#55

Brady has just finished his 8th grade basketball season as #55.  When I was a teenager my number was 44. For some reason I have fond memories of that number.  I think it was because my dad called me Forty-Four.  So it was kind of nostalgic that Brady had #55 -- ok so it doesn't totally line up, but still.

Anyhoo, it was bitter sweet for these boys who have played basketball together since the 5th grade, and other sports together even longer.  Many of them are going on to San Benito High School so maybe they will have a chance to play together again.  They work well as a team and really finally came together this year, thanks to some great coaching by Coach Greg. Their record for the season was 6 and 2. Not bad for a small town team. In their defense, they only had 6 boys playing for most of the season, this meant there was only 1 sub. They were extremely tired most games but you couldn't tell, they gave it all they had.

Here's Brady going up for the shot!

Body check, caught on film.

Brady gets some coaching from... well... The Coach

Blocking the shot! That's my boy!

One of Brady's strengths is his speed. He's a good jumper too so he's also quite good at rebounds.

About to make the play!

The moms! Me;) Charley Guevarra, Leticia Marquez, showing a little team spirit!

This was after a particularly hard loss against Maze Middle School. They lost 57-50 in overtime. You would think you were looking at a police line up.  They actually did really well for most of the season.  They went undefeated until the end. Spring Grove and Maze were their two nemesis. They are hoping to beat both of them in the tournament this week, just for a little vindication.

Look at the difference in expressions the very next day, after beating Aromas (their arch rival) in another very close, very intense, overtime game. 

What's that they are holding you ask? Twelve years ago, the coaches of San Juan and Aromas devised a way for their teams to show a little more effort and competition against each other. "The Oar" goes to the victors for that season. By the way they were touching it and holding it and practically licking it, you would have thought it was made of gold. We were able to win it back this year! Go TEAM!

Above all Coach Greg taught them how to be good sports. Here they are cheering for the other team after the hard loss.

Aren't they cute? I love these boys!

Here we all are at the Pizza Factory in celebration of a season well played.

This is what I got when I told them to look cool.

The parents can look cool too (NOT!)

I had to post this picture. Here's Johnny of the 7th grade team. He won a PSP for $1 out of one of the arcade games at the pizza place. He's not happy or anything...

Congratulations boys! It was a great year and super fun to come and cheer for you all season! Play Hard...

and just remember... it never hurts to have a cute fan club. (these girls were at almost every game, with drinks and signs and lots of cheering)