The Celtics won another tough contest against another tough opponent this morning, taking a huge 26-18 victory from the Lakers in Champaign County YMCA Kindergarten Hoops.
After Coach Dan and George left the game following the second quarter, Coach Mike and I handled the coaching duties for the remainder of the game. I told the kids after the game: "This was our best game of the season! The competition was the toughest we've seen so far. But you guys all played hard, you had a lot of fun and we did some great things out there. Everyone contributed to make this our best game yet!"
Joe, who returned to the lineup after missing two straight games, led the Celtics with 10 points (unofficially). Joe's offense started with stifling defense: He picked off several passes and was able to capitalize on Laker miscues with a few fast-break baskets.
But Joe had a lot of help from the other Celtics: Jack, Thomas, Michael, Nathan, Tobin, George, Luke and Sam all played solid defense and boxed-out and rebounded extremely well, often giving the Lakers just one shot per possession. My opinion is that the Celtics won this game on the boards, dominating the Lakers only because they seemed to want it more than the Lakers did. The Lakers are a really good team, but the Celtics proved superior on this day and improved to 6-0 in the league.
Michael continued his solid play as he had one basket from just left of the paint (off a rebound) to go along with four rebounds, two steals, and two assists.
Jack had four baskets for eight points and a bunch of rebounds. Thomas had a basket for two points and several boards. And George contributed four points and a couple rebounds. Luke, Nathan and Tobin didn't score today, but they all gathered some nice rebounds and played solid defense for the Celtics.
Kudos to the Lakers' Tanner, who, arguably, is the finest player in the Kindergarten YMCA League. Tanner is probably the one youngster in this league who can put an entire team on his back and carry it to victory: Tanner has the ability to take a game over when he wants to do so. Michael and Joe both share good friendships with Tanner, and Michael hates to play against his best friends.
Next up for the Celtics: the final game of the season against the Suns on Saturday, April 7 at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA.
GO CELTICS!!!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Champaign County YMCA Youth Basketball: Celtics 14, Spurs 10
It was a mighty defensive struggle, but the shorthanded Celtics escaped with a gutty 14-10 victory from the tough Spurs this morning in Champaign County YMCA Kindergarten hoops.
Jack was easily the most valuable player for the Celtics as he led the team in both points (8) and rebounds (he had so many I lost track of them!). Although Jack needs to share the ball a little bit more, we really needed his offensive production today: The Spurs were scrappy hustlers who matched the Celtics' defensive intensity and easy looks at the basket were few for both teams. Jack had the hot hand just at the right time.
Michael played another solid game this morning. He had another left-baseline jumper - this seems to be his favorite spot on the floor right now - in the first quarter for two points, but he did many other things to contribute to this Celtics victory. He was all over the floor chasing loose balls and he ended up with three steals, three rebounds and an assist. Michael also continues to handle the ball extremely well: He and Joe are arguably the best ball-handlers on the team.
Isaiah joined us for this game and he contributed two big points and a couple rebounds. He is a good player and it was great having him on the team this morning.
George had the other Celtics basket. George continues to play good defense and snag rebounds for the team.
Sam had a good look at the basket after a rebound, but the ball caromed off the rim. Sam is getting more active with each game and he seems to be having fun.
Tobin also took a shot, only to come up a little short. Tobin is hustling as well and we need his low-post presence on defense.
Four of the nine Celtics on the roster - Nathan, Luke, Joe and Thomas - were all on spring break vacations with their families and missed this morning's game. We missed all of them a lot today and we were fortunate to have Isiah on our side as a substitute.
The Celtics remain undefeated in Y-league play with a 5-0 record and just two games remaining on the schedule. Next up: a game with the Lakers (and Michael's and Joe's buddy Tanner!) on March 31 at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA. This should be another barn-burner of a game!
GO CELTICS!!!
Jack was easily the most valuable player for the Celtics as he led the team in both points (8) and rebounds (he had so many I lost track of them!). Although Jack needs to share the ball a little bit more, we really needed his offensive production today: The Spurs were scrappy hustlers who matched the Celtics' defensive intensity and easy looks at the basket were few for both teams. Jack had the hot hand just at the right time.
Michael played another solid game this morning. He had another left-baseline jumper - this seems to be his favorite spot on the floor right now - in the first quarter for two points, but he did many other things to contribute to this Celtics victory. He was all over the floor chasing loose balls and he ended up with three steals, three rebounds and an assist. Michael also continues to handle the ball extremely well: He and Joe are arguably the best ball-handlers on the team.
Isaiah joined us for this game and he contributed two big points and a couple rebounds. He is a good player and it was great having him on the team this morning.
George had the other Celtics basket. George continues to play good defense and snag rebounds for the team.
Sam had a good look at the basket after a rebound, but the ball caromed off the rim. Sam is getting more active with each game and he seems to be having fun.
Tobin also took a shot, only to come up a little short. Tobin is hustling as well and we need his low-post presence on defense.
Four of the nine Celtics on the roster - Nathan, Luke, Joe and Thomas - were all on spring break vacations with their families and missed this morning's game. We missed all of them a lot today and we were fortunate to have Isiah on our side as a substitute.
The Celtics remain undefeated in Y-league play with a 5-0 record and just two games remaining on the schedule. Next up: a game with the Lakers (and Michael's and Joe's buddy Tanner!) on March 31 at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA. This should be another barn-burner of a game!
GO CELTICS!!!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Champaign County YMCA Youth Basketball: Celtics 24, Heat 6
The Celtics improved to 4-0 in the Kindergarten YMCA Youth Basketball League this morning with an easy win from the Heat, 24-6.
This game was over early, as the Celtics built a 12-0 lead while holding the Heat scoreless until the middle of the second quarter.
Everyone played great and everyone scored at least one basket for the Celtics. This team is really getting after it defensively and the rebounding (including boxing-out) is improving every week.
Here are a few individual highlights from this morning's game:
These kids are really playing well together and they are improving each week.
Next up: a game against the Spurs on March 24 at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA. This game should be a good test for the Celtics.
GO CELTICS!
This game was over early, as the Celtics built a 12-0 lead while holding the Heat scoreless until the middle of the second quarter.
Everyone played great and everyone scored at least one basket for the Celtics. This team is really getting after it defensively and the rebounding (including boxing-out) is improving every week.
Here are a few individual highlights from this morning's game:
- Michael had two left-baseline jumpers for 4 points and he collected a couple of rebounds and two steals. He played very aggressively and hustled nicely in his final three quarters of the game. This was, by far, his best YMCA game yet.
- Nathan was a "pit bull" on defense: Coach Dan used Nathan's defense as an example for the other kids to follow. Nathan also had a steal and a breakaway for two points and a couple rebounds.
- George had a strong game, adding at least 4 points and several rebounds.
- Jack hit for at least 6 points, including a long jumper that would have normally counted for three points. Jack also had a couple rebounds.
- Luke also had 4 points for the Celtics, both baskets coming from the right baseline. He collected a couple of rebounds as well. Luke is also playing awesome defense.
- Tobin had a nice layup and at least two rebounds.
These kids are really playing well together and they are improving each week.
Next up: a game against the Spurs on March 24 at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA. This game should be a good test for the Celtics.
GO CELTICS!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Champaign County YMCA Youth Basketball: Celtics 20, Bulls 14
The Celtics continued a recent trend of starting games fast and building early leads: They jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead and held off the Bulls this morning in Kindergarten Basketball at the Champaign County YMCA, 20-14.
This game wasn't competitive until the Bulls brought in two impressive substitutes in the third quarter. Michael (from the Bulls) was taken to the locker room with a bloody nose during the quarter, thus prompting their coach to "recruit" two other young men from the crowd to assist his team. Needless to say, it was a different game after that, but the Celtics did just enough in the final stanza to hold off a nice Bulls rally.
This was a very interesting game to watch: Joe hit a desperation shot for the Celtics from just short of half court just as the third quarter ended, bringing at least half of all the spectators in the YMCA gym to their feet in amazement. Honestly, that shot deserved a spot on ESPN Sportscenter - it was that good! And George converted an astounding rebound basket with his back on the floor in the fourth period. WOW!
Props go out to Nathan, who continued to hustle, rebound and play solid defense in his 12 minutes on the floor. Joe probably played one of his best games this morning: He led the team in scoring with about 8 or 10 points (including his remarkable half-court shot). Jack had several rebounds and a couple nice jumpers. In addition to his unlikely shot from his back on the floor, George knocked down a few shots too. Michael played the second and third quarters today, and he continues to play hard, especially on defense. He picked up one assist, and again, he had a pick-pocket steal on defense (which was turned back over to the Bulls by the referee as before). He also got down on the floor after some loose balls.
The Celtics improve (unofficially, of course) to 3-0 on the season and everyone is having a lot of fun! The coaches are enjoying this team a lot! And it looks like the parents are enjoying the games as well.
Next up: an 8:30 AM game with the Heat on March 17 at the Champaign County YMCA. With the upcoming spring break, the Celtics will be short two teammates: Both Joe (along with his father and assistant coach Mike) and Sam will be on vacations with their families and will miss the game. Michael will finally get a chance to play three quarters in this one, so we're hoping that he can get back in the score book again. We'll likely need some offensive production from him in Joe's absence.
GO CELTICS!
This game wasn't competitive until the Bulls brought in two impressive substitutes in the third quarter. Michael (from the Bulls) was taken to the locker room with a bloody nose during the quarter, thus prompting their coach to "recruit" two other young men from the crowd to assist his team. Needless to say, it was a different game after that, but the Celtics did just enough in the final stanza to hold off a nice Bulls rally.
This was a very interesting game to watch: Joe hit a desperation shot for the Celtics from just short of half court just as the third quarter ended, bringing at least half of all the spectators in the YMCA gym to their feet in amazement. Honestly, that shot deserved a spot on ESPN Sportscenter - it was that good! And George converted an astounding rebound basket with his back on the floor in the fourth period. WOW!
Props go out to Nathan, who continued to hustle, rebound and play solid defense in his 12 minutes on the floor. Joe probably played one of his best games this morning: He led the team in scoring with about 8 or 10 points (including his remarkable half-court shot). Jack had several rebounds and a couple nice jumpers. In addition to his unlikely shot from his back on the floor, George knocked down a few shots too. Michael played the second and third quarters today, and he continues to play hard, especially on defense. He picked up one assist, and again, he had a pick-pocket steal on defense (which was turned back over to the Bulls by the referee as before). He also got down on the floor after some loose balls.
The Celtics improve (unofficially, of course) to 3-0 on the season and everyone is having a lot of fun! The coaches are enjoying this team a lot! And it looks like the parents are enjoying the games as well.
Next up: an 8:30 AM game with the Heat on March 17 at the Champaign County YMCA. With the upcoming spring break, the Celtics will be short two teammates: Both Joe (along with his father and assistant coach Mike) and Sam will be on vacations with their families and will miss the game. Michael will finally get a chance to play three quarters in this one, so we're hoping that he can get back in the score book again. We'll likely need some offensive production from him in Joe's absence.
GO CELTICS!
Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinal: Illinois 58, Indiana 54 (OT)
The Illini definitely did not hurt their position for an at-large NCAA Tournament berth tonight as they beat Indiana 58-54 in overtime in a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal game at the United Center in Chicago.
The Illini extended their winning streak to 18 straight games over six years at the United Center: Illinois is now 31-6 all-time at the United Center. The Illini's last loss at the United Center was March 10, 2001, in the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament - the opponent was Indiana.
Warren Carter paced the victors with 17 points while Shaun Pruitt had 16 to go along with 12 rebounds. Carter also had 7 rebounds and Chet Frazier and Brian Randle both hauled in 6 for the Illini.
Armon Bassett led Indiana (20-10) with 18 points and D.J. White added 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The sixth-seeded Illini (23-10) move on to the semifinals tomorrow afternoon against #2 seed Wisconsin (28-4).
Illinois 58, Indiana 54 (OT)
The Illini extended their winning streak to 18 straight games over six years at the United Center: Illinois is now 31-6 all-time at the United Center. The Illini's last loss at the United Center was March 10, 2001, in the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament - the opponent was Indiana.
Warren Carter paced the victors with 17 points while Shaun Pruitt had 16 to go along with 12 rebounds. Carter also had 7 rebounds and Chet Frazier and Brian Randle both hauled in 6 for the Illini.
Armon Bassett led Indiana (20-10) with 18 points and D.J. White added 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The sixth-seeded Illini (23-10) move on to the semifinals tomorrow afternoon against #2 seed Wisconsin (28-4).
Illinois 58, Indiana 54 (OT)
Friday, March 09, 2007
Round 1 - Big Ten Tournament: Illinois 66, Penn State 60
The Illini built a nice 16-point advantage in this must-win game, only to see Penn State's Mike Walker shoot the Nittany Lions back into it in the second half.
Chet Frazier had a career-high 21 points as the Illini held on for dear (NCAA Tournament) life. Illinois (23-10) now is 30-6 all-time at the United Center, where it has won 17 straight dating back to 2001.
Walker also had a career-high game with his 22 points for Penn State (11-19). He almost single-handedly brought the Lions back from a 16-point second half deficit. Walker's seven 3-pointers are a new Big Ten Tournament record.
Penn State finished 10-for-23 on 3-pointers and Illinois 10-for-28, including a 5-for-9 effort by point guard Frazier.
Illinois 66, Penn State 60
Chet Frazier had a career-high 21 points as the Illini held on for dear (NCAA Tournament) life. Illinois (23-10) now is 30-6 all-time at the United Center, where it has won 17 straight dating back to 2001.
Walker also had a career-high game with his 22 points for Penn State (11-19). He almost single-handedly brought the Lions back from a 16-point second half deficit. Walker's seven 3-pointers are a new Big Ten Tournament record.
Penn State finished 10-for-23 on 3-pointers and Illinois 10-for-28, including a 5-for-9 effort by point guard Frazier.
Illinois 66, Penn State 60
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Champaign County YMCA Youth Basketball: Celtics 20, Mavericks 12
The Celtics jumped out to an early 8-0 lead and never trailed in defeating the Mavericks 20-12 in a Y-Youth Basketball game this morning at the Champaign Family Fitness Center YMCA.
Once again, Michael came out aggressively in the second quarter: He had a nice drive to the hoop and a bucket from the baseline for two points. He also had a clean steal but the YMCA referee awarded the ball back to the Mavericks.
Joe, Nathan, George and Jack all had strong games for the Celtics, who improve to 2-0 in the league. Next up: a game with the Bulls at 9:30 AM on March 10 at the Champaign County Y.
GO CELTICS!!!
Once again, Michael came out aggressively in the second quarter: He had a nice drive to the hoop and a bucket from the baseline for two points. He also had a clean steal but the YMCA referee awarded the ball back to the Mavericks.
Joe, Nathan, George and Jack all had strong games for the Celtics, who improve to 2-0 in the league. Next up: a game with the Bulls at 9:30 AM on March 10 at the Champaign County Y.
GO CELTICS!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
