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!