What NCAA?

DD#2 is playing her last year of CYO Girls Basketball. Through the years, our team has not been known as a Powerhouse. They shoot--the ball rolls around the rim and drops out. The other team shoots--the ball rolls around the rim and drops in. DD#2's team plays strong defense and keeps the game close and then loses steam until the fourth quarter when the other team runs over them.

Last night was different. Last night they actually made the opposing coach lose her cool with her own team.

They were playing one of the better teams in the league and they had the lead up until the last minute of the game. DD#2's team lost in overtime, but they played well, they played as a team, and they played just as physically (and in some cases, just as physically aggressive!) as their opponents.

And I was a bit hoarse this morning.

The girls have been playing since 3rd Grade but since there are so many of them, they have two teams. Each year the mix of girls is a bit different, so they've had to relearn each teammates strengths and weaknesses. The beauty of this system is that it allows each girl to develop--DD#2 is a much better player now than she was even last year and her role in the team has expanded (along with her playing time). She hasn't been "locked in" to a position.

So, while she did not score last night, she did have two fouls, blocked several shots, fought for and gained control of the ball from her opponent, and when "bumped" by an opponent's hip she "bumped" right back.

Her team lost more because of poor clock management skills, but I can't blame them--they had never led in a close, hard-fought game before!

Unfortunately, they face the same team again Saturday--their very next game. I don't know if they're going to be able to keep up their intensity. I know the coach of the other team won't hesitate to remind her girls who they almost lost to!

Of course, the irony is that they begin each game with The Lord's Prayer and then immediately battle it out on the court.

I don't know if I can stand it! :)