So far, with the weather mostly cooperating, we are off to a great first few weeks of the season. There have not been as many freezing nights as last year, and many games have been fun and competitive. I believe the teams, and girls, are improving, which should make for an great end of season tournament.
I have also been very impressed with our two travel teams. The 14U, led by Steve Schulman, Greg Vucci and Joe Conticello, have been in every game and getting their share of wins. Our 12U,led by Jerry Glass, Art Elmers and Ray Perez, are young and getting the experience they will need to compete in the future. Both teams will be competing in the Tenafly tournament and are expected to play well.
Our first and second grade clinic is going great, and every week we seem to be adding girls. Right now we have 42 participants, and the girls are learning basic skills. We have started getting into simulated games as well. It is extremely fun to watch. Also, a very special thanks to new coaches Mike, Mike, Will, Jose, Diane, Dan and Andrew. I might have forgot one or two, but thanks!
I also wanted to thank Ralph Dimeglio for keeping up our informative web site and Mike Klein for always helping me when I'm away on business.
Here is a closing story from a wise coach:
This young boy of about 11 played in the most important basketball tournament of his life. He was playing in the biggest arena he had ever seen. He felt his team was ready for success; boy was he wrong. The team endued four humbling defeats; the score was a lot to a very little.
As fate had it he entered the same tournament the next year with the same team as the year before. This year, the practicing was more intense, and more hours were spent preparing. The memories of the year before were still there, however.
Amazingly win after win started happening. The team was clicking and playing like they never did before. With all of the team members playing the best game of their young lives they played hard and upset the defending champs by one point.
Now it was time for the finals. The very excited team nervously played the first half and the score was tied. As both teams started to relax the second half stayed neck and neck, and the game stayed tied going into overtime. On a last second basket, the young boy of now 12, lost the game. He and his teammates could not stop crying.
An award ceremony took place next where the team received the runner-up trophy. The awards were given out by this famous basketball coach. On receiving the trophy the famous coach spoke to the team. His statement was succinct and would be never forgotten:"You learn more by losing."
This tournament was the 1963 Kutsher’s Invitational.
The Coach: Joe Lapchick; look him up on the internet. (St Johns, Boston Celtics and NY Knicks)
The boy: Scott Mittman.
Remember pitching lessons with Michelle Furrs this Tuesday
Minor at 7:45
Majors at 8:45
Girls must be accompanied by a parent for catching.
Have a great week - Scott
