Marathon, we were not impressed. At all.

The most depressing part of the game today was that the teams could not be compared evenly on the same playing field.  The referees did not give Amherst the option of fairly showing their ability.  Every call (save 5) were against us.  The total foul count was Amherst 29, Marathon 5 (on the game).  Now, I understand that a good 10 of those were 4th quarter fouls to stop the clock (a strategy I would implore any team playing Marathon to employ.  They throw up bricks from the line.), but still -- 19-5?!  I have watched a lot of basketball in my day.  I have seen a lot of poorly called games.  It was a new world-record today. These men should never be paid to referee again.  And how can they sleep at night?!  Fifth-graders could have beat us with their calls!

Furthermore, I truly hope that Marahon did not think that they earned this win.  It was handed to them on a silver platter by three men in stripes. Normally, I can see the strengths of the team that beats us, but today, I saw little that should let them advance.  The fundamental measure of a team is whether they can make free throws and I believe they were less than 50% today from the line. Oh, I guess they did rebound pretty well, if it's okay to reach down over the back.  At one point in the first half, the game was tied, but Amherst had 9 fouls called against us while Marathon sat at 0.  They can't be that good, and they are really not!

It's normally thoughtful to cheer for the team that knocked you out to go all of the way so that you can say you'd played the State Champs.  Well, I hope that Marathon gets pummeled into the ground.  I hope every call goes against them next game.  I hope they are frustrated and foul out every senior.  I hope they get smashed (perhaps even with some injury).  They did not deserve this win any more than we did. 

Hold your head up, Amherst Boys, you had TWO opponents today!

On the Road to State

The Amherst boys basketball team has advanced to the third round of the playoffs this season, a game this afternoon against top ranked Marathon.  I have be delighted to watch them play.  There is something, however, about the playoffs - a precarious sense of survival.  It seems to be that one wrong step, pass, shot will send your team to the off season.  Yes, we have been blessed in Amherst to advance several rounds each year at least.  (I cannot imagine following a team that gets out in the first round.  It has just not ever been my experience.) 

And yet, we still see the frustration on the court by our guys when a clutch shot is missed.  The determination when the ball is coming down the court and gosh-dang-it, we need the steal.  This is what these players have prepared for all season!  They've practiced and played together for the past 5 months.  They know each other well.  Some plays are new and delicate while others, we have seen every game, like base-line Lutz or drive and dish Doll. 

I get nervous as a fan.  Perhaps it is because, at one point, I was a sister.  (I still am a sister, but not to varsity basketball players this year).   There is something about watching your own brother out on the court - knowing his strengths and weaknesses - having lived with him and seen his tantrums and triumphs, that brings the game to a heightened level.  You want his hard work to pay off.  You want to see him shine.  Trouble is, all of the players on the other team have families that want the same thing.  So, it is a battle. 

After watching these players all year, I've come to enjoy their teamwork.  The looks of encouragement, the shouts of praise and the helpful suggestions after a cheap foul.  I love seeing the determination in their eyes and the hustle in their bodies as they go for the ball.  There is a passion here.  I hope this passion continues, if not for ball, for something, for life. To live it well and with confidence, the same confidence that they have popping up the 3-ball when they know they are "on." 

Oh yes, can you tell I love high school basketball?  It is a tradition in our family. Going to these games makes me miss the days of high school as Sherf's Little Sister.  It makes me a little sad that I will not be present for the next few seasons of watching my "biggest/youngest" brother play for Jensen.  But for today, I'm going to cheer and enjoy these men and their excitement for a chance at Marathon!

Play the game of your lives!