Hustle Award!

Hayden had his first basketball game of the season this morning (at 9 am, no less). To say that I was not looking forward to it would be a huge understatement. At their last practice, the kids looked terrible. There was no rhyme or reason for anything they were doing. I was absolutely certain that Hayden would not touch the ball in the game and had been quite vocal about that to one of my best friends. Guess I should have not worried....

Being introduced

Hayden would NOT go to sleep last night. He wanted to sleep in his uniform and was SO excited that his first game was today. I on the other hand thought lots about an unexpected snow storm.....shame on me.

Such determination and concentration....

One of Hayden's favorite people sent him a message this week that he did not care how many points but the focus was on rebounds and assists. Ryan told Hayden 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Guess the kid listened!


I'm pretty sure this photo was taken after making a goal. Can you see the spring in the step?

They won't let the kids in this age group "fast break" so more than a few of these had to come back....

By the end of the game (they play 6 periods of six minutes each and Hayden played four of those), he had 10 rebounds, 3 assists (maybe 2 but we will go with 3), 5 steals and 6 points. It was as if he knew this was the "real" thing because it was a game and not JUST practice. I think the boys' Coach was surprised too. In Upward Basketball, the boys get stars at the end of the game for what they excelled in during the game. Hayden got the "hustle" star. We are proud of our kiddo. He may never be the biggest player on the court (we are probably assured of that) and he may never have as much talent as some of them but I think we can safely assume he will be the one hustling from start to finish. He was the first one on the Court when the whistle blew and the first one to his Coach when the buzzer went off between periods. Can't beat that!!!
One pooped puppy....
After the game we went to see our favorite cheerleader cheer! Hayden was so proud to see Ethan and Scarlett. Here is Miss Scarlett cheering..













Wonder what these two are talking about? Probably sports of some kind...ha