This is the life!

I so deeply enjoy what I do. I have the rare opportunity to teach young ladies about something they have a passion for being good at. As a teacher, I find it difficult to find the same enthusiasm for teaching run-on sentence corrections or about the elements of fiction. So, having the ability to escape to the comfort of the gymnasium with 10 of the coolest, most unique chicks I know, is truly a gift. When it gets to this point in the season, some teams can become exhausted and ready for the season to end. Well, with the adversity, injuries and hiccups we've had this season, I'm happy to say we're feeling just the opposite. There is a sense of urgency in the gym the last couple of days and all I have to say, Statesmen fans, is make sure you don't have plans for next Friday. Ya dig?!?!

We "wear our sunglasses at night"...Oh, Lane-oh.

We finally got our entire team back to "healthy" on Friday. Needless to say, we were a bit shaky, but we pulled out the W against Parkway Central to finish 4-2 for the conference standings. Jordan was our leading scorer-yes, folks, she's back.
Anyway, Friday night also marked the last regular season home game, which means we celebrated our seniors. Any good celebration comes with food, right? Well, we shared pizza and cake with our basketball families, cheerleaders and coaches. (Shout out to Sarah Unger for helping coordinate this for us!) It is a special time to recollect on the seniors' four years of growth and dedication to the Statesmen basketball program. Thank you so much ERIN, ANNIE, MICHAELA and LANE!

Seniors: Katherine (manager), Michaela Booker, Erin Reynolds, Lane Holden and Annie Paloucek. LOVE THEM!

With a couple of days of extra shooting and practice under our belts as a full squad, we're confident that our team is going to be poised, focused and ready to face Ursuline on Monday at 4:30. We're going to take our knowledge, heart and competitive drive to the court to show EVERYONE what we've been working so hard to accomplish all season.

We're done with the lectures...now it is time to pass the big tests! GO WGHS!

One last note...

• Jordan Thompson was named the Conference PLAYER OF THE YEAR!
• Erin Reynolds was named First Team All-Conference
• Abbie and Annie Paloucek were named 2nd Team All-Conference
• Michaela Booker was named Honorable Mention All-Conference

GREAT JOB, LADIES!

A temporary look for our team...

Anyone close to the team right now knows what happened in our Winter Webster Challenge (does that feel like AGES ago to anyone else?) so I'm not even going to mention it. What we can all agree with, is that we look a bit different as of late. Happily, we're playing hard as a unit. It has been very uplifting to see Morgan step into the point guard role, handling the ball and leading the team.

This appears to be a foul, but no one asked my opinion.

Our first game with this temporary look was ugly. Rockwood got us on a night that we certainly were not at our best. Simply put...U.G.L.Y. We'll leave it at that. With that loss, our team's energy was renewed and pride was more evident than ever. We played at Parkway North the very next night and got a much needed W!

Last Friday was a big day for us. Our day began with the preschool students at the Early Childhood Center. The girls read to several classrooms and shared with the young Webster fans how to say, "GO STATESMEN!" It was an amazing experience for everyone and we look forward to hanging out with our new friends very soon!

Morgan reading to the AWESOME students at the ECEC.

As you can see, we were all very into our books! Way to go, Miriam!

Friday evening, we took on our rival Kirkwood. Despite playing our hearts out, we didn't have the result we were hoping for. The crowd was great though, and the energy was high, and we know, that with a different look on a different night, we would have been happier with the result.

Book playing straight up defense.

To begin yet another BUSY week of basketball, we traveled to Jackson (I swear we left the Missouri border somewhere along the way) to take on a pretty good Fighting Indian squad. Again, we had moments of greatness, but a few hiccups that led to big runs. Unfortunately, it didn't end our way, but we were pleased with the effort and identification of players stepping up. KEEP BATTLING, LADIES!

Today, we are taking another road trip to make up our snowed out game at Oakville and Friday is a special night for us to commemorate our seniors. After the varsity game, stick around to enjoy pizza and cake (who can beat FREE cake?) with our program.

Also, in case you hadn't heard, district seeds are set. We will face #5 Ursuline on Monday at 4:30. The winner will take on St. Joe's Tuesday. All games are played at WGHS...FILL THE STANDS WITH BLACK AND ORANGE!

We're fancy, huh?!

Myia, Erin, Abbie, Jordan, Lane and Morgan all strutted their stuff at school today.

Ball players know how to get dressed up too. I'm confident they will get the same (more?)  oooo's and ahhhh's for their court play tonight.
Ready for Parkway West in about 2 hours...

A day of...

Well, every coach knows it is bound to happen at some point in the season. We have finally hit the point where we have more sickly girls than healthy ones. It happens every year to every team. How lucky are we that it has happened BEFORE our Webster Winter Challenge? Very!
Just before we were hit by the flu, cold and exhaustion bug, we played a conference game against University City. It was a fun atmosphere in Roberts Gymnasium, with the boys and girls programs both hosting U-City and both gymnasiums live with Statesmen basketball. Both varisty programs came out with convincing victories.
Yesterday, we traveled to Mehlville. It has been since our Christmas tournament that we have been on a bus. Right? Wow...anyway, we've been lucky to play on our home court, but it is always fun to see the excitement that a road trip brings. Even more exciting, Monday marked Annie's last day as a spectator from the bench. With her hard work, she was officially cleared to play. And play she did! As nervous as I was, I knew she had to be even more. AND...it showed. I'm not buying the slick backboard story...but let's just say her first shot back on the court wasn't typical. She led the team in scoring and had headlines in the newspaper. Patti and I were in awe at how different our team played. Another 30+ point victory in the books.


Annie looking to the basket.





Abbie going hard to the basket.



Today, we are enjoying a day of...whatever we want. There is no basketball (blogging doesn't count) happening for us today. It is important for our games' outcomes next week and into late February (MARCH?!?!) that we take a day to recover, rejuvenate and relax. Basketball can wait until Thursday, when we prepare for a home game against Parkway West.

A month off? No way, I've just been slacking...

I've been at least thinking about writing in the blog...I promise! The other day, Annie let me know the blog was in need of a serious update, but to have parents request updates...Oh no...I had to comply! And you know, I have no problem bragging about my 10 favorite girls. So let's rewind...

December 26th, we played in the Visitation tournament semi-finals (remember...we were a 13 seed!) against one of the top teams in the area-St. Joseph Academy. Luckily, we know we didn't play our best, and are ready for another shot at them.

Jordan made 1st team All-Tournament

Next, we had another matchup with Fort Zumwalt West. I'm not exactly sure what it is about this team, but we certainly know how to make them look good. A rough start to the game, led to the quick deficit, but the team did not let down. The Jaguars are another team we look forward to a third (a charm?) matchup with...perhaps in our Webster Winter Challenge in February.

Leroy keeping Coach Thompson in the loop via text messaging!

Seriously...how can you NOT laugh at that?

The team took a break from basketball to bring in the new year. We celebrated together at the Palouceks with supper and secret Santa gifts. The girls think Patti and I wear too much purple (?) so we were outfitted with new clothes and jewelry, which, if you know us...we LOVED!

Love the face, Abs.

Once school started back up, we were well into the swing of practices again. We welcomed Parkway South to Roberts Gymnasium. The Patriots know our personel very well, but in the end, the Statesmen pulled out the victory in the 2 point thriller! It is always exciting to win those games, but I can speak for all coaches when I say, a 10 or 15 point game would have been much less stressful.

Team bonding with "THE KNOT"

Later that week, we continued our tradition with two Kansas City teams, Blue Springs South and Lees Summit. A 3 game week is tough for any team, but we survived successfully. Alternating with Parkway South, we compete against one team on Friday night and the other on Saturday night. It is a great way to play against teams from the western part of the state and it provides multiple learning opportunities. BSS proved to be stronger inside on Friday night, but we handled Lees Summit (pretty much) with ease. The girls try to get the coaches excited by letting teams get close once we have th game in control...not very funny, ladies...I'm just saying.

We hoped to continue to show our strength and growth, but a snow day postponed our game at Parkway North. Check us out February 9th for that makeup game. Instead, we had to take show off all of our hard work against Seckman. All I have to say is "Jordan Thompson for 3!" now, repeat that 8 more times. That's right , folks...9 for 12 for 3 pointers. The kid was amazing. The best part about that game was that she made everyone around her feel comfortable and confident too...everyone was hot. I'm not saying a 48 point victory would be fun EVERY game, but it certainly helps the confidence (it's contagious) of a team trying to get to .500! Oh, and sunglasses are coming on a t-shirt soon, ladies. Hahahahaha Abbie also learned about time and place for her "jokes." :)

Goofballs on spandex practice day

And, so...here we are...Tuesday, January 18th. We had a good practice yesterday, while celebrating and remembering Dr. King and what he's done for each of us. Without Dr. King's dream and quest for unity, we'd be nowhere.

Eureka has been our minds since the terribly disappointing loss to them a season ago. I've personally had my eye on this game since getting the schedule back in August...yes, seriously. I hated the way we lost last year and I was ready to transfer my energy to the girls so they could take it out on the Wildcats. It was the game we'd all anticipated. It was close, physical and a BLAST to be a part of.
Highlights:

• Erin Reynolds breaks out three 3's...and did what she was told on defense...despite the referees...never mind the refs.
• Jordan Thompson with the killer defense-there was a look in her eyes and I knew she wasn't letting her girl score. Plus...big free throws and rebounds down the stretch.
• Leah Brand had 12 huge points! The freshman stepped up big time!
• I'm happy that the bigs listened to what we needed from them at halftime. Their aggressiveness was important in sparking our comeback and victory.
• Michaela Booker needs a shout-out here as well. A senior, Book ran into a bit of a wall about 5 games into the season. Instead of pouting and giving up, she was at the gym early to get in extra shooting, ball handling or strength training. She asked what more she could do to contribute. I know it wasn't easy at all, and Patti and I were asking for a lot from her. Her efforts in practice and in games are making us better. She knows that she can't go post up and score a bunch of points (all 5'4" of her) for us, but she's quicker than quick. She uses her speed to crash the boards and is working to eliminate turnovers. Way to go, Book. Keep it up!



Silly Seniors in Skin-Tight Spandex



Last quick update for the night-Annie has been working so hard to rehab that knee of hers. Her legs are nearly equal in strength (a huge deal) and she is meeting with her doctor in one week. We're hoping, with clearance from her doctor, she will begin making regular appearances in her Statesmen jersey. I've been working with this kid daily and if you ever ...EVER think you have it bad, think about Annie and her perseverance. She has missed a majority of her senior season, however, she has rebuilt and bruised her body to help her team achieve success. She limps from class to class after tough workouts the night before. She has been beaten up by her bulky brace, but she has not stopped working. Actually, she's doing better than many have expected. So, when she does step on the court very soon, imagine the countless hours we have spent shooting, running, lifting (arguing, Annie?) to contribute in any way she can.

Heart. Determination. Pride.

Even from a distance...

Life is funny sometimes, how, even when you really want to be one place, it is just more important to be another. When family is in need, though, you go. Recently, my father in law passed away, making it important for me to step away from my basketball family to be with the Thompson family in Florida. Despite the magnitude of Friday night's game against Hazelwood Central, life had me in Florida. It is in times like this that the true colors of a team show up...in times of adversity. Although I was 17 hours from the action, and I have never stepped foot into the gymnasium at Visitation, I was right there in the action. Leroy, our dedicated student manager/film guy, kept me up to date on the score, time and all of the game's action. I got to read about Jordan having 3 fouls in the first (the pacing began), I heard about Erin playing well (I sat back down and bragged to family about you!) and eventually I heard about a huge 3 from Jordan and the Statesmen pulling out the victory! My best moment was the call from the locker room, listening to hoots and hollers of joy and pride. Coach Perkins' excitement was obvious and I could hear the smiles through the phone. Up until this moment, we'd started to wonder who we were as a team...that night, I think they felt who they really are.
So, despite promises to return for Sunday's game with Cor Jesu, life played another funny game. For the second straight big game, I was absent from seeing my 10 favorite chicks play. Stuck at home with food poisoning, I couldn't even think about the game until midway through the 3rd, when my dude Leroy continued back with updates. Talk about a nail-biter! I heard Leah played well in the paint, I heard Jordan had 4 fouls, but stayed cool and finished out the game as the floor general. The announcer at the tournament said that a 13 seed has never made it this far!
So, next Sunday, the 26th, we will play the winner of St. Joe and Kirkwood in the semi-final. From a distance, the girls have looked great and showed what they're capable of. I am confident they'll do the same when we come together again next week.
I'm so proud of you, ladies. Keep working hard!
Enjoy the holidays, Statesmen fans.

Adversity

We haven't exactly had the start we had hoped for. After a 2 point loss to Marquette on Friday night and our home opener against Hazelwood Central ending in a loss, the team is staring adversity in the eyes. The girls are very reflective and KNOW what needs to be done to turn things around, it is just about having the heart and pride to do so at this point. We're convinced that all of our learning we're doing now will make us successful when it counts.
KEEP YOUR HEADS UP, GIRLS! BATTLE BATTLE BATTLE!
Here is a little passage that reminds us...WHY we do what we do, even in the times of adversity...

An Athlete’s Pride

“I’m a player. I’m a team player. I play with my friends and with some of my enemies, but I respect everyone when it comes to my sport. I know I’m not going to get a multi-million dollar contract to play professionally. I know I may not even get my name in the paper. I play for the love of the game. For the pride and honor, for the blood, sweat and tears it takes to make the team, to earn the spot, to win the game. I play because I can, I play because I know that my life would be empty without the sport I play. I would have a lack of everything my sport gives me…integrity, courage, talent, fearlessness, pride, strength, stamina, will and the heart of a champion. If I didn’t play, I would lose a part of me. I’m an athlete. I’m a girl. I’m a champion, not because my team always wins, but because when we don’t, we learn from our mistakes. We try to fix them and most of all because we have fun. I have built lifelong friendships and memories because of my being an athlete. I leave everything on the field or court and continue to push myself. I am never happy with second place, but I have learned to accept it. I have learned to get over and through my anger and be the athlete and player I have always dreamed of being. I don’t play for my parents, for my family, for my friends; I don’t play for my coach or my teachers or my school. I play for myself but when I’m play I represent them. It isn’t about winning or losing, but I hate to lose. I won’t settle for a tie, and I’m not satisfied with 100%. To play, you have to sacrifice everything, your body, your time, your sweat, blood and tears, everything…for your team. I am a player, and athlete and a champion, not because I know what it is like to win, but because I know what it is like to lose. I know what it is like to feel the anger and pain that comes along with “second best.” I have been that girl with tears in her eyes, walking out to receive the second place trophy and clapping as the other team, my opponents, receive the first place one. I know what it is like to lose, to win, to want to quit, to want to cry, to not want to get up. I know what it is like to hear the cheers and yells for you. I know what it is like to feel the pressure of everyone on your shoulders, and I know what it is like to choke under that pressure. I know what it means to be an athlete, a true player, and that is why I play.

I AM AN ATHLETE, A CHAMPION, A TRUE PLAYER.”—An Athlete’s Pride