Bay Area Road Dawgs 4th Grade Tourney



Boys acting silly

UH vs All Star

Fourth Grade Second Tournament

Second tournament for our Uptempo Hoops 4th grade team.  Due to other commitments and sickness, we were a tight 6 player team for the first game.  The weather was extremely warm and the boys all showed up in time to play their 2pm game against the Gilroy All Stars.  The All Stars were tall and skilled.  Our boys played very hard and tirelessly.  They were all excited to hit the court for the 3rd time this 2012 season.  Just like the first tournament, there was a certain amount of nervousness, yet they were more confident.  They were in good spirits and looked forward to playing a good game.  The All Stars proved to be a challenge as UH lost 27 to 21.

The boys played a good game.  As we left, one parent from the All Stars said to us "wow, that was an intense game".  We agreed.  It was a very well played and exciting game.  Onto break time.  Again, the weather was quite warm.  We found a nice alcove which provided shade and a nice breeze to kill an hour.  Time to relax and have some snacks.  Our next game was at 4pm and against the UC Raptors, a great organization who is seasoned with AAU experience.  We were not schedulled to go against them, but as everyone knows:  AAU schedules are subject to change.

This was another intense game as you can tell both sides wanted to win.  One player arrived to play this game giving us a 7 man (boy) roster, Noriega.  It was much needed help to an already exhausted roster with one injury.  It was an exciting match up and the Raptors were not going away.

The one injured player, Carlton, was once again injured in this second game.  An accidental trip sent him landing on his knee in what appeared to put him out for the rest of the game.  At this point, I'd like to thank a young boy on the Raptors team who is well known by many players on the UH team.  His name is Ethan, a talented player who has heart and passion.  He came over to help the injured player, a competitor on the court, a friend off the court.  Ethan exemplified a true athlete.  The UH Family was touched by his action. 

The gap between the scores started to close.  Raptors were catching up and very quickly.  The fans were on their feet, both sides cheering for every shot and holding their breaths during every loose ball.  It was as exciting as a Final Four matchup, maybe even more exciting.  30 seconds before the end of the game and only 2 points separated the two teams.  The injured player returned with determination, bringing the ball down on a fast break, but missed the layup.  A foul call stopped the game and many hearts with only 0.01 left in the game, barely enough for a catch and shoot. UH ball but on the other side of the court.  Just enough time to hear the buzzer and the roar of the crowd.  There was no disappointment on the court.  There didn't have to be.  The Raptors have nothing to be ashamed of as they played hard and UH respects that.  The team welcomed the challenge and this game brought out the best in all the players.  The 4th grade walks away with their first 2012 AAU win:  17-15. 

Just trying to stay cool in this heat between games.

There were so many to highlight in this tournament, it's hard to start.  First, the energy and confidence Noriega brought in the second game and inspired the team.  He can be compared to how Nate Robinson charges up the Warriors and just makes them better.  Carlton and being able to compromise his body and take 2 charges causing huge turnovers.  Inciong, posting under the basket at just the right time and receiving the bounce passes which led to easy 2 points each time.  Yabut with his ball handling, he made 2 defenders turn around on themselves as he dribbled around them.  Ravara shooting from his "sweet spot" and making basket after basket after basket.  Too many to keep track of.  Griffin and his passion for wanting the ball and driving between defenders to the basket.  If winners always want the ball, Griffin definitely showed this.  Otico out there always ready to receive those baseball passes and successfully blocking out larger defenders.  All 7 were 110% more confident, more skillful and tactiful and overall better than the first tournament.  What does that mean?  It means they will be 110% better in the next tournament and once joined by the rest of the team, who knows how much better.  Good job to Coaches Greg Otico and Randy Inciong.