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).

A Pretty Good Week of Sports

Lexi was able to cheer a bit at her J.V. game, which was an improvement. Her legs continue to heal, and we're hopeful she'll be fully cleared soon.

Cami had a volleyball match, and her team split the games 1-1. She got all but one of her serves in and had some other good hits. Next week, her volleyball season finishes up. She also had two travel basketball games, and this week she won both. The first game was a close one, with Cami scoring 4 points, grabbing some rebounds and playing pretty good defense. She also took two free throws, but missed them both. The second game was a more decisive win, and again Cami had 4 points. This time, though, she had multiple assists and a steal or two. I also think she blocked a shot. It was a good day for her on the court. The next set of games is in two weeks.

Griffin had two football games this weekend. The first game was the last regular season game. The team picked up its first win, which was cool. However, Griffin was a madman on defense (I would've named him defensive player of the game). He forced a fumble to stop a drive inside the 10, he intercepted a pass and returned it about 10 yards, he knocked down a pass in the endzone, and twice he held his ground at corner and made a tackle to stop a reverse from going big (including one awesome solo tackle for a loss). He also tackled the QB for a loss/sack. On offense, he blocked well, including one crack-type block where he would've planted the kid if Griffin weighed more. The second game was the first round of the playoffs and was against the other team from our school. We ended up losing 2-0 on a safety with under two minutes left. It was disappointing, but the team, and great, showed a lot of improvement over the season. Griffin finished up with 3 tackles, including one on a sweep that saved a touchdown as part of a goalline stand. He also did a fine job on offense. I'm really proud of him, particularly his heart and effort. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to coach him. Next up for Griffin is basketball tryouts in about a month.

The high school lost a tough one and will look to bounce back this week.

This Sports Update Was Late; Sorry

So over the past two weeks, we've had a bunch of events.

Lexi continues to heal from her stress fractures, and she was able to cheer for a bit in a game last week. She keeps pressing on and hanging in their.

Cami had three volleyball games, but didn't win any. However, she is still improving on both serving with an overhead, open hand and getting good hits and bumps when the ball is put in play. She also had two basketball games in travel league. The team lost both games, but they were winnable. Cami scored a total of 9 points and had multiple steals and rebounds. She went coast to coast on one of the steals, but the ball rolled out on the shot. She also plays aggressive defense. She is growing into an all-around good player. This travel league is every other week, so she will have next week off.

Griffin had two football games this week due to a weather make-up. His team lost both, but he played pretty well. In the first game, he had multiple solo tackles out at corner, stopping the jet sweep and several other plays to his side. In the second game, he had a nice tackle on a screen pass, defending a deep post and had a pick off a tipped ball in the end zone. He really had to concentrate to make the catch and was able to run it out of the end zone a little bit. He also had four travel league basketball games. The team went 1-3 in the games, and Griffin was his usual pesky self. He did have several rebounds and jump balls, plus took a couple of nice shots that just didn't fall. The highlights for me were the drive to the basket/lay-up combination that resulted in his first basket, and the final minute of a game where Griffin was told to guard a kid who was a foot taller and 100 pounds heavier than him. Coach said he wanted to know what flavor of gum he was chewing (ala Hoosiers) and Griffin responded that he might not be able to see that high.

The high school varsity team lost both games, as we still are struggling with consistency and growing pains on both sides of the ball.

More action next week!

Quick Family Sports Update

Griffin's football game was postponed from Saturday until Tuesday due to weather. The team lost, but did have some good plays. The highlight for Griffin was his first catch. He ran a Go route and got behind the CB for around an 8 yard gain (we aren't really a dynamic passing team). It was also the first downfield completion of the season. There is no game this weekend due to the Labor Day holiday, so we're back at it next week.

Cami had her 1st rec league volleyball match. Her team lost, but Cami played well. She really improved on her serving, getting most of her serves over by serving overhand, which was a struggle last season. She also had several nice hits and bumps. She has her next game(s) next week.

Lexi continues to be a cheerleading bystander due to stress fractures, but the latest update is that she could be seeing some improvement.

The varsity football team won last week and plays a ranked opponent this week.

Stay tuned...

Winter Wrap Up

Last week we finally wrapped up our winter sports seasons. Cami had her last volleyball tournament. They finished 1-3 on the day, but played two of the losses very close. They all improved a lot, with the highlight being winning the Shamrock Showdown tournament. Cami had a blast and got a lot better, particularly with her reaction time and arm placement when hitting the ball. She's already looking forward to next year.

Lexi tried out, and made, the high school cheer team. She's attending a cheer clinic today to work on stunting, which is something she may be doing more of next year.

All three kids are still in the track pre-season. They are working hard and looking forward to the first meet in a couple of weeks.

Volleyball Champs!

This past weekend, Cami's volleyball team won their tournament. They finished 1st in their pool, then won a crossover match against the winner of the other pool (the other team from our school). It was pretty cool. Cami had her best day of volleyball so far. She had several big serves (including for the second to last point when the final was tied 14-14; she also got her next serve in but they didn't get the point). She had a lot better arm position and control on her bumps, sets, and returns. She is also really improving on her reaction time. Her team has one final tournament this coming weekend.

In other news, track practice continues with an eye to competing after spring break.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Latest Update

This week, Lexi continued cheering. The 8th grade team won again, and Lexi was her usual cheer-y self. Two more weeks before they begin transitioning to basketball cheer. She also has another cheer competition coming up next Saturday.

Cami's volleyball team split games with their opponent for the second time this season. She served well, winning earning several points. She has a couple more weeks of the volleyball season remaining. Cami's basketball team went 1-1 this week. She handled the ball as point guard several times, shot, and played hard. Two more games to come next week.

Griffin's football team won again, 18-0, to go to 7-0 on the season. He had a pretty good game, getting a tackle and providing some blocks. He also got to cover a receiver, as this team passed a little bit. Next Saturday is the last regular season game, with the playoffs starting next Sunday. Giffin's basketball team lost both their games this week. He had a few shots that just missed (they are sooo close to going in). He also had a couple of rebounds, played tenacious defense, and caused multiple turnovers, along with tying the ball up for jump balls. His fall season comes to an end next weekend with a tournament.

We are close to finishing the fall sports season and then will have a short break before the winter season begins.

So Many Sports!

Lexi did her usual, cheering for the middle school football game (they lost). However, this week her cheer squad participated in their first ever competition. The did a great job and received a trophy (they were the only squad in their division, but did a terrific job regardless).

Cami's volleyball team won their first set of the season. Cami did a wonderful job, serving for several points. She also made some nice hits when the ball was served to her. Cami's basketball team went 1-1 again this week. She did a nice job in the first game, but turned it on in the second. She had a rebound and 4 points to go along with several jump balls caused in both games. She had a huge smile on her face after scoring. More to come next week.

Griffin's football team won their sixth game of the year, bringing them to 6-0. They beat an outmanned team 22-0, and it could have been a lot worse but we played multiple kids in multiple positions. Griffin played good defense and nearly had another tackle. On offense, he blocked as a wide receiver, but the real fun came when I put him at running back. On his first play, he recovered a fumble by the quarterback. On his second, he ran right, made a little juke move, and picked up around 6 yards. Unfortunately, there was a penalty, but it was a really cool run with a nice move. He also said it didn't really hurt to get tackled, so that was nice. Two more regular season games to go. Griffin's basketball team lost both of their games. Griffin was able to take a couple of shots and get some rebounds. More next week.

One other really cool thing happened this week. The US Secretary of Education visited our school as part of a tour she was on, and attended our Hog Roast fundraiser and varsity football game. Cami and Griffin had a chance to meet Sec. DeVos and shake her hand. Griffin (and a smidge of Cami) even made it in a picture in the local newspaper (Griffin was front and center).

A lot happening this week

To begin, Lexi continues to cheer for the middle school football games. The team was victorious again this week. She also is still attending basketball open gym. Additionally, the middle school student council (of which she is a member), voted her President, a position she ran for (and gave a speech) against two other 8th graders. I guess I have to refer to her as Madam President now.

Cami had another volleyball match. She didn't win, but she served well again and hit the ball several other times. She also had her first two travel basketball games. They won one and lost one. She had 2 points, a steal, and caused multiple jump balls. Lots of hustle.

Griffin's football team is still undefeated, at 5-0. The defense has only given up 20 points this season, I believe, and the offense has scored 112. We have three more regular season games. Griffin had an assist and nearly had two more tackles. He also recovered a fumble for the first time in his career. Last week, his travel basketball team played two games (they lost both). Griffin played pretty good defense. He was able to get a few shots off, but is still a little rusty. He also shot two free throws, but they just missed. This week they had two more games, winning one and losing one. Griffin took some shots again, got a rebound, a deflection, tied up several loose balls, and played good defense. Next week he has two more games.

Lots of fun cheering on the kids.

A lull in our season(s)

This week, Griffin did not have a game. He had a good practice, catching a touchdown. We'll be back at it next Saturday.

Cami had a volleyball match this week. She hit the ball a few times. Unfortunately, her team lost. She has another match this week.

Lexi had a cheer game. However, the 8th grade team she cheers for came up just short in a shootout, one of those "whoever has the ball last wins" type of games. She also continues to go to open gym for basketball. She'll cheer again next week.

Weekly update (again)

So Cami had her first volleyball matches of the season. Her team lost both matches, but Cami had some nice overhand serves (even serving for a couple of points), and hit several other balls. She had a good time. She also started practicing for a sort-of travel basketball team at school.

Lexi cheered again (the team lost). She actually was cheering against some of her church friends, which was a neat opportunity (rivals but friends). She is also going to open gym workouts for basketball.

Griffin's team raised their record to 4-0 with a hard fought 20-8 win. After going down 8-0 in the first quarter and not looking very good, the team fought back and played an outstanding final 3 quarters. Griffin was in on a gang tackle. He also had really good pass coverage that helped cause an interception that was returned for a touchdown. We have next weekend off due to Labor Day, and resume games the following weekend. Additionally, Griffin has begun a short fall travel basketball season. His team's first games are this weekend, but he chose to opt out of playing in order to hang out with our new missionary friends and their boys. So, next Sunday will be his first basketball games of the season.

Things have started well, and Trisha and I are looking forward to rooting on our kids as we head into the fall.

The Success Continues

For the third week in row, Griffin's team was victorious, this time 26-12 (it wasn't that close). The offense put together two good drives, with Griffin taking the plays in at reciever. The defense was outstanding. We recovered 4 turnovers, with an interception and a fumble being returned for touchdowns. Griffin continues to get better at cornerback. He was in on a tackle, but his best play came when he squared the runner up and tackled him head-on. It was a good play by him, particularly because Griffin was more aggressive. There is a tough challenge ahead next Saturday as the team looks to continue to improve.

Lexi continues to cheer for a powerhouse team. They won 49-0 this week. She'll cheer again this week. Lexi is also attending the basketball open gym sessions in order to improve and to show the coaches her commitment to basketball.

Cami continues volleyball practice (I was wrong about her having a game this past week). Her first match is in a couple of weeks. Cami has set a goal for herself to serve the ball overhand and get it over the net. She's working really hard to accomplish that.

More of the same for the Knights this upcoming week.

More Volleyball (and Choir)

Cami had what may have been her last volleyball tournament of the season. They won one match today, and played another pretty tight, going to a third game. Cami had fun, as did the team, and you could see the improvement. And while their may not be any more tournaments, they will continue to practice through the end of the school year.

Lexi's middle school choir attended the annual Choir Competition. They performed 3 songs, and earned a Gold rating for their performance. Lexi sounded, and looked, beautiful. Now her focus will be on cheerleading tryouts and track, where she will run and jump (although she doesn't yet know for sure which events).

Quite a week

Lexi had three basketball games, and wrapped up her season. The first game was pretty special; prior to the game, she sang the National Anthem. She then started (along with the other girls who didn't normally get to play a lot). She played the entire 1st quarter and then started and played most of the 3rd. She took 6 or 7 shots (none went in), made several passes, had a rebound, and made a free throw to score her first point. And to top it off, her team won. They won the second game as well, and Lexi got to play the last 12 or 15 seconds. However, the other team was fouling, so Lexi got to shoot free throws, and made one of two. Finally, the team lost their first tournament game. Lexi got to play a little bit in that game. With the possible exception of a tournament in the next week (an unofficial event), Lexi's seventh grade basketball season is finished. It was a great learning experience for her, combined with a little disappointment and a lot of success.

Cami's volleyball team played their second tournament. Her team won their pool, and finished 3rd overall out of somewhere between 20-25 teams. She hit a few balls, served multiple times (still working on this), and had a fun time celebrating with her teammates. She will have one more tournament in March, and then some practices off and on as her coach works to continue to expose the girls to volleyball.

A slow week for Griffin, for which he was thankful.