The First 2 Majors.. FOR and Tigers Tournaments 2008

Always good (great) to win a major tourney....

FOR 2008 - Well that wasn't the tourney the Tigers won as historically this tournament has been tough for the team due to the layoff between SBY league and the team taking it "easy" during that period.  But the girls played fairly well given the lack of shape the team was in and playing up a grade without Shelby.  In fact the girls were a minute or so from making the championship game.. 

The first game had the girls go against the Roxyz.  A team that always gives the girls a tough game regardless.  Can't really explain it but then again, I can't explain the Spirit jinx (coming later).  In another real close game the Tigers take out the Roxyz 36 -34.  Next up were the Mystics.  A game the Tigers were winning for most of the game even building a 9 point lead in the 2nd half but defense lapses hurt the team and a very late 3 pointer by the Mystics gave them a 1 point victory, 36 - 35.  The 3rd place game was against the Pasadena Bruins and the girls handled them fairly easily cruising to a 6 point win and taking 3rd.  Not bad for the team.  It might be their highest finish in FOR in awhile for the girls and eases last years FOR pain or did we even play last year?..   

Overall the girls played well, Kris had the hot hand the first 2 games and Kayla poured in a ton points the last game.  Considering the team was playing itself into shape they played better each game.  But the defense was really lacking as they gave up a ton of points in this tourney.  Too many open looks for the opposition and in the 2nd game it bit them in the...  But congrats on the team for taking 3rd.  Just thinking if Shelby was available... Maybe 2 major wins this year. :)

Tiger 2008 - On the flip side to FOR, the girls historically have played great in Tigers.  Coming in they had won it 3 out of the 4 years (with a close 2nd place) and this year was no exception. It's always great to win a major!

The first game was against the Saberette Shooting Stars, a aggressive, scrappy but size challenged team.  I don't remember too much about this game other than the Sabers jumped out to a early big lead but reality set in close to halftime and the 2nd half and the Tigers pulled away for a fairly easy win.  Good scheduling Bobby!

The 2nd game was against the FOR Spirit.  You know by reading the past blogs this team has spooked the girls good.  I call them Sol Lite as they have a similar game as their defense is very disruptive and try to take you out of your normal offense.  The Tigers jumped out to a 10 - 0 lead but from there had to hold on for the rest of the game as the Spirit made a huge run and actually took the lead in the 2nd half.  I was thinking the jinx was alive and well even though they had a new coach.  But clutch shooting down the stretch (and stalling) by the girls gave the girls a 33 - 28 win and a date with San Jose for the championship.

In a instant Youtube classic game, the girls took on San Jose Ninjas for the title.  San Jose took down Norwalk Waves in a surprise and pretty much dominated the boards even with Norwalk's size which didn't bode well for the Tigers since rebounding... well you know.  But the girls usually play to the level of the competition and they raised their level this game for sure.  It was a tight see-saw game from beginning to end.  Kayla was en fuego ("on fire" for you gringos) hitting 3's and her trademark teardrop floaters.  Kayla hit a critical 3 as the first half buzzer sounded.  The 2nd half was much of the same with the teams trading baskets and with the Tigers up by 4 late in the 2nd half, San Jose hit back to back 3's which gave them the lead and momentum and had their crowd going crazy.  Then came "da plays".  Kris who was under the weather and dragging most of the game came up with a huge block, caught the ball in mid air and took it length of the court for the tying score.  Blocking the 3 point shot - nice, length of the court drive - cool, #21 on San Jose's reaction after the basket - priceless (check out the youtube).. Then after a miss, one of the few times Kris's lack of getting back on defense actually helped as she was lagging back stole a back court pass and took it for the go ahead score.  Jogging back on defense - not nice, huffing and puffing - not cool, San Jose parent yelling "NOOOOO" before the ball is stolen - priceless.  San Jose still had great chances to score and tie the game but luck and some good defense and clutch free throw from Erica sealed the fantastic win. 

It was a total team win with Erica playing a great game (great tourney as well) with her rebounding, defense and scores.  Emiko had the "look" in her eyes and played a great all around game banging with San Jose's bigs, rebounding, steals and made some great passes for scores.  Jodi made some crucial, clutch baskets and got some steals.  C.C. banged with their big bodies, rebounded well and got the team off to a good start with a basket.  Kristen made some good defensive plays as did Lauren.  And of course Kayla was just huge this game.

Well the highlights will live on Youtube forever and did I mention that it is great to win a major?!  Now winners of the Tiger tourney 4 out of the last 5 years.  Great job girls!