OK have you caught your breath yet, did you
pinch yourself, did what I just witnessed, did what we just
were a part of really happen? Let me say I am humbled and
thankful for the basketball GODS being on our side today.
I always say there are some days the basketball GODS are
on your side and some days they are not, today they sure
were liking what we were doing.
Everyone, each of the team members, parents, grandparents,
relatives, siblings, FANS, and I am pretty sure you have
told a few other people as well, that will be the most exciting,
the most improbable, dramatic, draining, euphoric, magical
thing that will ever happen on a basketball court in your
lifetime, I doubt we will ever witness something as amazing
as that. Be thankful that you were in the gym yesterday,
I am still smiling and talking about it. This is one of
the moments we will all remember the rest of our lives,
rare moments that are never forgetten, like seeing the Grand
Canyon, or your favorite song, or the best meal ever, that
was some JOLT was it not? ...stuff like this can surely
cure the nations economic problems, just play more basketball.
A couple of observations, after the last game/scrimmage
yesterday, they obviously knew we were cooked after that
one, one of the coaches came up to me and said you guys
just played a great game. I could not agree more, every
one of you whether you scored, rebounded, hustled, or just
cheered had an important role in the drama of yesterday
and the weekend. I thought our defense in the zone was the
best we have ever played, in the 1-3-1 alignment the top
and bottom positions are the keys to applying pressure,
this and everyone moving quickly to cover, you cannot rest
in this type of zone and I thought we frustrated ABA and
the PREDATORS with our defense. Ryan and Colin on top were
vital to that, both of you hustled and really kept the pressure
on the ball all tournament long, that is where it starts
on D, right at the top, right on the ball all game long,
and Lance our new addition played the baseline like a linebacker,
closing off everything and giving us a physical dimension
that we have not had. Tyler you gave us a presence inside
with rebounds, blocks, and putbacks bigtime, making the
game easier for the whole team, some excellent ball movement
as well. We are so happy to have both of you on the Warriors.
Niki what can I say, that might have been your best all
around tournament, hitting key shots all weekend long, keeping
us in games, getting everyone involved with timely assists,
and making your teammates better. Malik you made some timely
plays all tournament long and you played big grabbing just
about every key rebound when Tyler and Lance fouled out,
we want that effort every game, Rory you had a tough weekend
offensively but your shots were right there, just a bit
short or long, keep shooting, keep confident they will fall.
Louis what can I say, you just keep getting better and better,
making great decisions and smart basketball plays, and did
you make shots, you will never forget this day the rest
of your life and you should not forget, some great basketball
all tournament long. Cameron, keep taking those open shots
with confidence, I know you will hit them, your defense
and passing were vital this weekend.
This really was a great team effort, everyone played a key
role in each of the wins, that is what it takes to win against
some tough competition. Sure we have a long way to go to
get better but this sure makes the journey fun doesn't it.
And never giving up, remember there is always a chance if
there is only a second left on the clock, once again a great
effort by everyone, and thanks to the parents for cheering,
and GM Gail for getting everyone there. Jeloni you better
get to class on time and turn in your assignments...See
all of you soon
GO WARRIORS!
Coach Scott
Coach Scott Kajiya On Niki
Filipovich
I just have to pass this along
to give you an idea and some insight into who and why Niki
F. has become who he is. Those who might not have seen many
of his games lately or known him before, I have to say he
is the most improved player we have ever had. Sure he has
his lapses, still gets lost on D, don't we all, but the
positives far far outweigh anything not perfect. And the
great attitude and leader he has become are an inspiration,
fun, and just plain cool. Let me relate something that everyone
can learn from...Niki has been on our team since we started
our first club team about 5 years ago. He was probably 7
or 8, the other boys were 9 or 10. Most games he never got
in the game, maybe a minute here or there, many times he
sat the whole game. But one amazing fact was that he is
the same kid he is today, he was the best cheerleader you
ever saw, regardless if he played or not. Those of you who
see him today understand the positive impact he has on the
team and those around him. I can just smile and crack up
about those days, he did the same thing, was the first off
the bench and the first to congratulate those playing, just
as he does so well now in the game or not, never complaining
about playing time, and how refreshing is that. Well it
does not end there....guess who just calls me a few minutes
ago...Niki. He says " Scott I know you probably don't
want to do this but do you or anyone, Malik, or someone
want to go down to the Spectrum to shoot, I did not shoot
very well this weekend. I said Niki you shot fine, just
did not shoot that much, well I felt I should have made
more shots...I said hey the Lakers are on and I am going
to watch the Laker game and I am still at the office, don't
you want to watch the game, "no I feel like Ryan on
Saturday, I don't want to watch I want to play." So
I said why don't we go down to the SPECTRUM early tomorrow
before clinic and then we can shoot around some, so he says
ok in a somewhat subdued voice............Niki see you early
tomorrow.......................sk
