After being held without a field goal in Saturday's 7-1 loss, the 6th grade girls scored just seconds into the game, and came out with a heart stopping 12-11 win to clinch a playoff spot.
Fiona scored on a fast break off of a nice pass from Jamie to start the game, but then the girls played a similar first half like yesterday's game, doing everything but scoring.
Defensively they were solid and they rebounded a lot better than they did yesterday as they took a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Even with just a two point lead, you could tell the girls had a lot more confidence in their step and were just on the brink of breaking out. And they finally did.
The girls exploded in the 3rd quarter off of buckets from Rebecca, her first career made shot, Edwena and Kelly that gave the girls an 8-0 lead going into the fourth.
After the other team finally scored on a free throw, Victoria got a shot to bank in and the girls led 10-1.
But the other team made a furious run, scoring 6 straight to cut the deficit to 10-7 with a little under two minutes to go.
Their press that was stifling for the bulk of the second half all of a sudden went south in the crucial moments of the game. The other team was able to weave around the girls too easily, unimpeded to the bucket.
Hanging on for dear life, the girls got a much needed basket with about a minute to go from Lesly. Their press created a turnover in the backcourt, and Lesly sailed in for an easy lay-up.
The other team then came back and scored on a giveaway by the 6th graders in the backcourt, and then they hit two free throws that made it a one point game with 15.5 seconds to go.
Victoria just escaped the 5 second count underneath the 6th grade's hoop and got it to Fiona who appeared to be trapped in the corner. But Fiona was able to fling the ball upcourt to a wide open Lesly, who was able to kill valuable seconds off the clock as she dribbled towards the basket.
Not needing a shot, Lesly shoveled it to Victoria who then passed it back up to to Fiona and the time expired.
What was more important than the fact that the 6th grade girls are playoff bound was their resiliency after such a frustrating game a day ago.
Following Saturday's loss when they were held to just one point, the girls broke the post-game huddle visibly shaken, shoulders slumped and faces dragging. One girl even threw her water bottle at the floor in frustration.
So for them to come back, play inspired basketball and beat a team that had beaten them a weak before shows the growth and character of these girls.
The first half was almost as frustrating as Saturday since the girls were unable to make a shot, but they stuck with it, and eventually the shots began to fall.
A win like this should do wonders for their confidence as they play their season finale next week in preparation for their first career playoff game.
Each basket the 6th grade made came from a different girl as six of the nine girls scored in Sunday's win.
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Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Offensive drought sinks 6th graders
With a few seconds left in the 6th grade's game, a coach that had the next game was baffled when he looked at the scoreboard.
His eyes were deceived as the only thing he saw in the second half was the ball on the 6th grade's offensive side of the court.
All he saw was the 6th grade girls' press creating turnover after turnover.
What he didn't pay attention to was that the 6th graders did not make a field goal the entire second half in a 7-1 loss.
"I thought Red was winning," he said.
So the story goes for the offensively challenged 6th graders who did everything they could to snap their two game losing streak but get the ball in the hoop.
Normally when you hold the other team to 7 points in a game, you should be victorious.
In fact, the other team didn't have more than a handful shots attempted the entire second half, which illustrates how mightily the 6th grade girls struggled offensively.
It's hard to focus on the positive aspects of the game, like creating turnovers, playing strong on the press, and defensively holding the other team to a handful of shots, when you score only one point in the game.
That bucket came courtesy of Kaela who hit her free throw in the 4th quarter that had cut the lead to 4-1. As a whole, the team shot 1-of-6 from the line.
On paper, this game was a win. They were going up against a team they had beaten by double digits to start the season.
Unfortunately games are decided on the court, and the girls fell for the third straight game and are now at .500 on the year with a (3-3) record.
They won't have much time to dwell on their performance because their next game is tomorrow at noon against a team they lost to by 5 just last Sunday.
Today they had their share of opportunities but couldn't convert. They had a few shots that just bounced out, and then some other shots that were just hard to describe. At least three times the girls had wide open looks and shot the ball over the backboard, something that they simply cannot afford to do -- especially when they've improved so much already this season.
Jamie and Kelly were getting their hands on a lot of steals, but just couldn't finish on their lay-ups on the fast break.
Victoria had her share of good looks but wasn't able to score.
Fiona, who looked tired as the game went on, could barely muster enough energy on her shots that were going flat to the basket.
For a team that won three straight to start the year, this game was obviously disheartening.
They've reverted back to their bad habits of getting nervous when they get the ball, and taking shots when they aren't squared to the basket. They throw the balls toward the hoop hoping they'll somehow go in, instead of shooting it with confidence.
It'll help a lot tomorrow if they can get a bucket or two early in the game to boost their morale, because the bucket looks very tiny right now.
The girls were also missing Edwena, who sat out with an illness. No word on whether she will be there tomorrow at this time.
His eyes were deceived as the only thing he saw in the second half was the ball on the 6th grade's offensive side of the court.
All he saw was the 6th grade girls' press creating turnover after turnover.
What he didn't pay attention to was that the 6th graders did not make a field goal the entire second half in a 7-1 loss.
"I thought Red was winning," he said.
So the story goes for the offensively challenged 6th graders who did everything they could to snap their two game losing streak but get the ball in the hoop.
Normally when you hold the other team to 7 points in a game, you should be victorious.
In fact, the other team didn't have more than a handful shots attempted the entire second half, which illustrates how mightily the 6th grade girls struggled offensively.
It's hard to focus on the positive aspects of the game, like creating turnovers, playing strong on the press, and defensively holding the other team to a handful of shots, when you score only one point in the game.
That bucket came courtesy of Kaela who hit her free throw in the 4th quarter that had cut the lead to 4-1. As a whole, the team shot 1-of-6 from the line.
On paper, this game was a win. They were going up against a team they had beaten by double digits to start the season.
Unfortunately games are decided on the court, and the girls fell for the third straight game and are now at .500 on the year with a (3-3) record.
They won't have much time to dwell on their performance because their next game is tomorrow at noon against a team they lost to by 5 just last Sunday.
Today they had their share of opportunities but couldn't convert. They had a few shots that just bounced out, and then some other shots that were just hard to describe. At least three times the girls had wide open looks and shot the ball over the backboard, something that they simply cannot afford to do -- especially when they've improved so much already this season.
Jamie and Kelly were getting their hands on a lot of steals, but just couldn't finish on their lay-ups on the fast break.
Victoria had her share of good looks but wasn't able to score.
Fiona, who looked tired as the game went on, could barely muster enough energy on her shots that were going flat to the basket.
For a team that won three straight to start the year, this game was obviously disheartening.
They've reverted back to their bad habits of getting nervous when they get the ball, and taking shots when they aren't squared to the basket. They throw the balls toward the hoop hoping they'll somehow go in, instead of shooting it with confidence.
It'll help a lot tomorrow if they can get a bucket or two early in the game to boost their morale, because the bucket looks very tiny right now.
The girls were also missing Edwena, who sat out with an illness. No word on whether she will be there tomorrow at this time.
Lily career high lifts 5th grade to another win
Plain and simple, the 5th grade girls are going to be a tough team to beat.
Lily scored a career high 10 points, as the 5th grade girls had another dominating performance, winning 26-4 in their penultimate game of the season.
The game was well in hand by halftime as the girls led 18-2 heading into the break.
Kaela had a game high 12 points,but most notably dished out another handful of assists.
Earlier in the year, she would take it herself even though some of her teammates were wide open. Now she's doing a better job of getting her head up, setting up her teammates for easier shots.
Becky and Michaela also added 2 points.
Defensively the girls are very quick at the top. Whether it be Ivy, or the twins, Cecilia and Christine, the girls really get after the ball once the other team crosses half court.
Their pressure causes havoc for the other team and that leads to a lot of steals and fast break opportunities.
And that's where Kaela goes to work.
Not only can she take it to the bucket herself now, but with her teammates running the lands and getting open, the 5th grade's fast break is even more of a threat than it was before.
In the half court set, Lily took advantage of her height and was able to shoot all day over the other team. She is undoubtedly one of the most improved players this season as she had trouble adjusting to the game early on in the season.
One of the nicer plays Saturday morning was when the ball was rotated nicely from the point guard, to the wing, and then to Lily who banked in her shot.
Now the shots that once weren't even hitting the rim, are now going in on a consistent basis.
At (7-0), the girls have clinched first place in their division and will play the No. 4 seed in the playoffs.
Lily scored a career high 10 points, as the 5th grade girls had another dominating performance, winning 26-4 in their penultimate game of the season.
The game was well in hand by halftime as the girls led 18-2 heading into the break.
Kaela had a game high 12 points,but most notably dished out another handful of assists.
Earlier in the year, she would take it herself even though some of her teammates were wide open. Now she's doing a better job of getting her head up, setting up her teammates for easier shots.
Becky and Michaela also added 2 points.
Defensively the girls are very quick at the top. Whether it be Ivy, or the twins, Cecilia and Christine, the girls really get after the ball once the other team crosses half court.
Their pressure causes havoc for the other team and that leads to a lot of steals and fast break opportunities.
And that's where Kaela goes to work.
Not only can she take it to the bucket herself now, but with her teammates running the lands and getting open, the 5th grade's fast break is even more of a threat than it was before.
In the half court set, Lily took advantage of her height and was able to shoot all day over the other team. She is undoubtedly one of the most improved players this season as she had trouble adjusting to the game early on in the season.
One of the nicer plays Saturday morning was when the ball was rotated nicely from the point guard, to the wing, and then to Lily who banked in her shot.
Now the shots that once weren't even hitting the rim, are now going in on a consistent basis.
At (7-0), the girls have clinched first place in their division and will play the No. 4 seed in the playoffs.
Saturday Results
The 5th grade girls remain undefeated after a 26-4 victory this morning.
The 6th grade girls could not find the bucket at all in a 7-1 loss.
And Michael outwit, outlast, and outplayed 15 others to become the winner of the 2012 Survivor Game. In the final, the 5th grader beat Raymond on a 5-2 vote.
The 6th grade girls could not find the bucket at all in a 7-1 loss.
And Michael outwit, outlast, and outplayed 15 others to become the winner of the 2012 Survivor Game. In the final, the 5th grader beat Raymond on a 5-2 vote.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Lili scores in 8th grade win, finish season undefeated
The 8th grade girls capped off an undefeated season Friday night with a 22-3 victory.
This marks the first time a St. Mary's team in the modern St. Mary's Athletics era to have ever finished (8-0) in any sport.
It was another slow start by the girls who trailed at one point 1-0 and 3-2 in the 1st quarter.
But a 6-0 2nd quarter set the tone for a second half where they shut out the other team.
By far, the girls played a much better game than their stinker on Sunday when everything seemed to go wrong. After barely squeaking by 17-9, they needed a much better performance in the season finale, and they did just that.
The game was highlighted by Lili's first basket since game one of the regular season. On a fast break, Jocelyn zipped a nice cross court pass to Lili who anxiously banked in the shot. She then had a quick celebration raising both hands in the air as she trotted back on defense.
All five girls who played scored.
Next up for the girls will be a playoff game against the No. 4 seed in the division. In a five team division, a No. 4 seed is not as dangerous as a team would be in a normal division with 8+ teams, so there should be no reason why the 8th grade can't advance to the championship.
Furthermore, there should be no reason why the girls shouldn't be 1st place champions a little less than a month from now.
Every team in their division they have beaten twice, and aside from last Sunday's meltdown, they've beaten every team by double digits.
After going (2-6) last season, the girls ran the table in 2012.
Only three players returned, but the additions of Lili, Amanda and Sabrina have made them the top dogs in their division.
This team was put together last minute as they had to withdraw from the tournament since they had only four players a day before the tourney was set to begin.
Until this day, they still haven't completely clicked because of the sporadic attendance to practices. It's a very familiar song for girls basketball these days, but they find a way to get it done.
It's upsetting on one hand because this team could be so much better if they would show up to practice. Perhaps being stuck in a bad division lessens the motivation and desire to get better. Nevertheless, the girls should have some pride and go out and win the right way instead of playing not to lose.
The girls will get at least a week's rest before their playoff game. Anything but winning it all will be a letdown.
This marks the first time a St. Mary's team in the modern St. Mary's Athletics era to have ever finished (8-0) in any sport.
It was another slow start by the girls who trailed at one point 1-0 and 3-2 in the 1st quarter.
But a 6-0 2nd quarter set the tone for a second half where they shut out the other team.
By far, the girls played a much better game than their stinker on Sunday when everything seemed to go wrong. After barely squeaking by 17-9, they needed a much better performance in the season finale, and they did just that.
The game was highlighted by Lili's first basket since game one of the regular season. On a fast break, Jocelyn zipped a nice cross court pass to Lili who anxiously banked in the shot. She then had a quick celebration raising both hands in the air as she trotted back on defense.
All five girls who played scored.
Next up for the girls will be a playoff game against the No. 4 seed in the division. In a five team division, a No. 4 seed is not as dangerous as a team would be in a normal division with 8+ teams, so there should be no reason why the 8th grade can't advance to the championship.
Furthermore, there should be no reason why the girls shouldn't be 1st place champions a little less than a month from now.
Every team in their division they have beaten twice, and aside from last Sunday's meltdown, they've beaten every team by double digits.
After going (2-6) last season, the girls ran the table in 2012.
Only three players returned, but the additions of Lili, Amanda and Sabrina have made them the top dogs in their division.
This team was put together last minute as they had to withdraw from the tournament since they had only four players a day before the tourney was set to begin.
Until this day, they still haven't completely clicked because of the sporadic attendance to practices. It's a very familiar song for girls basketball these days, but they find a way to get it done.
It's upsetting on one hand because this team could be so much better if they would show up to practice. Perhaps being stuck in a bad division lessens the motivation and desire to get better. Nevertheless, the girls should have some pride and go out and win the right way instead of playing not to lose.
The girls will get at least a week's rest before their playoff game. Anything but winning it all will be a letdown.
3rd grade suffers heartbreaker in OT
The 3rd grade girls were 1:14 away from their first win, but a late bucket by the other team tied it up at 4-4.
After a scoreless OT, the other team scored with less than a minute to go in sudden death, sending the 3rd grade girls to their seventh loss on the season 6-4.
They remain winless on the year.
Sofia scored in the first half and Veronica put the girls ahead in the 3rd quarter with a nice steal and a lay-up.
But from that point forward they had trouble getting off any shots, and the turnovers didn't help their cause.
It looked like the girls were going to pull it off as both teams had trouble getting off shots in the 4th quarter. Jump ball after jump ball after jump ball they went.
But off of a bad pass, the other team went on a fast break and got an open shot to tie the game.
The other team scored in the same fashion in sudden death, off of a bad pass.
When Veronica scored, it was the 3rd grade's first lead of the regular season.
After a scoreless OT, the other team scored with less than a minute to go in sudden death, sending the 3rd grade girls to their seventh loss on the season 6-4.
They remain winless on the year.
Sofia scored in the first half and Veronica put the girls ahead in the 3rd quarter with a nice steal and a lay-up.
But from that point forward they had trouble getting off any shots, and the turnovers didn't help their cause.
It looked like the girls were going to pull it off as both teams had trouble getting off shots in the 4th quarter. Jump ball after jump ball after jump ball they went.
But off of a bad pass, the other team went on a fast break and got an open shot to tie the game.
The other team scored in the same fashion in sudden death, off of a bad pass.
When Veronica scored, it was the 3rd grade's first lead of the regular season.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
5th grade runs into outs in latest game
The 5th grade had their best day at the plate this afternoon in a 13-1 loss, making some good contact throughout the game. Problem is that the runners on base were doubled off after the ball was hit.
In the 3rd and 4th innings, runners were doubled off after the other team's infielders caught line drives, and then threw back to the original bases to get the third out.
With less than 2 outs, runners cannot advance until the ball either hits the ground or caught. Both times the runners left off the ping of the bat and were far away from the base when the outs were recorded.
They led 1-0 going into the bottom half of the second when the defense completely unraveled.
Three of the four infielders made errors and the three outfielders followed in an error plagued inning that led to 8 unearned runs.
That pretty much put the game away.
Like a lot of inexperienced players, they were simply unable to field balls that were hit at them. Instead of trying to get completely in front of it, they try to snatch it or come up with the ball way too early and the ball ends up trickling by.
Instead of getting out of the inning unscored upon, the other team hung an 8 spot on them.
In the 5th inning, Jason L. collected the first base hit in his career. Barret and Andy followed with base hits before the next three batters struck out to end the game.
Ricardo got the start and pitched 3+ innings, and Michael came up to finish the game.
This game concluded their fourth game within a week.
They play again on Tuesday.
In the 3rd and 4th innings, runners were doubled off after the other team's infielders caught line drives, and then threw back to the original bases to get the third out.
With less than 2 outs, runners cannot advance until the ball either hits the ground or caught. Both times the runners left off the ping of the bat and were far away from the base when the outs were recorded.
They led 1-0 going into the bottom half of the second when the defense completely unraveled.
Three of the four infielders made errors and the three outfielders followed in an error plagued inning that led to 8 unearned runs.
That pretty much put the game away.
Like a lot of inexperienced players, they were simply unable to field balls that were hit at them. Instead of trying to get completely in front of it, they try to snatch it or come up with the ball way too early and the ball ends up trickling by.
Instead of getting out of the inning unscored upon, the other team hung an 8 spot on them.
In the 5th inning, Jason L. collected the first base hit in his career. Barret and Andy followed with base hits before the next three batters struck out to end the game.
Ricardo got the start and pitched 3+ innings, and Michael came up to finish the game.
This game concluded their fourth game within a week.
They play again on Tuesday.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Spot the Noob
We haven't played this in a while, so we re-rack one of our favorite games, Spot the Noob.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
5th grade baseball doubled up, but score five
After being shutout for consecutive games, the 5th grade baseball team erupted for 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning, but they were still doubled up by a final score of 10-5.
Errors and walks put the team in a bad spot as they trailed 3-0 after the first, and 7-0 going into the bottom of the fifth.
That's when they drew a handful of walks and started putting the bat on the ball.
Ricardo had the first of his two hits in the game, and two runs came in to score on throwing errors.
Barret then followed with an infield single that scored another, and the next two runs were walked in by the other team.
Allen started for the third time this year and went four innings strong, while Michael made his debut on the mound and closed it out with two solid innings.
Defensively, they had their share of errors, but were also able to make some nice plays.
After booting a ball in the third, Ryan bounced back and made a nice play in the fourth, knocking down the ball before flipping it to second to end the inning.
Justin made another nice catch on a pop-up later in the game.
The team plays again on Thursday.
Errors and walks put the team in a bad spot as they trailed 3-0 after the first, and 7-0 going into the bottom of the fifth.
That's when they drew a handful of walks and started putting the bat on the ball.
Ricardo had the first of his two hits in the game, and two runs came in to score on throwing errors.
Barret then followed with an infield single that scored another, and the next two runs were walked in by the other team.
Allen started for the third time this year and went four innings strong, while Michael made his debut on the mound and closed it out with two solid innings.
Defensively, they had their share of errors, but were also able to make some nice plays.
After booting a ball in the third, Ryan bounced back and made a nice play in the fourth, knocking down the ball before flipping it to second to end the inning.
Justin made another nice catch on a pop-up later in the game.
The team plays again on Thursday.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Highlights for 4/20 - 4/22 & Picnic Information
Be sure to come to the St. Mary's annual picnic this Saturday at San Bruno City Park.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1125 Crystal Springs Road
For $5 you can get a full meal - chicken, hot dog or a burger.
Hope to see you all there!
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1125 Crystal Springs Road
For $5 you can get a full meal - chicken, hot dog or a burger.
Hope to see you all there!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Slow start too much for the 6th grade to overcome
The 6th grade girls looked more like the team that had only two wins in their first few years of basketball than the one that started the season (3-0) this afternoon.
They played a tentative first half where they couldn't make a shot, and the 2 points in quarters one and two ended up biting them in the rear end in a 14-9 loss.
In the second half, the 6th graders were the better team, but the hole they dug themselves was far too much to climb out of for a team that has trouble putting the ball in the hoop.
Kelly's basket to start the 2nd quarter was the only bucket in the first half for the 6th grade girls. The other team capitalized on some bad positioning by the 6th grade to get open looks, as well as offensive rebounds the girls were unable to corral.
One thing the team can take away from today's game is that they mounted a comeback when they could've easily folded like they had in the past. There wasn't much fightback in previous games when the girls were down by a large margin early, but the press ignited the team to get back into the game.
Slowly they were able to chip away as they held the other team scoreless the entire 3rd quarter, while Fiona scored her lone 3 points to pull the girls within 7 points.
Lesly's bank shot from an awkward angle cut the lead to five, and Jamie had a golden opportunity to make it a one possession game on a fast break lay-up but her shot rimmed out. The other team then hit a jump shot for their only points of the second half which made it once again a seven point game.
A pair of Victoria free throws got the 6th grade back within five, but that's as far as the girls got.
With 58 seconds left, the girls were on defense and needed the ball back, but they couldn't get it. The other team passed the ball around and the girls had no answer, as a good 40 seconds were taken off the clock before the 6th grade got the ball back.
By then, there was only a little over 10 seconds left, and the game was all but over.
At (3-2) the 6th graders fall into third place in the division and have lost two straight.
Size wise, the girls were once again much smaller in the post, and with the absence of Edwena, they were even smaller down low.
They played scared in the first half, something they tend to do when going up against bigger girls, but in the second half they stepped up their game and were aggressive. It showed because they outscored the other team 7-2 down the stretch.
The same two teams will meet again next Sunday when the 6th grade plays the second of their back-to-back.
They played a tentative first half where they couldn't make a shot, and the 2 points in quarters one and two ended up biting them in the rear end in a 14-9 loss.
In the second half, the 6th graders were the better team, but the hole they dug themselves was far too much to climb out of for a team that has trouble putting the ball in the hoop.
Kelly's basket to start the 2nd quarter was the only bucket in the first half for the 6th grade girls. The other team capitalized on some bad positioning by the 6th grade to get open looks, as well as offensive rebounds the girls were unable to corral.
One thing the team can take away from today's game is that they mounted a comeback when they could've easily folded like they had in the past. There wasn't much fightback in previous games when the girls were down by a large margin early, but the press ignited the team to get back into the game.
Slowly they were able to chip away as they held the other team scoreless the entire 3rd quarter, while Fiona scored her lone 3 points to pull the girls within 7 points.
Lesly's bank shot from an awkward angle cut the lead to five, and Jamie had a golden opportunity to make it a one possession game on a fast break lay-up but her shot rimmed out. The other team then hit a jump shot for their only points of the second half which made it once again a seven point game.
A pair of Victoria free throws got the 6th grade back within five, but that's as far as the girls got.
With 58 seconds left, the girls were on defense and needed the ball back, but they couldn't get it. The other team passed the ball around and the girls had no answer, as a good 40 seconds were taken off the clock before the 6th grade got the ball back.
By then, there was only a little over 10 seconds left, and the game was all but over.
At (3-2) the 6th graders fall into third place in the division and have lost two straight.
Size wise, the girls were once again much smaller in the post, and with the absence of Edwena, they were even smaller down low.
They played scared in the first half, something they tend to do when going up against bigger girls, but in the second half they stepped up their game and were aggressive. It showed because they outscored the other team 7-2 down the stretch.
The same two teams will meet again next Sunday when the 6th grade plays the second of their back-to-back.
8th grade girls crawl to the finish in latest game
If you needed some evidence as to why the 8th grade girls are in the division they are, their play this afternoon suggested that they are exactly where they belong.
Up against a team that they beat by 19 points to start the season, they crawled their way to a 17-9 win in a game where they weren't as bad as the opponent.
Perhaps it was the rust or the humid gym, but the girls looked several steps slow and at times uninterested during stretches of the game.
Maria had 3 fouls alone before the first half ended and Amanda fouled out of the game with a little over a minute left, leaving the team with only four players on the court to finish the game. They only dressed five this afternoon.
The girls got off to a quick start and led 4-0 right off the bat. The strong first minute of the game led most people to believe that this was going to be another one-sided affair, but the 8th graders stopped working after that.
At halftime, it was a very bland 9-2. Little by little, the girls would score points. There was no rush or flurry of offense or more than one possession of consistent play. They played a game that could only be described as a painful and slow death.
To their defense, it's tough to get up for games when the outcome is already pretty much set in stone. No team in this division can beat the 8th grade, so for them to get motivated is a tough chore.
But they need to put all that aside for the rest of the season because strange things can happen when you don't play your best, and an upset in the playoffs or championship would be one of epic proportions.
Their record, despite their lackluster performance this afternoon is (7-0). They have already clinched first place in their division and have only one more game in the regular season before the playoffs.
They'll need to get back to their ways of playing when the other team leaves the game thinking that the 8th graders should be in a higher division.
For today, their performance made the placement seem right.
Up against a team that they beat by 19 points to start the season, they crawled their way to a 17-9 win in a game where they weren't as bad as the opponent.
Perhaps it was the rust or the humid gym, but the girls looked several steps slow and at times uninterested during stretches of the game.
Maria had 3 fouls alone before the first half ended and Amanda fouled out of the game with a little over a minute left, leaving the team with only four players on the court to finish the game. They only dressed five this afternoon.
The girls got off to a quick start and led 4-0 right off the bat. The strong first minute of the game led most people to believe that this was going to be another one-sided affair, but the 8th graders stopped working after that.
At halftime, it was a very bland 9-2. Little by little, the girls would score points. There was no rush or flurry of offense or more than one possession of consistent play. They played a game that could only be described as a painful and slow death.
To their defense, it's tough to get up for games when the outcome is already pretty much set in stone. No team in this division can beat the 8th grade, so for them to get motivated is a tough chore.
But they need to put all that aside for the rest of the season because strange things can happen when you don't play your best, and an upset in the playoffs or championship would be one of epic proportions.
Their record, despite their lackluster performance this afternoon is (7-0). They have already clinched first place in their division and have only one more game in the regular season before the playoffs.
They'll need to get back to their ways of playing when the other team leaves the game thinking that the 8th graders should be in a higher division.
For today, their performance made the placement seem right.
Justin with a double in latest 5th grade game
It took two plus games but the 5th grade baseball team finally has a solid base hit.
Unfortunately, it was the lone hit of the game for the 5th graders and they again were shutout for the second straight game by the same team.
They are now (0-3) on the season and play four games in a span of a week, with games Tuesday and Thursday.
A lot of the games are bunched up because of the rain in the last month or so. It's a lot of learning on the fly for the boys as hardly any of them have a great sense of what baseball is really about.
That shouldn't be new because that's been the story with all the baseball teams at St. Mary's in the last five years.
Ricardo pitched for the second straight game and went the distance.
Allen was just a tad late on a pitch with runners on first and second, and lined it right back to the pitcher, who doubled off the runner on the first which halted the team's best scoring chance.
Unfortunately, it was the lone hit of the game for the 5th graders and they again were shutout for the second straight game by the same team.
They are now (0-3) on the season and play four games in a span of a week, with games Tuesday and Thursday.
A lot of the games are bunched up because of the rain in the last month or so. It's a lot of learning on the fly for the boys as hardly any of them have a great sense of what baseball is really about.
That shouldn't be new because that's been the story with all the baseball teams at St. Mary's in the last five years.
Ricardo pitched for the second straight game and went the distance.
Allen was just a tad late on a pitch with runners on first and second, and lined it right back to the pitcher, who doubled off the runner on the first which halted the team's best scoring chance.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
7th grade avoids collapse, win by a point
The 7th grade girls avoided a meltdown in the last minute of the game and held on for dear life in a 20-19 win that brought their record back to .500.
Nursing a one point lead with 10 seconds left in the game, the girls had an inbound underneath their own basket, but Tiffany threw an errant pass right to the other team. Luckily Melina wrestled the ball away from her and the 7th graders held onto the ball as the time expired.
They dodged a bullet midway through the 4th quarter when Cynthia accidentally shot the ball in her own basket.
It happens quite often in a regular season it seems when the entire team doesn't realize which way they are going in the second half, and they ended up throwing it in their own hoop. Cynthia's shot wasn't a layup, but rather a jump shot that was nothing but net that cut their own lead to 18-16.
When Cynthia shot in her own basket, she was pretty good. She nailed an NBA range 3 pointer near the end of the 3rd quarter and gave the 7th grade girls a 16-11 cushion heading into the fourth.
Melina hit a jump shot to start the fourth which gave them their biggest lead of the game at 18-11.
Playing with only five girls, the 7th grade looked tired at points during the game. A lot of their shots were missing badly because they had absolutely no lift from their legs. They threw up a lot of forced shots when they weren't squared to the basket from bad angles.
When they took their time and shot in stride, the results were usually good.
On both of Melina's jumpers in the fourth, she had ample time, squared herself and drained her shots. Same goes for Cynthia when she pulled up in rhythm and was able to find the hoop.
At (3-3), the playoffs are very well in reach. Winning out would almost assure them at worse a tie-breaker game. Split the next two, and they'll probably need some help.
Remember this is a team that lost two games to forfeit when they couldn't get five players to show up for a game.
Now they are down to five players, and they'll need to be in condition for the full four quarters.
Defensively, they played pretty well and avoided foul trouble, something that they got themselves into in their last game.
A few more practices together should hopefully get them playing even more together than they were this afternoon.
Amy scored 2 points and Julia chipped in with 4 points in the win.
Nursing a one point lead with 10 seconds left in the game, the girls had an inbound underneath their own basket, but Tiffany threw an errant pass right to the other team. Luckily Melina wrestled the ball away from her and the 7th graders held onto the ball as the time expired.
They dodged a bullet midway through the 4th quarter when Cynthia accidentally shot the ball in her own basket.
It happens quite often in a regular season it seems when the entire team doesn't realize which way they are going in the second half, and they ended up throwing it in their own hoop. Cynthia's shot wasn't a layup, but rather a jump shot that was nothing but net that cut their own lead to 18-16.
When Cynthia shot in her own basket, she was pretty good. She nailed an NBA range 3 pointer near the end of the 3rd quarter and gave the 7th grade girls a 16-11 cushion heading into the fourth.
Melina hit a jump shot to start the fourth which gave them their biggest lead of the game at 18-11.
Playing with only five girls, the 7th grade looked tired at points during the game. A lot of their shots were missing badly because they had absolutely no lift from their legs. They threw up a lot of forced shots when they weren't squared to the basket from bad angles.
When they took their time and shot in stride, the results were usually good.
On both of Melina's jumpers in the fourth, she had ample time, squared herself and drained her shots. Same goes for Cynthia when she pulled up in rhythm and was able to find the hoop.
At (3-3), the playoffs are very well in reach. Winning out would almost assure them at worse a tie-breaker game. Split the next two, and they'll probably need some help.
Remember this is a team that lost two games to forfeit when they couldn't get five players to show up for a game.
Now they are down to five players, and they'll need to be in condition for the full four quarters.
Defensively, they played pretty well and avoided foul trouble, something that they got themselves into in their last game.
A few more practices together should hopefully get them playing even more together than they were this afternoon.
Amy scored 2 points and Julia chipped in with 4 points in the win.
Twins come up big in 5th grade win
The Twins, Cecilia and Christine both scored for the first time, and the 5th graders improved to (6-0) on the season with a 24-6 win.
Cecilia had 4 points, two which came in the first half, while Christine scored the first bucket of her career in the second half.
It was an all around team effort with Kaela leading the way with 12 points, and several assists, getting her teammates involved in the scoring.
Michaela had a season high 6 points as well.
The girls fell behind early 2-0, and 4-2 as their half court defense broke down in the low post. At the time it seemed like the game would be a back and forth scoring affair.
After the first minute of the game, the 5th grade's defense settled down and limited the other team to only 2 points the rest of the way.
Nursing a comfortable 12-4 lead to start the third, the girls put it away with an 8-0 run minutes into the second half. After Kaela scored on a lay-up to make it a 10 point game, Michaela put in a rebound, and then the twins scored on back to back possessions off of fast breaks.
With the Twins getting on the scoresheet, every girl on the team has scored this season, a very nice accomplishment for a team that has four girls that have never played prior to this year.
Game by game, the new girls are beginning to chip in and that's exactly what they will need in the playoffs.
On the 8-0 run in the third, the last 6 points were all set up on passes by Kaela. If Kaela can continue to dish off to her teammates and create her own shots, it's going to be very difficult to stop this 5th grade team.
St. Mary's teaching legend Miss Pendleton was at the game.
Cecilia had 4 points, two which came in the first half, while Christine scored the first bucket of her career in the second half.
It was an all around team effort with Kaela leading the way with 12 points, and several assists, getting her teammates involved in the scoring.
Michaela had a season high 6 points as well.
The girls fell behind early 2-0, and 4-2 as their half court defense broke down in the low post. At the time it seemed like the game would be a back and forth scoring affair.
After the first minute of the game, the 5th grade's defense settled down and limited the other team to only 2 points the rest of the way.
Nursing a comfortable 12-4 lead to start the third, the girls put it away with an 8-0 run minutes into the second half. After Kaela scored on a lay-up to make it a 10 point game, Michaela put in a rebound, and then the twins scored on back to back possessions off of fast breaks.
With the Twins getting on the scoresheet, every girl on the team has scored this season, a very nice accomplishment for a team that has four girls that have never played prior to this year.
Game by game, the new girls are beginning to chip in and that's exactly what they will need in the playoffs.
On the 8-0 run in the third, the last 6 points were all set up on passes by Kaela. If Kaela can continue to dish off to her teammates and create her own shots, it's going to be very difficult to stop this 5th grade team.
St. Mary's teaching legend Miss Pendleton was at the game.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Defense comes alive for the baseball team
In their first game a few weeks ago, the only outs the 5th grade were able to record were courtesy of the strikeout. Tonight, they made their first plays in the field.
Justin made two nice catches on pop-ups and Calvin, playing first base, caught a pop-up as well in a 13-0 loss.
This game was not filled with walks like their first game, as the other team put their bats on the ball in a big way.
The other team hit two legitimate home runs that left the field of play on their way to scoring 13 runs, the crushing blow a grand slam in the 1st inning that made it 7-0.
Offensively, the 5th grade has yet to register a solid base hit, and it was unlikely it was going to happen tonight against the other team's pitcher. He was built more like a 7th grader and was able to blow fastballs by the 5th grade for five shutout innings of no hit ball.
A handful of 5th graders reached base on walks, but nobody made it past second base.
It was a good learning experience for the 5th graders because their defense had a chance to commit their first errors and first plays.
The boys need to be more alert, because baseball is a game of focus, and focus is something a lot of young kids simply just do not have.
Allen made the start for the second straight game and pitched a career high three innings. Ricardo came in to relieve Allen and struck out the side in the fourth in his debut.
Justin made two nice catches on pop-ups and Calvin, playing first base, caught a pop-up as well in a 13-0 loss.
This game was not filled with walks like their first game, as the other team put their bats on the ball in a big way.
The other team hit two legitimate home runs that left the field of play on their way to scoring 13 runs, the crushing blow a grand slam in the 1st inning that made it 7-0.
Offensively, the 5th grade has yet to register a solid base hit, and it was unlikely it was going to happen tonight against the other team's pitcher. He was built more like a 7th grader and was able to blow fastballs by the 5th grade for five shutout innings of no hit ball.
A handful of 5th graders reached base on walks, but nobody made it past second base.
It was a good learning experience for the 5th graders because their defense had a chance to commit their first errors and first plays.
The boys need to be more alert, because baseball is a game of focus, and focus is something a lot of young kids simply just do not have.
Allen made the start for the second straight game and pitched a career high three innings. Ricardo came in to relieve Allen and struck out the side in the fourth in his debut.
3rd graders suffer another loss
In a rematch against a team that walloped them in their first meeting, the 3rd graders trimmed the margin, but still lost 12-2, their sixth straight defeat on the season.
It was 10-0 when Sofia finally broke through midway through the 4th quarter with a bank shot from right out in front of the basket.
At halftime, the 3rd graders only trailed 6-0, but their problem tonight as it has been all season long has been getting the ball in the hoop. You could say that's the problem with probably any basketball team that loses a game, but the 3rd graders simply can't find ways to score.
Problem is a lot of the girls are afraid to shoot the ball, as they are very content with staying on the perimeter.
If shots were tracked, the 3rd graders were probably outshot by close to a 4:1 margin.
When a team shoots the ball more, that team usually has a chance to score more, and the 3rd graders so far have yet to score more than the other team.
The game was played at NDV.
It was 10-0 when Sofia finally broke through midway through the 4th quarter with a bank shot from right out in front of the basket.
At halftime, the 3rd graders only trailed 6-0, but their problem tonight as it has been all season long has been getting the ball in the hoop. You could say that's the problem with probably any basketball team that loses a game, but the 3rd graders simply can't find ways to score.
Problem is a lot of the girls are afraid to shoot the ball, as they are very content with staying on the perimeter.
If shots were tracked, the 3rd graders were probably outshot by close to a 4:1 margin.
When a team shoots the ball more, that team usually has a chance to score more, and the 3rd graders so far have yet to score more than the other team.
The game was played at NDV.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Shem's Corner - Episode 1
Everyone I present to you hopefully one of many more Shem's Corners on the way.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Happy Birthday Brandon
There are those few days a year where it's someone's birthday and because you like this person so much, you want to make sure that this day is as special as it could be. Today, April 16th, 2012, is not one of those days.
Nonetheless, Happy Birthday Brandon as we look back at some of his finest moments.
And a special birthday song from The Shem: Also, in an exclusive, Brandon gives baseball tips to everybody on how to take a pitch, if the ball is coming straight at you: And finally a rerack of both of his birthday videos from the last two years:
Nonetheless, Happy Birthday Brandon as we look back at some of his finest moments.
And a special birthday song from The Shem: Also, in an exclusive, Brandon gives baseball tips to everybody on how to take a pitch, if the ball is coming straight at you: And finally a rerack of both of his birthday videos from the last two years:
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Deja Vu
If you recall, Dan Boyle scored on his own goalie a few years back. The silver lining is the Sharks went on to win that series...
Friday, April 13, 2012
RAW Video and...Sharks Highlights
Great game last night for the Sharks who pulled it out, and overall great playoff hockey in every series so far. If you care to watch any hockey, just turn it to the NBC Sports Network on either Ch. 81 on Comcast or Ch. 603 on Direct TV.
Here you go, RAW video underneath the Sharks highlights.
Here you go, RAW video underneath the Sharks highlights.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Puck drops tonight, final shave in minutes
Sharks Playoffs Game 1
TV: CSN-CA Ch. 41 on Comcast, Ch. 698 on Direct TV
Let's Go Sharks!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Zeeeeeeets
 |
| If he can still pitch, so can you |
You might've been in diapers, learning how to draw, and perhaps for some of you, not even born yet.
As for me, I was still getting over my high school prom rejection.
But on that day, Barry Zito threw his last complete game shutout, until the stars aligned yesterday.
Zito was masterful and looked like his 2002 Cy Young Award winning self, going the distance, giving up only four hits, and striking out four.
"I couldn't be happier for Barry," said teammate Aubrey Huff. "It's no secret he gets buried by the fans, the media and all. To see him go out there and put up a complete-game shutout in Colorado, all the haters out there — that's for them."
One person who has done more than his share of burying as a member of the media and as a fan is myself.
After he signed a 7 year, $126 million contract, Zito has produced absolutely nothing for the Giants in his five plus years as a member of the orange and black.
Sure, he has had his occasional good starts, but he isn't even close to living up to his contract, and isn't even close to being good.
Consider this.
When the Giants won the World Series in 2010, Zito wasn't even a member of the active roster. He wasn't eligible nor did he pitch a single game in the playoffs that season.
With the season on the line in game 161 of 2010, Zito fell flat again, and pitched one of his worst games as a Giant - and there have been many, forcing the Giants to clinch a playoff berth on the final game of the year.
On that Saturday, he gave up two runs in the first inning that put the Giants behind the 8-ball, walked four, and only went three innings. And it was the most important game of the year.
Zito has been attacked by the media and fans alike. He hardly has anybody on his side, and you would be hard pressed to find anybody out there that truly believed Zito had a complete game shutout in him.
It would be pushing it to say that anyone had faith in him yesterday to even pitch into the 5th inning, but he did more than that.
But here's the feel good part of the story.
No matter how many times people have kicked him while he was down, Zito still finds the motivation to get back up, and work at it. One thing you can't question him for is his work ethic and how he stays positive despite all the negativity and criticism thrown his way.
Even when he wasn't on the playoff roster in the championship year, Zito never complained publicly and was still a good teammate, cheering on the rest of his team.
Lesson for you boys and girls, is that you just have to keep fighting. There are very few athletes who have been beaten down as much as Zito, but even fewer that have been able to put aside the critics and keep on going.
Will Zito ever pitch another complete game shutout? I don't think so. But did I ever think he was going to throw one yesterday? Absolutely not.
Perhaps the morale of this story is that anything is possible as long as you try.
But if you're not out there playing baseball (or any other sport for that matter), nothing's possible.
Highlights from Barry Zito's performance Monday
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Hi, I'm Ryane Clowe...
If you didn't watch the Sharks game last night, you missed out on something that I don't think has ever been done in hockey before. Take a look before you read on:
So yes, Ryane Clowe of the Sharks, was on the bench, and he poked the puck away from a guy on the other team. No, that is not legal, and he should've gotten a penalty on the play, which would've pretty much buried the Sharks since it would've put them at a 2-man disadvantage.
After the game, Clowe had this to say:
I found it hilarious. I'm sure if I was an LA Kings fan, I would not feel the same way. I/we can laugh about it cause they didn't get caught. Had Clowe been given a penalty and the Sharks lost, I don't know if it would've been funny at all.
With that being said, the Sharks are now in the playoffs again, and that means to playoff beard or not to playoff beard? You be the judge. GO VOTE RIGHT NOW ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PAGE.
And in case you never have seen this or want to relive it, here was the playoff beard from two years ago and the open to Awards Night, (which will be on a Saturday this year by the way).
So yes, Ryane Clowe of the Sharks, was on the bench, and he poked the puck away from a guy on the other team. No, that is not legal, and he should've gotten a penalty on the play, which would've pretty much buried the Sharks since it would've put them at a 2-man disadvantage.
After the game, Clowe had this to say:
I found it hilarious. I'm sure if I was an LA Kings fan, I would not feel the same way. I/we can laugh about it cause they didn't get caught. Had Clowe been given a penalty and the Sharks lost, I don't know if it would've been funny at all.
With that being said, the Sharks are now in the playoffs again, and that means to playoff beard or not to playoff beard? You be the judge. GO VOTE RIGHT NOW ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PAGE.
And in case you never have seen this or want to relive it, here was the playoff beard from two years ago and the open to Awards Night, (which will be on a Saturday this year by the way).
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
5th grade's first baseball game in the books
Allen got the start for the 5th grade baseball team and struck out 7 batters in 2.1 innings of work.
Unfortunately, the pitching after Allen didn't hold up and the boys lost 8-2 in their first career baseball game.
They took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a pair of bases loaded walks.
Conversely, an 8 run bottom of the third where six runs were walked in did in the 5th graders.
The game lasted three and a half innings.
Unfortunately, the pitching after Allen didn't hold up and the boys lost 8-2 in their first career baseball game.
They took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a pair of bases loaded walks.
Conversely, an 8 run bottom of the third where six runs were walked in did in the 5th graders.
The game lasted three and a half innings.
Monday, April 2, 2012
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