a summer of basketball for a basketball family

HOOPLA July 23-24, 2011

 

Jess and Andrew played in the 2011 Hoopla 3-on-3 tournament this weekend at the Salem capitol for their 3rd and 4th year. Both teams ended with a 4-1 record, but the girls' team made it past the semi-finals into the championship game. They lost a tough fought, close game, 9-13, and made it to the podium as the runner up in their division. Andrew's team lost in the semi-finals to the division champions. We are proud of how well the kids played. They have both had a great summer of polishing their basketball skills, with 3 camps each and Hoopla to cap it off {and it's not even yet August}.

Jess played about as tough and intense as I have ever seen her and was consistent through all 5 games. She had some great drives to the hoop and a couple fade aways and hook shots that looked sweet. She said the girls agreed they would like to play together again for Hoopla next year, so they must have enjoyed it even though they were all really disappointed to lose a close game in the championship.

 

Hoopla is the highlight of Andrew's summer. He could not wait for the day, and was actually giddy the morning of as we rarely see our normally quiet, composed young son. Andrew played hard as he always does, and had a good tournament. He is really developing as a strong point guard with good instincts. I like the comments he received from his coachs in their written evaluations at two of his camps: "One of the best offensive players in the camp, and one of the best passers, too. Your ability to find the open man is a special one. Keep working and getting up shots!" 
And, Andrew was excited to have Kevin Marshall, starting point guard for the Wilsonville Wildcats last season, as his coach at the Wildcat hoop camp. Kevin's evaluation was really nice and inspiring for Andrew--"Great looking shot! Best shooter your age. Just keep working on that left hand and you're golden. Great court vision! Outstanding passer! Had a winning attitude and always wanted to win. You're an outstanding young player! Keep up the hard work! I had a great time coaching you!"

 

Catherine also started playing basketball this summer. She is getting her start as her older sister and brother did, at Coach Nic's Little Hoopsters Hoop Camp at Memorial Park in Wilsonville in June. She is fun to watch as she has a lot of energy, quick feet and is FAST. She plays hard and is aggressive, as she has been playing a lot with Andrew for the past year. He was happy to 'coach' her on our court outside this summer. I think he is pleasantly surprised to have another sister to play basketball against that can actually challenge him some. She doesn't mind wearing all hand-me-down basketball clothes and shoes, but is excited as she feels grown up to finally be doing sports like big sis and bro.