This past Saturday we finished up our first basketball season with all 4 players on the court. Thankfully, the age group divisions allowed for them to be grouped on 3 teams so I didn’t have 4 practices and 4 games each week to manage. Even though I love it, 3 hours of games every Saturday is my max.
Watching Camille play was hilarious — she was very particular about her pre-game hair. Usually braids, occasionally pigtails. And we had a few meltdowns on game days when the only shorts I could find were navy because the uniform was supposed to be black shorts. These things are important when you are 5.
before her first game
learning how to play defense — arms up!
getting extra coaching from her brothers
gotta work on getting the ball out, not just up . . .
good game, good game, good game . . .
time for post-game snacks!
This is going to sound crazy, but seeing her out on the court is like seeing my mom as a 5 year old girl. Her mannerisms, her expressions when she’s uncertain of herself, the way she pushes back her hair, and the way she runs is all Pam. I love it.
End of season trophy with her coaches. She didn’t score any points, or even take any shots during the games, but she learned how to dribble (and she did make a few baskets during practice).
Caleb and Carter had a good season — I love seeing the brothers work together on the court. I didn’t take any photos because they move too fast for them to show up as anything but green blurs. Carter moved around great on the court, but had an off shooting year. I’m sure it’s because he hasn’t adjusted to his new hight. He’s having to relearn all of his techniques using longer arms and longer legs. Caleb was the youngest on his team, but he played just as well as kids 2 years older than him.
Even though I didn’t get any photos of their games, Carter and Calvin were part of a 3 on 3 basketball tournament last week and someone got a few good photos of them. (Carter above)
Calvin (under the basket — black sleeve on his arm)
Calvin has been getting really good — he grew a few inches over the summer and was lifting weights so he’s able to muscle around on the court better. But he is having to make the choice this year between varsity basketball and soccer and is going to choose soccer. He’s been playing with the Marine intramural team on base so he’ll be all ready when the season rolls around in January.
As much as I love watching him play basketball, this sight of dad and son warming up before the game is pretty great. (Josh has been playing too).
Cross country finishes this week, Middle School volleyball ends next week, flag football starts next week, Middle School soccer starts the week after that . . . one season rolling into the next, all year long.
