So, some photos needed uploading from the camera and I happened upon these photos from Cale's final rec league basketball game of the season. This game was intense and hard to watch at some points.
Here's Marcus, enjoying popcorn that we brought. I brought a couple bags of popcorn to keep the kids happy-even though we had just eaten dinner. Andy was at work and was able to watch the game through skype. I'm sure some people thought it was weird that I held my phone up for the entire game.
Okay. The game. Cale's team played with 5 players-one teammate broke his leg after the first practice of the season and another was out with some ear problems the entire week of playoffs. So, no one got breaks, no subbing out. They played a team with 7 players-clearly, those kids would get some time to rest. The plus side for Cale's team was that the best players would always be out on the floor-the other team would have to sub in their players so everyone got equal playing time.
The game went pretty smoothly in the first half. Cale's team slowly pulled away from the other team. I did notice that there were a fair amount of fouls being called on Cale's team. A concern, since they only had the five players.
I think at half-time they were ahead, maybe by 2 or 4 points.
In the second half, Cale's team continued to lead. They had a really good 5th grade player who scored most of the points. I think all the boys helped the score with a couple points a piece. Anyway, things were going well. I think everyone figured Cale's team would win. And then, towards the end of the third quarter, Cale fouled out. Oh, he was so upset-especially since he was trying really hard not to get that 5th foul. But, he was under the basket, trying to guard and I don't think his feet were set. Anyway, to the bench he went.
The team played with 4 players against 5 players on the other team. Everything was still looking good. And then, with 3 minutes left in the game and Cale's team up by 10, the good 5th grade player fouled out.
Oh man. The two best players on Cale's team were sitting the bench.
Now it was 3 vs. 5 players and at 2 minutes left in the game, the teams could press.
The ref looked at our coach and said, "these will be the longest 2 minutes of your life."
No kidding.
Points were scored. The other team had their 2 best players in this whole time. Fouls were called. Another one of Cale's teammates was up to 4 fouls.
And then, what do you know? Time was running down. Those 3 boys left on the court had done a great job moving the ball around. The other team had missed some easy shots. Cale's team was up by 3 and the other team had the ball, coming down the court with, oh, 10 seconds left. The player ran down the court and passed the 3 point line.
This was it-I thought-we won the game. Who cares if he made that layup-he didn't. They would still have been down by 1 point when time ran out.
Cale's team won the game.
Cheering, crying. Amazing. And, well earned.
Here's the team, waiting to get their trophies.
It was a hard fought season, but they did awesome!
And, with their coach.
And, here is the one picture of Cale playing that I took the week before.
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