Is the 7th grade "elite" worthy?

First Division I Tournament....

and there is "No Way Out" once arriving in Pacifica at 9:00 am on the chilly morning.  Our 7th grade team showed up to play their first DI tournament.  This is to determine if they are truly "elite".  The past games could be considered blow out wins, but maybe it was pure luck.  Maybe our boys were a case of the right time.  Would they be as good in the No Way Out tournament?  Well let's find out. 

Warming up before game #1

The boys walked out onto the court to face the NBBA (Boles).  This is their very first game against an elite squad.  Players' hearts were racing, you can hear the pounding from the stands.  Wait, that was probably the pounding of the fans and families as well.  Coach Joe Fitzgerald and Coach Rene Noriega stared at the players with intent.  They're off.  The ball races up and down the court, changing hands, changing leads, changing possessions.  At this level they are so fast, sometimes it's hard to keep track.  One thing for sure....UH pulled ahead and quickly leading by almost 30 points at the half.  The game ends.  Where does UH rate?  A 57-7 win tells the tale.  These boys can keep up with the elite and even pull out a win.  This is game one of a 3 game series.  There are still 2 more games to play, but right now....it's onto some fun in the sun.

Friends hanging out on the rocks

This April Saturday was warm, unusually warm.  In Pacifica, this is a rare treat.  Pacifica is not known for its bright and sunny weather, more for it's overcast and rolling fog.  Looks like the good natured weather accompanied our boys.  Off to the beach.  The boys spent time playing and hanging out with each other.  They jumped in the cool water, dug in sand like elementary school children, played football and of course, ate and ate and ate.  A few hours of recharging and relaxing and bonding with teammates is all they need to move onto game #2.  They were ready to return for more.  The long duration could make some worry.  The next game was 3:30pm, hours after game one.

Again, the boys were ready, stepping onto the court.  The first game gave them knowledge and know how. They knew what to expect and how to play.  One would expect the beach trip would have worn these boys out.  On the contrary, they pulled out another win.  The 7th grade Uptempo Hoops boys won over the Gametime Basketball:  52-29.  Another "oh my goodness" score.  Is there no mercy rule??  What a great day for basketball and fun.  The boys went home tired but proud.  They got much needed rest because game three is the next day:  game 3 to decide the tournament winners.

Chillin' on the beach in Pacifica

Game three on the following day, another beautiful and sunny day.  They are one player down from the previous day.  However because they are such an overall team, they may be able to pull out another win.  Game #3 was against Above and Beyond.  A recognized organization which produces talented players.  This will be a great experience for our team.  Once again, off they go like race horses up and down the court.  The ball seems to move itself as the player applies speed and agility.  There's no need to have to follow the action, before you know it, game is over.  What's the verdict of game #3?  Did the 7th grade team earn that elite title or did they walk away with some great experience?  Both.  They decisively won 52-27.  Another amazing win.  But not just any win, the tournament win.  Our boys ARE elite.  They've proven that time and time again, not to just the fans and families and coaches, who already believed in them, but to themselves.  What makes this status even more special is to see the smiles on their faces and the fun they have together both on and off the court. 

The winning team!!

Congratulations players:  Conner, Lee, Ambulkar, McKinney, Murphy, Ignacio, Gisler, Carter, Ayson, Hooper, and those who missed the tournament, but there in spirit:  Parilla and Balugo.  These names earned being mentioned.  Onto the next tournament.....