To Every Season...

Basketball has ended. Kind of neat being able to finish the season at Racine Lutheran, where my mentor and hero Uncle Nate teaches.

Our final record was 6-13 (2-6). Here are a few highlights (or lights as it were...):
- We avenged losses to division foes Kenosha Christian Life and Racine Prairie School, beating both at their gym. Very satisfying.
- We lost to Lake Country Lutheran and Racine Lutheran by 28 and 18 points respectively (at our place no less) earlier in the season. We lost by 3 and 4 points respectively the second time around.
- I expressed my great concern against Brookfield Academy that one of my boys was going to be hurt if "this game was going to continue to be officiated this way" and offered to pull them off the floor if it didn't change. I was "politely" asked to leave the gym (2 technicals will do that), and received a standing ovation from our fans. Consequently, I don't promote that kind of action but both my mother and wife who were in attendance wondered why it took me so long to say something.
- While getting blown out in said Brookfield Academy game, I called a timeout with 5:47 left in the game and challenged my players to win the last 6 minutes of the game. They did, 13-5.
- I had the privilege of having my brother Ben assist me. The kid can flat out coach.
-I watched 14 young men improve their individual skills from November through February and improve their team chemistry from one game to the next.

I really enjoyed myself this season, and although my freshmen coaching record took a dip to 20-17, the experience of this group is going to stick with me for a while.

But now, its on to baseball. And I would be lying if I didn't say that I've got that good mix of excited and nervous to get things going. Now if only the snow would melt!

(Shout out to college roommate and current Racine Lutheran girls' varsity basketball coach Ben Walther on their regional championship, 54-52. C.O.T.Y. - Coach of the Year!)