Our boys won each game over the weekend, and were prepared to play for the banner. Of course it ended up that the local rivalry team was winning all of their games as well, and our two teams would end up playing each other for first and second place.
The championship game was SO EXCITING! The teams went back and forth, point for point. The crowd was into the game big time. Our side and their side cheering and hollering ever louder as the clock ticked down. I thought I was going to have to go outside in the last 2 minutes of the game, because I just couldn't handle the anxiety. I told Mom she could just let me know how it goes, because every score we made was being matched, and I felt like I could throw up. I wanted these boys to win, they had worked so hard all season long as a team. I just couldn't imagine they would end their season #2, and go home without a banner for their school gym. I prayed in my head Lord, how many banners does that other team have in their gym? At least 10. Please let it work out in our kids favor for once.
They had a very aggressive kid on their team who was a really, really good player. He had fouled our kids all afternoon, and was really cocky about his skills. It had come down to the last few seconds of the game, and the other team was up by a point. Our teams best scorer was set to shoot, and that same arrogant kid fouled him. We thought all hope was gone. There were only 4 seconds left on the clock, and our player had to make both of his free throw shots in order for our team to win. The gym went silent as he set up to shoot. SWISH!!!! Tied game. SWISH!!!!!! Faith Crusaders up by one. The other team still had seconds on the clock and they ran down to make a two pointer, but missed the basket, and our team won. Yay!
After the game, Steven invited his teammates back to the restaurant for a celebratory dinner. We didn't know how many would drive back from Orlando where the tournament was held, but it ended up being everyone! Those boys were so proud to bring the trophy into the restaurant and celebrate, and our customers ate them up. We played Queens "We are the champions" over the restaurant speakers, and everyone sang and swayed.
This was Steven's first ever experience with basketball. He and the other 5th graders were second string to the better playing 6th graders, and didn't get as much playing time. In the famous words of Uncle Pete, "Steven, you gotta be the bug before you can be the windshield." Steven told me a couple of days after the basketball season was over that he couldn't wait to play again next year, because he would finally get his chance to be the "windshield."
Get ready for photo overload.....I want him to be able to look back on these pictures one day.
From the first day of the tournament, Steven's fan club was in the house. Amanda Lily wore a T shirt that said "I heart #10" and she rocked her big hair bows in support.
She even painted her toe nails in school colors!
My t shirt said "GO FAITH basketball"
My Dad caught this snap of the two of us cheering. Funny, right? We Kountanis' will not be out cheered.
Especially not when Steven is making moves like this one. He full on stole the ball right out of this players hands, and our team scored off of his defensive play. He surprised the heck out of himself when he did it. All his older team mates were giving him hi fives, and our fans really got going. Dad caught this picture as he was in the act. I love it when he takes my camera. :)
Nana and Papa....more big time fans.
Steven's #1 fan stealing a kiss after the game.
Just before the big championship game.
The Varsity team even made the trip down to Orlando to support the JV team. They brought signs and posters along with them.
"Good Game"
What an awesome game it was!
Sweet Victory
Hanging out at the restaurant with the team mates was so fun.
They pretty much took up the entire place.
Proud Dad serves the team, and hatches an idea to smash whipped cream in the coaches face because there was no gatorade on hand to shower him with.
I made these chocolate cupcakes the night before, and had them waiting at the restaurant for our celebration.
You boys took Dad's advice and went after Coach Hoffert with the whipped cream but ended up wearing it yourselves instead. Boys will be boys.
One last pose with the trophy before saying goodnight.
Steven, this last photo is of your biggest supporters all season. Just like in football, we were all there together supporting you. We love you and are so very proud of you. Always keep your humble spirit and a drive to do your very best. This time, your best won every game. But, you know how it feels to loose, because in football, you never won a game. Win or Lose, always, always be driven to do your personal best and have fun and you'll be a winner in life.
