Silas - Upward Basketball Season

I coached Silas' 1st-3rd grade Upward team.  Our team name was the Jazz.  Basically, 4 of the 6 players on my team had never played basketball before.  During the first game the referee, who also is the director of the league, said "it looks like you got your work cut out for you this year".  After two games, I was concerned that we would not win a game the entire year.  Then, all of the sudden the kids figured out how to play the game and we won our last 6 games of the season.

Game #1 - against the Hornets January 11th

We lost a close game.  The other team was out there best player so it was disappointing that we didn't win this game.

Game #2 - against the Bulls January 18th

Ernie and Judy came to watch along with Popee and Nanee.

Game #3 - against the Rockets January 25th

Game #4 - against the Cavaliers February 1st

We pray together before each game.

Game #5 - against the Nuggets February 8th

Game #6 - against the Hornets February 15th

We always broke our huddles by saying, "Jazz for Jesus!".

Game #7 - against the Bulls February 22nd

Each player is introduced and runs out to the middle of the court under the spotlight before each game.

This was the most exciting game of the season.  We were down by 4 points with about 15 seconds left.  Silas made a shot so we were down by 2.  The other team had the ball.  I yelled to him, "you have to steal it".  Silas stole it and drove to the basket for a last second layup.  He made the basket and was fouled.  Per Upward rules in the last two minutes of the game, the team that gets fouled is awarded a point.  Thus, we won the game by one point.  I would have preferred that Silas been given an opportunity to win the game with a free throw but it was still an incredible job that Silas did.

Silas's teacher, along with Nanee and Popee got to see a great game.

Game #8 - against the Rockets February 29th

These boys sure came a long way this year.  This was a very rewarding coaching year.  Above, Coach Eric, Grayson, Silas, Leland, Daxton, Noah, and Alex.

Upward Awards

At the awards ceremony each team and Coach was recognized and each participant was given a new Upward bag.