~:[CH12 - Day 41]:~ Stacked Against Us

 
~:[CH12 - Day 41]:~ Stacked Against Us

There was definitely excitement in the air. We got a decent crowed that showed up at the game and the energy in the gym was electric. Going up against the #6 squad might have seemed like we were outmatched, but it never felt that way. Even with the fouls stacked against us (20-9) and two of our starters fouling out, the team took the game down to the wire. Down four, we sunk a three, but the whistle blew and the ref once again tilted the game in their favor. For a team that was at one point 2-13 this year, you couldn't have imaged them doing what they did tonight. They didn't look afraid, they stay composed despite another first quarter double-digit deficit and every time they looked like they would fold, they fought back by tightening up their D and attacking the bucket.  They were smaller in height, but never allowed that to be the reason why they lost. They battled inside and even attacked the rim on offense, never showing that they were afraid of this team. When the buzzer sounded, the score showed that we had lost, but truly the season showed that we won. This team was radically different than they were in December. They did everything they could to get where they were today, sacrificing free time and vacations, all so they could give themselves the shot. With a bounce here and a call there, the game could have been different, but either way, nothing could change how proud the crowd was of this squad. With their backs up against the wall, they closed our the season 12-3 and nearly advanced to the quarterfinals. They hit some of the lowest lows that I've seen, but these moments helped the weather all the challenges that they faced moving forward. They adjusted, adapted and because of it, tonight they shined. As they had their final talk together, I know they wish the outcome would have been different, but they truly showed that heart and passion mixed with dedication, discipline and determination can take you a long way. It's not the ending that they may have hoped for, but I know that by night's end, there wasn't anyone who could say, they weren't proud of seeing what this team had become.