"Being defeated is often a temporary condition.
Giving up is what makes it permanent."
We had some good things going for us in the first half of the game. The 3-2 zone (with a minor adjustment to the corner game) seemed to work well. We were able to contain for the most part. Our plays were being ran properly, screens made and set very well. But we just could not finish our shots! And we did not block out at all! Our rebounding game and our shooting lost the game for us tonight. It was not our lack of hustle (except for the rebounding). And our teamwork was much better tonight, too.
We have an uphill battle to climb right now, though. In the last 2-3 games, we stopped being an offensive threat. Here are a few things we have been good at in the past---but struggling with now!
--Not going to the hole STRONG and with DETERMINATION!!!
--We are still dribbling a little bit too much. I would like us to pass a whole lot more, working the perimeter until we get the defense shifted out of place for a nice jumper or into the post.
--The post have been struggling to finish their shots and moves, too. The guards are working really hard to get the ball down low....but we really need some aggressive post moves and to go up strong (and off the backboard) shots. ***I can't remember the last "and one" play we have had!!!! ??? :-(
--And when we go up for a layup, we are not finishing it. Follow through!!!
--And I can not say it enough----BLOCKING OUT and GRABBING those rebounds has to happen! We have been fumbling the ball around way too much. We even looked surprised to see the ball land in our hands??? We need to expect the ball to be in our hands and grab it before making a move.
--Meet the ball being passed to you. Our post have been getting in a bad habit of moving away from the ball being passed to them (assuming they will catch it) and trying to make a move before they actually have control of the ball. Go towards every ball being passed to you. This will ensure a good pass and will also draw fouls on any defensive player, too!
--And make those free throws! THEY ARE FREE! We missed 11 free throws tonight!
I admit, I am a bit nervous about how we will finish up this season. We were playing much better ball over a month ago. But we seem a bit slow, not going hard at 100%, and even timid! We seem to be losing some focus. But, I truly believe in this team!!! Every single player on this team, I believe in! And, I do know that every player on this team has HEART!
I want us to take this loss and turn it into something positive! Let's work really hard every day until the last day we play basketball. Do the extra....like shooting everyday or going really hard at PE or pay attention at practice or even go watch the High School team and find someone playing your position and watch and learn from them! The extra will pay off!!! Stay off 8ft goals. And stop jacking around with long shots at PE. Do the EXTRA!!!
But just know.......from here on out, we are playing every game like it's our last!!!! The next game could be our last! However, I think we would all agree that we'd like to make it to the championship and WIN the CHAMPIONSHIP!!! We can do this! But it will take focus, heart, teamwork, and determination.
Scorers for tonight's game: Zander Turner 8, Bryson Rigsby 5, Davis Autry 4, Jasek Hooker 2
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jasek Hooker!! Jasek Hooker is recognized for his hustle last night and playing with all heart! He had some great steals and did well defensively. Good job Jasek! Bring that to the tournament with you:-).
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
