Well, tonight is it. The middle school boys team that Brett Vines and I coached is going for all the marbles. We are playing for the championship at 6:00 pm at Carmel Baptist Church. What an unbelievable season this has been! I have blogged about this team before, but I have to say this again. I have never coached a more enjoyable group of young men. This team was just flat fun to be around and as far as players, every one of them could hold their own. As this season comes to a close, I'd like to make special note of each one. (We are red in the picture)
Here's to:
1. Brett Bouldin-obviously my favorite player. Brett has the heart of a champion and dreams of making it big some day in either basketball or baseball. Whether that ever becomes a reality or not is yet to be seen. All I know is that as far as being a great son and a vital part of this team, Brett's already made it. Great job Brett!
2. Austin Capps-there is only one other kid that I have coached in over 10 years of coaching that I would put in Austin's league when it comes to competitive spirit. This kid wants to win and plays with maximum intensity when he has to. I have enjoyed watching him turn it up when necessary as well as relax when he could. Great job Austin!
3. Travis Cochran- Travis is the silent assassin. He didn't talk much and sometimes you hardly even knew he was out on the court...until you needed a big play and all of the sudden there he was. Travis is one of the kids that is just so easy to like. I am really glad he decided to come be a part of our team.
4. Brendan Friday-This kid is 6'3 and just down right nasty! Brendan is one of these kids that has no idea just how strong he really is or how good he could be. There were several times this year when opposing players would try to drive the lane on Brendan, but after he slapped their stuff into the 6th row several times, eventually they quit coming. Brendan dude, all I can say is you make me smile. Great job Brendan!
5. Derrick Gile-Here is another kid that doesn't know how good he really could be. Granted, Derrick wasn't the star, but over the course of the season he improved each game. Towards the end of the year Derrick hit some fantastic shots that I'm not sure anyone thought he could make. Congratulations Derrick. You are my Most Improved Player by a landslide!
6. Drew Hahn-Holy Cow! I grew up watching 5'3 Mugsy Bogues defy nature by wasting guys twice his size on the basketball court. Watching Drew reminded me of those days. To see Drew prior to seeing him play you would probably think he'd be the last man in the game. After you've seen him play, you're response would be the same as mine. Holy Cow that kid is good! Drew, the bottom line is this, your last second shot is one main reason why we are undefeated! Thanks!
7. Scott Lewis-The Leader. Scott is steady. He's level headed. And most of all he can play! If I were to pick someone that exemplified sportsmanship and character, Scott would be at the top of my list. His calm presence and steady leadership always proved to have a calming effect on everyone...including me! Thanks Scott! Great job!
8. Spencer Nunn-If you would have asked Spencer prior to this season if he thought we would be as good as we are, I guarantee you he would have said no way. Spencer is one of two boys that returned to this year's team after playing on last year's 11-0 championship team. How can you top that right? We're getting ready to Spank! Thanks for playing big this year. You have improved almost as much as you've grown! That makes for a killer combination! Great job Spencer.
I don't know what the outcome will be tonight. We may lose, although I highly doubt it. But whatever happens, all I know is this. These boys and this team have truly been an undeserved blessing in my life. I love each one of them and wish them all the very best. Now let's go kick some...oh that's right, I am a Pastor...let's go give it our best! Ha.....
So... did they win??
Posted by: Brenden | March 04, 2008 at 11:46 AM