Never ever ever get into a deep conversation about politics. It could wind up into an all out brawl. But with the Presidential election upon us, let me hit on a couple of observations.
The big day is Tuesday, Nov 6th, with early voting going on already. Obama vs Romney, who should you vote for and who is going to win. By all indications it can come down to the wire in a very close contest between two tough opponents.
But hey wait a minute, Girls High School Basketball season openers are in full swing on Monday and Tuesday, Nov 5th, 6th as well. And by the looks of things, you will have many tough opponents getting ready to go at it against each other. It might very well be that a lot of contests go down to the wire. Reagan vs Brennan, Jay vs Johnson, Wagner vs Stevens and Steele vs Clark. Arguably the top 8 teams in the city playing against one another to kick things off.
Going back to the election, many long days of campaigning are finally coming to a head. I am sure Obama and Romney can't wait till election day.
As for the girl basketball teams, many days of practicing and preparing are coming to a head as well. And I am sure, many of the girls are nervous and excited and probably can't wait for the season to begin.
Back to the politicians for a second. How many countless ads promising empty Promises can one person take? How many campaign speeches have you heard where the candidates are endlessly Promising you that they are the right person for the job? How many debates have you seen where you hear the candidates declaring and Promising that they are the right person to take the country in the right direction?
Promises, Promises, Promises
I am no Politician but I have One Promise for you.
After you go Vote, Go out and Support Girls Basketball Season Openers, it will be the Right Decision, PROMISE!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BBALL
Here is a nice article on the 2012-13 Smithson Valley Girls High School program which includes some future SA Islander stars.
Click on the following.
SVHS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
Click on the following.
SVHS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
SA ISLANDERS BASKETBALL II
Here are Kaitlyn, Hannah (2015) and Alexis (2017) getting some work in with Coach Drew.
Click on the following link.
SA ISLANDERS BASKETBALL II
Click on the following link.
SA ISLANDERS BASKETBALL II
Cats in the Cradle and the Silver Spoon
Do you ever get that feeling that you want to say," Wow, I am getting old?" Especially when you start seeing your kids doing and experiencing things that not too long ago it may seem you were doing the same exact things. School, Halloween costumes, Homecoming to name a few.
That feeling gets exponentially worse if you don't have a healthy balance between your work and family time. It is worse because with no family memories of events that are happening in your child's life, your kids may seem like they were just born yesterday and now they are in college, which in turn makes us feel one step closer to retirement age.
So as my schedule became more flexible with the ending of the AAU club season, my attention turned like a laser beam to my 7 year old son, AJ.
For AJ, after a short summer break of practically sleeping to about 2pm every afternoon, the first day of school was upon us. The 6:30am alarm clock rang and AJ was up and adam. No Problem. Ok, let's wait till school is over, he is going to be sleeping in class for sure. So as we pulled in the curved driveway in the after school pickup line, we saw him walking by the sidewalk with his teacher. As he looked up at us, he broke away from his teacher running towards the car yelling, "Dad, First Grade is Awesome!". Turns out, No Problem staying awake for Mr AJ.
So we enrolled him in Cub Scouts at the school and we go out to get his uniform. When we were at the Uniform store getting all his stuff, AJ looked at the wall full of patches that can be earned as you move up the ladder in the Scouting World. His eyes fixated on one in particular, the Skydiving Patch. With an uneasy low tone voice, he nervously muttered, "Dad, I don't think I want to jump out of airplanes". I went on to calmly explain to him that it wouldn't be necessary to join the Cub Scouts and have to jump out of planes. Somehow he understood but was not completely 100% assured. So when he had to wear his Cub Scout uniform to school in honor of 9/11, I explained to him why it was important for him to walk straight and tall while he wore his uniform. As we walked through the school hallway, it seemed he garnered a lot of attention from the young ladies. I heard someone ask,"AJ are you in Cub Scouts?". AJ with the machismo of JohnWayne, the suave of Cary Grant, the coolness of Clint Eastwood, the bravado of James Bond smoothly and reassuringly responded "Yeah, and I am going to do SKYDIVING....". When I picked him up after school he yelled at me, "Dad, Cub Scouts is going to be Awesome!"
As we went to the movies to go see Frankenweenie, I was thinking to myself that would be a good opportunity for me to take a nap as the movie showed. Wrong. As I thought the movie was boring, he kept me wide awake with his mesmerizing interest in the movie. Heck I almost shed a tear myself with him at the end of the movie. Afterwards, you guessed it, "Dad, that movie was Awesome!"
So the following week, we go see Hotel Transylvania. I thought to myself, might as well join in. We both laughed so hard that when we both came out of the theater we both yelled out at the same time,"Awesome!"
I can go on and on, but sometimes some things are better kept between the two parties involved. That way it makes it more Awesome especially as your reflect on your memories as you get older.
So what does this have to do with Basketball. Well the GIRLS High School Basketball season is about to get going.
Cats in the Cradle and the Silver Spoon.........
Don't stay home saving all your money. Take out your family and go out and spend some money and time supporting Girls High School Basketball.
Me and AJ will tell you that you will not be disappointed cause it's going to be "AWESOME!!!!!!!"
That feeling gets exponentially worse if you don't have a healthy balance between your work and family time. It is worse because with no family memories of events that are happening in your child's life, your kids may seem like they were just born yesterday and now they are in college, which in turn makes us feel one step closer to retirement age.
So as my schedule became more flexible with the ending of the AAU club season, my attention turned like a laser beam to my 7 year old son, AJ.
For AJ, after a short summer break of practically sleeping to about 2pm every afternoon, the first day of school was upon us. The 6:30am alarm clock rang and AJ was up and adam. No Problem. Ok, let's wait till school is over, he is going to be sleeping in class for sure. So as we pulled in the curved driveway in the after school pickup line, we saw him walking by the sidewalk with his teacher. As he looked up at us, he broke away from his teacher running towards the car yelling, "Dad, First Grade is Awesome!". Turns out, No Problem staying awake for Mr AJ.
So we enrolled him in Cub Scouts at the school and we go out to get his uniform. When we were at the Uniform store getting all his stuff, AJ looked at the wall full of patches that can be earned as you move up the ladder in the Scouting World. His eyes fixated on one in particular, the Skydiving Patch. With an uneasy low tone voice, he nervously muttered, "Dad, I don't think I want to jump out of airplanes". I went on to calmly explain to him that it wouldn't be necessary to join the Cub Scouts and have to jump out of planes. Somehow he understood but was not completely 100% assured. So when he had to wear his Cub Scout uniform to school in honor of 9/11, I explained to him why it was important for him to walk straight and tall while he wore his uniform. As we walked through the school hallway, it seemed he garnered a lot of attention from the young ladies. I heard someone ask,"AJ are you in Cub Scouts?". AJ with the machismo of JohnWayne, the suave of Cary Grant, the coolness of Clint Eastwood, the bravado of James Bond smoothly and reassuringly responded "Yeah, and I am going to do SKYDIVING....". When I picked him up after school he yelled at me, "Dad, Cub Scouts is going to be Awesome!"
As we went to the movies to go see Frankenweenie, I was thinking to myself that would be a good opportunity for me to take a nap as the movie showed. Wrong. As I thought the movie was boring, he kept me wide awake with his mesmerizing interest in the movie. Heck I almost shed a tear myself with him at the end of the movie. Afterwards, you guessed it, "Dad, that movie was Awesome!"
So the following week, we go see Hotel Transylvania. I thought to myself, might as well join in. We both laughed so hard that when we both came out of the theater we both yelled out at the same time,"Awesome!"
I can go on and on, but sometimes some things are better kept between the two parties involved. That way it makes it more Awesome especially as your reflect on your memories as you get older.
So what does this have to do with Basketball. Well the GIRLS High School Basketball season is about to get going.
Cats in the Cradle and the Silver Spoon.........
Don't stay home saving all your money. Take out your family and go out and spend some money and time supporting Girls High School Basketball.
Me and AJ will tell you that you will not be disappointed cause it's going to be "AWESOME!!!!!!!"
Friday, October 19, 2012
SA Islanders Basketball I
Tara (2016), Brianna (2016) and Ashley A.(2019) having a little fun working on their game.
Click the link below.
SA ISLANDERS BASKETBALL
Click the link below.
SA ISLANDERS BASKETBALL
2012 San Antonio Fall League
2012-13 Girls High School basketball is here upon us with the coming of the Fall season.
We were teased a little with the Fall League being played at Churchill for 5 weeks when school started with about 12 teams participating.
What is not a surprise, is that Reagan, Steele, Wagner, Brennan and Clark are loaded and deep with quality players. Collectively they dominated their opponents with ease. Although games don't mean anything in the Fall League, it is an indicator of what is to come.
And by the way, Clark should not be considered a sleeper no more. They are a legitimate contender. They have an able good Coach. They bring an athletic, long, savvy, experienced team to the table. They have a lot of the necessary ingredients to go all the way.
In some Islander player notes, incoming freshmen Erin Wimberley with Smithson Valley played strong and steady. She made her presence known by grabbing rebounds on both offensive and defensive ends because of her aggressiveness. Her use of fundamentals didn't hurt either. She could have been leading scorer in some games if she had more touches. She shoots and makes a very high percentage of her shots. Once the guard situation is sorted out, Smithson Valley should contend for a playoff spot. Erin can be a factor in getting them there if given an ample opportunity.
No one was no more surprise than the Marshall Rams team itself when it competed strong and aggressively against their opponents. Rams incoming freshmen Alexia Torres and Bri Lane helped bring some excitement to the team. Coached by yours truly, the girls, playing without any experienced post players, played an up tempo style enabling them to be within striking distance in every game. Because they play in the deep, strong NISD, it will be difficult and a real tough challenge for them to make the playoffs. Being designated the point guard for the team, incoming freshman Alexia, will be given a huge task and responsibility of running and managing the team.
So now the real fun starts. Tryouts are in full swing for all teams.
High School Girls Basketball!
Stay tuned........
We were teased a little with the Fall League being played at Churchill for 5 weeks when school started with about 12 teams participating.
What is not a surprise, is that Reagan, Steele, Wagner, Brennan and Clark are loaded and deep with quality players. Collectively they dominated their opponents with ease. Although games don't mean anything in the Fall League, it is an indicator of what is to come.
And by the way, Clark should not be considered a sleeper no more. They are a legitimate contender. They have an able good Coach. They bring an athletic, long, savvy, experienced team to the table. They have a lot of the necessary ingredients to go all the way.
In some Islander player notes, incoming freshmen Erin Wimberley with Smithson Valley played strong and steady. She made her presence known by grabbing rebounds on both offensive and defensive ends because of her aggressiveness. Her use of fundamentals didn't hurt either. She could have been leading scorer in some games if she had more touches. She shoots and makes a very high percentage of her shots. Once the guard situation is sorted out, Smithson Valley should contend for a playoff spot. Erin can be a factor in getting them there if given an ample opportunity.
No one was no more surprise than the Marshall Rams team itself when it competed strong and aggressively against their opponents. Rams incoming freshmen Alexia Torres and Bri Lane helped bring some excitement to the team. Coached by yours truly, the girls, playing without any experienced post players, played an up tempo style enabling them to be within striking distance in every game. Because they play in the deep, strong NISD, it will be difficult and a real tough challenge for them to make the playoffs. Being designated the point guard for the team, incoming freshman Alexia, will be given a huge task and responsibility of running and managing the team.
So now the real fun starts. Tryouts are in full swing for all teams.
High School Girls Basketball!
Stay tuned........
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
9/11
On this day, Sept 11, Let's take the time to remember, Regular people, Heroes, Acts of Valor, Heartbreak, Courage, the best of America coming together.
Let's not also forget the men and women that have served or are in the front lines, helping us keep safe here at home.
And especially, let's give tribute and remember all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Let's not also forget the men and women that have served or are in the front lines, helping us keep safe here at home.
And especially, let's give tribute and remember all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Radio Audiocast 2012 PrimeTime Nationals SA Islanders
Following is a link between the Katy Rebels vs SA Islanders at the 2012 Primetime Nationals pool play. It is in audio format.
Please give a moment for the audio to download.
Click on the following link. Once the page loads up change the month to July 2012.
Then scroll down to the date 7/27/12 Katy Rebels vs SA Islanders and click its link to the audio.
Katy Rebels vs SA Islanders 8th grade
Please give a moment for the audio to download.
Click on the following link. Once the page loads up change the month to July 2012.
Then scroll down to the date 7/27/12 Katy Rebels vs SA Islanders and click its link to the audio.
Katy Rebels vs SA Islanders 8th grade
Sunday, August 19, 2012
2012 PRIMETIME NATIONALS
What an experience for the girls participating in the 2012 Prime Time Nationals. No matter how you slice it, the girls made a great showing representing the SA Islanders Organization.
SA Islander players Alexia Torres, Tara Molina, Belle Tovar, Sandy Ramirez, Erin Wimberley and Victoria Salinas were joined by Sam Washington, Tia Hairston and Alexis Worley to make an improbable run all the way to the Championship Final.
If you look closely a lot of factors, it makes their performances all that more impressive.
Erin Wimberley was just coming off a serious deep thigh bruise and was not even close to 100%. Victoria Salinas was coming off an extended month layoff of not playing with the team. Tia and Sam had helped a couple of tournaments but for the most part are coming from teams that have totally different offensive and defensive schemes. Alexis Worley didn't play AAU ball ALL season. She has never played AAU at this level at all.
I would venture to say, that some teams picked up some players to help. But all the major teams have been playing together all YEAR as a team. Not only have they played together but practiced together all year.
That in itself would put us in a huge disadvantage. We had one practice as a group.
Turnovers would have been a major problem because of Lack of so called Chemistry.
Alexia, Tara, Belle and Sandy for the most part were asked to adjust and play their games to compliment the other players to make it easier for everyone else. This could have caused major confusion in any other team.
But contrary, the girls were focused and determined. They got more comfortable as the tournament went on. In turn, confidence in themselves and their teammates began to grow exponentially.
We didn't depend on one, two or three players to carry the team. All the players were dependent on each other and held themselves accountable, not their teammates. Each player respected and accepted their role. NO ONE player was playing for themselves, each played for the betterment of the TEAM.
In the end, due to a large part and credit to the Ref's, the girls came up short in winning the Championship Trophy.
But is ultimate success measured in winning trophies?
The girls gained a large following from fans, other players, staff etc.
They gained tremendous respect from each team they defeated.
I heard from people over and over again.
"We love the way your girls play. They play hard! I wish our girls could play like that."
Over and over again, I heard.
"The skill level of your girls are incredible. I wish our girls had that skill level."
Over and over again,
People would point at our girls and whisper, "There go those Islanders" followed by "Let's go watch them play"
When it was OVER, They didn't need a trophy to show everyone that they were Winners.
Again and again, Strangers, Fans, People of all ages let me know they were.
GO ISLANDERS!!!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
That was Crazy!
As I sat down on the bleachers to watch a girls basketball game this past weekend, I could not help notice a young man with an outdated suit and crew haircut sitting next to me.
As I minded my own business, I couldn't help notice fans yelling and taunting players of the other team as they were beating them down. Young ladies in their teens doing, trying and competing for the love of the game.
As I was thinking how crazy it seemed, just then I was interrupted by the young man next to me, "Stupid is as Stupid does" he whispered in a plain soft spoken southern voice.
I acknowledged him with a slight nod of my head and half a smile thinking where did this dude come from.
As I gathered my thoughts from the brief interruption, I quickly refocused my attention to the game at hand.
That's when then I noticed the coach from the above mention team was actually egging on and condoning this bizarre behavior.
But in a matter of time in what seemed impossible at one point, the other team came back from a big deficit to actually tie and take a slight lead silencing the opposing teams crowd. It also made their coach more obnoxious than before.
"That was pretty incredible comeback. A lot of heart", I thought to myself. " I never saw that coming", I muttered to myself in disbelief.
And then once again I was interrupted by the young man next to me as he tugged at my arm, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get next" he said with a blank look in his face.
I wanted to respond with "Yeah and every once in awhile you get some nuts along with it".
Even though the young man looked and talked and acted like he came straight out of the movie, I felt comfortable enough to introduce myself. "Hey my name is Jesse, Coach Jesse", I said with my arm extended to shake his hand.
He then abruptly stood up, straight and firm in his posture, proceeded to leave. "I think I have to go pee!" is what I think I gathered to pick up from his southern draw as his back faced me as he quickly exited the aisle.
I couldn't help to think to myself, "That was crazy!" Coaches, Fans and .......
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