Balling

We are not a basketball family, but I feel like it's important that my boys are exposed to the sport and have at least elemental skills, since basketball is such a common way for young men and adult men to spend time. So, all three boys played another season of basketball this winter. 

It was Graham's first time playing and that was suuuuper obvious (in the video, Graham is the kid in the background jumping up and down the whole time. That's pretty much how he spent the first two or three games).

On the up side, when you start at absolute zero, all you can do is get better. Graham learned a lot and (of course) loved being on a team with friends. The two other kids from our ward on the team happened to be absolute super stars who dominated on the court (I suppose, in the kindergarten league, that's not saying too much), so Graham's team was undefeated. Graham contributed a very positive attitude.

Bryce moved up into the 5th/6th grade division, and that proved quite challenging. For one thing, some boys grow a LOT between 5th and 6th grade, so he was playing against some big boys. Bryce was hyper aware of his skills and weaknesses and always felt very nervous before games and practices. Thankfully he had a great and very patient coach, and Bryce was almost always happy at the end of games and practices. For Bryce, the best part of the season was that his buddy Jordan was also on the team.

Thane also moved up a division, into the 3rd/4th grade league. He's no superstar, but he held his own reasonably well.

His coach played college basketball, and she does an excellent job of teaching the boys solid fundamentals. Thane improved each game and says he likes playing. He's hoping he gets a lot taller before next season.

I snapped this picture because I always think the behind-the-scenes shots are pretty funny. This was all the parents trying to capture a team picture after the boys' final game.