Close of Basketball Season

Aidan had his last basketball game this past Wednesday night.  We were all sad to see the season over and frankly, I was surprised by this feeling of sadness because the season made life a little hectic and a whole lot crazy. We were running here, there and everywhere to get to games at schools I have never even heard of before.  Last Saturday, he actually had back to back games.  A game at his school, a twenty minute drive, and a second game at a school.  Add in Brennan having his own youth basketball game and Griffin having dance class, and well, we were up and running around for our entire day.

I think I am sad to see it end because I enjoyed watching Aidan grow this season.  He grew more confident at the game and more self assured as a team mate.  I was truly proud of the progress he made. I feel really grateful that we are at a school where he can be on athletic teams at a young age and play with such great kids.

During his last game, Aidan played almost the entire game.  It was honestly the best I have ever seen him play.  But the highlight for me, was when he fouled someone.  He fouled someone!  I actually cheered a small, quiet cheer and the moms sitting next to me all gasped when they saw Aidan had actually got a foul.  Compared to the other kids on the team, Aidan just isn't that aggressive, but to get a foul, was a huge stride for him.

But of course, the funniest moment of the whole thing was one of the other moms starts laughing and says to me, "But look at Aidan's face!  He is so appalled that he fouled someone."

And he was.  He looked truly aghast and confused.  It was pretty funny to see his face.  I only wish I had a picture of it.

After the game was over, I went over to grab Aidan to take him home.  I thanked the coach for a great season and gave Aidan a hug.  The minute I hugged him, he started to cry.  He just didn't want the season to be over.

My sweet boy.  

It was a great experience for him.

Brennan has a few more weeks left on his basketball season.  He has also been playing really well and is known for being a bit aggressive during his games.  Brennan's coach has been working with him on learning to pass the ball to his team mates, instead of Brennan's normal MO which is steal the ball, dribble it down the court and go in for the shot of glory.

I talked to Brennan about passing the ball and listening to his coach about working as a team and he cocked his head and made a face.  "I get they want me to pass the ball Momma, but anytime I pass the ball my teammate loses it.  Why shouldn't I just keep the ball to make my basket and get the points?"

Hmmm, I had to swallow a big laugh and let Chris handle that one.  Because as a known ball hog myself in my tennis matches, I sort of get Brennan.  (As Chris always says to me, "you want to play doubles as a singles player."  It's sort of true.)

Brennan is in a house league for our town.  He is eligible, by age, to play in the house league for another year.  I emailed his coach to ask if I should keep Brennan in the house league for next year.  I have to admit, I wasn't surprised when the coach told me that Brennan "absolutely" should not play in this league for next year, but that he needs something with more competition.  We will have to go on the hunt for another league for Brennan.

This, of course, means that next year when Griffin is eligible to play in the house basketball league, we will have three boys in three different leagues playing during the same season.  I have seen the future and it looks like it is going to give me a nervous breakdown.  And it is fairly likely I will be in my car on the way to a basketball game when I have that nervous breakdown.