In Transition (Family Sports)

So over the past few weeks, both Griffin and Lexi made the school basketball teams, with Lexi just getting cleared to begin full practices as her stress fractures appear to be healed. She will be playing JV and Griffin will play on the 6th grade team. Cami's tryouts are near the end of the month.

Cami is wrapping up her travel basketball season, and the team has won all 3 of their games over the past two weeks, including a tournament game today. She scored 6 points today, and I think 6-10 in the two games last week. She had multiple steals, deflections, and rebounds. Last week she also had two blocks in one game. She is becoming a very good all-around player. Next week is the rest of the tournament; they play until they lose (not sure how many rounds are left).

This week, Lexi has her first two high school games, while Griffin's games don't begin until December.

A sparse update

A short update on the past two weeks.

First, Lexi is getting to cheer for longer periods of time each week. Unfortunately, the team has lost it's last two game. Playoffs start this week.

Cami had her last rec league volleyball games, and her team split them. She finished getting all but one serve in and had some bumps and hits. She also had a good time. Club volleyball starts in January, I think. Her travel basketball team split their games today. Cami had a basket in each game. She also had a handful of rebounds and steals, and played nicely overall. Her next games are in two weeks.

Griffin's basketball gets started in a couple of weeks.

Until next week(-ish).

This Week Was A Little Less Busy

Due to parent/teacher conferences, Cami's volleyball games were canceled. She is also on the off week for travel basketball.

Lexi is getting closer to full health and was supporting her fellow cheerleaders at the JV game this week.

Griffin was our busy guy. His football team lost 14-7, but aside from giving up one big play, we played pretty well. Griffin didn't have any tackles this week, but he did force a fumble and nearly had another interception. On offense, we didn't really throw so he kept up his steady blocking. Next week is our last regular season game. In basketball, he had two games, both of which the team lost. However, Griffin did a nice job. He had several good shots which just didn't fall. He had a nice steal that he took coast to coast on the right side and attempted to shoot right handed (like he'd been taught). He then got his own rebound and shot again (a foul should have been called). He was all over the place on defense, playing with a lot of heart and hustle. The fall tournament is next week.

On a positive note, the varsity football team evened our record by picking up a big win.

All three kids have school basketball tryouts coming soon, so stay tuned.

Basketball Season(s) Comes to an End

Cami's team had two games this week. The won one and lost one (on a shot with under 30 seconds left). Cami scored a basket in each game. She played good defense, made good passes, grabbed a few rebounds, and had some steals. She is a little stat stuffer. She grew and improved a bunch during her various seasons this year, and I'm excited to see how things go for her next year. I also really enjoyed watching her team play because of the joy and excitement they always played with. Cami also has volleyball practice as the team is a couple weeks away from their next tournament.

Lexi's season also came to an end with two sets of games (the won both in the first set, lost both in the second set) and a pair of tournament games (also both losses). Lexi scored a couple of baskets and also made a free throw this week. She had a few rebounds (including a put back attempt that resulted in the free throw). She also had a nice steal that led to a fastbreak and another shot (it was blocked). Additionally, she tied up several loose balls that resulted in jump balls. I'm really proud of her growth this year. Several times, her coach from last year commented that she made some plays this season that she would not have been able to make last year. Her confidence also grew.

Next up for us is track, which all three kids will be doing together. Practice starts this week.

One Season Ends with a Championship

Griffin's basketball season ended this week with a game/scrimmage and a tournament. Because of circumstances out of our control, the last regular season game was turned in to a glorified scrimmage against a travel team. Griffin did okay, hustling on both ends, forcing turnovers, and tying up loose balls. The team did not win the scrimmage, however. As far as the tournament, Griffin's team were the champions. He played great in both games, and what became pretty standard for him, he created some havoc, grabbed loose balls, forced jump balls, grabbed a couple of rebounds, and made some nice passes, particularly inbounds passes. He also had several shots, but they did not fall. His best move was a steal into a fastbreak that just missed. He was pretty excited to win a trophy. I'm really proud of how much Griffin improved over the course of the season. I'm excited to see how much better he is going forward into next year.

Lexi had a couple of sets of games. The first set wasn't great, with both teams losing. Lexi played okay, getting some rebounds and getting off a couple of shots. The second set went much better, with both teams betting our rival pretty badly. Lexi had a couple of steals that turned into shots, but they didn't fall. In the 8th grade game, she turned a loose ball into a basket and then scored another one. She hustles and keeps improving, with her confidence being the key. Her season ends this week with two games and a tournament.

Cami's team played and won three games this week. She scored in two of them (I think a total of 6 points). She handles the ball, gets steals, fights for loose balls, and grabs rebounds. I think she scored on a fast break once, and with short jump shots the other two times. She is getting better each time out, and its fun to watch. Her season ends this week with two games. Additionally, she had volleyball practice (her next tournament is still a couple of weeks away).

Nearing the Finish Line for Basketball

Lexi's team had two sets of games, but due to being sick, Lexi only played in one set. During the 7th grade game, which they won by 30, Lexi scored 4 points (2 free throws and a fast break lay-up). She played with confidence and hustled on both O and D. She also tried another left-handed lay-up that just rolled off the rim. She has a couple games this week. In addition, she is practicing hard for the annual cheer night at the high school varsity game.

Griffin's team played 3 games; one regular game and two as part of a tournament. They actually played (and beat pretty badly) the same team in the regular game and the first game of the tournament. They ended up second, losing a game where the team just couldn't get many shots to fall. In the two wins, Griffin was a defensive maniac. He is playing more confidently with the ball, and in the first win, I saw pure joy on his face as he played. It was just one of those nights, even though none of his shots fell. In the tournament, he made a nice steal, fast break, crossover from right to left, lay-up move; and attempted another fast break lay-up from the right hand side (his coach was extremely complimentary about his effort to go with his weak hand, rather than force it to his strong hand). In the loss, he didn't play a bunch, but gave it his all, scrambling for every loose ball, trying a shot from the free throw line, and harassing his man on D. He has one more regular season game, and then another tournament this week before his season ends.

Cami had two games, both of which they lost. In the first, her team lost in OT to a 6th grade B team from a much larger school. Several of her opponents were at least 6 inches and 40 lbs bigger than Cami, but she held her own. She did a nice job on offense, controlling the ball, while playing good D. She also made one of her two free throw attempts. The team struggled in the second game. Cami did an okay job on both ends, but did not score. She has three games coming up this week. She also had a volleyball tournament. Her team finished pool play and then the facility lost power (along with several others in the area). We didn't win either pool game, but the team did a nice job against good competition, playing 3 of the 4 games really close. Cami had some nice serves and passes. She now has a few weeks off from tournaments, with just practice. The next tournament is in March.

Another week, more games

This week saw all three kids play basketball games. Lexi was supposed to have 3 sets of games, but due to some sort of gym issue at another school, she only had two. In the first, the 7th grade lost and the 8th grade won. As has been the norm most of the year, Lexi played a bunch in the 7th grade game, shooting a couple of times and working hard on "D". In the 8th grade game, she did the best she could in her limited playing time. The second set of games had the oppositie result: the 7th grade won, the 8th grade lost. It was a typical night for Lexi. She played tough "D" and forced a couple of turnovers on the press. She took a couple of really good jump shots that just rimmed out. She even had some good ball-handling moments, dribbling behind her back to escape a defender once. She had just a bit of playing time in the 8th grade game, but played hard and did a good job. She has two more games this week.

Griffin's team played two games. The team won the first game by a good margin. Griffin played a bunch, and excelled on defense. He keeps causing havoc on the top of the press, and his man-to-man on the other team's quick point guard was really good. He had a couple of steals, including a nice one that led to him getting a fast break, then showing great ball control when the defender cut him off. He slowed down, brought the ball back out, and reset the offense. His coach was very complementary of that play, and his ball-handling in particular. The second game was more of the same. Another win, terrific defense, some rebounding. More games to come this week.

Cami had one game, which her team won in a blowout. She didn't score, but had a few good shots that just didn't fall. She handled the ball a little, and played good defense. At one point, she ran after a girl on a fast break and dribbled the ball our from under the opponent's hand. It was a nifty move. She has a couple of games this week, as well as another volleyball tournament.

Lexi's choir also had their competition this week. She sang one solo and earned a gold medal. She also was a part of two ensembles, winning one gold and one silver medal.

This Week's Activities

Cami had two basketball games this week. Her team won the first game by a few points. Cami made two free throws, and contributed her usual defense and ball handling. Cami's second basketball game was postponed due to inclement weather. However, she also had a volleyball tournament, where the team came in 3rd again. She continues to improve, trying to build consistency with her hitting and serving. I think she has a couple of basketball games this week, but we have a week off from volleyball.

Griffin had two school league games. The team won the first game, and Griffin started. He played really good defense, stealing the ball and causing several turnovers. He also grabbed a rebound or two, and forced a few jump balls. He was more aggressive with his shooting, taking 4 or 5 shots, and making one (his first in the school league games). In the second game, the team also won. Griffin again started, and played like a maniac at the top of the press. His defense is pretty good, and he had a couple of steals. My favorite play was when he knocked it out of his man's hands, dribbled down the left side on a fastbreak, and put up a layup. Unfortunately, it didn't go in, but it was a nice play to get there. Next week sees a couple more games. Griffin's team lost their last two travel league games in close contests. He started both games, and played good defense. He did a nice job passing the ball on offense, and made his only shot. He excelled on the top of the press again, causing havoc and forcing turnovers. He also created several jump balls, fighting with bigger guys but refusing to let go (he reminds me of a bulldog).

Lexi's teams played two games, too. In the first match-up, the 7th grade won in a blowout and the 8th grade lost in a close game. Lexi played a ton in the 7th grade, scoring once and getting several other shots. My favorite part of her performance were the two steals she had that she turned into (attempted) left hand layups. She really focused on shooting with her left hand, and the second time she just barely missed. She didn't play as much in the 8th grade game, but held her own while she was in. In the second set of games, Lexi played mostly in the 7th grade game, and a bit in the 8th grade game. The 7th grade won; the 8th grade lost. She didn't score, but did play good defense, and even had a steal. She gets more confident with every game, and it's fun to see her improve.

A Lot Going On

This week, Cami had her first two school team basketball games. She was super excited, and loved that she has a warm-up shirt with her name on it. Her team won both their games, playing 6th grade "B" teams, much like Griffin's team has done. Cami had 2 of the teams 10 points in the first game, and 4 of the 11 in the second game. She does a good job handling the ball, rebounding, and getting steals. She plays tough defense and smiles throughout the games. More basketball games next week.

Cami also had her first club volleyball tournament of the year. Her team finished 2nd in the pool (they only lost one match, and it went to the third game - 16-14), and won a match to finish 3rd overall in their division. It was an exciting day. Cami served overhand and open palm, which was something she was nervous about. She did a fine job, even getting one ace. She also hit the ball well multiple times, sometimes saving her team on their last hit. She had fun and gets to do it again next week.

Lexi's team had a game canceled due to weather, but were able to play their second game. She played in both 7th and 8th grade games again. The 7th grade lost, and the 8th grade won. She continues to improve each week. She played good defense, and had an excellent block out for a rebound and put back shot that just rolled out. She had several other rebounds, as well. She is still working on her confidence on the offensive end, making good passes and being confident with the ball. She has more games next week.

Griffin also had a school team game canceled, but was able to play a second game. He did not play a bunch, but did hustle and play good defense when he was in. The team won in overtime (an opposing player hit a shot from behind half court to send it in to overtime). He also had a tournament in the travel league. Unfortunately, the team lost a heartbreaker in the first round. They fought hard to tie it up with 30 seconds left, but gave up a free throw, and then had to foul. Griffin did a great job. He took a few shots, making one on a nice fast break layup. He grabbed a few rebounds, too, and made some good passes. However, he best play came on defense, where he created havoc on the top of the press, and he created several turnovers. He also picked his man's pocket in the half court, but had the ball knocked out of bounds when he tried to shoot. One more week of travel, with some consolation games.

Basketball Update

All the kids were scheduled to have games this week, and two of the three did. Unfortunately, Cami's game was canceled because the team they were to play kicked some girls off the team and no longer had enough to play. However, she has a game or two next week. Cami also has volleyball practice, and her first tournament next weekend.

Griffin had one school game, and what we are discovering is that his team is playing 6th grade "B" teams a lot. That just makes winning, which they did, sweeter. Griffin did a terrific job, playing awesome defense, getting a steal or two, grabbing some rebounds, and creating several jump balls. He also had a nice drive to the basket and got fouled, but one ref (who did a poor job throughout the game) called him on the floor rather than in the act of shooting. His team lost both of their travel league games. Griffin had several shots and took two free throws, but nothing fell for him. He played good "D", getting several rebounds, a steal or two, creating jump balls, and forcing some turnovers. He has two school league games and a travel league tournament next week.

Lexi had one game (she played with both 7th and 8th grade teams, which is how the rest of the season will go). Both teams won in huge blowouts. Lexi did a nice job, scoring 6 points altogether, including stealing the ball and driving the length of the court for a jump shot. She had 3-4 rebounds, made a really nice assist, and played with confidence. She also was able to cheer at a game, but missed another because she was playing. She has 2 more games next week.

Resume Play Now

With all three kids getting back to practicing last week, Griffin actually got us started with two games on Sunday. His team split a pair of games, winning big and losing a close one. He played well overall, scoring a basket, shooting two free throws, getting several rebounds, and making a nice steal and drive up court. Griffin did a nice job taking the ball to the basket when necessary. He has a school league game this week. Cami has her first game this week as well, plus she's started club volleyball. Lexi has both cheer and a basketball game.

Yep, Christmas break was quiet, but now we get to cheer on the kids.

A Few Games Before the Holiday(s) Break

To start with, Lexi's season FINALLY got underway. It seems like she's been going to practices and workouts for forever, but her team had a game and a game-like scrimmage this week. First, Lexi will be playing with the 8th grade team and the 7th grade team (they only have 4 girls, so several 8th graders will be doing this). Lexi played a bit in the first 7th grade game, then got to start in the 8th grade game. This was pretty cool, and I attribute it to all the voluntary workouts she attended, along with the early season practices. However, she was nervous and looked a little uneasy on the court. For the scrimmage, she started the 7th grade game and came off the bench in the 8th grade game. While she was nervous to start again, after being subbed out, she calmed down. When she was reinserted into the game, she looked like a different player. She was more aggressive, more confident with the ball, and had more court awareness. She was in position to get a backside rebound and put it right back up, getting fouled in the process. She made one of the free throws. However, it was in the 8th grade game that she excelled. Coming off the bench gave Lexi a chance to see how things were going, and when she came in, she picked right up with how aggressive she had been playing in the 7th grade game. In the 3rd quarter, she hit a jump shot from about 8 feet away, then got a rebound (but missed her layup). My favorite play was when she harassed a girl on the press, stole the ball, and took it to the hoop for a textbook layup. It may be the best pure basketball play she has ever made. She also had a chance to hit a layup right at the end game buzzer, but was fouled shooting (the ref didn't call it because Lexi's team was up by 20 or so). I was super impressed with how she grew just during these two scrimmages.

Griffin's team won their first game in the school league, and they won by a bunch. Griffin did a nice job on both ends of the court. He hustled as usual on defense, causing some havoc. He got a few rebounds and forced some jump balls. He also got off a couple of shots, but neither fell for him. He is now off for a couple of weeks for the holidays.

Cami had her first practices for the school league. She is finding this a little more competitive and demanding than she is used to, but is having fun. She has her first games after Christmas break.

A Championship + More Basketball

Cami finished her rec league season with two wins, including the championship game. In the first game, she went scoreless but contributed with good ball-handling, rebounds, and defense (she caused several jump balls). She saved her best for the championship game, though. She scored 6 points, including making 4 free throws with less than two minutes left to help ice the game away. She also had multiple steals, rebounds, and tough defense. This was her second year in a row winning the rec league championship. Her school team season starts with practice next week.

Griffin had two school games this week; the boys lost both, one on a shot with 2 seconds left. They played a 6th grade "B" team and a mixed 5th/6th team, so in spite of the age difference, they competed well. Griffin had a couple of shots (they didn't fall), but excelled with passing and defense. He gets after it on defense and is fun to watch on the press. He also had an awesome box-out rebound on a kid probably a foot taller than him. Both of his coaches were very complimentary (said at times he was the best 6th man). He had two travel games, as well, and they won both. He played a bunch, causing havoc on defense and playing solid on "O". He scored once, had a free throw attempt, multiple rebounds and forced jump balls, and a steal or two. In fact, he stole the ball on the press, then drove, stepped back when he came to a defender, and sank an 8 footer. It was a pretty cool series of events. He has a school game this week, and then a couple of weeks off for Christmas break.

Lexi (along with the other middle school cheerleaders) hosted a youth cheer clinic, and all the girls performed at half time of the varsity boys game. She also (finally) gets the game portion of the basketball season underway with two games this coming week. She is pretty excited about that.

Games, Games, Games

Griffin had his first official "school" game this week. They lost (they played a 6th grade B team), but Griffin did a nice job. He hustled on defense, made some good passes, took a shot, and made the most of his playing time. He has another school game this week. In the travel league, the team won both games. He didn't play a bunch, but did make an impact. His defense was good in the first game, but excellent in the second; he played at the top of the press and forced a 10 second violation. He made a nice drive in the first game and was fouled; he made one free throw but landed over the line so it didn't count. In the second game, he made a great drive from the left wing (off a nice pass) and made a layup. Two more travel games next week.

Cami's rec team lost a close one. She didn't score, but did draw a foul and two free throws on a nice fast break (the first shot rolled off). She had 4 or 5 rebounds, several steals, at least one deflection, and a deflected shot on a girl much taller than her, all while having a sprained thumb. Next week is her tournament and the end of rec season, with the school team starting soon after. Cami is also getting ready to start club volleyball in a few weeks, after participating in an evaluation last week.

Lexi continues to juggle basketball and cheer. She had one cheer game this past week (two this upcoming week), and multiple basketball practices. She was also chosen (along with a few other girls) to participate in a controlled practice/scrimmage with another school. She did a nice job. Her first games are in a little more than a week, and we're all looking forward to seeing how she does.

It Resumes

Cami's rec team won their game this week. She had 6 points, several rebounds, some good passes, and at least one steal. It took a little for her to get going, but once she did, she turned up the intensity. She has another game next Saturday.

Griffin's team played a couple of travel games. They lost both, but one was by one point, with several chances to win right at the end. Griffin had a decent day. He played some good defense, forcing a couple of turnovers. He also had at least one rebound. My favorite play, though, was his basket. He caught the ball on the left wing, made a strong dribble move and drive to the basket, then shot the ball off the glass for a perfectly executed layup. He has his first school league game Monday, and two more travel games next Sunday.

Lexi had two cheer games, and continues basketball practice. She is encouraged by how practice is going for her. The first game is in a couple of weeks.

Basketball keeps rolling

Cami's rec league team lost a tight game this week. Cami played really well, making a basket and both of her free throws. She took several other shots, including a shot with a couple of seconds left that would have tied it, but it just rimmed out. She played great defense, getting several steals and deflections. She also rebounded well. She has next Saturday off, but returns the following week. She also has tryouts for the school team this week.

Griffin's team lost both travel games by close scores. Griffin continued playing well, getting another basket and harassing the other teams on defense. He had several steals (including just picking the kid's pocket a couple of times), a few rebounds, and some good passes. In fact, one of his coaches was extremely complimentary of his passing today. It's fun to see his growth, and after taking Thanksgiving week off, I look forward to watching Griffin continue to improve.

Lexi has a cheer game this week, and continues to practice for basketball. Her first game is in a couple of weeks.

Basketball Go!

Cami's rec league team lost this week, but played a fine game. Cami did a nice job, playing really tough defense, anticipating passes well, which resulted in multiple deflections and steals. The ball didn't drop as well for her this week, but she did make a free throw. She also grabbed several rebounds and created jump balls. She has another game next week.

Griffin's team split their first two games on the travel circuit. I thought Griffin played as well as I've ever seen him play. He made his first shot, which was huge for him. He made confident moves with the ball, and made smart passes. He hustled on defense, got a steal, and I think a rebound or two. It was a lot of fun to watch, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the season plays out. Next games are next Sunday.

Lexi continues with practice, getting ready for the upcoming season. Basketball things appear to be progressing well for her. In cheerleading, the squad is going to perform their state championship routine for the school board at the next meeting, so that's pretty cool.

We're Off And Running - Basketball

Today was the first game of the winter basketball season, with many more to come. Cami gets our family started, with her first game in the school rec league. She did a terrific job. It may have been the most complete game I've ever seen Cam play. She had six points, several rebounds, a steal (I think), and multiple inbound passes. She got out on the fast break a bunch and converted her last attempted very nicely. I'm really proud of her and can't wait to see how she continues to improve.

Lexi continues to practice and Griffin has his first practice this week, followed by his first game (his team is playing a travel team schedule and will also play a regular school schedule).

The Fall Ends; The Winter Begins

Here's a summary of our last couple of weeks: Lexi's cheer squad won the state championship in the Time Out Division. It was super cool and very exciting. They even had a police/fire truck escort when they go back to town and drove in a sort-of parade through several of the small towns in our school district. Lexi also made the 8th grade basketball team, and is very excited about that. She is practicing now, with games to come in the next month or two.

Griffin's football team lost in the semi-finals, but he had a successful season. He nearly had an interception in our last game. Griffin also made the school basketball team. He starts practice in a week, and then games start soon after.

Cami finished her fall travel basketball season by winning her last two games. She made a basket and two free throws, had multiple rebounds, and stole the ball and drove to the basket on a fast break, just missing the shot. She really improved during this season, and we're looking forward to seeing further development over the winter. She has her first rec league game next Saturday, and will have tryouts for the school team (she should make it) at the end of November. She also wrapped up volleyball with a win, and had a good time doing it.

We are now getting ready to eat, sleep, and breathe basketball for the next four months.

Our fall sports seasons near they're end

Lexi cheered again while the football team won again. There is one more game this season. She also continues to participate in open gyms, preparing for basketball season. This weekend, Lexi and the cheer squad participated in their second cheer competition. They won again and this time they had no deductions on their routine.

Cami's volleyball team split their games again this past week. They've shown a lot of improvement and will finish their season with a tournament this week. Cami has shown a consistent overhand serve and is doing a nice job with hitting the ball when it's coming to her. Cami's basketball team won one and lost one, again. She had 3 points in the first game and had 2 rebounds. She has next weekend off, then plays a couple more games, I believe.

Griffin's football team played their last regular season game this week. The team lost a hard fought game, 14-8. Griffin did a nice job, blocking from his wide receiver position. He also a fine game at DB. They completed a pass on him, but he had good coverage and helped make the tackle. He also knocked a pass down the next time they threw on him, so he learned from previous experience. In the first playoff game, the team won 34-0 and played our most complete game so far. Griffin played good "D" and was in a pile for a tackle. He also carried the ball twice. The first time, I think he lost a yard. The second run was spectacular, though. He started off left, made it harder by running outside the hole and to the sideline, where he dodged a guy and stiff-armed another, then reversed field and outran everyone (with some helpful blocks from his teammates) for a touchdown. It was the most fantastic 179 yard 20 yard touchdown run and nearly made me cry. Our next game is Tuesday in the semi-finals, and if we win, the championship is on Wednesday on the new varsity turf field at the host school.