Bruins = Champions

I had composed a "masterpiece" blog entry for the Bruins tourney but was kicked out of the system when I tried to post it and lost everything...  I don't want to try to recreate so here goes the Readers Digest version..

Vegas - Since I didn't go and Heidi's taping skills does not come close to matching her shopping skills... it's hard for me to comment on the tourney.  Other than the girls missed out on the black shirts again.  The 2nd game jinx was in full effect and the 3rd game was jinxed as well (with the championship on the line..)  But the girls being short handed and Bobby on vacation, the team and Coach Derrick did well considering the circumstances.  Next year...

Bruins tourney - with the name "Bruins" you know the tourney was going to be fun and well run, which it was.  (How come no Asian teams are named trojans.. hmm..)

The first game was against WLA Storm.  The only storm WLA saw was a hailstorm of baskets by the Tigers.  With the final score being 40 - 2, not much more to say.  I was pulling for WLA to score and glad they did almost midway thru the 2nd half.  Glad to see the team come out strong and not take the team lightly.  It seemed everyone scored in this game with Shelby, Emiko and Kayla leading the scoring barrage.  It was good to play this team first, it got the girls going again and getting used to playing with each other.  This set the girls up good for Saturday's championship run..

The first game Saturday was against the host team Bruins Kumas.  This team has improved a lot with the addition of the roadrunner, Courtney Chen.  The girls jumped out to a quick 6 point lead behind Emi, Kayla and Kris.  After a Bruins T/O, they got control of the game and took the lead behind good 3 point shooting and Leigh weaving her way thru the press and creating easy scores.  The 2nd half was Tiger time and the girls did not disappoint.  Behind a couple of 3's from Kris and clutch baskets by Kayla, Emiko and Shelby, the Tigers overcame their 6 point 1st half deficit.  As the Bruins made their final run, Kayla hit a big 3 to seal the game by the score of 34 - 31.  Exciting game to watch.

The final game was against the Saberette Rumors.  A win by the Tigers would give them the championship out right.  The girls came out very sluggish and step (or 2 or 3) slower from the 1st game.  I guess going to the Nisei week carnival and eating dangos in the heat took its toll.. :)  But the Sabers played a good, smart game.  Anyway, the Sabers took the early lead behind good 3 point shooting but the girls finally woke up behind Kayla, who was on fire from the outside, and Emiko slashing to the basket.  The 2nd half the Tigers got some breathing room behind scores from Emiko, Shelby and Kris.  The Sabers would always make runs to close the gap but continued big baskets from Kayla, including a big 3 with time running down sealed the win.  Poor free throw shooting made the game real interesting at the end but the girls held on for the victory and Championship!  These close games will definitely help the girls in the future.

All the girls played tough with Erica, Leilani and CC rebounding well and Kristen and Jodi playing tough defense which made it tough for the other teams.  Special thanks to Leilani for playing with the girls.  She played tough, defended well and was aggressive with the ball.  She helped contribute to the wins and championshp for sure.

Anyway, the Tigers are the 2007 BRUINS Champions!.  Those 2 words (Bruins/Champions) just seem to go together.. :)  GREAT JOB GIRLS!

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