Elle's Basketball Season Ends

Gabrielle played her last basketball game of the season this weekend. This was her second year playing with The Hoopsters and they played in 5th grade Y-Ball. Her team is comprised of six of her fellow club soccer players plus one other girl (all 5th graders except Elle and Jorja). Their coach, Tod Hayes, has been so great for the girls. He is so positive and a great teacher; Elle learned so much and gained a lot of confidence this season. Most games, she scored a basket or two but was mostly valuable for her tough defense, rebounding and post play. Her team finished the season 5-3 with a lot of good close games. I really enjoy watching basketball and, I think even more so because I never played myself so I don't think I see the little mistakes Elle or her teammates may make (like I always seem to see in soccer) and can just enjoy their hustling and having fun.

Gabrielle's dribbling skills improved so much this season. Chad and I sometimes wonder how good should could be if she ever practiced on her own or played more that a couple months out of the year.

Katlyn, Lindsay, Tod, Elle, Aliyah, Ashley, Jorja and Brianna

Aliyah (our keeper in soccer) is such a great basketball player. It'll be fun to follow her 'career' playing in high school. It was nice having Elle's classmate and good friend, Jorja (foreground) playing as well.

Elle playing some defense

Lindsay is one of our tough and speedy point guards. One of the best games of the season was a close win against the North Eugene team which had two of their soccer teammates on it (in red on left is Jordan W, a good friend and soccer teammate). It was very competitive but also fun and it was a glimpse into the future when we can watch all these girls we've gotten to know so well through soccer play against each other when they are in high school, whether it be soccer or basketball or other sports.

Ashley is another speedy and good little point guard!