The Bitter Taste of Defeat

My son’s team had their final tournament of the year. They have a solid squad, and were the top seed going into the tourney. This led them to being a little cocky going into this tournament. They finished the year 12-2, and both losses were by a combined four points. They should’ve taken this thing, unfortunately that wasn’t in the cards for them tonight.

The very first game of the year they lost by two to the team they ended up facing in the championship game. I asked my son who he would rather face, the black team who beat them this year, or the green team that he had some buddies on. He wanted the black team. He wanted revenge. He got it. His team started off the game so well. This is a third and fourth grade league, and the fourth graders on his team are studs. They built an early lead and played some lock down defense. We were up the whole game until the last five minutes. His team just forgot how to rebound. The other team twice got six offensive rebounds on one possession, both leading to baskets. They lost by three. Rebound once in both of those possessions and the win the game. It was tough to watch.

These kids played with so much heart. They played an incredible season, but unfortunately just couldn’t finish. Tears flowed. They were hurt. Crushed. Disappointed. This will be a great learning experience for all of them. Second place is great, but I know they won’t see it that way. They wanted first, and deserved it. I hope they can take something away from this experience and keep their heads held high. Losing sucks, and for a team that is not used to it, it is tough. I am so proud of this team, but even more proud of my son. He has work to do, but he played with so much passion this year, and grew so much! I look forward to seeing what next year will bring for him.

Great season Ooga Boogas (still not sure how they went with that name)!!