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.