**GUEST BLOGGER**
~ Eric Hendrickson ~
We had some new super fans this weekend, Aunt Wyonna and Grandma Sharon.
Silas - Game #8 - 8:30
Silas played a good game and so did the rest of the little Pre-K players.
Silas had 4 baskets for this game. He played a great first season of Upward Basketball.
Above, front row, left to right, Braelynn, Wyatt, Addie, Silas, and Macy. Back row, Coach Dustin and Coach Becky.
Phoebe - Last Practice and Game #11 - 10:30
Over the last few years, I have had a pizza party and Parents vs. Kids game at the last practice of the season.
The parents won this year by 6 points if I remember correctly.
Below, left to right, Gabby, Phoebe, Breslynn, Cadence, Sophia, Lily, and Macy.
We had plenty of pizza and brownies for everyone to eat (brownies from Macy's family).
I took a picture of the girls before our last game. From left to right: Gabby, Lily, Phoebe, Macy, Cadence, Breslynn, and Sophia.
It was nice to have the entire team there.
As we seem to always do, we started off the game flat. We were down 30-10 at halftime.
I told the girls at halftime that I wanted to see the "Want To" out of each of the players.
We played better the second half and actually outscored the other team.
Phoebe played most of the time on the girl that is a foot taller than everyone. It was hard for Phoebe to get many shots off against her. We ended up losing 44-28. Phoebe had 8 points. She played aggressive tough basketball this whole season. Way to play basketball Phoebe!
Our last team huddle.
Play for Jesus!
Thank you girls for a fun year. I hope you learned more about basketball and more importantly about Jesus. God bless you.
Sarah - Last Practice and Game #10 - 1:30
Our last practice involved a game of Parents vs. Kids and pizza.
We had a fun, competitive game.
We played up until the devotional time and Cari hit a shot to put the kids ahead of the parents.
We decided to play for 6 more minutes after the devotional, before we went and ate pizza. Rebecca had a last second shot to win the game and just missed. Parents Rule, Kids Drool.
Girls from left to right: Alexis, Cameron, Rebecca, Sarah, Cari, Bella, and Kinsley. And, Coach Ro and I.
Sarah said she was going to high five the front row of the crowd seated in the bleachers on her entrance, but she chickened out the first game. However, she did do it on the second game, and got lots of cheers. Good job being creative Sarah. She also started the cartwheel entrance years ago. My innovator.
Prayer before the game.
The first game we did not play all that well.
It was a close game. The other team was down by 3. Hannah (other team) made a long shot that was just inside the 3 point line with about 30 seconds left. We ended up winning a close one 14-13. Sarah had 12 points.
Sarah - Game #11 - 2:30
After a somewhat poor showing, I was not feeling too confident about our upcoming last game. Winner of this game would be the Champion.
Our girls were red faced and tired from the first game.
Our girls played hard. We were losing 12 to 10 at halftime but got a lead in the second half.
We were down by 3 with 30 seconds left. The other team had the ball. Sarah was able to steal the ball with 11 seconds left. As Sarah dribbled down the court I was yelling, "Shoot a 3". She heaved it from behind the 3 point line. It was a nice looking shot that hit the backboard and rim. So close. We ended up losing 26-23. Sarah had 12 points. She played hard from the second she stepped on the court for both games. She gave everything she had to help her team. Sarah, you are a smart and amazing basketball player!
Even though we lost, I was very pleased with our play. We fought through being tired from the first game and almost got a tie. Sarah was drained after the game as was everyone else, including myself.
Great Season Girls!
Above, Coaches Eric and Rolando. Girls, left to right, Rebecca, Kinsley, Cari, Sarah, Bella, Cameron, and Alexis.
Awards Ceremony 3/4/18 - 6:00
The next day we had the Upward Basketball awards ceremony.
The church was packed with players and fans.
All the kids received a basketball hoop, small basketball, and book.
Silas' team had an after season party a few days after the ceremony. Silas got a trophy that he has been coveting. He even told Stacee, "I'm going to clean it everyday to keep it shiny."
Gabby will move up to the next age group next year, but the rest of the girls would still be with Phoebe's age group. Hope to see you all playing next year.
Above, a selfie with the 76ers.
And a selfie with team Sky.
Well an end to another good Upward Basketball season. I thought the church did a good job this year of running the program. Cameron, Rebecca, and Kinsley are sixth graders so they are graduating from the program. I wish them the best. Sarah has one more year left. I hope to see the rest of the girls and Coach Ro for the next season of Upward Basketball. God bless you all.
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