vs. Emerson (Orange), 1/20/11

Nice email!! Thanks, Bill. I didn't realize you are playing with only seven men! Of course due to the injuries, that's rough. But winning by 22 is a nice coup, congratulations! We played Emerson yesterday (all the way out in Anaheim a block away from Disneyland where coincidentally my mom works), a team we had beaten by 9 in the second game of the season. While I think we have improved, their team hasn't. We comfortably led 21-8 at the half and didn't look back. Consequently I was able to get all of the role players a whole quarter and a half of PT, and they extended our lead(!) en route to a 41-19 victory.

Tracy Lu, their best scorer, had torched us for 23 in that first game, targeting off of screens for open jumpers. This game we started on him and them with a "box-and-1" (the shadowing done by team captain Jim Kim) to keep him from killing us again. It worked, and with everyone putting a hand in the face of the shooter, they only managed two buckets in the first stanza.

We were able to get Graham, our tallest player, nine shots. I wish we could do this every game. We passed like pros, netting nine assists on twenty makes! Jim got 15 quick points, but had to be sat after a couple of minutes into the second half, when the lead had extended to twenty. He had taken a cell phone call-DURING THE GAME! (Sigh). I can imagine you shaking your head right now. Here's what happened: Sharleen had received a phone call from Jim's (who didn't have his phone with him) cousin. Jim's cousin was driving out to the match and needed directions and thank sweet God it was during free throws on the other side of the court. I just hope none of the other team, or coach, saw. Mortification. I gave him a good talking to (although I must also talk to Sharleen about flagging him down for the call) and shortly removed all of the starters, keeping in Gene (who scored 6 all on sweet jumpers, feet set) with the second group for a time. I even was able to let Andy play center for most of a quarter. It's nice to see the boys pass and play D, but boxing out is an almost impossible skill to instill, I am finding.

I'm sorry to hear about Tony. You'll persevere! How did you fare against Prescott Valley? Ryan tells me that some of the schools you face are hours away. I can't wait for you guys to get here... It is going to be a fun game. Maybe I could spot your squad Ryan and Jin? That would only be fair, and completely fitting. Let me know! As for playing 21, my jumpshot has improved, Coach! hehe. And Mike is a beast as always!

I just got the injured reserve reference, Coach. You are a player, though. Can't keep a good one down! Always a pleasure to hear from you. Gonna run uphill with the kids today, looking forward to that.

Take care,

A.J.