Friday, February 10, 2012 at 1:48PM The greatest basketball game I ever coached
The 2006-2007 Redhawks Basketball TeamThis past week was the five-year anniversary of the greatest basketball game I ever coached, and maybe even the greatest sports moment I have ever experienced live and in-person. It was the shot heard around the world (or at least Roseville, Minnesota), and now that I think back, it is amazing how one basketball shot by a 13-year-old girl changed my perspective on determination and fear.
During the 2006-2007 basketball season, I took the responsiblity of coaching an 8th grade girls basketball team. It was an up-and-down season, losing more games than we were winning, but we always played competitive ball. Most games were nail-biters, keeping fans on their feet without a doubt, but more importantly was the fact that I just had a great group of girls. At the end of the season, I think it is fair to assume that everyone enjoyed the year and the fun we had as a team.
But this one game, five years ago this past week, is the one that sticks out in my mind like it happened just yesterday. In typical fashion, we were in the middle of another nail-biter game, going back and forth with the school's cross town arch rival (and my grade school alma mater). Falling behind in the fourth quarter, we managed to go on a short run to tie the game up with just seconds to spare. The opponent, in a last second effort to win the game, turned the ball over by throwing it accidently out of bounds. Three seconds left and it was our ball. I immediately called our last timeout.
In the huddle, I saw five girls who were tired and nearly out of breath. They had battled these last couple of minutes, and here I was, looking for just three more seconds of effort. I drew up the out of bounds play, calling on the point guard, Ally, to take the last shot. All season, Ally had been the leader of the team and by far the most gifted shooter. When I looked at Ally and told her how to position herself on the court, turn and shoot, I saw instant panic. Then she started to cry.
Dealing with 8th grade girls is certainly a challenge, but this was not what I was expecting to deal with during a game! I tried my best to calm her down, and told her that we have nothing to lose... even if she misses it, we still have overtime to play. I said, "just throw it up there". Eyes still watery, she made her way back onto the court.
If there is any one time during the season where the girls executed a play to perfection, this was it. While I would like to take credit for drawing up the play on the whiteboard during the timeout, the girls' ability to execute it deserves more credit. The set-up screen for Ally was perfect, the in-bound pass was spot-on, and Ally's shot was... nothing but net.
Being on our home court, our fans went crazy. The girls screamed and jumped up and down. I high-fived and hugged my assistant coach, Nicole. It was pure excitement. Ally had the biggest glowing smile on her face.
After the game, we huddled as a team. While that was the most quiet moment of the last hour, it was also the most powerful. Each girl's confidence increased because everyone played a role in the win. Ally gained confidence in herself, which was an amazing experience to be a part of, personally.
Each one of those girls on the team were special and great to know. I have not seen any of them since that season ended. It is hard to believe that by now, some of them are probably in college or have started their working careers. I did hear later that Ally went on to play basketball at a local high school, where I am sure that game-winning shot stuck in her head. I hope someday she remembers that shot when she thinks something is impossible. I know I do.
Coaching,
Determination,
Fear,
Teamwork | in
Basketball 


