Crisipito and Friends

It's summer in Mattawa and that translates into string of days with temperatures that hover in the upper 90's. It translates into long days with not a lot going on except every Wednesday at 230PM the Intermediate gym becomes alive with sounds of Wahluke Eagles basketball. Some of our boys took the summer off and others are working but a core few are showing up ready to learn so Juan and I (ok, mostly Juan) are putting them to work on mastering moves like the three-man weave and pivots.

A few of the boys (Grandpa Joe and Jose "My Bad") are starting to get it. And a few of the boys like Oscar, Fruit Cup, Rudy, and (JL's favorite) Joey Joseph, Gabino (Pickles and Little People) Alien, and Black really get it. Watching them pass, move, and shoot is something good to see.

So last Wednesday, Juan and I were in the gym watching the boys shoot around before practice, listening to the sneakers squeak on the gym floor when Mr. F. walked in with his son Cristian, asking if he could join the practice. Juan and I agreed and he got a ball and went to shoot. Cristian like Grandpa Joe just completed third and is going into fourth grade. Cristian like Grandpa Joe had a reputation of being hard-working and well-behaved. Cristian like Grandpa Joe needed a nick-name. We already had Cristian (Me Duele) and Christopher (Alien, Pretty Ricky), so playing on his diminutive stature, we christened him Crispito.

So for the rest of the practice our newest Little People struggled, traveled, and did their best. For the rest of the practice our experienced players welcomed them, encouraged them, and most of all included them. More than once Oscar, Tony or Joey Joseph executed a perfect give and go move drawing the defense with them only to send the ball into Grandpa or Crispito's hand with the clear command to shoot at the open hoop.

Wahluke Eagles new kids on the block. Wahluke Eagles we never stop.