Blue and Gold

It's 12/31/09 and 10:20pm and am just reflecting on not only this year but the last couple of weeks. Of coarse I am thinking about Blue and Gold, and the ladies who wear those uniforms. They are a constant thought of mine. What a blessing in my life they are to me!

We started our preseason on November 30th in the Downey Tournament. We played ok for the situation we were in. We finished in the top four of 16 teams, losing to North Torrance by 3 and to Palos Verdes by like 6. We then had 3 really good and intense practices and ready for our second tournament. We began the Glenn/Norwalk tournament in the 2nd week of December, we played Bassett (65 to 10) game 1, game 2 Santa Fe (61 to 17), game 3 against Long Beach Wilson (53 to 39) and played in the Championship game against Orange Lutheran (42 to 53). I was very impressed with the play of the girls. What a different team. We then played Artesia and beat them pretty easily on the 17th and then play Los Alamitos at Warren on the 22nd. Wow, something happened that game. There was a great crowd and Los Alamitos pretty much thought they were going to walk all over us. That didn't happened. Franny lit a fire, Dani lead as a point guard should. The final score was 57 to 24, us. We all were pretty impressed. Our defense was key and was huge.

Our next tournament was the Cantwell tournament which started on December 23rd. We were suppose to be in the Marina tournament but the coach "forgot about us" and so at the last minute needed another tournament. Cantwell had some openings and usually have run a pretty good tournament. So we jumped into that one. We opened with Temple City (62 to 12), a win. We then had our Christmas party that night and we gave the girls a blue and yellow towel and there numbers are on each towel. The girls were really excited. We played again on Saturday the 26th and had 2 games. We played LA Wilson (68 to 42), and Alhambra (80 to 32) both wins. The Alhambra coach saw us at the Cal State Long Beach game and basically told the girls that she would see them on the court. The girls got fired up about it. It was funny. After playing them the coach has a lot of respect for us. Then we played Cantwell on Monday Dec. 28th. That was a very intense game. Their crowd was very rude and disrespectful. They are what kept the game close. We ended up winning that game 44 to 38, advancing to the Championship game against Los Osos. Again we had heard that the Los Osos team and coach was talking a lot of trash about us and how they were going to beat us and run us to the dirt, or whatever it was. They are a good team but a very undisciplined team. So here came Wednesday the 30th of December. We had shoot around at 2pm and made some adjustments to be better prepared to play Los Osos. The girls were ready. We told them that we needed to be patient and stay calm.

Girls got to Cantwell HS at 8pm and then hung out in the locker room to get ready for game. We were the home team. We had our little team pep talk before the game. Again a special feeling was there. Everyone looked calm and ready to go. Something happened at the Los Alamitos game. Switches turned on in the Lady Bears head. They are more eager and more committed to play. It's been fun to be apart of and see them play.

Game time! Tip off 9:30pm! We won the tip. It was a very intense game. We had a large crowd. Our fans, St. Josephs was there watching us as well, Cantwell even cheered for us. It was a lot of fun. Our plan was to force them to run and play a half court offense. Instead of our trapping we just contained them so that time ticked and they had to force an outside shot. We lost first quarter 15 to 17. We made a couple of adjustments and the girls exploded we won the second quarter 20 to 10. We were up at half time. Los Osos was very frustrated and our plan was working. The adjustments we made earlier that day were working. We also decided in the 2nd quarter to go big. Our lineup consisted of Dani at point, Tahja as the 2 guard, Franny at the high post and Justene and Jasmin at the blocks. This forced Los Osos to have to decide who they were going to guard. If they picked up Franny, Dani or Tahja were open outside, if not the blocks were wide open. Holy Smokes! It was working. Justene stepped up big for us! Half time we made defensive adjustments by going to a 2-3 and denying big girl the ball. It worked. There guards were having to shoot way out of range shots. 3rd quarter stared and Tahja lit the fire. She hit 5 three pointers in the 3rd quarter. It was unbelievable. We took a time out early on, like the 2nd minute when they tried to make run. That killed that and Tahja went nuts. That opened a lot. Dani had a fast break and an and one! It was pretty awesome. At that point there wasn't much Los Osos could do. We won 3rd quarter 21 to 10. We were up by like 21 pts. 4th quarter started and that was pretty much that. We slowed the game down to use the clock up and it worked. We won the game 63 to 46. We won the tournament and Champions. Franny was named MVP of the tournament (because really she was a phenom) and Dani was name on the All tournament team. We got a huge plaque and took pics. It was exciting and am so proud of the girls. We had cider in the locker room for them and I grabbed a bottle and started to spray it on them. We had fun. We talked a little bit to them and sent them on there way. The parents were so excited and many compliments from the fans that were watching the game.

The girls have 2 days off and then back to work on Saturday. They will get there second animal for week one in January. We will start doing an animal a week. They are pretty excited about that. We play Westminster and Schurr on the 6th and the 8th of January and then begin league on the 13th. We are pretty excited and getting ready for Lynwood. Here we come! We are almost ready.

Right now we are currently 12 and 3 in our preseason, 3rd in the Region (bishop amat, lynwood and then Warren). We are 13th in CIF Div 1AA and 48th in the top 50 of the LA times. We are like 6th in the Press telegram. I am so proud of these girls. We are headed in the right direction. What an honor to be apart of this program and to be working with these girls.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Years!

Who Are We?

Well it is that time again. The time is here and we can't believe that we are just a couple days away from having our first game. Not sure where to begin my emotions are all over the place. Last week we had an incredible team bonding weekend. The girls didn't know where we were going. They met at the school and were greeted with a sign and envelopes. The envelopes had a story which gave them the driving directions to the Resort. Yes we stayed at the Hilton resort in Huntington Beach. Right across from the beach. We were so excited. They were even more. It was beautiful. We began our event with a couple of team building games. They were fun and we had some laughs. I think that they learned shaving cream can be used for many things. Then the toxic river. After much thought and teamwork then rethought there plan and mastered it. All girls made it safe to the other side. After that we had dinner at Ruby's on the pier. Good times and laughs. They did a trust walk there and back. Memories were created. When they got back to the resort they were greeted with the instructions of you need to write a positive and a negative on each body that was taped to the wall (they traced and outlined there bodies on butcher paper). We had Michael Jackson's song, Man in the Mirror, playing. It was quiet and you could feel the intensity. It was pretty cool to see what the girls wrote about each other. After they were done they had the chance to see what was written. We then had the girls take their bodies down and tell us a couple positives and negatives they liked. It was incredible to see how right on the girls were with each other. It actually because very emotional and great strength was built that evening. We topped it off with highs and lows. The girls went back to their rooms and played games, laughed and etc. The goals were accomplished for the weekend and we are off to a start.
Coaches meeting was pretty cool. I think the girls got it. The questions was Who are we? They learned about the characteristics of a bear, how big they are, how they each, how they hold themselves. We presented the plan... 1. We are unpredictable, 2. We scare our opponents (by running the floor, physical stamina, shooting, rebounding, etc) 3. We stand tall, Show no fear! and are Fierce! 4. Ambush our prey...opponent!
The girls get it. Next week Monday, is our first game. Our whole team will be back. (4 girls were in volleyball...they won league, semi finals in C.I.F.and qualified for state and 1 girl in cross country..they won league, 2nd in C.I.F and run the state race tomorrow... Saturday.) We got our volleyball girls back and our cross country girl will be back on Monday. We are excited about the potentials of this season and are working hard to accomplish the goals set. Our expectations are high and are motivated to achieve "greatness". Here begins our 2009-2010 journey.

We are the Bears!! We are unpredictable, we scare our opponents, we show no fear, we are fierce and we will Ambush our prey!

New York City

Milford Plaza-Wednesday, July 22, 2009

So we have this yellow comp book that is like our travel journal and each of us have written silly things in, kind of fun. So here is Annie's entry... They are random thoughts about things that have happened or silly things said;

"Looks 1920's good"- Brittany (lobby Hotel)

"Dust bunnies in the corner, don't put my face in there!" - Sandra (Rachel attacking Sandra)

"Don't get dead." - Annie (while crossing the streets here in New York)

Irritating sounds from "Stomp", calling Ana Bergeron on the phone and doing our own rendition.

Boob talk, Butt talk, who's regular- a never ending joke.

Slept in till 11:20 on Tuesday -- Annie's friend from Times Square-->

Sandra talking in her sleep- "Those aren't the right documents!"

Annie covering her face with a pillow to sleep

Moving/uncomfortable beds squishy beds.

Empire State building @ night - AMAZING VIEW

Rachel totally diggin Toys R Us- taking pictures of the Dinosaur (T-Rex)

Tickets for Phantom of the Opera! :)

My feet (Annie) hurt so bad. I wanted to just lay down in the street.

Obama Condoms- for free!

Naked Cow girl (old lady playing the guitar in her underwear) Running cause she didnt want her picture taken, but she walks the streets in her leather under clothes.

Rachel and Lion King References

Breakfast @ Eva's and Pablo's (wednesday morning, 9am in the Bronx) strawberries, pancakes, eggs.

the Bergeron's arrived.

Tickets for STOMP!! (July 21)

Monday night July 20-Dinner at Hard Rock with eva, Annie got called out on the floor with a glass of Ice Cream, stood on the chair and the whole restaurant wished me Happy Birthday! The guy thought I was 17 yrs old.

Been having a great time

Sandra and Brittany were crazy this morning-very cheerful and goofy. It takes me (Annie) a while to wake up.

It rained yesterday (tuesday)- went to the Metropoliton Museum, saw great stuff, Asian stuff.

Got lost somewhat in Central Park. It rained most of the day yesterday! Today was sun shiney- lovely.

That's all I've got to Remember right now.

-Annie Larsen-

Niagara Falls

Day 2 continued, Niagara Falls, New York, Monday, July 19, 2009

Wow, what a beautiful place. Not as wow as the Foz do Iguacu, but wow. It sure was breath taking. We walked around a bit and saw from all sides of the falls, but not the Canada side. We did wave for Matt though. After seeing the top portion of the falls we decided to enjoy God's creation even more an take a boat ride, called the Made of the Mist. They handed us ponchos because we would get really wet...and that we did. The boat takes you right up to the falls. Wow. It was beautiful, a little overwhelming. After the ride was over, Britt thought it would be good idea to walk the path up to the falls. LOL. It was light a massive overload of water, it was in your nose and in your mouth. Everytime you took a breath you inhaled water. Annie stayed below and took some pics. As you can see I am attempting to wave, but the water mixed with wind was very powerful. It was really a lot of fun but we got really wet. Thank goodness for the ponchos! After that fun, we walked to Goat Island, took a couple pics and saw the falls from a different angle. It was just so beautiful. We then decided we had better head back because we would have a long day on Monday, since we would be driving from Rochester, New York, to New York City. About a 6 hour drive. We all are excited to get to the city and see things there.

We left the falls and headed back to the hotel in Victor, New York. We decided it would be wise to stay in. We ordered Pizza from Pontinellos. That pizza was soooo yummy. Good stuff. Sandra and Annie went to pick up the pizza and Sandra hit herself in the face with a book. Annie laughed a bit and Sandra said she almost crashed them because of laughter. Annie came back to account the story, we laughed. Then things got even better. Brittany decided it would be fun to irritate Annie, and for the record she was warned before hand. Brittany was teasing Annie to the point where Annie said, "I feel like I might want to brake your fingers". Things got more interesting. Brittany was poking Annie, while Annie was trying to count her money. Annie gave Britt a love tap on the arm (an actual punch). Brittany decided for continue for some reason and Annie went to the bathroom. Brittany learned to stop when someone says stop. It was a funny thing, it made everyone laugh for a moment. It was time for bed and I just couldn't sleep. Sandra and I got in this laughing mood. Poor Annie, she was so tired, she put in the ear plugs and a pillow over the head. I just couldn't sleep. I had a thought and said out loud that I should go for a walk, Sandra was up for it, and then reminded what happens to girls like us in small towns. Sandra said, what we will people go missing. I said haven't you heard what happens in small towns in Victor, New York? Lol. kidding, but we thought it would be smart to stay inside. We finally fell asleep.

Monday, July 20, 2009-Left Rochester, NY and heading to NY, NY

So Annie and I got up early and returned the poop car and pick up the other car we used to drive into New York City. We stopped at Target for some road snacks and then went to Palmyra for a couple last minute things, like to see the 4 churches and then to the cemetary to see Alvin Smith's grave, son of Joseph Smith, Sr. and Lucy Mac. Joseph Smith's oldest brother. We also stopped at Martin Harris's Farm. Then we were off. We began our road trip to the city. We had fun, took at few pics of Sandra sleeping, Brittany singing to good old MJ (that was so fun). Good times. Annie drove the whole way. We finally got to the city. We were all done being in the car. We took the car back to the airport and a shuttle into our hotel. We are staying at the Milford on 45th and 8th street, right around the corner from Lion King, Phantom and Time Square. Great location. The hotel room is okay, bed is a little rough, but shower sure does feel good. We got settled in and then went to Hard Rock to eat some dinner. It was fun to see Annie and Sandra's face as they stood on Time Square. It was a cool moment. We went to Hard Rock and had yummy food. That place really is a lot of fun. We told them it was Annie's birthday and so they brought her out an ice cream. The guy called her out and made her stand on a chair, he asked how old she was, "32", he didn't believe her, he thought she was 17 yrs old. So the whole restaurant cheered and said, "Happy Birthday". It was fun. After Hard Rock, we walked to Grand Central Station and saw that, then walked to Empire State Building. We got there at about 10pm and was amazing. We took the elevator up 80 floors and then walked another 6 flights of stairs. The view was incredible. The city was glowing with lights and you could see the Statue of Liberty. We were there a bit and then thought we would go back to the hotel and rest. It was mid-night. It was a long day. We all fell right asleep.

Palmyra New York

Day 1 of New York Trip...

Rochester-New York-July 18, 2009

Sandra and I flew into Rochester New York (that is me there waiting for our plane to leave JFK to Rochester, its 6am), where Annie and Britt picked us up from the airport. We went back to the hotel and picked up Kristie and Larry Larsen. We all went and saw some of the church historic sites. The Book of Mormon printing shop, Sacred Grove, the statue of Moroni a the top of Hill Cumorah and we saw the Pageant.

I think that all of us were so caught up in emotions. It was the most amazing experience. As I looked at everyone in our group, they all seemed to be deep in thought and feeling. As we were driving to the Sacred Grove, I got a little choked up thinking about my excitement. Here are my thoughts and confirmation to the truth that I know and have testimony of...

I stood on hallowed grounds, a place where a prophet of God lived, a place where angels visited, a place where revelation was revealed, where the restoration took place but most of all, where God the Father and Jesus Christ came and spoke to the young boy Joseph. As I walked through the house of where Joseph Smith lived, I felt a peace in my heart. I saw where he slept, where he hid the Book of Mormon from the mobs of people. I saw where he defended and protected what we have today. After seeing his living headquarters, we walked toward the sacred grove it got so quiet. You could hear the birds singing and the thoughts kept coming to my mind; "I saw a pillar of light exactly above my head, above the brightness of the sun which descending gradually until it fell upon me. And when that light rested upon me, I saw two personages whose brightness and glory defy all description, one of them spake unto me pointing to the other saying, 'This is my Beloved Son, hear him' ". I know that this took place in this tender location. Also the words of "I Stand All Amazed" kept flooding my mind.

We had the opportunity to sit for a minute. I know that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the young boy Joseph and his prayer was answered. I know that through his faith and diligence the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to it's fullness. I am so grateful for this knowledge and for the opportunity to have this experience. I am grateful to know these things, I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who cares so much about needs. He knows us, and our hearts. We are his children. One day it would be an honor to meet Joseph and his wife Emma. To hear there experiences from there own mouths. After the Sacred Grove experience, we will the Hill Cumorah, the place where the plates were hidden. And then we saw the pageant. WOW. So powerful, so real, so true. Again, another witness to my own testimony that these things are true. How could anyone doubt this? The spirit was powerful and reconfirmed the truth I have been given.

Day 2- Palmyra - New York - July 19, 2009


So we went to church today in Palmyra right across from the Palmyra Temple. Wow. What a beautiful place. Sacrament meeting was packed, like stake conference. A lot of people were there from the pageant, and out of town visitors. Really cool. The spirit was strong. We stood to sing, The Spirit of God, at the end. Wow. Words can't even come close to describing those feelings. After sacrament meeting Annie, Sandra, Britt and I walked over to the temple and walked those grounds. Took some pictures and watch Sandra frolicked in the fields. Then we went back to the hotel and changed to head to see the Niagara Falls. WOW. Awe & Wonder!!. Not even close to the Foz do Iguacu, but it was beautiful, the creations of God.

More blogs of the trip to come. Off to bed to get ready for the drive to the city tomorrow, where we will be for the rest of our vacation. For more pictures check... www.flickr.com/photos/littleandeye

The Wolf

Well...it's Friday, February 20, 2009. We got home late last night and hard a tough time getting to sleep. I thought a lot about my girls and hope there sweet hearts will heal soon. We played our first round playoff game last night in Victorville against Silverado HS. Everything went as planned. The bus left on time. The girls taped up "The Wolf" picture all over the bus and our quote on our deepest fear. I was touched. We got to Victorville at 3:30pm, we went to there mall called, "The Mall". We ate there and the girls had some time to walk around and get ready for the game. As we were eating the girls out of nowhere all pointed and said, "Look coach" and I was like huh. They said, "it's a wolf". They were so excited about the thought on the wolf and our plan of attack. They were ready.

We got back on the bus and headed to the school to change and get ready. The school seemed like a nice school. The people were not so much. The girls changed and then when out to shoot around and get used to the gym. We went back into the locker room and got them fired up. We made some noise before coming out! It was fun. The girls got fired up.

It was pre-game time. They looked good and focused. The National Anthem played and the girls were announced. The tip off... silverado gets the ball. They didn't press, we think that they were afraid of our point guard. Lol. She is a threat that is for sure. Silverado had a big 6'4" girl, not so skilled but they tried to lob her the ball. Our center did a great job defending her. We had total control of the first half... ending at 26 to 25. The girls were pumped and Silverado's faces were stunned. They had no idea what just had happen. Third quarter began and we forced a couple passes that there deflected and were down by 5 at the end of the 3rd. Fourth quarter came and went. They played so very well. Wow. The experience showed. We lost by 9. 48 to 39. That team was not better than us, they were just more experienced then us. They were a team of juniors and seniors and us a team of underclassman.

We went back to the locker room which for me seemed like the longest walk ever. The girls faces broke my heart. They cried. I am so very proud of them and told them so. I pulled the parents in after we talked to them and thanked the parents for there support and felt the desire to announce our 2 all league girls, who were Franny and Kayla. Danielle who is co-MVP of our league and I was selected as Coach of the Year for the san gabriel valley league 2008-2009 season. It is the first time that Warren High has had a girls varsity basketball team place 2nd place and to have a MVP and coach of the year award. Wow. Go Bears! Our bus ride was long but fun. After many tears the girls... laughed and sang. We got home safely and I finally got home from one long day. One long roller coaster of emotion.

I love this team and love these girls. I am so blessed by them this year and they have touched my life forever. Each of them have made up a piece of my heart this season. Thank you ladies for stepping up to the challenges made on November 18th.... and no one will understand unless they were there that day. This journey is not the end... only the beginning. We will be back Bears. We will be back!

Our Deepest Fear...

So this week is an amazing week. Much has happened in the last few months of my life. Much! Back in November 18, 2008... I began an amazing journey as a girls varsity head coach at Warren High School. So here I am now...looking back a few months ago. Wow. What an amazing thing this has been. I guess the emotions I feel inside about this years girls team is something i just can't describe but to say I am so very proud of them. So here is a little break down... Dec 2008 we won the Downey Tournament (4 straight wins), which should lead to good signs. We played then 11 games in a row and then prepared for the big San Diego tournament. We hit our rough spots and worked through them. These girls have practiced every single day including Christmas Eve and Saturday mornings at 7:30am. They have put in a great amount of time.

My assistant is amazing and have enjoyed this time with her. We also, well I call him my "skills" coach, who looks at my film and gives me a different look at things... he is amazing. I love them and am grateful for them.

We finished 9-7 in preseason, which is good. I wanted a couple more wins going into league but we are okay. Our league opener is with Lynwood, (if you don't know them you will never understand.. they are a good team) We lost by 18, which in all reality not bad (in the last 4 yrs at this school an average loss to them is 40 pts). Our first round we went 4-1, headed to play Lynwood again at home. What a game that was. It was for the league title. We ended up losing that game by 14. Anyone who was there can say... what a game... It didn't feel like a 14 pt loss.

Then the Downey Game at Warren. LOL. What an intense game. Both teams played respectably well. Downey played really well. So did my girls. We just couldn't hit a shot. So instead of dwelling on it we needed to get ready for Dominguez. We knew that would be a battle at there place and it was just that. But we conquered and won that battle 46-34. We got out of there alive. Again for those who were there completely understand what I am saying.

So here we are now. We finished league 7-3 and 2nd place. The first for Warren high School. At least in a really long time. I am very proud of them. Very very proud of these girls.

On Sunday, Feb 15, 2009 we got word that we are to travel on Thursday, Feb 19, 2009 to Victorville, California and play Silverado HS. They finished 1st in there league and have for the last couple of years. We are really excited about that. Coaches that have seen us play and who have played Silverado all say it will be close but feel like we can come out ontop. So we shall see!! We have had good pratices this week.

We started Monday morning with a team meeting discussing our week and brought a different attack to the girls for the week. We are to be like a Wolf I told them. I explained to them that wolves are the only animals that return the human stare. The wolf before making an attack, 1-identifies the weakness of the opponent, 2-attacks 3-tears down the opponent and 4-makes the kill. They got fired up and enjoyed I feel that thought. So this week they each are carrying around a picture of a wolf and are being reminded in practice the 4 points of the attack of a wolf. The last thing about a wolf is that when it makes the attack, nothing can stop it and its eyes gaze over and focuses only on the prey. We shall do the same.

So what is our deepest fear?... I read to them a quote that I love from Coach Carter.
'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that others people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's just not in some of us, it is in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."