Don't eff w/us...

Last Saturday we were at basketball with The Playmaker. Our record was 2-0 on the season, but more importantly, the kids had been having fun. Everyone has improved since last season (most of the kids played for us last year) and we continue to (as Larry Brown says) play the right way. Each possession someone new gets to bring the ball up the court. We look to pass to the open man. We all play tight D. And everyone goes hard to the boards. Most importantly, everyone has a good time.

And so it was that we were having the usual chat with the opposing coach. (Hello, hello. What time do you want to start the game?) Only this convo had a twist. The coach lowered his voice and pulled out a clipboard. "I just want to show you something." He pulls out his roster and points to five kids. "Great player. Great player. Good player. Great player. Good player." Upon hearing us say NOTHING, he continues. "I'm just telling you, I've got a great team. I don't know why, but they gave me way too much talent. I just want you to know that."

Our response? "That's fine. No worries." And then we walked away.

As the boys were getting ready for the game, we went and huddled with Our Cru. It consists of three dads we're tight with, as well as our assistant coach -- who happens to be our dad. (Kind of a Lane and Monte Kiffin thing.) The responses ranged from who cares? to what a prick!

We split the kids into two groups (making sure to separate the talent, especially our two Big Guns). They scored the first time down the court. It was their only lead of the entire game.

As things began to get out of hand, the coach tried something unheard of in the 1st/2nd grade league: He actually tried to draw up a play. Coming out of a break, his point guard yelled, "Play 1!" That resulted in him dribbling while his four teammates stood around in a state of confusion. When he tried to pass the ball, The Playmaker picked it and ran down the court for a layup. After that, no more plays were run. Classic.

We ran by, around, past and through them. When it was all said and done, the score was Bucks 50 Clippers 26. The Playmaker had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. For the first time ever, he was not our leading scorer. His friend Alex actually had 18 points.

Not surprisingly, the other coach had nothing to say after the game.