What would you say is the most important thing about playing the game of basketball? Defense, offense, rebounding, steals, shooting etc.
Somehow the teams that can do the most of the above mentioned points and are proficient in a lot of wide array of basketball skill sets, are the teams that are most consistent in winning on the court.
But to win in the game of life, players have to take lessons learned on the court and apply them to life. Sometimes players have a unique sense of bringing what has been learned and taught in life, by parents and family, to the game and to the team.
Hannah Murray is one such player. Let's talk about Respect. Hannah brings to the game an out most respect for her teammates and Coaches. Everyone respects her as a Person and in turn she is continuing to work hard in her game to gain Respect in her skills and abilities. Respect the game, your opponents, the referees, the fans and your teammates.
Let's move on to Attitude. Hannah brings to the game an unselfish mindset and a teammate first mentality. She sets the bar high with her team that it takes everyone to contribute one way or another to be successful. Some players have larger roles than others but everyone is just as important. If you have a car with the best engine, what good is it if you don't have a steering wheel than can take you where you want. She always cooperates with Coaches and teammates and contributes in any way she can.
What about Character? Hannah Murray is the sweetest kid you ever going to meet. She is humbled, shy and modest. Yes to be successful in any sport, you have to have a killer instinct without a doubt. But Hannah's unyielding demeanor can be learned by a lot of "Hot Dog" athletes in this day of age as well. Learn to Win or Lose graciously. What does it matter if you are the "Best" at what you do and nobody CARES!!!
She possesses a certain Persona that radiates a Positive outlook on what seems everything in Life, no matter what.. She never complains and is always complimenting no matter how big or how small ones accomplishment.
And in turn she is one of the most respected players in the Organization. She primarily plays with the White team but is willing to help out the Black team at a moments notice. She has taken the White team on her back at different key points during the season and has shown signs of down right "Not in my House" Attitude in helping the Black team. When it comes to Playing, her character and persona remain the same. I have seen her in many occasions stuff or block a shot straight back to a players face practically making the player swallow the ball and at the same time use her same hand to cover her mouth as to say "Sorry, did I just do that" and then turn around right back and stuff that same player again. Seconds anyone.
Her role was important in that all these attributes she possesses solidified the team that was competing for the PrimeTime Sports National Championship. A team that easily could have been a collective group of one man shows, was instead a team of full of players playing for something greater than themselves. Hannah Murray, true to herself played hard, never complained, served lunch to a couple of players and then some, all with Class and dignity.
Only time will tell how much and how far basketball will take Hannah Murray. But I can tell you that with the skill set she has acquired in the Game of Life, she will go far in her endeavors.
Hannah Murray doesn't live for the stats in the Sports pages, but it won't surprise me that one day in the future you will be reading about her on the Front Page news about her great accomplishments!
Hannah Murray helped this Islanders team be complete and in turn make it a special group of young ladies.....