championship weekend

Basketball was the theme this weekend. We started with Cale's championship game on Saturday. There were 6 teams in his first grade league, but the teams were pretty skewed with talent so instead of a bracket playoff,  the top 2 seeded teams (Indiana and Michigan St.) played for the championship.  This was a rematch of a game in which Cale's team handed Michigan St. their first loss of the season.  Needless to say, that did not go over well with some of the Michigan St. players (and a few parents based on comments I heard, anyway).  We knew it would be a good game and the kids gave it all they had.

\

Here's the lineup before the game.  At the playoff games, they have announcers who call out the players who make baskets.  They also have music during timeouts and inbetween periods.  It's fun and makes the game more special.  Cale played almost the entire game.  He sat out for half of the 3rd quarter.  (every kid has to sit out for half a quarter)  He needed the break-you could tell he was getting tired and was frustrated with the player guarding him.

Cale got to shoot some free throws.  He cracks me up that he has a certain way that he prepares to shoot.  He bounces the ball twice, twirls the ball and bounces it again before he shoots.  What a player!

The game was great!  Indiana led for the first half and then Michigan St. came back to tie it up for the 3rd and 4th quarter.  Indiana finally got ahead by 2 with about 30 seconds left.  And, since there is a "no-stealing" rule, Indiana slowly dribbled the ball down the court and ate up the clock before taking one last shot to win by 4 points!

Here's the team!  So happy for a great season!  Cale had a great coach and really improved as player.  I'm so thankful for such a great experience for the kids.

Onto game 2.  Sunday afternoon was Marcus's championship game-Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech.  Marcus's team had played G.T. 3 times in the season, all resulting in losses.  I wasn't too sure about today, but the team Wake beat to get to the championship had beaten Georgia Tech twice.  "We are due for a win," said one mom.

Marcus got to start and played a good amount.  He made some good rebounds and steals.  He tried for a couple shots that didn't go in but were so close!  He gave a great effort and made a positive impact on the game.

Wake was behind for the first half.  Wake was down by 5 at the half, which was pretty good.  We weren't getting blown away, we were still in the game.  Wake came back in the third quarter and by the 4th quarter we were tied. = overtime.  Marcus got to play the overtime which was cool.  Wake ended up winning by 2 points.  What a great way to end the season!

Here's the team.  Again, Marcus had great coaches with an awesome understanding of the game.  They helped make the season really special for the kids. 

It was a great season folks.  It was fun to see Marcus and Cale improve their basketball skills and have fun with their friends.  Of course, what does Cale say after his game: "Now we can go back to Saturday gymnastics!" *sigh*