Basketball 2015

Ellie played in her 2nd season of basketball this spring with CYAA. She was supposed to play in Division 1 with the older girls, but ended up in Division 2. We think this was for the best as it gave her another year of experience. In Division 2 she was the oldest and tallest which gave her confidence and another year to grow in her skills. 

This season our girls chose the name God's Dream Team. There were nine girls on the team. As happens every season, there are girls who have a lot of experience, some who are playing for the first time and some who have played a little. In spite of the differences in skill level, the girls played well together as a team. They were very friendly and encouraging toward one another. The parents were also very nice and supportive of the team.

I'm biased because it was our team, but I think we had the best coach in our division. Coach Josh did a great job of teaching the girls the fundamentals of basketball and having them go over these skills at practice. He explained things well and was very encouraging at all times. Even when things were tense during the game or we lost, he always pointed out what the girls were doing well and applauded their efforts. He was a Christlike example to the girls, their parents and the other teams and coaches.  

Dennis and I enjoyed helping out with the team as well. Even though he admitted he didn't know very much about basketball, Dennis offered to act as assistant coach. He said he felt like he just stood around at practice, but I think he did a little more than that. His best contribution was giving the weekly devotions with the girls. Seeds of faith were planted and it encouraged the girls to play with right attitudes. Like Coach Josh, Dennis also served as a Christlike example and was an encourager. During the game Dennis also kept track of the girls' rotations and our game card. I was the team mom which kept me busy, but was fun.

We won about as many games as we lost. Except for one game, our losses were only by one or two points. Many of those games were nail-biters! Our team ended the season tied for second. We lost the first play-off game and ended up third overall. One of the best compliments our team received was from one of the dads of the 1st place team. He said that he wished our team could have played their team for the championship because our girls were their toughest competition and they brought out the best in them. He also said he liked playing our girls because they had great attitudes and all of our girls were encouraging to both teams. I think this sums up our team perfectly. They were all-around great competitors.

Five girls from each team were chosen to play in the All Star game. Our five, which included Ellie, played with the five from the second place team. Our team won the All Star game. It was an exciting game and a nice way to end the season!

Ellie's height was a real advantage for her. She was able to reach up above most of the girls' heads and get rebounds. Her long legs and arms also were helpful on defense. She scored much more than she did her first season playing basketball. Her best move this season was a coast-to-coast which surprised her and brought a very big smile! We were proud of her good attitude, perseverance, as well as her kindness and encouragement to her team mates and the other teams we played. 

Here's a look at Ellie playing as a part of God's Dream Team. . . Go #22!

During one game, Ellie kept switching hands while dribbling the ball. The third time she put one hand behind her back!

Free throw shots

Fabulous team party hosted by our friends' mom

Cheering on our friends' son's team

Ellie is so long!

She did great on defense.

Havin' fun with her friends

Grandparents' Day

Those long arms were able to get many rebounds

All Star Game

Division 2 Champs!

Special memories with a special friend

Great time at our end of season pool party hosted by one of the family's on the team

Medal time

My brother-in-law was a fan of kids playing sports. Being a good player can give kids many opportunities - playing varsity or on a club team; earning a scholarship to college; or maybe even being an Olympian or playing professionally. It's a good way to be physically active and stay in shape. It's also enjoyable.

But I think the best thing about sports is that it can teach our kids character. When a player is tired or even a bit hurt and she continues to play her best anyway, she learns perseverance. Being on a team gives a girl the chance to learn how to work with others. She can practice encouragement by cheering on her team as well as the one she is playing. Sports teaches humility - you won't make every basket or win every game. Players develop diligence as they practice their basic skills over and over. By practicing and improving in her skills, a player gains confidence. As our son is learning in golf, participants in all sports learn respect - to respect themselves, other players, their coaches, the equipment and the area of play. I've also seen girls grow in boldness as they have overcome their shyness. Players learn self-control as they see the difference between playing assertively vs. playing aggressively. Loyalty is shown by attending practices and games and showing up on time. 

I know winning is the goal in sports (and believe me I find it more fun to see my team win); but in the big picture of life and eternity, I think that how you play is more important than if you win. I was never into sports growing up, so I am glad that Ellie has taken a liking to volleyball and basketball. I'm glad for the break of summer, but also look forward to volleyball in the fall. It will be a busy season once again, but a fun time as well.