Basketball - Week 2

Today's basketball games were even more exciting than last week's. Rachel's game was a hotly contested battle from start to finish. Neither team could sustain any serious momentum or muster a lead of more than 4 points. The see-saw contest came down to the last possession. The other team had a breakaway layup attempt with seconds to go in the game. Our player of the game, Carly, swooped in at the last second to block the shot. Time expired with each team able to claim victory. Neither team deserved to lose, so they ended in a tie at 36-36. Rachel played her usual blanket defense, never allowing her opponent the opportunity to receive a pass. After chasing one player around and around the court she was overheard to say, "You're fast!" She played unselfish offense, passing up at least two chances at wide open shots in order to give a teammate the points. She even brought the ball up the court a couple of times. The concept of double dribble will be something to touch on in practice this week. Rachel was shut out in the scoring this week, but she plays with lots of excitement and enthusiasm and is making progress every time she hits the court.
Drew's game was also a barnburner. He discovered that his jersey number (41) is worn by Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks, so he tried to play like Dirk today. In the first period he tossed up a possible three pointer that rattled around and in. It was the sort of shot that makes Mom & Dad say, "NO! Oh, nice shot." Drew played some more good defense even when guarding the other team's quick player. Rebounding seems to be something he has a knack for. Even if he didn't get the ball, he was usually in pretty good position for it. Drew's team built a pretty big lead early on, so they were able to survive a 6+ minute scoreless drought. They have been working on some plays in practice this week, which worked a couple of times, and even if they didn't work, they did serve to milk the clock to preserve the lead. Drew finished with 4 points and the team won going away 44-26. It was another good time at the gym, and we're looking forward to next time.