on the trip or not. I need to know who's going to LA and Las Vegas for both tournaments. I also want to know who wants to go to the Vegas tournament only. Then I can set up two different travel packages for the team. If we have at least 7 players for the LA trip, then we'll do that and Vegas (July 4-16). If not, then we go to Vegas only (July 10-16).
I think we do have 7, but I want to be 100% sure before I book any plane tickets.
Prices are pretty good overall as long as we keep hunting for deals. Rooms in Vegas get down below $30/night during our stay because it's the week after 4th of July. Javan's dad, Carl, alerted me to that and it's true. Nice.
So please call me 551-1054 and let me know which travel plan you guys want to do. Hopefully, two tourneys in two cities. I want us to make the most of it. WE LUB THIS GAME!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thunder game schedule (corrected 6/1)
Updated Thunder 17U/15U/13U/12U schedule.
(Corrected 6/1 - 17U plays Bows on Tue June 11.)
Tuesday, June 11
7:15 pm Thunder 17U vs Bows (Kalani Varsity League)
(Corrected 6/1 - 17U plays Bows on Tue June 11.)
Please arrive at all games one hour early for warmups and to decrease my stress level. Thank you.
Friday, May 31
5:45 pm - Thunder 17U vs. Open Court (St. Francis Varsity League)
Saturday, June 1
10:00 am - Thunder 17U vs. Saints (St. Francis Varsity League)
10:40 am - Thunder 15U vs. Raiders, McCully gym (CAL)
Monday, June 3
6:20 pm - Thunder 15U vs Titans, Kilauea gym (CAL)
Tuesday, June 4
7:15 pm - Thunder 17U vs. Spartans (Kalani Varsity League)
Thursday, June 6
6:00 - Thunder 15U vs. Chargers JV (Pearl City JV League)
note: bye in Kalani Varsity League
Friday, June 7
8:00 pm - Thunder 13U vs Homegrown, Kilauea gym (CAL)
Saturday, June 8
11:30 am - Thunder 12U vs. Asing Park (Aiea 12U League)
1:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs. Rough Riders JV (Pearl City JV League)
2:00 pm - Thunder 12U vs. TBA (if we win 11:30 game)
Sunday, June 9
9:00 am Car wash (tentative)
Tuesday, June 11
7:15 pm Thunder 17U vs Bows (Kalani Varsity League)
Wednesday, June 12
6:20 pm - Thunder 15U vs Falcons, Kilauea gym (CAL)
Thursday, June 13
6:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs Monarchs JV (Pearl City JV League)
7:15 pm - Thunder 17U vs. Falcons (Kalani Varsity League)
Saturday, June 15
12:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs Royals JV (Pearl City JV League)
Tuesday, June 18
7:15 pm - Thunder 17U vs Buffanblue (Kalani Varsity League)
Thursday, June 20
7:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs Hurricanes JV (Pearl City JV League)
note: bye in Kalani Varsity League
Friday, June 21
7:10 pm - Thunder 13U vs Sharks, Kilauea gym (CAL)
Saturday, June 22
9:50 am - Thunder 13U vs Laie, McCully gym (CAL)
12:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs Chargers JV (Pearl City JV League)
Sunday, June 23
9:00 am Car wash (tentative)
Tuesday, June 25
7:15 pm - Thunder 17U vs Eagles (Kalani Varsity League)
Thursday, June 27
7:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs Rough Riders JV (Pearl City JV League)
Saturday, June 29
2:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs Monarchs JV (Pearl City JV League)
Tuesday, July 2
7:15 pm - Thunder 17U vs Saints (Kalani Varsity League)
Wednesday, July 3
7:15 pm - Thunder 17U vs. Monarchs (Kalani Varsity League)
Thursday, July 4
note: bye in Pearl City JV League, Kalani Varsity League
note: July 4-8, (tentative) trip to mainland for basketball tournament
Saturday, July 6
note: bye at Pearl City JV League due to mainland trip
Thursday, July 11
7:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs. Hurricanes JV (Pearl City JV League)
8:00 pm - Thunder 15U vs. Royals JV (Pearl City JV League)
Saturday, July 13
TBA - Playoff, Thunder 15U vs TBA (Pearl City JV League)
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