by Frederick Ng
Last Year, I was an assistant coach of a team of 5 young girls who had never played an official game of basketball. No one knew the rules, the fundamentals, or how to really play. Coaching these 5 girls was a challenge. Having only 5 girls meant they had to play all 4 quarters of a game. This being their first time playing in front of a crowd, they felt nervous -- of course, but who wouldn’t? It took time for their skills to kick in and they finished up their 5th grade season with a 3-5 record.
One major problem in the beginning of the year was that everyone relied on one player -- Marissa. No one wanted the ball so they either gave it to Marissa or the other team. This led to Marissa’s career high of 16. Later in the season, we noticed Serina’s impressive ball handling skills so we decided to put her at the point guard position. This step forward was a brilliant decision to me since it would take some pressure off of Marissa.
This year, they carry the knowledge and skills they had gained back in 5th grade and improved. Now with an addition of a new player, the girls have some back up but it’s still not enough.
At the beginning of the season, I saw major improvement in these girls. Everyone wants the ball and everyone is contributing. When I mean contribute, I don’t mean points, I mean defense, passes, and grabbing rebounds. Another rising star, Beverlyn, who had her career high of 14 in an outstanding performance, with a beautiful NBA style drop step, is stepping up BIG. She is probably the only girl in this CYO division that knows that to use her height and size playing as a “BIG MAN” and grabbing rebounds.
Serina, is now using her ball handling skills and speed to get to the basket and finish her lay-ups. We are now currently 4-3, suffering losses due to rebounds and bad passes. All our losses have been less than 2 and are decided in the last minute of the game because we are not taking care of the ball.
Our last game which will decide if we are in the playoffs will be tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at Salesian. (St. Peter and Paul, 680 Filbert Ave)
It’s simple…Win and we’re in.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
And today we wish a very happy birthday to our 6th/7th grade volleyball coach, the greatness that is Heather.
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