Pyramid of Success or Silliness?...

Jetts Tourney 2008 - Was it really the Tigers out there or was it Paul Westhead's old Loyola Marymount team?  That was as good as an offensive display for a tournament since... well.. I don't think the team ever averaged 50+ points/game for a tournment.  Heck, the most I think the girls ever scored was 50 in last year's Tiger tourney.  But to rack up scores of 45, 62 and 50 points was impressive.  Granted the opposition's defense left very little to be desired but still the balanced scoring by the Tigers was unbelievable.

I guess this tourney will best be remembered by the addition of the Storm girls - Cassidy, Nicole and Lani.  And another very welcomed addition in Tiffany.  Also the return of K-Queen, Shelby.  Throw in the core of the Darlings and you know, that's a pretty "decent" team...  Coach Bobby must have soiled his, I mean, must have been salivating like a puppy having all this firepower at his disposal.

The games were all blowouts and granted OCO didn't have their complete team and probably would have been a tougher match if they did.  I guess we'll see in Vegas.  But still the girls ran away with this game early and crusied to a easy victory.  And I guess this was just a tune up for things to come.  Big games by Jodi, Emiko, Tiffany, Shelby, Kayla, Nicole, Cassidy... and on and on led the team to an easy victory.

Next up were the Skittles, a mixed bag of OC girls.  They had some good players but not playing together before really put them at a disadvantage.  I believe in this game the team had 6 girls that scored at least 7 points in scoring 62 points and as Stu Lantz would say "that will get it done.. on the Tigers basketball network.."  Kris and Kayla had big scoring games followed closely by Emiko, Tiffany, Shelby and Cassidy.  A stress free 30 point win is always welcomed..

The championship game was against San Fernando.  A team that the Darlings have quietly built a rivalry with with a series of close games with both teams winning.  San Fernando did pick up some new girls, got a little taller and got their stellar PG back but unfortunately she was not at this game.  Jodi, Emiko and Shelby started the team off quickly but the game was still close halfway thru the 1st half.  A little nervous time.  Then Ms. Streak shooter, Kris, nailed back to back 3's to get the lead to double digits and that was pretty much all she wrote.  The onslaught started from there with Tiffany, Emiko, Leilani, Kris, Shelby, Kayla all throwing in multiple baskets each.  I could see the Tiger crowd sitting back contently, drinking their water with their pinkie out, they were so relaxed.. :)  But great game for the girls taking the championship in a rout 50 - 21.

I guess Bobby got compliments on the girls play from the OC crowd but the San Fernando coach was less than happy as he made sure the Tiger crowd behind him heard that they'll remember this game for a looonnng time.  Okay by me! :)

Anyway a big thank you to the Storm girls and families for joining the Darlings for the summer.  They are great girls and equally special families.  I know new friendships were formed (all the IM'ing going around) and some pretty solid basketball was played.  It was really fun and I'm glad they got to win a tourney together and get a black shirt for their hard work.

Also a big welcome to Tiffany and her family.  Obviously a big addition to the Darlings.  Who the heck can press us now?  Her skills and effort during this tournament was such an asset.  Looking forward to a stellar back court, I just hope some of our bigs continue to get ahh... bigger or should I say taller. 

Great job girls!