Second Place and Proud

This Monday (27 March 2006) the boys received their Second place award certificate from the AAU league. When Mr. Martinez and I passed them out, we told the boys to value this award. We told them that this award is more important than the First Place one they received in December. All the boys agreed. They know how hard they worked to come back after three consecutive losses and they have an idea of how hard they need to work.

Then we had practice for a bit before preparing for a scrimmage against the sixth graders in their gym. When our team entered, all the Middle School students booed, some of our boys started to answer back but the coaches and the captains told them, don't respond and keep their game face.

We put in our starters and let the game begin. The Middle School team has some superb athletes and almost all of them had close to a foot advantage over the Eagles. They rebounded almost at will and picked off any errant pass but the Eagles hung in there for a 33-26 win.

Our biggest advantage was a disciplined offense. Playing against bigger kids, forced the Eagles to be patient, pass, and fake, and look for the open lane into the paint. Oscar, Antonio, and Gabino lead the way with exemplary ball handling and great shooting.

Freddy (aka Big Cat or Black Cat, or Black) played aggressive defense with a smile on his face. When we do the box and one, he stands there at the line like a lion scanning for the wounded wildebeest. When his older brother Saul is the one with the ball, Freddy waits there with a smile on his face. As soon as the opposing point guard crosses the half court line, Freddy springs into action. When the opposing team passes the ball, he jumps into the lane, makes the grab and passes it to our point guards.

Alan (Big Daddy Caro), also did well. His skills and leadership are developing and now he stands his ground ready to trade skin and make the rebound or go up with the ball. Christopher played his part as well, standing at the edge of the paint ready to catch and shoot. The other boys (Caedyn, Eduardo, Melchor, and Cristian) also did their work on both sides of the ball. It was a team win.

A few days later, Freddy mentioned that when Saul got home, he told their older brother that the sixth grade had won the game. Freddy corrected him, to which Saul responded, "Freddy shut-up."