Well today is our last day here in Orlando. We said goodbye this morning to Spencer and his family. We have a relaxing morning (most of us packing) and then head back over to Wide World of Sports for one last time. We watch the D2 Championship game between Long Island Lightning and The Truth (out of Kentucky). The Truth pulled out the win in overtime. The last and final game is the D1 Championship game between Long Island Lightning and New Orleans. What a great game this was with The Lightning winning the game.
Congratulations to all teams this week - especially our Greenburgh Kings!
Rochelle and Toni rounded up the boys and took them to FunSpot. The boys enjoyed go carts and the game room. They especially hounded the mom's for the funnel cake - which was delicious!!! Then the rains came and boy did it pour but what a wonderful sight after the rain was the rainbow in the sky. What a way to end a great week!
Our final team dinner was at Shogun (a Japanese hibachi restaurant) which the boys enjoyed. Their cook was "very funny and our food tasted good!" The boys enjoyed their last night together and at the end of the night when all the goodbye's were said there were some tears shed.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
August 7th - Day 7 - Games and Magic
This morning we headed back over to the Wide World of Sports to watch some quarter-final games and then went over to the Amway Center to get a tour of the Orlando Magic stadium. (Thank you Rochelle for setting this up for us!). Coach Terry went to the airport to pick up Gayle and would meet us at the stadium.
We were greeted at the entrance by Felix Bermudez - one of the security guards at the stadium. The funny thing was that he would be the one to take us on our tour and this would be his first tour - it kind of just landed in his lap. The stadium was built in 1989 and he kept telling us it is an "old" stadium. They actually just broke ground on the new stadium and it would be ready for the 2010/2011 season. It will be state of the art. The current stadium holds about 17,000 people and the new stadium will be about the same but will be modernized.
First he took us to look at the arena. Currently the basketball floor was not down due to an event that was just completed. The workers were breaking down the stage and it was interesting to watch. We then took the elevator up to the top level of the stadium to visit the inside of a luxury box. The boxes at this stadium are "sky boxes" meaning they are at the top level of the stadium so you are looking down at the game. The boys agreed that this is not the place they would prefer to watch a game - they'd rather be close to the action. The boxes are rented out yearly for about $100,000. The owners can decorate their box how they choose. But when an event is held, they have to use the catering service utilized by the stadium (boy, hope they are a good service!)
Next Felix took us to the lowest level of the stadium. We got to go on the floor - the boys enjoyed that and pretended they were being announced to the onlooking crowds. Even Coach Chris got into the moment and had some fun with it. We then proceeded to "see" the Orlando Magic's locker room. Okay - we only saw the door leading into the locker room - Felix told us it was off limits and we were not allowed to go in - Coach Mike tried to get him to let us in, but unfortunately was unsuccessful. We were fortunate to be taken into the visiting team's locker room. The boys got to sit where many of their favorite players have sat. Felix was a little embarrassed as he continued to say that it is an "old stadium" - but it didn't matter to the boys. They were a bit awestruck to imagine their idols sitting, standing, even showering where they were. Coach Terry, Gayle, Reece and Nile joined up with us while we were in the locker room - welcome Gayle! Glad you could make it down.
Next Felix took us to the media room. The boys had some fun here - pretending to do interviews with the press -same as the Orlando coach and players would do after a game. We weren't given a fluffly tour of the stadium, we were given a genuine tour by a seasoned security guard - this was a great experience for the parents and the boys, one I am sure we'll not soon forget.
We had to say goodbye to the Twins as they were heading back to NY tonight. We're sad to see you go.
We went back to the hotel to relax and swim for a little while. We then headed back (once again) to Wide World of Sports to watch one of the D1 Semi-Final games. Afterwards, we went over to Universal Studio's City Walk for a team dinner at NBA City. The boys loved this place. We got seated in the "skybox" section - looking over the rest of the restaurant and able to watch as they boys shot baskets in the arcade. Another nice dinner - ending with Eileen thanking Rochelle for all her hardwork, dedication and love that she put forth for the Kings.
We were greeted at the entrance by Felix Bermudez - one of the security guards at the stadium. The funny thing was that he would be the one to take us on our tour and this would be his first tour - it kind of just landed in his lap. The stadium was built in 1989 and he kept telling us it is an "old" stadium. They actually just broke ground on the new stadium and it would be ready for the 2010/2011 season. It will be state of the art. The current stadium holds about 17,000 people and the new stadium will be about the same but will be modernized.
First he took us to look at the arena. Currently the basketball floor was not down due to an event that was just completed. The workers were breaking down the stage and it was interesting to watch. We then took the elevator up to the top level of the stadium to visit the inside of a luxury box. The boxes at this stadium are "sky boxes" meaning they are at the top level of the stadium so you are looking down at the game. The boys agreed that this is not the place they would prefer to watch a game - they'd rather be close to the action. The boxes are rented out yearly for about $100,000. The owners can decorate their box how they choose. But when an event is held, they have to use the catering service utilized by the stadium (boy, hope they are a good service!)
Next Felix took us to the lowest level of the stadium. We got to go on the floor - the boys enjoyed that and pretended they were being announced to the onlooking crowds. Even Coach Chris got into the moment and had some fun with it. We then proceeded to "see" the Orlando Magic's locker room. Okay - we only saw the door leading into the locker room - Felix told us it was off limits and we were not allowed to go in - Coach Mike tried to get him to let us in, but unfortunately was unsuccessful. We were fortunate to be taken into the visiting team's locker room. The boys got to sit where many of their favorite players have sat. Felix was a little embarrassed as he continued to say that it is an "old stadium" - but it didn't matter to the boys. They were a bit awestruck to imagine their idols sitting, standing, even showering where they were. Coach Terry, Gayle, Reece and Nile joined up with us while we were in the locker room - welcome Gayle! Glad you could make it down.
Next Felix took us to the media room. The boys had some fun here - pretending to do interviews with the press -same as the Orlando coach and players would do after a game. We weren't given a fluffly tour of the stadium, we were given a genuine tour by a seasoned security guard - this was a great experience for the parents and the boys, one I am sure we'll not soon forget.
We had to say goodbye to the Twins as they were heading back to NY tonight. We're sad to see you go.
We went back to the hotel to relax and swim for a little while. We then headed back (once again) to Wide World of Sports to watch one of the D1 Semi-Final games. Afterwards, we went over to Universal Studio's City Walk for a team dinner at NBA City. The boys loved this place. We got seated in the "skybox" section - looking over the rest of the restaurant and able to watch as they boys shot baskets in the arcade. Another nice dinner - ending with Eileen thanking Rochelle for all her hardwork, dedication and love that she put forth for the Kings.
August 6th - Day 6 - Enjoying Down Time
So now that we are done playing, what will we do?! What else - watch basketball and have some fun in the hot Florida sun.
Today the boys went back over to Wide World of Sports to watch Division I teams Long Island Lightning play Hoop Heaven Heat. It was a good game with the Lightning coming up with the win. Afterward the game, the boys went to Disney's Blizzard Beach to enjoy cool fun in the Florida heat. They had a great time while Rochelle and Toni enjoyed the beach - they were able to relax, with their chairs in the water. The boys checked in with Rochelle and Toni periodically.
Today we said goodbye to Austin, his dad Doug and Lenny's mom Carol. They headed back home. We're sad to see them leave.
Tonight we decided to go to Sizzler for dinner. Some folks really wanted salad and they had a salad bar. Again, this team dinner was fun with many laughs all around. Fred was sad that his mom wasn't on the trip and said to Sal "I would kill to have my mom at this table!!" When I asked the boys for their final comments about the games they played this week as well as how they felt about the week some of their comments were:
"We're still very emotional about the games...wish we were still playing" (Darren)
"We were really hungry to get at least one win in this year's tournament, when we got two, I don't think we weren't as hungry...but we played good" (T-Man)
"We were a lot better than last year...also glad that Coach Mike announced before our trip that there were to be no initiations this year" (Nnambdi)
"The atmosphere was fun...the referees were fair to a certain degree, but in preparing us for high school and college, you not the calls are not always gonna go your way" (Reece)
"The twins got their fill of soft-serve ice cream at the Golden Corral"
(As did their dad, Doug, as he was able to have ice cream before and after his meal tonight)
Darren had some blue frozen drink which turned his teeth blue - the boys got a kick out of that as well tonight. Judy (Darren's mom) sent a text message to the team to say HI and hope we're having fun.
The coaches got up to thank the boys and parents once again. Special thank you to Grandma Sarnoff for approaching Coach Mike last year and telling him she wanted her grandsons on his team. Coach Chris said the Twins, in addition to be great for our team, are "mad funny".
We thanked our "General Rochelle" for all her hardwork before arriving in Orlando and throughout our stay.
Rochelle said "I love you all from the bottom of my heart!" and we know she means that! We love you too Rochelle!
We thanked our coaches for all their preparation, scheduling of tournaments, preparing our kids for their future - you have prepared these boys to play with the best and we know the best is yet to come.
Today the boys went back over to Wide World of Sports to watch Division I teams Long Island Lightning play Hoop Heaven Heat. It was a good game with the Lightning coming up with the win. Afterward the game, the boys went to Disney's Blizzard Beach to enjoy cool fun in the Florida heat. They had a great time while Rochelle and Toni enjoyed the beach - they were able to relax, with their chairs in the water. The boys checked in with Rochelle and Toni periodically.
Today we said goodbye to Austin, his dad Doug and Lenny's mom Carol. They headed back home. We're sad to see them leave.
Tonight we decided to go to Sizzler for dinner. Some folks really wanted salad and they had a salad bar. Again, this team dinner was fun with many laughs all around. Fred was sad that his mom wasn't on the trip and said to Sal "I would kill to have my mom at this table!!" When I asked the boys for their final comments about the games they played this week as well as how they felt about the week some of their comments were:
"We're still very emotional about the games...wish we were still playing" (Darren)
"We were really hungry to get at least one win in this year's tournament, when we got two, I don't think we weren't as hungry...but we played good" (T-Man)
"We were a lot better than last year...also glad that Coach Mike announced before our trip that there were to be no initiations this year" (Nnambdi)
"The atmosphere was fun...the referees were fair to a certain degree, but in preparing us for high school and college, you not the calls are not always gonna go your way" (Reece)
"The twins got their fill of soft-serve ice cream at the Golden Corral"
(As did their dad, Doug, as he was able to have ice cream before and after his meal tonight)
Darren had some blue frozen drink which turned his teeth blue - the boys got a kick out of that as well tonight. Judy (Darren's mom) sent a text message to the team to say HI and hope we're having fun.
The coaches got up to thank the boys and parents once again. Special thank you to Grandma Sarnoff for approaching Coach Mike last year and telling him she wanted her grandsons on his team. Coach Chris said the Twins, in addition to be great for our team, are "mad funny".
We thanked our "General Rochelle" for all her hardwork before arriving in Orlando and throughout our stay.
Rochelle said "I love you all from the bottom of my heart!" and we know she means that! We love you too Rochelle!
We thanked our coaches for all their preparation, scheduling of tournaments, preparing our kids for their future - you have prepared these boys to play with the best and we know the best is yet to come.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
14U Division II AAU Links
Following are links to view the Brackets and other information on the 14U Nationals
AAU Boys Basketball: http://www.aauboysbasketball.org/blue/index.asp
14U Division II Nationals Information: http://www.aauresults.org/boysb/re_nationals.php?s=43&lkid=&y=2008
Click on the left side and you will see the various brackets and the results
AAU Boys Basketball: http://www.aauboysbasketball.org/blue/index.asp
14U Division II Nationals Information: http://www.aauresults.org/boysb/re_nationals.php?s=43&lkid=&y=2008
Click on the left side and you will see the various brackets and the results
Final Box Scores
Tuesday August 5th - Game #4 1st Round Consolation Bracket
Greenburgh Kings: 15 9 15 23 62
Redbird Hoops: 9 21 17 20 67
Player Points:
Sal 13
Jordan 20
Ben 2
Fred 5
Darren 11
Nnambdi 11
Tuesday August 5th - Game #4 Championship Bracket
Greenburgh Kings: 19 16 13 12 60
Orlando's Finest: 13 15 20 22 70
Player Points:
Reece 9
Sal 9
Jordan 30
Fred 6
Darren 3
Nnambdi 3
Monday August 4th - Game #3 Pool Play
Greenburgh Kings: 7 9 9 17 42
Full Package Athletics: 10 12 12 10 44
Player Points:
Sal 10
Jordan 9
Fred 4
Darren 14
Alex 3
Nnambdi 2
Sunday August 3rd - Game #2 Pool Play
Greenburgh Kings: 18 13 16 19 66
Inglewood Hoops (CA): 16 15 13 6 50
Player Points:
Austin 1
Reece 2
Sal 23
Jordan 26
Fred 6
Alex 3
Nambdi 5
Saturday August 2nd - Game #1 Pool Play
Greenburgh Kings: 13 15 17 3 48
North Central Blaze (Mass): 5 6 13 13 37
Player Points:
Sal 12
Jordan 12
Fred 10
Darren 3
Alex 5
Terrence 2
Nambdi 4
Greenburgh Kings: 15 9 15 23 62
Redbird Hoops: 9 21 17 20 67
Player Points:
Sal 13
Jordan 20
Ben 2
Fred 5
Darren 11
Nnambdi 11
Tuesday August 5th - Game #4 Championship Bracket
Greenburgh Kings: 19 16 13 12 60
Orlando's Finest: 13 15 20 22 70
Player Points:
Reece 9
Sal 9
Jordan 30
Fred 6
Darren 3
Nnambdi 3
Monday August 4th - Game #3 Pool Play
Greenburgh Kings: 7 9 9 17 42
Full Package Athletics: 10 12 12 10 44
Player Points:
Sal 10
Jordan 9
Fred 4
Darren 14
Alex 3
Nnambdi 2
Sunday August 3rd - Game #2 Pool Play
Greenburgh Kings: 18 13 16 19 66
Inglewood Hoops (CA): 16 15 13 6 50
Player Points:
Austin 1
Reece 2
Sal 23
Jordan 26
Fred 6
Alex 3
Nambdi 5
Saturday August 2nd - Game #1 Pool Play
Greenburgh Kings: 13 15 17 3 48
North Central Blaze (Mass): 5 6 13 13 37
Player Points:
Sal 12
Jordan 12
Fred 10
Darren 3
Alex 5
Terrence 2
Nambdi 4
August 5th - Day 5 - What a Wonderful Ride We've Had
Everyone is up early, we meet for a light breakfast and a quick team meeting and prayer (led by Toni) in the lobby before heading over to Wide World of Sports. Some nerves can be seen with both the boys and the coaches. It is errily quiet as we walk into the Josten's Center. We are scheduled to play on Court #8 and unlike yesterday's game, we have plenty of warm up time. The boys are looking good.
Game time - We clearly dominate the first half of the game from an offensive perspective and go into half-time with a 35 to 28 lead. Unfortunately, Orlando's Finest re-evaluated their strategy and outscored the King's by 7 in the third quater and 10 in the fourth quarter, resulting in a devasting loss to the King's. We once again got out-rebounded and allowed our opponent too many offensive rebounds and put-backs. We did not play with the same Intensity as our first two games. Final score Greenburgh Kings 60 - Orlando's Finest 70.
The coaches took the boys aside and had a nice long talk with them. Whatever they said, hopefully they inspired them to play with everything for our next game - as we don't want it to be our last.
We are now in the 1st Round Consolation Bracket. Our next game is at 2:10. We are now at single elimination. We all head back to the hotel to rest and get a light lunch. The boys all go back to their own rooms to rest. About 11:00 Jordan goes door to door to round up all the players for a "player's only" meeting in his room. We are in a "do or die" situation and it looks like the boys are taking matters into their own hands.
We head back over to Wide World of Sports at about 1:00 for our game against the Redbird Hoops out of Illinois. (This is a team we saw last year at Memphis.) They have some serious height on their team (along with a player who's appearance puts into question his age...). We take to the court and come out with a 6 point lead at the end of the first quarter. Unfortunately, we are outshot in the second quarter by 11 points to go into a halftime down by 6. The third quarter is a tight one as we score 15 to the Redbird's 17 points. It is obvious that the coach of the Redbird's is concerned as we head into the fourth quarter. He decides to play "stall-ball" with 8 minutes to go in the game. These boys have some heigh on them and manage to hold onto the ball for a good 3 minutes before we decide to start fouling in order to stop the clock and to try to gain posession. (We only have one foul in the half, so we have plenty to give.) Needless to say this was a long quarter with many fouls occuring. (The Redbirds were given 21 foul shots, 14 of which they converted.) The Kings worked hard. Darren and Sal stepped it up this quarter and converted five 3-point shots (2 and 3 respectively). The parents were so hoping that the Redbirds "strategy" of holding the ball at the beginning of the quarter would backfire on them, and it nearly did. We outscored them 23 - 20 in this quarter. We ended up losing the game, but we showed heart and determination. Final score Greenburgh Kings 62 - Redbird Hoops 67.
Tears were shed by players, coaches and parents. We are all sad that our journey at this year's Nationals has come to an end.
A team meeting was held for everyone and the coaches had many words for the players - You're all a wonderful group of players and young men; We have enjoyed coaching the team; EVERYONE needs to practice - EVERY DAY; EVERYONE has weaknesses they need to continue to work on and improve on; don't ever give up on yourself; continue to be the best person you can be; continue to be the best academically you can be; continue to push yourself in ALL you do; YOU are the master of your own destiny.
Coach Terry challenged each of the boys to call anyone of the coaches (or all of them) to discuss with the coach their individual strengths and weaknesses, and what they need to do to improve. If the boys want to improve, play at the highest level they are capable of, and potentially play ball in college, this is something that THEY need to do proactively.
Bottom line is this: We are all so VERY PROUD of OUR Kings. You all worked hard and achieved much more than last year and went above and beyond the expectations of Coach Mike coming into the Nationals - we won two games - finished first in our pool - AND made it to the Championship Bracket - Remember - only 50 other teams made it to this bracket - KINGS you are in the top 50 in the United States - THAT is something to be VERY proud of.
The final question to break up the meeting was a math question: What is the percentage improvement over last year's Nationals result for the Kings? The answer: Positive Infinity (from zero wins to 2 wins!) CONGRATULATIONS KINGS!!! Hold your heads high and walk with pride - you deserve it!!!
Okay - so back to the hotel for relaxation - we are here till the end of the week and we plan to have as much fun as we can! Happy hour poolside with cheese and crackers. The boys relax and hope that the girls from Argentina are coming back to the hotel early tonight (sorry boys, we checked, they're not due back till after 11.) The big decision was where to eat for dinner - believe it or not, we couldn't make a decision - so Michael, Lisa and Clyde won out (they REALLY wanted banana pudding) so off to the Golden Corral it was. Mind you, this will be the LAST time we eat here, so they better get their full of banana pudding (and I think they did). Once again, being it was a buffet, the men ate too much and were uncomfortable. Joseph (one of our mascots) proclaimed that he ate a "Big Fred" meal - two helpings of dinner and two helpings of dessert. A nice evening of great company and conversation offsets a disappointing end to our tournament play. I can't say it enough - what a GREAT team we are.
Congratulations Kings on all you have accomplished this year.
PS - Stay tuned for more updates - we have three days left and will be making the most of them and I'll keep you posted.
Game time - We clearly dominate the first half of the game from an offensive perspective and go into half-time with a 35 to 28 lead. Unfortunately, Orlando's Finest re-evaluated their strategy and outscored the King's by 7 in the third quater and 10 in the fourth quarter, resulting in a devasting loss to the King's. We once again got out-rebounded and allowed our opponent too many offensive rebounds and put-backs. We did not play with the same Intensity as our first two games. Final score Greenburgh Kings 60 - Orlando's Finest 70.
The coaches took the boys aside and had a nice long talk with them. Whatever they said, hopefully they inspired them to play with everything for our next game - as we don't want it to be our last.
We are now in the 1st Round Consolation Bracket. Our next game is at 2:10. We are now at single elimination. We all head back to the hotel to rest and get a light lunch. The boys all go back to their own rooms to rest. About 11:00 Jordan goes door to door to round up all the players for a "player's only" meeting in his room. We are in a "do or die" situation and it looks like the boys are taking matters into their own hands.
We head back over to Wide World of Sports at about 1:00 for our game against the Redbird Hoops out of Illinois. (This is a team we saw last year at Memphis.) They have some serious height on their team (along with a player who's appearance puts into question his age...). We take to the court and come out with a 6 point lead at the end of the first quarter. Unfortunately, we are outshot in the second quarter by 11 points to go into a halftime down by 6. The third quarter is a tight one as we score 15 to the Redbird's 17 points. It is obvious that the coach of the Redbird's is concerned as we head into the fourth quarter. He decides to play "stall-ball" with 8 minutes to go in the game. These boys have some heigh on them and manage to hold onto the ball for a good 3 minutes before we decide to start fouling in order to stop the clock and to try to gain posession. (We only have one foul in the half, so we have plenty to give.) Needless to say this was a long quarter with many fouls occuring. (The Redbirds were given 21 foul shots, 14 of which they converted.) The Kings worked hard. Darren and Sal stepped it up this quarter and converted five 3-point shots (2 and 3 respectively). The parents were so hoping that the Redbirds "strategy" of holding the ball at the beginning of the quarter would backfire on them, and it nearly did. We outscored them 23 - 20 in this quarter. We ended up losing the game, but we showed heart and determination. Final score Greenburgh Kings 62 - Redbird Hoops 67.
Tears were shed by players, coaches and parents. We are all sad that our journey at this year's Nationals has come to an end.
A team meeting was held for everyone and the coaches had many words for the players - You're all a wonderful group of players and young men; We have enjoyed coaching the team; EVERYONE needs to practice - EVERY DAY; EVERYONE has weaknesses they need to continue to work on and improve on; don't ever give up on yourself; continue to be the best person you can be; continue to be the best academically you can be; continue to push yourself in ALL you do; YOU are the master of your own destiny.
Coach Terry challenged each of the boys to call anyone of the coaches (or all of them) to discuss with the coach their individual strengths and weaknesses, and what they need to do to improve. If the boys want to improve, play at the highest level they are capable of, and potentially play ball in college, this is something that THEY need to do proactively.
Bottom line is this: We are all so VERY PROUD of OUR Kings. You all worked hard and achieved much more than last year and went above and beyond the expectations of Coach Mike coming into the Nationals - we won two games - finished first in our pool - AND made it to the Championship Bracket - Remember - only 50 other teams made it to this bracket - KINGS you are in the top 50 in the United States - THAT is something to be VERY proud of.
The final question to break up the meeting was a math question: What is the percentage improvement over last year's Nationals result for the Kings? The answer: Positive Infinity (from zero wins to 2 wins!) CONGRATULATIONS KINGS!!! Hold your heads high and walk with pride - you deserve it!!!
Okay - so back to the hotel for relaxation - we are here till the end of the week and we plan to have as much fun as we can! Happy hour poolside with cheese and crackers. The boys relax and hope that the girls from Argentina are coming back to the hotel early tonight (sorry boys, we checked, they're not due back till after 11.) The big decision was where to eat for dinner - believe it or not, we couldn't make a decision - so Michael, Lisa and Clyde won out (they REALLY wanted banana pudding) so off to the Golden Corral it was. Mind you, this will be the LAST time we eat here, so they better get their full of banana pudding (and I think they did). Once again, being it was a buffet, the men ate too much and were uncomfortable. Joseph (one of our mascots) proclaimed that he ate a "Big Fred" meal - two helpings of dinner and two helpings of dessert. A nice evening of great company and conversation offsets a disappointing end to our tournament play. I can't say it enough - what a GREAT team we are.
Congratulations Kings on all you have accomplished this year.
PS - Stay tuned for more updates - we have three days left and will be making the most of them and I'll keep you posted.
August 4th - Day 4 - A Little Set Back
Final day of Pool Play for the Kings. We are playing Full Package Athletics of Chicago at 2:30. After a leisurely morning, we meet in the lobby for a brief team meeting. These have become a part of our regular routine and is a nice way to re-group as a team (not just the players and coaches, but the parents, siblings, grandparents and aunts - our WHOLE TEAM).
Parking at Wide World of Sports is MUCH better than yesterday (thankfully)! We meet at the globe and head on in to the Jostens Center with the players feeling pretty good about the upcoming game. They know that they have already done better than last year's appearance in Memphis, everything else from here on is icing on the cake.
This game was a heartbreaker. There were signs that this wasn't going to be the game we thought it was. Our game was delayed by about 45 minutes due to the games in front of us were behind schedule. As a result, we were only allotted about 8 minutes of warm-up time (not the 15 we were supposed to get). Also, Full Package has a player that wasn't at the other two games of pool-play. He was clearly their best player and the parents wondered "where did he come from and is he legitimate". We got out-rebounded and allowed many put-backs which Full Package were able to capitalize on. The Kings were down by six at the half and down by nine at the end of the third quarter, however we rallied back in the fourth quarter to score 17 points - of which, Darren had 12. We finished the game with our first loss of the tournament, final score: Greenburgh Kings 42 - Full Package Athletics 44.
We finished pool play with a record of 2-1, with a point differential of 26 - allowing the Greenburgh Kings to pool play FIRST PLACE IN OUR POOL (2P). CONGRATULATIONS KINGS!!
After a post-game team meeting we head back to our hotel for a quick swim for the boys. Then out to dinner at Chevy's (for Mexican food). What fun when the "balloon guy" made balloon Mickey hats, flowers, giraffes, turtles and I don't know what else, for the boys. Of course I have pictures and will be used as blackmail for the boys. We make it an early night as the boys have an 8:30 game tomorrow morning vs. Orlando's Finest in the first round of the Championship bracket. We are now in double elimination mode. Let's hope that we can get our momentum and play with Intensity to continue this crazy ride we're on.
GO KINGS!!!!
We are scheduled for an 8:30 AM game tomorrow vs. Orlando's Finest.
Parking at Wide World of Sports is MUCH better than yesterday (thankfully)! We meet at the globe and head on in to the Jostens Center with the players feeling pretty good about the upcoming game. They know that they have already done better than last year's appearance in Memphis, everything else from here on is icing on the cake.
This game was a heartbreaker. There were signs that this wasn't going to be the game we thought it was. Our game was delayed by about 45 minutes due to the games in front of us were behind schedule. As a result, we were only allotted about 8 minutes of warm-up time (not the 15 we were supposed to get). Also, Full Package has a player that wasn't at the other two games of pool-play. He was clearly their best player and the parents wondered "where did he come from and is he legitimate". We got out-rebounded and allowed many put-backs which Full Package were able to capitalize on. The Kings were down by six at the half and down by nine at the end of the third quarter, however we rallied back in the fourth quarter to score 17 points - of which, Darren had 12. We finished the game with our first loss of the tournament, final score: Greenburgh Kings 42 - Full Package Athletics 44.
We finished pool play with a record of 2-1, with a point differential of 26 - allowing the Greenburgh Kings to pool play FIRST PLACE IN OUR POOL (2P). CONGRATULATIONS KINGS!!
After a post-game team meeting we head back to our hotel for a quick swim for the boys. Then out to dinner at Chevy's (for Mexican food). What fun when the "balloon guy" made balloon Mickey hats, flowers, giraffes, turtles and I don't know what else, for the boys. Of course I have pictures and will be used as blackmail for the boys. We make it an early night as the boys have an 8:30 game tomorrow morning vs. Orlando's Finest in the first round of the Championship bracket. We are now in double elimination mode. Let's hope that we can get our momentum and play with Intensity to continue this crazy ride we're on.
GO KINGS!!!!
We are scheduled for an 8:30 AM game tomorrow vs. Orlando's Finest.
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