BEARCATS ‘COWBOY UP’ TO STAY UNDEFEATED

January 28, 2008         

Dallas, Texas. The 5^th Grade boys – White team have learned what it means to face adversity early on this basketball season. Losing three of their eight players to the stringent albeit arbitrary academic regimen, the remaining ‘Fab 5’ have played their little hearts out and stand as one of the 7 undefeated teams out of 33.

              Point guard, Austin DeLaRosa leads the team’s offense and defense as the floor general. His heady play and floor savvy seem unmatched as he directs his team through the entire game. The two guard, Garrett Amy, is the most complete player on the team. Garrett’s relentless defense and knack for always being in the right place (on both sides of the court) have established him as the shut down defender and number two team scorer. Power forward, Patrick Tehan’s basketball pedigree has come to the forefront. Asked to move ‘inside’ as center with no other alternative, Patrick has answered with a blistering 23 point game followed by a 17 point game. Jimmy Ackels, demonstrates his fighter instinct as he has mastered the ‘box out’ and never lets up on any play. His inside scoring and his ability to draw fouls has helped the team earn tough points. But, the real joy and surprise is Jack Kelley. Jack had never played basketball before and is learning on the fly. His toughness was evident by his earning a starting lineman role in football. But, he had to learn HOW to play basketball. He was asked to provide an inside presence and rebound and he has done just that. Jack had 8 rebounds in his last game.

             The adversity came when these boys learned that each of them had to show up for every game and play the entire time. No one gets a rest. In the last game, Patrick fought off the flu and a temperature to play. He wasn’t about to let his team down. Jack has the same fortitude. Facing a mandatory family out of town trip, Jack made it known that he was not going to miss the game. His team depended on him. Make no mistake, these boys take pride in their school and their team. They know they can count on each other through thick and thin. Nothing trumps team.

             This “White” team has defeated a St. Pats team (22-21) on some clutch game ending free throws by Patrick and Jimmy. They defeated a solid St. Rita team 41-38 with an outstanding fast break of Garrett and Austin. And, this week they defeated a pretty game Crusader team from CKS. The offensive flowed in the first half with the assists and shooting of Austin, Garrett and Patrick – which opened up a 14 point half-time lead. The Bearcats held off the late Crusader charge with the rebounding of Jack and Jimmy.  Bearcats prevailed 30-25.

             Playing with only five puts the team at risk at all times. Against the Crusaders, Austin patiently fought off foul trouble by playing under control on defense. Garrett jogged off an injured ankle to stay in the game – there were no subs on the bench. These boys don’t quit, and more, they give it all they have at all times.

             There are still two more games to play before they get their teammates back - hopefully. But, you can rest assured, they’ll play until the end – full throttle. This is much better than the Mavs!