A Challenging But Rewarding Summer: Hard Work Pays Off
by 
From the beginning of April, Chris knew this summer would be hectic. From academic enrichment in Spanish, English and Algebra/Geometry 4 days a week, strengthening and conditioning 3 days a week (two-a-days), skills training twice a week (two-a-days) and weekly scheduled AAU tournaments. Looking ahead and seeing the end results, Chris accepted the challenge. Through it all, Chris managed it all well and we are very proud of him for grinding and putting in the hard word and being dedicated to bettering himself.
The last few weeks of the summer break were even more hectic but Chris kept grinding and made the final weeks rewarding.
Starting the week of July 27th, in addition to daily academic tutoring, strengthening and conditioning, and skills training, Chris prepared to make his appearance known at the 2014 MAYB Nationals tournament to be held in Wichita, KS July 31 – August 3rd with Hardwood Elite. Although this would be a challenging tournament; consisting of 96 teams in their division, Chris would grind and play hard and be consistent throughout the entire weekend. There were three games in bracket play: KC Premiere (MO), Next Level (NE), and MTXE 15U (KS). Chris averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal per game. Winning all three games, would put Hardwood Elite in the winners bracket and earn a bye its first game in bracket play.
Pool play consisted of games against very sound and tough teams: Team Blazers, B.M.M. (TX), All Missouri Attack (KS), OZ Elite 16 (KS), Absolute (AR) and Mid Kansas 10th (KS). Game after game, Chris was very consistent: shooting, rebounding, assists, steals and getting in a few blocks.
Two of his best games were against All Missouri Attack where he scored 16 points grabbed 2 rebounds and 1 assist. Chris got off to a slow start against All Missouri Attack; but managed to pull it together in the second half. In the double overtime game against Absolute Basketball from Arkansas, Chris scored 14 points, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 rebounds. Knocking down three 3’s. While in both overtime games, he took over the game. He became even more aggressive taking the ball to the hole, finishing on the line, rebounding and dishing off several assists. Chris would end this game with 21 points.
During the final game against Mid Kansas it was obvious that both teams were exhausted; but they were determined to press on. With about 10 minutes left in the game and Hardwood Elite’s bench wearing thin, Chris was still determined to win. Down by 15 points, pressing on and telling his coaches and teammates that they could still win! Now that’s the heart of a champion!!! In the end, Hardwood Elite would lose to Mid Kansas, but would finish 6th place in their division out of 96 teams. Job well done, and a great way to end the season!!
After a long weekend of play in Kansas, Chris would return home to again a rigorous schedule of academic tutoring, conditioning and training. In addition he would attend a three day exposure camp. This camp would be just as rigorous consisting of 3 days full of skills, drills, scrimmages and more. This was a great experience for Chris and it exposed him to the level of competition that’s out there.
Chris knew this summer would be demanding and rigorous (in both academics and athletics)… I am proud of Chris for seeing the long term benefits, accepting the challenge and putting in the hard work to make this a successful and rewarding summer!
Chris, keep working hard on as well as off the court! Remembering just what ChrisGotGame3 stands for…. God first, Others second, Myself third!!!
To watch tournament highlight video click here. To see tournament photos click here.
by
FOLLOW ME HERE