Learning, Exploring and Discovering: Our Homeschool Life: Basketball 2013

Ellie wanted to give basketball a try. We again signed up with CYAA. I've shared before, but we really like CYAA. "God first, sports second" is the motto. It is such a blessing to have the kids pray together before and after practice as well as have a devotion and time of prayer before the game and a closing circle time of prayer at the end of the game. I especially love the praise cards that are filled out for each girl during the game and read during snack time following the game.

Ellie's team chose the name God's Little Thunder. There are only four teams in Ellie's division, so they played two teams three times and one team twice. The first two teams (the ones they played three times) were the toughest. The girls lost their first two games. Ellie ended up being the top scorer for her team in those two games which was awesome and surprising since she had never played before. The third game was a win for our team and the girls felt really good.

Game four was a close score throughout. Our girls made lots of shots, but they just weren't going in. They had good defense though and the girls ended the game with a tie. They were allowed 2 minutes of overtime. Unfortunately our team fouled a player on the other team and she made one of her free throws to win the game by one point. It wasn't a victory in points, but it was in how the girls played the game.

Game five was super tough not only because we were playing the hardest team, but we also only had 6 girls that day. The girls kept the score close in the beginning, but as they tired out, the other team jumped ahead as one of their players scored basket after basket. It was a loss, but our girls did their best.

Over the next two weeks the coach worked with the girls at practice on positions and they played one another full court. It was a time of learning how to work together as a team. Game 6 was an amazing display of team play. The girls put into practice all they had been practicing and had their highest scoring game ever. Ellie had several assists as she was able to get the rebound and pass to an open player who managed to get in her "sweet spot" over and over. This was also Grandparents' Day. A perfect game for some extra fans!

Game 7 was an aggressive game on both sides. A lot of fouls were called. Our team didn't win, but the girls did well with playing their positions. They played good defense and kept the score low.

The end of the season was a bit busy. The team had their last practice on Thursday. Friday night was their end of season pizza party at Mountain Mike's. As the team mom, I had made the arrangements, purchased items for goody bags, and made cupcakes. Dennis had purchased the gift cards for the coaches for me and I had been responsible for picking up the trophies and bringing them to the party. One of the other moms put together her pictures and mine to make a photo collage for each girl and the two coaches. It was a fun evening.

The final game was against the toughest team. They have a couple of really good players, one of which has got to be the best in the league. Her shots just glide through the hoop. Our girls did well playing their positions.We were short two girls again and even though the girls rotated, they got tired. It was another loss in points, but not in effort.

Once again, CYAA was a good experience. The parents were a great blessing and we really enjoyed spending time together each Saturday. The coaches did well teaching the girls about the game of basketball with patience and lots of encouragement. Being a first-time team mom was also a good experience. I would definitely do it again.

Ellie is signed up for a volleyball camp with the Big Green camps at Ontario Christian High School. It's three days at the end of June. She is also signed up to play volleyball in the fall. If needed, Dennis may offer to be an assistant coach. I'd be willing to be the team mom again if needed.

Ready for her first game