Ashe and Fourth Grade Hoops

Ashe - second from right (see Molly & Dennis strategizing,
in the background to the left)

Ashe played a basketball game today. This is his third year playing on a team with his classmates. They are the Chargers.

Our friend, Molly (see blog here), is the coach - for the third year. Dennis is the assistant coach. Molly's a cute little blond thing, so as you might expect, there has been more than one occassion where officials and other coaches have assumed Dennis was the coach. Molly and I laugh about it.

Ashe's team are 10 fourth grade, mostly nine year old, boys. These little guys are pretty impressive. They are all talented and have something to contribute. Several kids have really quality skills and will surely go on to at least high school ball.

Both of the games so far this year have been "pre-season". The season starts in January. Last week Ashe's team was blown out to the point where they stopped showing the score - they only kept it for statistical reasons. This week, the Chargers blew out the other team. 49-11...It was a good win for the boys, psychologically.

Ashe played so amazingly today. His last game left Dennis a little concerned, only because he was not really into it. We aren't going to make him play, but if he's going to choose to play, he has to give it his all - especially for his teammates. Ashe practices shooting baskets every single day (we have a hoop both inside-6' and outside our house), and is seriously a 80-90% shooter. His OCD tendencies have definitely paid off in this department...He often is one of or the top in "shoot out" or free throw drills at camp and practice. At his Granny's, he'll stand as far away from the basket as he can to see if he can make it.

His issues have mostly to do with the speed of the game, and that he gets caught up in it. Last year, he'd ask "Can I just watch?" He's a good player, because he truly loves the game, but he can't forget he's on the team. Last week (and in past seasons sometimes), by the time he processed in his mind what's going on in that moment of play, the team had moved away and was onto the next play. This week, his head was in the game!! He had some good dribbles (and a double-dribble or two as well :); good passing; a jump ball; and, the most important thing to him - he made two baskets. Ashe reminded us that four points is the most he's made in a game, and he was so, so proud.

YAY for Ashe P.!!!