I was pretty off with some of my NBA predictions...scroll to the post on my picks if you haven't seen them. But that's what I get for never watching the NBA. I will elaborate more after the first round is over about my thoughts. Celtics and Bulls is very very crazy!
Ok, so...
Rajon Rondo -- what a punk. This clown should be suspended. When he hit Brad Miller, I didn't think it was that bad, but after tonight, and seeing what he did to Kirk Hinrich, when he took his arm and basically threw him into the scorer's table. Get this moron out of there. I hope the Bulls win this series cause I hate Boston.
SUNDAY PRACTICES
Due to May Crowning, the practices will shift to later in the day.
3rd/4th grade - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
6th and 7th grade - 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
8th grade - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There ya go kiddies.
.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Baseball outmatched, Thursday practices
Back from a day of mourning...
The baseball team was shut out earlier tonight. They were pretty outmatched, playing the best and lone undefeated team in the league. They are now (2-4) on the season.
ALL GIRLS TEAMS PRACTICE TOMORROW AT CAMERON HOUSE!
The Sunday basketball practice schedule should be official later tonight. They will all take place after May Crowning this Sunday.
The baseball team was shut out earlier tonight. They were pretty outmatched, playing the best and lone undefeated team in the league. They are now (2-4) on the season.
ALL GIRLS TEAMS PRACTICE TOMORROW AT CAMERON HOUSE!
The Sunday basketball practice schedule should be official later tonight. They will all take place after May Crowning this Sunday.
Monday, April 27, 2009
3 stars of the weekend, Game 6 tonight, Practice Tuesday
3 Stars of the Weekend
3rd Star *** - Isabella
Isabella scored the first 2 points of her young career in Friday night's game.
2nd Star ** - Tianna
Tianna was able to bounce back from two rough games, and scored a career-high 13 points, making her lay-ups and free-throws.
1st Star * - Emily
Emily put her body on the line and willed her team to victory. She had 4 points and was fearless going up against girls that could probably eat her.
GAME 6 TONIGHT
Sharks vs Ducks Game 6 tonight @ 7:30 p.m. Ch. 40 on most cable systems and 696 on Direct TV. Be sure to tune in for history in the making.
TUESDAY PRACTICE
3rd/4th, 7th and 8th will practice tomorrow night.
3rd Star *** - Isabella
Isabella scored the first 2 points of her young career in Friday night's game.
2nd Star ** - Tianna
Tianna was able to bounce back from two rough games, and scored a career-high 13 points, making her lay-ups and free-throws.
1st Star * - Emily
Emily put her body on the line and willed her team to victory. She had 4 points and was fearless going up against girls that could probably eat her.
GAME 6 TONIGHT
Sharks vs Ducks Game 6 tonight @ 7:30 p.m. Ch. 40 on most cable systems and 696 on Direct TV. Be sure to tune in for history in the making.
TUESDAY PRACTICE
3rd/4th, 7th and 8th will practice tomorrow night.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
7th grade mid-season review
At (3-3), the 7th grade girls have already surpassed their win total of last season (4 if you count the tournament).
With two games left in the season, they need to win two games to guarantee a playoff sport, but would need some help if they were to win only one. And we won't even fathom the possibility that will stay at 3 wins.
After a bumpy first season, which featured a coaching change three games into the season, they quickly settled down, started to focus, and most importantly understood -- little by little the nuances of the game of basketball.
Last Friday's game was a test of will power, courage and determination and the 5 girls that played passed the test. And even though they scrapped and clawed their way to victory, it was the basketball on the court that won the game.
They jumped out to a first quarter 13-0 lead and got off good shots, and most importantly, made their lay-ups and free-throws.
In the half court set, teams at this level are not the best. So the 7th graders took advantage and ran on the other team. They were quicker and more aggressive, driving to the basket and it showed.
This team, with a few tweaks, could be (6-0). They have lost half of their games, because they bit themselves in the foot. Not making free-throws and lay-ups were the key ingredients to disaster.
They converted both Friday night and won convincingly.
Mentally, they need to get it together as at times, they get discouraged and stop playing. Their ability to shake things off is not as strong as others, but that comes with more playing experience.
The key down the stretch is really simple. They need to take care of the ball -- something that was a difficulty in the second half Friday night when they were being pressed.
But one thing this team represents is our entire program as a whole. The talent is there and you just need to work at it and be patient. They have improved drastically from when they first started and if they can take that extra step, they could find themselves on another level come the end of May.
With two games left in the season, they need to win two games to guarantee a playoff sport, but would need some help if they were to win only one. And we won't even fathom the possibility that will stay at 3 wins.
After a bumpy first season, which featured a coaching change three games into the season, they quickly settled down, started to focus, and most importantly understood -- little by little the nuances of the game of basketball.
Last Friday's game was a test of will power, courage and determination and the 5 girls that played passed the test. And even though they scrapped and clawed their way to victory, it was the basketball on the court that won the game.
They jumped out to a first quarter 13-0 lead and got off good shots, and most importantly, made their lay-ups and free-throws.
In the half court set, teams at this level are not the best. So the 7th graders took advantage and ran on the other team. They were quicker and more aggressive, driving to the basket and it showed.
This team, with a few tweaks, could be (6-0). They have lost half of their games, because they bit themselves in the foot. Not making free-throws and lay-ups were the key ingredients to disaster.
They converted both Friday night and won convincingly.
Mentally, they need to get it together as at times, they get discouraged and stop playing. Their ability to shake things off is not as strong as others, but that comes with more playing experience.
The key down the stretch is really simple. They need to take care of the ball -- something that was a difficulty in the second half Friday night when they were being pressed.
But one thing this team represents is our entire program as a whole. The talent is there and you just need to work at it and be patient. They have improved drastically from when they first started and if they can take that extra step, they could find themselves on another level come the end of May.
On tap for this week...
Monday
Baseball - 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. @ Moscone
Sharks vs Ducks Game 6, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday
3rd/4th, 7th and 8th grade @ Cameron House
Wednesday
Boys baseball,
5:30 @ West Sunset
Sharks vs Ducks Game 7 (TBD)
6th grade @ Cameron House
Thursday
6th, 7th and 8th grade @ Cameron House
Friday
Baseball @ Moscone
1:30 p.m.
Baseball - 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. @ Moscone
Sharks vs Ducks Game 6, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday
3rd/4th, 7th and 8th grade @ Cameron House
Wednesday
Boys baseball,
5:30 @ West Sunset
Sharks vs Ducks Game 7 (TBD)
6th grade @ Cameron House
Thursday
6th, 7th and 8th grade @ Cameron House
Friday
Baseball @ Moscone
1:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
3rd/4th lose heart-breaker in sudden death overtime
The 3rd/4th grade make a living playing close games, and are literally inches away from breaking through for that first win. It wasn't going to get any closer than it did today.
Tied 6-6 in overtime and 12 seconds remaining, Fiona stole the ball and made a beautiful pass to Cynthia, who was standing wide open, alone under the basket. The shot went up and just rolled right off the rim.
Oh, the agony.
That forced a sudden death overtime, where the girls surrendered a basket a little over a minute into the OT, and they lost for the second straight day by 2 points -- this time 8-6.
The team moved the ball pretty well on offense and limited their turnovers. They got their fair amount of shots, but the bounces just didn't go their way.
They are on the brink of something special, if not the last two games, but for the future. For their first year, they have come a long way and are a basket and a defensive stop from winning the games.
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
Gary and Gavin attended today's 3rd/4th grade contest.
SUNDAY PRACTICE
6th grade - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
8th grade - 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
7th grade - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
DO OR DIE FOR THE SHARKS TONIGHT
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs tonight at 7 p.m. CSN (Ch. 40 on most systems and 696 on Direct Tv)
It's win or go home for this team in teal. Can they prolong the series or will this be another year of heartbreak?
And most importantly, will I be clean shaven come Sunday?
Tied 6-6 in overtime and 12 seconds remaining, Fiona stole the ball and made a beautiful pass to Cynthia, who was standing wide open, alone under the basket. The shot went up and just rolled right off the rim.
Oh, the agony.
That forced a sudden death overtime, where the girls surrendered a basket a little over a minute into the OT, and they lost for the second straight day by 2 points -- this time 8-6.
The team moved the ball pretty well on offense and limited their turnovers. They got their fair amount of shots, but the bounces just didn't go their way.
They are on the brink of something special, if not the last two games, but for the future. For their first year, they have come a long way and are a basket and a defensive stop from winning the games.
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
Gary and Gavin attended today's 3rd/4th grade contest.
SUNDAY PRACTICE
6th grade - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
8th grade - 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
7th grade - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
DO OR DIE FOR THE SHARKS TONIGHT
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs tonight at 7 p.m. CSN (Ch. 40 on most systems and 696 on Direct Tv)
It's win or go home for this team in teal. Can they prolong the series or will this be another year of heartbreak?
And most importantly, will I be clean shaven come Sunday?
Friday, April 24, 2009
Courageous victory for the 7th grade, 3rd/4th grade so close again
The 7th grade jumped out to their biggest lead ever and led 13-0 after the first quarter and went on to win convincingly 19-8.
It was a remarkable and gusty effort as the girls once again played with only 5 (they normally have 7). The girls they played against were twice their size, but it didn't scare them a bit as they were aggressive and put the game away in the early stages.
Emily played with reckless abandonment and was sent to the floor many times. But she still got back up and helped her team in the win.
Tianna had a game-high 13 points. She did a great job taking the ball to the hoop and hit a good share of her free-throws.
They are now (3-3) on the season with two left.
3rd/4th Grade loses by basket, plays again tomorrow morning
The 3rd/4th graders played the best game of their young careers and were beaten by a 4th quarter basket, 11-9, for the third time this season.
They scored a high of 9 points, and got contributions from Isabella and Edwena, both who scored their first baskets of their blossoming careers.
It will be a quick turnaround as they will play once again tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. from St. Monica's. (23rd and Geary Blvd)
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
A very good crowd tonight at the 7th grade game. Tom, Derek, Kevin, Raymond, Tiffany, Olivia, Vivian and Sophia all attended tonight's contest.
It was a remarkable and gusty effort as the girls once again played with only 5 (they normally have 7). The girls they played against were twice their size, but it didn't scare them a bit as they were aggressive and put the game away in the early stages.
Emily played with reckless abandonment and was sent to the floor many times. But she still got back up and helped her team in the win.
Tianna had a game-high 13 points. She did a great job taking the ball to the hoop and hit a good share of her free-throws.
They are now (3-3) on the season with two left.
3rd/4th Grade loses by basket, plays again tomorrow morning
The 3rd/4th graders played the best game of their young careers and were beaten by a 4th quarter basket, 11-9, for the third time this season.
They scored a high of 9 points, and got contributions from Isabella and Edwena, both who scored their first baskets of their blossoming careers.
It will be a quick turnaround as they will play once again tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. from St. Monica's. (23rd and Geary Blvd)
CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS
A very good crowd tonight at the 7th grade game. Tom, Derek, Kevin, Raymond, Tiffany, Olivia, Vivian and Sophia all attended tonight's contest.
A girl throws a no-hitter
We will expect Olivia to do this the next time she pitches.
FROM THE AP:
BAYONNE, N.J. -- On the pitcher's mound, a 12-year-old girl from New Jersey is perfect.
Mackenzie Brown is the first girl in Bayonne Little League history to throw a perfect game. She retired all 18 boys she faced on Tuesday, striking out 12, including the last six batters she faced, according to The Star-Ledger of Newark.
There are no official records of how many perfect games are thrown per season. Little League Baseball in Williamsport, Pa., estimates only 50 to 60 occur each year. No one knows how many have been thrown by girls.
"In like the fourth inning I kind of knew," she said, according to the Star-Ledger. "Then I just tried to keep doing what I was doing and not try to mess it up."
The closest she came to losing the perfect game was on the second-to-last batter, who fouled off numerous pitches, according to the report. She eventually struck him out.
She'll get to throw out the first pitch at Citi Field on Saturday when the New York Mets host the Washington Nationals.
"It's been pretty crazy," she said, according to The Star-Ledger. "In school I have all these teachers asking for my autograph. I wasn't used to that."
Although the perfect game has earned her national attention, including television interviews and seeing her own highlight reel on TV, Brown said the best thing about it is "probably just being able to throw like that," according to the newspaper.
"There are some players I might worry about if their hats would fit on their heads by the time I needed them to pitch again," said her manager, Glenn Regan, according to the report. "But not Mackenzie."
Click here to see the video.
FROM THE AP:
BAYONNE, N.J. -- On the pitcher's mound, a 12-year-old girl from New Jersey is perfect.
Mackenzie Brown is the first girl in Bayonne Little League history to throw a perfect game. She retired all 18 boys she faced on Tuesday, striking out 12, including the last six batters she faced, according to The Star-Ledger of Newark.
There are no official records of how many perfect games are thrown per season. Little League Baseball in Williamsport, Pa., estimates only 50 to 60 occur each year. No one knows how many have been thrown by girls.
"In like the fourth inning I kind of knew," she said, according to the Star-Ledger. "Then I just tried to keep doing what I was doing and not try to mess it up."
The closest she came to losing the perfect game was on the second-to-last batter, who fouled off numerous pitches, according to the report. She eventually struck him out.
She'll get to throw out the first pitch at Citi Field on Saturday when the New York Mets host the Washington Nationals.
"It's been pretty crazy," she said, according to The Star-Ledger. "In school I have all these teachers asking for my autograph. I wasn't used to that."
Although the perfect game has earned her national attention, including television interviews and seeing her own highlight reel on TV, Brown said the best thing about it is "probably just being able to throw like that," according to the newspaper.
"There are some players I might worry about if their hats would fit on their heads by the time I needed them to pitch again," said her manager, Glenn Regan, according to the report. "But not Mackenzie."
Click here to see the video.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday update: Sharks Game 4, Friday night preview, Weekend practices
Tonight is Game 4 between the Sharks and Ducks. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on CSN-Bay Area. Be sure to tune in.
Friday Night Preview
Two teams will take the court Friday night. Two different places -- same time.
3rd/4th Grade - St. Cecilia @ 8 p.m.
Location: Ulloa Ave between 17th and 18th ave
7th Grade - CYO Serramonte @ 8 p.m.
Location: 699 Serramonte Del Ray Blvd in Daly City
SUNDAY PRACTICE
6th grade - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
8th grade - 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
7th grade - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
BASEBALL SATURDAY
Baseball practice on Saturday @ West Sunset. 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
And we wish a Happy Birthday to our 3rd/4th grade coach Diana
Friday Night Preview
Two teams will take the court Friday night. Two different places -- same time.
3rd/4th Grade - St. Cecilia @ 8 p.m.
Location: Ulloa Ave between 17th and 18th ave
7th Grade - CYO Serramonte @ 8 p.m.
Location: 699 Serramonte Del Ray Blvd in Daly City
SUNDAY PRACTICE
6th grade - 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
8th grade - 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
7th grade - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
BASEBALL SATURDAY
Baseball practice on Saturday @ West Sunset. 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
And we wish a Happy Birthday to our 3rd/4th grade coach Diana
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Baseball team picks up first win ever
After falling behind 2-0, and 7-3, the 7th and 8th graders, the only St. Mary's baseball team this season, picked up their first victory of the season and for some -- their first victory ever, in a 12-8 win.
This was by far the best offensive performance in the short history of baseball here at St. Mary's, as the team batted around in an 8-run 2nd inning.
Up and down the lineup, players were making contact and hitting the ball into the outfield. They were also patient at the plate, and worked a lot of walks, that eventually lead to runs.
And after giving up 7 runs the first two innings, the pitching became much better, as the team gave up only 1 meaningless run in the final inning.
It was a total team effort, as everyone pitched in -- hitting, fielding, pitching and base-running.
On the season, they are (2-3), with their first win coming on a forfeit. With three games left, the playoffs are still a distinct possibility.
It was a historic win and something the 8th graders can now take with them as they graduate.
The only other players to have won a game previously were Brandon, Derek and Zachary who played last season on the 5th/6th grade team. They won their final game last season 2-1.
After pitching 3.1 innings, Zachary gave way to Derek who came in and closed the game on two straight strikeouts. The players sprinted off the field and didn't even know they won.
This was by far the best offensive performance in the short history of baseball here at St. Mary's, as the team batted around in an 8-run 2nd inning.
Up and down the lineup, players were making contact and hitting the ball into the outfield. They were also patient at the plate, and worked a lot of walks, that eventually lead to runs.
And after giving up 7 runs the first two innings, the pitching became much better, as the team gave up only 1 meaningless run in the final inning.
It was a total team effort, as everyone pitched in -- hitting, fielding, pitching and base-running.
On the season, they are (2-3), with their first win coming on a forfeit. With three games left, the playoffs are still a distinct possibility.
It was a historic win and something the 8th graders can now take with them as they graduate.
The only other players to have won a game previously were Brandon, Derek and Zachary who played last season on the 5th/6th grade team. They won their final game last season 2-1.
After pitching 3.1 innings, Zachary gave way to Derek who came in and closed the game on two straight strikeouts. The players sprinted off the field and didn't even know they won.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
HUGE GAME TONIGHT
Forget homework, studying for tests, the list continues...Everything should come to a stand still tonight for Game 3.
Puck drops tonight at 7:30 p.m. on VERSUS.
Versus is Channel 81/723 in HD on Comcast Cable.
Channel 603 on DirecTV and Channel 151 on Dish Network.
Also, baseball resumes tomorrow, 5:30 p.m. from Rossi. (Arguello and Turk)
Puck drops tonight at 7:30 p.m. on VERSUS.
Versus is Channel 81/723 in HD on Comcast Cable.
Channel 603 on DirecTV and Channel 151 on Dish Network.
Also, baseball resumes tomorrow, 5:30 p.m. from Rossi. (Arguello and Turk)
Monday, April 20, 2009
3rd/4th grade mid-season review
I've said it before, that 3rd/4th grade girls basketball is kind of like soccer and hockey. There isn't too much scoring and usually a basket or two will decide the fate of the game.
So far this season, the 3rd/4th grade girls have lost two of their games by a combined 3 points. Both times, ONE shot in the final quarter made the difference.
There isn't much to review other than the fact that they need more game experience and need to be tougher on the court. Nobody feels sorry for anybody when a game is going on and at times, I think our girls might be too nice and don't have the aggressiveness needed.
One HUGE problem, that is out of the girls and coaches control is the fact that they have only 6 players. And out of the six -- more than half of them -- 4 of the girls -- are in 3rd grade.
At this level, it's hard enough to play against teams your own age, let alone, an entire year older. The difference from grade to grade in size and skill is very drastic. Most, if not all the teams we play against are an entire head bigger than our 3rd graders. Yet, they still manage to go out and compete.
Two of our coaches, Alex and James, are two years younger than I am, and are just slightly better basketball players than I am. But if I was in 8th grade, and they were in 6th grade, I'd dominate them and PWN them on a daily basis. When you're older, age doesn't matter so much. When you are still in school, it's almost half the battle.
How can we solve it? We need more 4th grade girls to play. Do any of the 4th grade girls, or their families look at this blog? Probably not. But in case they do, we need them to play.
There are enough girls in the 4th grade to have a team of their own, but unfortunately the interest is not there, whether it'd be a fear of playing sports or something else.
But until we can solve that problem, these 6 brave girls will march on and do their best in their rookie season. Already, they have improved a lot and game by game, have gotten better. That's all we can ask for.
They get off pretty good shots and have good ball movement for their level. But it's just getting the hang of things, the experience, that will eventually get them over the hump.
So far this season, the 3rd/4th grade girls have lost two of their games by a combined 3 points. Both times, ONE shot in the final quarter made the difference.
There isn't much to review other than the fact that they need more game experience and need to be tougher on the court. Nobody feels sorry for anybody when a game is going on and at times, I think our girls might be too nice and don't have the aggressiveness needed.
One HUGE problem, that is out of the girls and coaches control is the fact that they have only 6 players. And out of the six -- more than half of them -- 4 of the girls -- are in 3rd grade.
At this level, it's hard enough to play against teams your own age, let alone, an entire year older. The difference from grade to grade in size and skill is very drastic. Most, if not all the teams we play against are an entire head bigger than our 3rd graders. Yet, they still manage to go out and compete.
Two of our coaches, Alex and James, are two years younger than I am, and are just slightly better basketball players than I am. But if I was in 8th grade, and they were in 6th grade, I'd dominate them and PWN them on a daily basis. When you're older, age doesn't matter so much. When you are still in school, it's almost half the battle.
How can we solve it? We need more 4th grade girls to play. Do any of the 4th grade girls, or their families look at this blog? Probably not. But in case they do, we need them to play.
There are enough girls in the 4th grade to have a team of their own, but unfortunately the interest is not there, whether it'd be a fear of playing sports or something else.
But until we can solve that problem, these 6 brave girls will march on and do their best in their rookie season. Already, they have improved a lot and game by game, have gotten better. That's all we can ask for.
They get off pretty good shots and have good ball movement for their level. But it's just getting the hang of things, the experience, that will eventually get them over the hump.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday Update
I'm LIVE from Ch. 5 so no elaborate blog for today.
Sharks vs Ducks GAME 2 tonight at 7 p.m. on CSN-Bay Area. Ch. 40 on most systems, 696 on Direct TV.
If you are up, and you shouldn't be, GameDay on Ch. 5 @ 11:30 p.m. tonight. That is the show I work on.
PRACTICES THIS WEEK
TUE - 7th and 8th
WED - 3rd/4th and 6th
THU - 6th, 7th and 8th
BASEBALL ALSO RESUMES TOMORROW AT THE REGULAR MONDAY TIME.
Sharks vs Ducks GAME 2 tonight at 7 p.m. on CSN-Bay Area. Ch. 40 on most systems, 696 on Direct TV.
If you are up, and you shouldn't be, GameDay on Ch. 5 @ 11:30 p.m. tonight. That is the show I work on.
PRACTICES THIS WEEK
TUE - 7th and 8th
WED - 3rd/4th and 6th
THU - 6th, 7th and 8th
BASEBALL ALSO RESUMES TOMORROW AT THE REGULAR MONDAY TIME.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
NBA Playoff Preview
I hate the NBA personally, but I know you kiddies dig it up, so I'll offer you some predictions of the NBA 1st round playoffs.
Note that I never watch the NBA. I have yet to sit down and watch more than a full quarter all season of any NBA game other than the Warriors. But nonetheless, I'll make some predictions.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
76ers vs Magic
Anytime the Warriors can beat a team, it means they aren't very good. Therefore, Mikael Pietrus and your Orlando Magic will be taking this series. If only Dwight Howard had a fade away jumper.
Prediction: Magic win in 5
Heat vs Hawks
The Heat mean business this season. Dwayne Wade has told his entire team they are not allowed to party during the playoffs. Wade has played like an MVP the entire season, even though the award will be going to King Lebron. Atlanta is one of the worst, if not worst sports towns in the United States. Nobody there really cares about their teams. I like Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, but still too young and inexperienced to win a playoff series. Mike Bibby looks like Kermit the Frog.
Prediction: Heat win in 6
Cavs vs Pistons
How is Cleveland that good? Lebron James is amazing and Ben Wallace has decided to come back to the NBA after a few years of stinking it up. The addition of Moe Williams, (that's his name right?) at point guard has been amazing for this Cleveland team. They will easily get by Detroit, who are not the team they used to be. Everyone is getting old and their chemistry is not where it was once.
Prediction: Cavs win in 5
Bulls vs Celtics
The Bulls are young, fearless and have energy. The Celtics are injured and battered. Kevin Garnett is out for the series and Ray Allen had a terrible game today and couldn't throw the ball into the ocean. This will be an upset.
Prediction: Bulls win in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Mavericks vs Spurs
The Mavericks went on a hot streak at the end of the season, but I think the Spurs play too good defense for the Mavericks. Dallas also is not that run and gun team from a few years ago. Jason Kidd is so old now and Dirk is not what he used to be. It will be a close series, but I think the Spurs prevail.
Prediction: Spurs win in 7
Rockets vs Blazers
The Blazers are kind of like the Bulls of the west. A very young team, led by Brandon Roy and Greg Oden. Houston backpedaled into the playoffs and Tracy McGrady always disappears during the playoffs and has never gotten out of the first round.
Prediction: Blazers in 6
Nuggets vs Hornets
Chris Paul will need another amazing playoff for the Hornets to beat the Nuggets. Again, the Warriors factor. The Hornets lost two games to the Warriors this year. Plus, playing in Denver and the high altitude will get to the Hornets who don't play that well on the road.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
Lakers vs Jazz
Kobe is too good. This will be over before it even starts. And I hate the Lakers.
Prediction: Lakers sweep in 4
PRACTICE TOMORROW
Practices resume tomorrow. Times are in the previous blog entry.
Note that I never watch the NBA. I have yet to sit down and watch more than a full quarter all season of any NBA game other than the Warriors. But nonetheless, I'll make some predictions.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
76ers vs Magic
Anytime the Warriors can beat a team, it means they aren't very good. Therefore, Mikael Pietrus and your Orlando Magic will be taking this series. If only Dwight Howard had a fade away jumper.
Prediction: Magic win in 5
Heat vs Hawks
The Heat mean business this season. Dwayne Wade has told his entire team they are not allowed to party during the playoffs. Wade has played like an MVP the entire season, even though the award will be going to King Lebron. Atlanta is one of the worst, if not worst sports towns in the United States. Nobody there really cares about their teams. I like Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, but still too young and inexperienced to win a playoff series. Mike Bibby looks like Kermit the Frog.
Prediction: Heat win in 6
Cavs vs Pistons
How is Cleveland that good? Lebron James is amazing and Ben Wallace has decided to come back to the NBA after a few years of stinking it up. The addition of Moe Williams, (that's his name right?) at point guard has been amazing for this Cleveland team. They will easily get by Detroit, who are not the team they used to be. Everyone is getting old and their chemistry is not where it was once.
Prediction: Cavs win in 5
Bulls vs Celtics
The Bulls are young, fearless and have energy. The Celtics are injured and battered. Kevin Garnett is out for the series and Ray Allen had a terrible game today and couldn't throw the ball into the ocean. This will be an upset.
Prediction: Bulls win in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Mavericks vs Spurs
The Mavericks went on a hot streak at the end of the season, but I think the Spurs play too good defense for the Mavericks. Dallas also is not that run and gun team from a few years ago. Jason Kidd is so old now and Dirk is not what he used to be. It will be a close series, but I think the Spurs prevail.
Prediction: Spurs win in 7
Rockets vs Blazers
The Blazers are kind of like the Bulls of the west. A very young team, led by Brandon Roy and Greg Oden. Houston backpedaled into the playoffs and Tracy McGrady always disappears during the playoffs and has never gotten out of the first round.
Prediction: Blazers in 6
Nuggets vs Hornets
Chris Paul will need another amazing playoff for the Hornets to beat the Nuggets. Again, the Warriors factor. The Hornets lost two games to the Warriors this year. Plus, playing in Denver and the high altitude will get to the Hornets who don't play that well on the road.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
Lakers vs Jazz
Kobe is too good. This will be over before it even starts. And I hate the Lakers.
Prediction: Lakers sweep in 4
PRACTICE TOMORROW
Practices resume tomorrow. Times are in the previous blog entry.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Sunday practice, Baseball Monday
Too emo today to have a full blog post, so in case you haven't been contacting by your coaches. Here is your NDV Sunday Practice schedule.
SUNDAY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
6th grade - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
8th grade - 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
7th grade - 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Baseball also resumes Monday at Moscone.
SUNDAY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
6th grade - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
8th grade - 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
7th grade - 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Baseball also resumes Monday at Moscone.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Playoffs Begin Tonight...So Does My Beard....
The real playoffs start tonight. The Stanley Cup Playoffs start tonight!
At 7:30 p.m., tune your TVs to CSN. Channel 40 on most cable systems, and Ch. 696 on Direct TV. It is the beginning of the most exciting playoffs in professional sports -- HOCKEY, HOCKEY, HOCKEY!
What else does it mean? I will not be shaving again. I have done this in the past, but I don't know how much everyone remembers it. But it will get gross. And if all goes according to plan, I won't have to shave until June.
A playoff beard is the superstitious practice of a National Hockey League player not shaving his beard during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The player stops shaving when his team enters the playoffs and does not shave until his team is eliminated or wins the Stanley Cup. (source: Wikipedia)
I say you do it too boys and girls. Don't cut anything. Don't even get a haircut. And girls, don't shave your mustaches either.
Sharks vs Ducks, 7:30 p.m. tonight. Be sure to tune in.
SUNDAY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
6th grade - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
8th grade - 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
7th grade - 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
We missed her birthday, not because we forgot, but because there was just too much news on April 3rd...SO...Happy Belated Birthday to Clarissa and her brother who celebrates his birthday today.
At 7:30 p.m., tune your TVs to CSN. Channel 40 on most cable systems, and Ch. 696 on Direct TV. It is the beginning of the most exciting playoffs in professional sports -- HOCKEY, HOCKEY, HOCKEY!
What else does it mean? I will not be shaving again. I have done this in the past, but I don't know how much everyone remembers it. But it will get gross. And if all goes according to plan, I won't have to shave until June.
A playoff beard is the superstitious practice of a National Hockey League player not shaving his beard during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The player stops shaving when his team enters the playoffs and does not shave until his team is eliminated or wins the Stanley Cup. (source: Wikipedia)
I say you do it too boys and girls. Don't cut anything. Don't even get a haircut. And girls, don't shave your mustaches either.
Sharks vs Ducks, 7:30 p.m. tonight. Be sure to tune in.
SUNDAY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
6th grade - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
8th grade - 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
7th grade - 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
We missed her birthday, not because we forgot, but because there was just too much news on April 3rd...SO...Happy Belated Birthday to Clarissa and her brother who celebrates his birthday today.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Jackie Robinson
Who is Jackie Robinson? Wikipedia or google him if you want more information.
But briefly, Jackie Robinson is the first African-American player to ever play in the Major Leagues. Today, the entire sport of baseball honors him as the first player to break the color barrier, and play a game that pretty much had all white people until he came along.
I can only compare it to maybe Yao Ming on a smaller level. When Yao Ming came into the NBA, all the Chinese people (that means you probably) was like, "Wow, a Chinese player actually made it in the NBA."
Yao is an inspiration and a role model to so many Asian people. They think, "If Yao can make it, so can I."
(NOTE: Wang Zhi-Zhi was actually the first ever Chinese player to play in the NBA. But he was as good as I am in ballet, so I figured why mention him.)
That was the same way it was for Jackie Robinson and the African-American community.
But the reason there weren't that many Chinese in the NBA, if any, was, we just aren't that good to be in the NBA -- at least that's what I think.
Whereas black people back then were not even allowed to play baseball for the Major Leagues.
So Jackie Robinson became the first player to play, and people were not happy. A lot of the traditional baseball fans were outraged that a black person was playing a sport that they though should've been for white people only.
He faced discrimination, people taunted him, wrote him hate mail, had death threats, etc...But he still continued to play and had an incredible Hall of Fame career.
Maybe at your age, you don't fully comprehend or understand what a big deal it was, but it was and still is.
The #42 is no longer worn by anybody in the Major Leagues, except one player, because that jersey number is reserved for Jackie Robinson. #42 is Jackie Robinson.
And for today, every single player in baseball wears #42 to honor him.
How cool is that?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Watch CBS-5 Tonight
If you are able to read this, tune into Ch. 5 tonight at about 11:20. I produced the sportscast. $10 bucks to anyone who writes a 5-page evaluation of the broadcast.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
How do you win?
This week, I wanted to include this bit in the newsletter, BUT there were simply too many things to cover and this was cut to make room. So instead, it shows up here on the blog. Please take time to read it. It will benefit you.
And oh yeah, no practices on Sunday cause of Easter.
KEYS TO SUCCESS
The keys to winning at our level is pretty basic and at times we make it too complicated. The game plan for success is not complex. It boils down to everything you learned the first day of practice. We'll examine it sport by sport.
VOLLEYBALL
Take a look at our first year of volleyball and the formula was pretty simple. If you can SERVE the ball over the net, you win your games.
The only win we collected this year was the 8th grade girls' remarkable effort in their final game. No secret there. Iris and Olivia both served it over in dominant fashion in the sets they won and therefore, they won the game.
That's all it is, folks. Next year, if you could basically serve the ball over -- the game will be won. We are not at that level of bump, set and spike, so to get any more in-depth would be meaningless. One day we hope to be that good where we can talk about how we didn't set well, and that's why we lost. But for now, just hit the ball over the net.
BASEBALL
Nothing more than:
a.) Throw strikes
Don't walk anybody. Make them hit the ball in play. If they get a hit, tip your cap. But when you throw strikes, it makes them swing. Let your defense do the work.
b.) Play good defense and don't make errors
As illustrated or not illustrated in our first few games...when you don't play defense and commit errors, you can't win games.
c.) Make contact
Put the ball in play and make their defense do the work. Don't try to hit a home-run every at-bat, just get on base. The team we played on Wednesday didn't make a single good play the entire game. But we struck out way too much early in the game.
SOCCER
To be honest, I don't know what the key to soccer is other than to kick the ball far, hard and toward the net.
Soccer is not that easy to break down. You have to control the ball, not miss simple kicks (SEE: kicking and missing is a disaster).
The sport of soccer is very complex and right now, I don't have an answer.
BASKETBALL
In basketball, more than any other sport, the ingredients to be a good team are basic, and you don’t even need a coach to tell you what they are.
Make your lay-ups. You’ve all seen and been in games where lay-ups are missed left and right. When you make your lay-ups, more often than not, you will win.
Make your free-throws. Do we expect everyone to make all their free-throws? Absolutely not. But is one out of two too much to ask for? Look back at all the games you have lost in the past and how many free-throws were missed.
Don’t turn the ball over. Mistakes will always hurt you. When you throw the ball away, the other team gets a head start on their offense. It’s one less opportunity for you to score, and one more opportunity for them to score.
Basketball is such a mental game, and you need to be as strong mentally as you are physically. When you make a mistake, you can’t let it bother you. Learn from it, and do better the next time.
We have had games this year where we haven’t been able to do all three -- sometimes not even two of those, and still found ways to win. But when all three of those expectations are met, there isn’t a team out there that is unbeatable.
I guarantee that if your team is successful at those three things, 99 times out of 100, your team will be victorious.
There you go folks, easy, simple and basic. Nobody should ever lose another game.
And oh yeah, no practices on Sunday cause of Easter.
KEYS TO SUCCESS
The keys to winning at our level is pretty basic and at times we make it too complicated. The game plan for success is not complex. It boils down to everything you learned the first day of practice. We'll examine it sport by sport.
VOLLEYBALL
Take a look at our first year of volleyball and the formula was pretty simple. If you can SERVE the ball over the net, you win your games.
The only win we collected this year was the 8th grade girls' remarkable effort in their final game. No secret there. Iris and Olivia both served it over in dominant fashion in the sets they won and therefore, they won the game.
That's all it is, folks. Next year, if you could basically serve the ball over -- the game will be won. We are not at that level of bump, set and spike, so to get any more in-depth would be meaningless. One day we hope to be that good where we can talk about how we didn't set well, and that's why we lost. But for now, just hit the ball over the net.
BASEBALL
Nothing more than:
a.) Throw strikes
Don't walk anybody. Make them hit the ball in play. If they get a hit, tip your cap. But when you throw strikes, it makes them swing. Let your defense do the work.
b.) Play good defense and don't make errors
As illustrated or not illustrated in our first few games...when you don't play defense and commit errors, you can't win games.
c.) Make contact
Put the ball in play and make their defense do the work. Don't try to hit a home-run every at-bat, just get on base. The team we played on Wednesday didn't make a single good play the entire game. But we struck out way too much early in the game.
SOCCER
To be honest, I don't know what the key to soccer is other than to kick the ball far, hard and toward the net.
Soccer is not that easy to break down. You have to control the ball, not miss simple kicks (SEE: kicking and missing is a disaster).
The sport of soccer is very complex and right now, I don't have an answer.
BASKETBALL
In basketball, more than any other sport, the ingredients to be a good team are basic, and you don’t even need a coach to tell you what they are.
Make your lay-ups. You’ve all seen and been in games where lay-ups are missed left and right. When you make your lay-ups, more often than not, you will win.
Make your free-throws. Do we expect everyone to make all their free-throws? Absolutely not. But is one out of two too much to ask for? Look back at all the games you have lost in the past and how many free-throws were missed.
Don’t turn the ball over. Mistakes will always hurt you. When you throw the ball away, the other team gets a head start on their offense. It’s one less opportunity for you to score, and one more opportunity for them to score.
Basketball is such a mental game, and you need to be as strong mentally as you are physically. When you make a mistake, you can’t let it bother you. Learn from it, and do better the next time.
We have had games this year where we haven’t been able to do all three -- sometimes not even two of those, and still found ways to win. But when all three of those expectations are met, there isn’t a team out there that is unbeatable.
I guarantee that if your team is successful at those three things, 99 times out of 100, your team will be victorious.
There you go folks, easy, simple and basic. Nobody should ever lose another game.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Bye Day
The blog is taking a day off and will return tomorrow with the secret (or not so secret) formula on how to win games.
See you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thursday update
My sincerest apologies for the late late late cancellation of practices. It didn't rain from about 12:30 p.m. to 5:15ish (at least I didn't see rain) so I figured we could still have practice.
At around 5:30 p.m. the rain picked up a bit, only to go away. However, only parts of the court were going to be playable so at that point everyone gets sent home.
Well...why didn't you just cancel it earlier, since we don't have any games in the next week?
Well...we were going to have a kickball game, for all the basketball teams, so it was sort of a fun thing that we could do, since normally we are too busy preparing for the next practice.
So there ya have it. I apologize to anyone who wasted their time in going to practice, only to be sent home.
Happy Holy Thursday.
At around 5:30 p.m. the rain picked up a bit, only to go away. However, only parts of the court were going to be playable so at that point everyone gets sent home.
Well...why didn't you just cancel it earlier, since we don't have any games in the next week?
Well...we were going to have a kickball game, for all the basketball teams, so it was sort of a fun thing that we could do, since normally we are too busy preparing for the next practice.
So there ya have it. I apologize to anyone who wasted their time in going to practice, only to be sent home.
Happy Holy Thursday.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Offense comes alive
It took a while, but the offense finally came to life for the baseball team this afternoon. They scored a season-high 8 runs in a 17-8 loss this afternoon.
They scored 5 runs alone in the final inning, and were a batter short of batting around (like you know what that means).
Derek, Zach and Olivia all had extra-base hits into the outfield. Their ability to put the ball in play is a big plus, but now they will need to field better.
Once again, the errors completely killed their chances of winning this game. A total of 10 errors were committed -- 6 alone in the first inning. They simply dug too big a hole to climb out of.
Nonetheless, it was a much needed offensive outburst and something they should be able to build on for the rest of the season.
GIRLS BASKETBALL PRACTICES TOMORROW
3rd/4th - 2 p.m to 3:30 p.m.
6th, 7th and 8th - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
They scored 5 runs alone in the final inning, and were a batter short of batting around (like you know what that means).
Derek, Zach and Olivia all had extra-base hits into the outfield. Their ability to put the ball in play is a big plus, but now they will need to field better.
Once again, the errors completely killed their chances of winning this game. A total of 10 errors were committed -- 6 alone in the first inning. They simply dug too big a hole to climb out of.
Nonetheless, it was a much needed offensive outburst and something they should be able to build on for the rest of the season.
GIRLS BASKETBALL PRACTICES TOMORROW
3rd/4th - 2 p.m to 3:30 p.m.
6th, 7th and 8th - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Happy Birthdays, Baseball Tomorrow and Opening Day
We would like to wish the following people Happy Birthdays:
BASEBALL
Baseball tomorrow at Rossi -- (Arguello and Turk)
5:30 p.m. first pitch.
Opening Day was earlier today or yesterday depending on who is your favorite team...do you know what Opening Day is? The Giants won 10-6 this afternoon for win #1 of the season.
NO BASKETBALL PRACTICE TOMORROW
THURSDAY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
3rd/4th - 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
6th, 7th and 8th - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHAT'S ON TV
NCAA Women's Championship - 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
American Idol - 8 p.m. (FOX)
A's vs Angels - 7 p.m. (CSN-CA)
Sharks vs Avalanche - (Versus Ch. 81 on most cable systems)
BASEBALL
Baseball tomorrow at Rossi -- (Arguello and Turk)
5:30 p.m. first pitch.
Opening Day was earlier today or yesterday depending on who is your favorite team...do you know what Opening Day is? The Giants won 10-6 this afternoon for win #1 of the season.
NO BASKETBALL PRACTICE TOMORROW
THURSDAY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
3rd/4th - 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
6th, 7th and 8th - 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHAT'S ON TV
NCAA Women's Championship - 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
American Idol - 8 p.m. (FOX)
A's vs Angels - 7 p.m. (CSN-CA)
Sharks vs Avalanche - (Versus Ch. 81 on most cable systems)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Wrestlemania thoughts and the 3 Stars of the Weekend
So did anybody watch Wrestlemania last night? Just a few quick thoughts if you did or didn't watch it. If you have no interest, scroll to the bottom and you can see the 3 Stars of the Weekend. Also, practice schedules for this week are in previous posts.
Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker was one of the, if not the BEST match I have ever seen in my life. It had so many near falls and an instant classic. When it comes out on DVD or VHS (Vhs...), make sure you see it. Shawn Michaels is above and beyond the best wrestler in the history of the WWE. Every big match, he has been apart of.
Everything else on the night was pretty good. Nothing spectacular, but pretty solid, until the main event. How can a main event of Triple H vs Randy Orton be so anti-climactic. It had no pace, and the ending was very abrupt. Very disappointed in the match after so much build up.
Ok -- enough rasslin' talk.
3 STARS OF THE WEEKEND
3rd Star *** - Sophia
Sophia won Survivor at the picnic and then hit two clutch free-throws to tie the game for the 8th grade girls.
2nd Star ** - Victoria
Victoria became the first 3rd grader this season to score in a basketball game.
1st Star * - Serina
Serina scored 4 points, including the game-winner Friday night for the 6th grade girls. She played some good defense as well and is money on her lay-ups.
Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker was one of the, if not the BEST match I have ever seen in my life. It had so many near falls and an instant classic. When it comes out on DVD or VHS (Vhs...), make sure you see it. Shawn Michaels is above and beyond the best wrestler in the history of the WWE. Every big match, he has been apart of.
Everything else on the night was pretty good. Nothing spectacular, but pretty solid, until the main event. How can a main event of Triple H vs Randy Orton be so anti-climactic. It had no pace, and the ending was very abrupt. Very disappointed in the match after so much build up.
Ok -- enough rasslin' talk.
3 STARS OF THE WEEKEND
3rd Star *** - Sophia
Sophia won Survivor at the picnic and then hit two clutch free-throws to tie the game for the 8th grade girls.
2nd Star ** - Victoria
Victoria became the first 3rd grader this season to score in a basketball game.
1st Star * - Serina
Serina scored 4 points, including the game-winner Friday night for the 6th grade girls. She played some good defense as well and is money on her lay-ups.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Baseball drops game
The baseball team lost today. It was not a pretty game, but they ran into some good pitching and were able to score a run on a bases loaded walk by Olivia.
They held a brief 1-0 lead, but a few errors and walks opened the flood gates for an 8 run inning, which eventually led to the game ending under mercy rules.
Their next game is Wednesday.
NO BASEBALL PRACTICE THIS MONDAY!
They held a brief 1-0 lead, but a few errors and walks opened the flood gates for an 8 run inning, which eventually led to the game ending under mercy rules.
Their next game is Wednesday.
NO BASEBALL PRACTICE THIS MONDAY!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
3rd/4th graders almost pull it out
The 3rd/4th graders held a 3-2 lead going into the 4th quarter for the first time this season, but were unable to close out their game, as the other team managed to get one in during the final quarter. The 3rd/4th graders dropped a close one 4-3.
Victoria got on the scoreboard for the first time this season with a nice shot in the 2nd quarter. It was a well played game on both ends, but the difference between a win and a loss is usually a shot or two in these lower levels.
Our girls had plenty of chances to score, from close in and from the free-throw line, but just weren't able to get that lucky bounce for the win.
8th graders come back to win
This time, it was the 8th grade that had to come from behind.
Down 5 points going into the 4th, the 8th graders had to play a near flawless quarter, and they did, outscoring their opponent 9-1 in a 25-22 victory.
They were up as much as 8 points in the first half -- 6 at half time. But in the 3rd quarter, they laid an egg, and were outscored 11-0.
But when this team needs to, they make big plays. In the 4th, they hit some clutch free-throws, played some great defense and did just enough to eke out another victory.
It looked like a picnic hangover, as a lot of the girls seemed out of gas. But they gave what was left in the tank and pulled out win number five on the season.
PRACTICES TOMORROW
8th grade - 9:30 a.m.
6th grade - 11 a.m.
7th grade - 1 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 3 p.m.
NOTE: All practices are 2 hours.
SOPHIA WINS SURVIVOR
Congratulations to Sophia, as she won the first ultimate Survivor competition at the picnic earlier this afternoon.
Victoria got on the scoreboard for the first time this season with a nice shot in the 2nd quarter. It was a well played game on both ends, but the difference between a win and a loss is usually a shot or two in these lower levels.
Our girls had plenty of chances to score, from close in and from the free-throw line, but just weren't able to get that lucky bounce for the win.
8th graders come back to win
This time, it was the 8th grade that had to come from behind.
Down 5 points going into the 4th, the 8th graders had to play a near flawless quarter, and they did, outscoring their opponent 9-1 in a 25-22 victory.
They were up as much as 8 points in the first half -- 6 at half time. But in the 3rd quarter, they laid an egg, and were outscored 11-0.
But when this team needs to, they make big plays. In the 4th, they hit some clutch free-throws, played some great defense and did just enough to eke out another victory.
It looked like a picnic hangover, as a lot of the girls seemed out of gas. But they gave what was left in the tank and pulled out win number five on the season.
PRACTICES TOMORROW
8th grade - 9:30 a.m.
6th grade - 11 a.m.
7th grade - 1 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 3 p.m.
NOTE: All practices are 2 hours.
SOPHIA WINS SURVIVOR
Congratulations to Sophia, as she won the first ultimate Survivor competition at the picnic earlier this afternoon.
Friday, April 3, 2009
6th grade pulls out a critical win, SURVIVORS READY!!!
Serina scored on a beautiful lay-up with less than 40 seconds left in the game, giving the 6th grade girls a 14-12 lead and their fourth win of the season.
The girls were up by 6 going into the 4th quarter, but didn't score until that lay-up that won the game.
It wasn't their best game by any means, but good teams find a way to win and they did tonight.
If it weren't for some missed free-throws and lay-ups, this game could've and should've been a whole more lopsided.
They are now (4-2) on the season.
SURVIVORS READY
Tomorrow's picnic at Golden Gate Park (by the log caibn) runs from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Survivor game will begin at 12:30, so do not be late. If you are late, you will be unable to participate in the competition, so DON'T BE LATE.
Wear comfortable clothes and be ready for an extreme challenge. See you there.
GAMES TOMORROW
8th grade - 5 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 6 p.m.
Both games at Mission Dolores. (16th Street and Church)
The girls were up by 6 going into the 4th quarter, but didn't score until that lay-up that won the game.
It wasn't their best game by any means, but good teams find a way to win and they did tonight.
If it weren't for some missed free-throws and lay-ups, this game could've and should've been a whole more lopsided.
They are now (4-2) on the season.
SURVIVORS READY
Tomorrow's picnic at Golden Gate Park (by the log caibn) runs from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Survivor game will begin at 12:30, so do not be late. If you are late, you will be unable to participate in the competition, so DON'T BE LATE.
Wear comfortable clothes and be ready for an extreme challenge. See you there.
GAMES TOMORROW
8th grade - 5 p.m.
3rd/4th grade - 6 p.m.
Both games at Mission Dolores. (16th Street and Church)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
6th grade girls mid-season report
We're a little past midway through the 6th grade girls basketball season and so far, and it's really tough to say whether they have played up to expectations.
On one hand, they have equaled their win total (exceeded it actually, since they won one game by forfeit last season) of last season.
But on the other hand, both of their losses were very, very winnable games, where they lost by a combined 3 points. If it wasn't for a few bad passes, it would not be unreasonable to say this team could be (5-0).
Things they are doing well:
--Everyone on the team is contributing. All the girls on the team have scored, and defensively they have gotten a lot better.
--They have 6 girls. It's a huge deal. Last season, 5 girls played the entire game and they were gassed towards the end of the game.
--Beverlyn has stepped up her game. She has become a scoring threat every game and has been pretty dependable down by the basket.
What needs to improve:
--Passing. Their passes are at times lazy and the direct result of two losses. Sometimes when you can't break a press or inbound the ball, it falls on the shoulders of the ball-handlers getting open. Sometimes, they they are pressed, they get nervous and turn the ball over. They need to take care of the ball better.
--Rebounding. Sometimes, they tend to not hustle back on defense or are out of position. A lot of the points this team gives up, comes off of their own mistakes, and second chance points.
--Some of the girls on the team need to be more aggressive. Instead of looking to constantly pass the ball, they need to shoot more. Serina and Marissa are strong players that can drive to the basket, but at times, they do not do that enough.
Overall, this team looks a lot better than last season. They have a good chance of making the playoffs, but they will need to get better at taking care of the ball and not turning the ball over.
It all begins tomorrow night from St. Gabriel (41st and Ulloa). Tip-off is at 8 p.m.
On one hand, they have equaled their win total (exceeded it actually, since they won one game by forfeit last season) of last season.
But on the other hand, both of their losses were very, very winnable games, where they lost by a combined 3 points. If it wasn't for a few bad passes, it would not be unreasonable to say this team could be (5-0).
Things they are doing well:
--Everyone on the team is contributing. All the girls on the team have scored, and defensively they have gotten a lot better.
--They have 6 girls. It's a huge deal. Last season, 5 girls played the entire game and they were gassed towards the end of the game.
--Beverlyn has stepped up her game. She has become a scoring threat every game and has been pretty dependable down by the basket.
What needs to improve:
--Passing. Their passes are at times lazy and the direct result of two losses. Sometimes when you can't break a press or inbound the ball, it falls on the shoulders of the ball-handlers getting open. Sometimes, they they are pressed, they get nervous and turn the ball over. They need to take care of the ball better.
--Rebounding. Sometimes, they tend to not hustle back on defense or are out of position. A lot of the points this team gives up, comes off of their own mistakes, and second chance points.
--Some of the girls on the team need to be more aggressive. Instead of looking to constantly pass the ball, they need to shoot more. Serina and Marissa are strong players that can drive to the basket, but at times, they do not do that enough.
Overall, this team looks a lot better than last season. They have a good chance of making the playoffs, but they will need to get better at taking care of the ball and not turning the ball over.
It all begins tomorrow night from St. Gabriel (41st and Ulloa). Tip-off is at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
7th grade girls come up short
The 7th grade girls played a hard fought game, but unfortunately did not make enough free-throws or lay-ups to pull out a victory. They shot 2-for-10 from the line in a 20-14 loss that dropped their record to (2-3).
Things that need to be done for the 7th grade are no different than any of the other teams. When you don't make easy shots like lay-ups and can't capitalize on free-throws, it becomes very difficult to win.
Emily had a game-high 8 points.
Things that need to be done for the 7th grade are no different than any of the other teams. When you don't make easy shots like lay-ups and can't capitalize on free-throws, it becomes very difficult to win.
Emily had a game-high 8 points.
7th grade girls in action tonight
Big game for the 7th grade girls tonight. The action starts at 7 p.m. from St. Brendan's. (201 Ulloa Street)
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