Washington Montessori rolled into town on Monday and I was a bit surprised by what I saw. They only had seven players. As their coach told me, the dreaded flu had taken a toll on his normally large group of players. I did however notice that it didn’t include their two best shooters, whom we had meticulously prepared for in practice. Like all our meetings with WMS, this one was the usual seesawing of the lead, some great offensive and defensive plays by both teams and the bounces that went our way in the first game, mostly belonged to WMS in this meeting. The nail-biting final score was WMS-46 and DDS-44. What a game!
DDS started off the game a bit slowly, maybe a combination of feeling a bit over-confident since we had beaten WMS earlier in the season and being undefeated so far this season. A few lapses of concentration at both ends of the court caused our Tigers to be one or two baskets behind most of the first half, but we managed to keep the score close with some outstanding shots and defensive plays. When the first half buzzer sounded, I was happy to be only three points down. It seemed that every three-pointer WMS was throwing up was nothing but net.
Our halftime talk focused on better ball control and crisper execution of our plays. This team is always very aware of the areas they need to improve and is quick to even point them out to me before I get to them myself. (It’s great to have smart players) I asked them all to dig down deep, support each other, and play the type of game they are capable of playing and have played all year. They are always willing to work harder and this game was no exception. They came out in the second half ready to play and determined to win.
The second half saw some great play execution, some beautiful passing and a game in the “paint” that would make any “big-man” coach proud. Dani, Shriman, and Adam were moving the ball like the veteran players they are, while Griffin and Hudson rotated at the point, setting up and leading some great fast break opportunities. Griffin, playing with the flu, and Hudson playing with a very severely sprained finger, scored 16 and 15 points respectively. They were tenacious on defense and held WMS’s best guard to just two baskets. Dani, Adam, and Shriman added 6, 5, and 2 points respectively and were tough and consistent under the boards. So, what was the difference in this game you ask? I think we missed our share of easy layups, but that happens in every game. I also think we were out of position on a few rebounds, but that also happens in every game. Quite simply, the ball bounces a certain way for every team during the year and in this game it just wasn’t bouncing our way. We never gave up and we played tough right until the final buzzer. After the game this team proved to themselves and to this coach that if they had finished off a layup here or there, they would have been victorious. Not one of them blamed another teammate. Each of them wished they had played better to help their team, and all of them rededicated themselves to playing a better game next time out. Sometimes a loss teaches us more than a series of wins will ever teach and sometimes a small setback is good for a team. I have a sneaking suspicion that this incredible group of DDS athletes will come back to the hardwood strong, dedicated, and determined in their next contest.
The team invites you to their next game at home on Monday, February 11, at 3:30 PM at the Bontecou Gym. Your support is always appreciated and welcome.
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