Winter Sports Wrap Up

Winter sports are basically over--- except for Ashton's basketball which goes on for a couple more weeks.

Yesterday we wrapped up Shepherd's first basketball season.  Shepherd was one of the youngest on the team which was obvious yet was one of the biggest so you couldn't tell his age.  Despite that, he did at least run up and down the court and got a couple shots off.  He CAN NOT dribble, I mean like CAN NOT.  He was playing against mainly K5 and 1st graders.  He actually was on the team with two of Ashton's classmates.  Apparently a lot happens developmentally in those two years between pre k and 1st grade.  He had a great coach who was so patient with the kids and really encouraged teamwork and just having fun.

Typical Shep.  Him, the boy he is hugging and the one right behind him are the 3 pre K kids on the team. 

Shep and his coach.

 

 

Shepherd at practice.  What can I say?

We decided to move Ashton up to 8 an under though he still could have played on 6 and under (with Shep).  The first couple games, I thought we had made a mistake because he was just so small out there playing against kids that are Hunter's age.  Plus, by this level, they apply all the basketball rules (traveling, double dribbles, walking, etc) so that took some getting used to.  However, by the 3rd game, it seemed to click and he did amazing!  He was not the best on the team but is in the top half.  He is relentless as he is with everything in life.  Again, we were lucky to get a really great coach who expected just enough of them without going overboard.

You can really see how small he is compared to most of the other kids.

He gets back in time to block this kids' shot

Another example of his size.  You cant eve see him dribbling the ball because he is in front of number 9.

Ashton also had the opportunity to play indoor soccer.  This opportunity came up after we had signed up for basketball.  Otherwise, I don't know if I would have let him play two sports but I am glad that he did.  He really enjoyed indoor.  Honestly, I think he is better at outdoor because with the smaller space of indoor it was harder for him to pull his moves plus indoor is MUCH more physical than outdoor and again, he is small so he gets muscled off the ball pretty easily.  His team made the playoffs but lost in the first round to a phenomenal Mexican team (those boys can play.) 

Step 1- Dribble

Step 2- Pull a move on defender

Step 3- Take off with speed

Step 4- Look for a shot, pass or keep dribbling

Coming down the turf.

Hunter decided he didn't want to play basketball this season.  He since said he regretted not playing (I didn't regret it though... ha).  Hunter is taking guitar lessons though.  He doesn't practice nearly as much as I think he should but I am surprised at how quickly he is picking up the notes (I tried to do it, my memory must stink as I cant remember them.) 

Hunter and his guitar

Just a cute picture of Hunter and 3 of his good friends from school at a birthday party yesterday.

All 3 decided they wanted to play soccer again.  Our rec department lets them play on the same team as they did on the fall if they want.  All 3 boys have their coaches back so their will be no transition.  It also means that I said I would coach again.