Hitting the Court

Football is finally coming to an end... for little guy, that is.  We are in the playoffs and starting to wind towards the end.  And I'm so glad.  I so sad to say that because I absolutely, positively love football.  But this season has been so different and quite frankly difficult at times.  But I'll leave that alone for another post.

Basketball, on the other hand, is just beginning.  I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am.  After years of trying to find the absolutely right fit for our little guy, I think we finally nailed it thanks to the recommendation of one of our football friends.

 


Coop tried out and made it onto a competitive team, Victory Basketball (Gunners).  The team is led by two men, both of whom I am already completely impressed (which isn't easy to do, folks).  The head coach is approachable, direct and a great communicator... all things I look for in someone who leads a team.  In addition, it isn't all about the winning for him.  He recognizes that the kids are learning more than the fundamentals of basketball.  They are learning how to cooperate with others, collaborate in efforts and to have each other's backs.  The good stuff, in my opinion. 

This weekend kicked off not only a football playoff game but our first basketball tourney... the Lee's Summit Optimist Tournament.  While playing with my girlfriends out of town, hubs took the boy to FOUR games in 48 hours (1 football and 3 basketball).  Yes, he is a saint... since you wondered.

The coaches wanted the kids to be very challenged their first tournament so to ensure competitiveness they signed us up to play against 6th and 7th graders.  We are in 5th, just to remind you.  Yikes.

The first game went great.  Coop landed himself a "double/double" (I'm not sure these are actual terms or he just makes them up... I don't really care though, it makes him happy either way).  16 points on the board, 16 rebounds.  Wowzers.  Obviously playing center (again)... story of his life until his buddies catch up with him height wise.  Works perfectly though for tip offs...

Our little guy... #35

The second two games were tougher.  Little guy's description was awesome.  "Momma, they were SO TALL!"  Yes honey, that happens when they are two years older than you :).  Finally though he's found his competitive height!

Check out how tall the kid is behind Coop!

By the end of the weekend, he was EXHAUSTED.  Worked perfectly for me to nap after my girls trip since he was napping, too!  He loved the success, loved the challenge and remembered how much he loves basketball all around.

But he's still certain it is the socks that did the trick:

For those of you unaware of this strange phenomenon:  Nike Elites are quite the popular thing.  They are socks, folks.  And they are $14 a pair, in case you wondered.  Because why wouldn't they be?

I can't wait for more basketball.  Between you and me, I think it may fit little guy's athleticism the best.  Shhh, don't tell his Dad....

Have a great Tuesday, friends!


Jen