This season has just flown by. We have a few more weeks to go, but it is almost over. All teams had fun this summer and played in many tournaments. New friends were made as the organization has grown and old friends enjoyed spending the summer together. We played in Reno during the Memorial Day Jam On It Tournament where our 6th grade and 8th grade teams took 1st place.
We embarked on new events such as the shoot a thon and Junior Uptempo Hoops. Both were a huge success for our organization. Many people making plans for next season already. The feedback has been positive. We look forward to what the rest of this season holds and the exciting plans for next year.
This year we introduced 2 girls teams, fondly called the "UH Diva's". These girls are full of talent and team spirit. They enjoy hanging out with each other as well as playing side by side. Every tournament they go to represent UH. They represent in style only a diva can. At practice I've seen them work hard like true athletes and break down into laughter like little girls. The way these ladies are with each other is a true example of "sisterhood". Led by seasoned coaches, these young ladies have learned strategies to help them with their skills and been shown examples of leadership and family. I've heard one female athlete say she never knew how to get out of a double team, until now, until UH. She will carry that little bit of knowledge with her for the rest of her life.
We start our boys' teams with the 4th grade. This year we introduce a 4th grade roster of all new players and new coaches. What started out as 2 separate teams grew into one large family. The 4th graders practiced together well and supported each other on the road. Reno was quite an experience for these young boys, but they never forgot to have fun. Some of the seasoned families helped support the new families and by the end of the season, all families will be veterans to AAU. The new coaches are doing an excellent job in their new roles leading these players to victory, fun and excitement. This group is a wonderful example of young athletes who love the game and want to play basketball. The 5th graders, composed of returning and new players were divided into two separate teams. However, the friendships and support are always present. One team started the season hitting the ground running with their first place win in the Mana Tournament. The other 5th grade team did well in Reno landing a 4th place ranking in their division.
Our 6th grade team who have doubled in size since last year. We are happy to be able to take as many players as we can. The 6th grade is coached by a wonderful and skilled coaching staff. During practices, each player shows high basketball IQ and position knowledge. In Reno, they went undefeated taking a well earned 1st place in their division. Recently, the 6th grade hosted movie night and invited some players from other grades. This is a great idea and we hope to do an organization wide one. This is one example of how the 6th grade looks beyond basketball. They look at creating lasting relationships for their kids and for the families. The returning players welcomed the new players with open arms, making them a part of the family instantly. I saw many old and new players hanging out in Reno with each other. Our smallest team in number, but not in heart, hard work or determination. Our 7th grade team consists mostly for returning players with a few added ones. There are approximately 10 players on this roster, but have the skill set and talent of twice that size. They work hard every time they are on the court. Moreover, the players have leaned on each other and made sure there were always enjoying playing. After a hard played championship game, the 7th grade placed 3rd in their division in Reno. This team is full of young men who are exemplary both on and off the court. Next year, they will be the oldest of our organization and it's wonderful to know they bring with them basketball knowledge but also strong character. This team is led by 2 experienced coaches who don't determine success through wins, but by how much their boys learn and are willing to play hard. The boys are learning a lot and building character.
The oldest of our organization is the 8th grade team. These boys to men bring their A game to every tournament including Reno, where they placed 1st in their division. They never forget to support and lean on each other. The practices are intense and fast paced. At this age, they are much more knowledgeable and faster on the court. It's a pleasure to watch them play, even during practice where they may scrimmage outside the organization. At one time, they scrimmaged against older players and our 8th grade boys did extremely well. They never gave up. Even at times where it's so easy to blame each other and let emotion take control, you don't hear negativity on the court. The young coaches encourage these players and drive them to play their best. Our organization may have grown, but we try to never forget the relationships between the players and the families. Above all, we adults probably use UH as a time to socialize among ourselves. We create friendships and respect which will last a lifetime. I especially love seeing the players getting along: laughing and playing games with each other. In AAU, we have a lot of "down time" between games. We can fill that time in with many things, but one thing for sure, it's always filled with bonding time.
