A love for the game

A love for the game.

by rick olivares

Why do we love the game of basketball? 

There are a great many things. It is said to be a metaphor for life with its ups and downs and struggles. But if you take it down a notch, several notches below the age groups that a so competitive. It's a time for kids to learn and for families to be together.

So it is with great interest that I watched the Under-14 match between Hoops Grind (based in Sta. Rosa, Laguna) and Rich Golden Shower Montessori School last Saturday at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.

One is a young basketball club in the south while the other is a small school. Each with its set of challenges more so that neither of them are basketball powers. 

As someone who roots for the underdog, I caught the game with great interest.

Right before the half, Hoops Grind fell behind by 16 points. RGSMS was able to post their lead because they repeatedly attacked the interior. There wasn't much opposition. The kids from Hoops Grind did what they could. "Not much we can do when we've only had one practice," said their coach.

However, his boys ended the half by scoring four straight points to cut the deficit to 12, 36-24.

Playing more aggressive to start the third period, Hoops Grind dropped a 5-0 run prompting RGSMS to call for time out. It worked because they answered with a 8-1 blitz that restored their lead and somewhat kill any momentum for Hoops Grind. The latter was never able to find their bearings after that as they fell, 70-58.

The final outcome was a foregone conclusion as early as that third period blitz. While both teams have some talent and potential; that remains to be harnessed and taught. After all., they are youngsters. Speaking to a father of one player from Hoops Grind, his son is only in first year high school. This is the time when one develops the love of the game as he breaks out of childhood to enter into adolescence. The body grows and kids discover new things. They mature for kids their age.

The game was out of hand yet the parents kept cheering on their sons never mind the score. And I thought that was imperative to know there there is support. The tough thing about playing for small schools or even new clubs, is they are going to have to take it on the chin. A lot. The important thing for both coach and player alike is not to lose confidence and to constantly learn from situations.

It was a tough loss for the kids of Hoops Grind. More so their Under-10 squad was blown out by Colegio de San Benildo 58-16 in the next match. I can only imagine the ride back home. But again, the important thing is that there is support. Not every team can be the San Beda Red Cubs; a perennial basketball power. It was nice to see the parents and their families watching. It was nice to see the older kids cheer on their younger siblings -- if not their club -- who played in the next match. 

That is one of the things that Breakdown Basketball provides -- a venue for various age groups to compete among kids of similar ages and an opportunity to learn and develop their skills.

Personally, I hope that isn't lost on schools, coaches, parents, and players. Not everything can be quantified in terms of wins and losses. Especially at such young ages. It such a cool thing to see parents following their kids to games. They are the biggest cheerleaders of their kids. There is no better time spent for a parent than with their family. Bar none.

Why do I also love the game?

As a parent with a son who also competed in small leagues and for a small school, I knew what was coming. Losses and blowouts. They did win the occasional game. Maybe once in a blue moon. But during those games -- huge losses and all -- we cheered them on. You'd think we were the ones winning. It was so cool to see my son looking for me in the crowd. And no matter what, I beamed with pride. And after the game, I hugged and kissed my young kid (he's in college now) and let him know that I love him. 

And that is one full display on weekends. At Breakdown Basketball.