Wishing A Merry Xmas & Happy New Years To The Tiger Darling Families!

As 2006 comes to a close, it is a time to reflect on another great year of Tiger Darlings b-ball.  Here are some of the highlights in 2006 for the Tiger Darlings:

* Placed 2nd or 3rd (can't remember so I say 2nd) in JAO.  The girls played pretty well but their nemisis - Spirit and Sol continued to cause "issues"..

*Took Championship in the WLA tourney and getting their first glimpse of Shelby "Magic" Yung.  The team also took consolation in FOR and VFW tourneys.

*Da team took 2nd in the Tigers tourney coming up short in a thriller w/Sol and took 3rd in Pasadena Bruins tourney playing in 6th grade division.

*Said "Good Bye" to Megan and Stephanie.  The Matsudas and Zachers are great families and we wish them all the best.  Thank you guys for all you did for the team!

*Welcomed Shelby and the Yung family to the team.  I think it is safe to say that Shelby is pretty good... hmmm... Very good...  Amazing what speed does for a team!

*Played up a grade in SBY and performed very well.  The team took 3rd but was just a few points from doing much, much better..

*Celebrated Xmas @ Nickel/Nickel with some great food and fun times.  It's nice to go to place where you can make a mess and not care too much..  And have built in "cheap" entertainment for the kids.  Thank you all for making the Xmas party a success.

*Saw UCLA beat SC in football... finally..  Sorry if you lost money on the game Bobby...  Now if the girls could only beat the Sol...

All in all, it was a very good year of basketball for the girls.

I just want to take this time to thank Coach Bobby for his commitment in coaching and guiding the team.  It's a tough job especially with our girls :) Thankfully the girls get along well and have some talent to make your life a little easier..  Also to thank the Derrick & JoAnne Aiau for their administration of the team affairs and paperwork year after year.  You guys do a fantastic job and it is really appreciated by the other families for sure.  I guess we could have Eric start doing it.. well, maybe not. :) 

And thanks also to:

Karen Powell for all her kindness and caring for the team and for providing great b-ball genes to Emiko.  The Higa's for providing the best candies for snacks, a rebounding/defensive machine in Erica and making me feel I'm always early for games and practice.  The Jang's for their intellectual take on the game, a good "source" if the girls need English 101 help and for instilling that dedication in Kayla to always work/improve her game.  The Tsai's for the Portos Bakery snacks, future medical services for the girls (hopefully way in the future..) and having Kristen show no fear in sacrificing her body for the team.  Candace Nakasone for her Betty Crockeresque baking skills, providing income to Herbalife by purchasing products and pushing Lauren to play tough (and study hard).  The Yung's for driving from the Upland area, providing good coaching for the girls and (See Karen Powell) for the genes creating Shelby with mad skillz.  And finally thanks to Heidi for let's see.. having some height (and putting up with my quirks)?  Hopefully Kris will continue to grow in height and b-ball skills.