Josh Jackson: Playoffs Final Four vs. Arlington

Playoffs SMC vs. Arlington

Sunday, August, 14, 2016 was the Semi-Finals against Arlington Ducks. We knew it was going to be a good game and that Arlington wasn’t just going to hand us the win.  We had to give 100% effort just like they were in order to make it to the championship. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy because we played Arlington in the beginning of the regular season and we almost lost but we didn’t. In order for SMC to beat Arlington we had to play harder, be more physical and most important we knew teamwork was the key. When tip-off began Arlington went on a 21-9 run by the end of the first quarter. They were playing intense and they weren’t holding back. When the second quarter began SMC picked up the paste and by the end of the 2^nd quarter the score was Arlington 23- SMC 20. SMC went on an 11-2 run. 

At halftime our Coach, Coach Dave took us in the back he said “come on ya’ll the table is set for us to go to the championship and win it all, all we have to do is execute on offense, move the ball around, box out on defense, stop letting them get in the paint so easily, make our free throws, make our lay ups and stop gambling. When the 3^rd quarter came we were ready. We were getting defensive stops and scoring off the break consecutively, which put us up a couple of points. But Arlington wasn’t going to go down without a fight. When the 4^th quarter came the score was close. During the 4^th quarter the score kept going back and forth. Late in the 4^th quarter SMC got a 2 point lead with 45 seconds left in the game. When Arlington had the ball they missed the chance to score which took some time off the clock so they had to foul. They shot a 3 which could put them up by 1, they missed I got the rebound and they were forced to foul me. It was less than 15 seconds left on the clock and it was up to me to make 2 crucial free throws so that we could be up by 4.  I wasn’t nervous because everyday I shoot 50 free throws with my dad and I have to make at least 40. So when I got to the line I took a deep breath did my routine and shot the ball. The first one dropped, the score was Arlington 40-SMC 43. I stepped off the line to get ready for my second free throw to put the game away for sure.  When the referee gave me the ball I took a deep breath, did my routine and swish goes my second shot.  I made it and the score was Arlington 40-SMC 44. 

The SMC fans were cheering and clapping with excitement.  Arlington’s head coach called a timeout to draw up a play with 10 seconds left in the game. When the timeout was over it was Arlington’s ball, they took the ball out got down the court with 3 seconds left they passed the ball to their 3 point shooter Ed to shoot the 3, he made it.  Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough and we won SMC 44- Arlington 43. #CHAMPIONSHIP #SOMDC

                                                                                                   

Final Summer 2016 Blog: Michael Tehan (Loudoun Eagles)

 Final Summer Blog:  Michael Tehan (Loudoun Eagles) 

I can’t believe my PYBL season is already over.  It seems like just yesterday when my AAU coach told me about trying out for the summer season.  As I said in my first blog, his son who is one of my best friends played over the winter and I really wanted to be a part of it.  I think it’s so cool how they post all of that stats and pictures about each game.  But getting caught up in that,  also lowered my confidence.  

Sometimes I over hyped kids that were scoring 20 a game, and it made me feel so much pressure to compete with those stats.  I was scared of making a mistake, and I had no confidence to go to the basket on bigger kids. I was always worried about getting blocked or turning the ball over.   My dad was always telling me, “just play!”  Sometimes that frustrated me because I thought I was playing my game, but I wasn’t.  I was playing not to make a mistake.  I didn’t fight to bring the ball up and when I did get the ball I looked to pass first.  I didn’t want to admit it because I always had played with such confidence in the past.  

As the season went on though, I started to gain confidence.  I was taking the ball to the basket, I was going to the rack on big men and I wasn’t scared to guard the other teams best guard.  I realized during the game against Charles County, that I deserved to be on the court as much as any other kid there.  I could play with them all! Looking back, I shouldn’t have been worried about the rankings and stats.  I should have just played my game the entire season.  

PYBL has been a great experience for me. I am a different player now. This league has by far the most competition I have ever played against. At the end of the day, all you have to do is work hard, believe in yourself and play like it.

I owe a lot to coach Mason because he always believed in me and pushed me to play harder.  I can’t wait to take what I have learned this summer into the winter season.  

Thanks Michael Tehan #30 Loudoun Eagles

Michael Tehan Entry #6 (game 5,6,7)

Game 5,6,7
“Ugh ugh ugh”
    The frustration of losing to team you think you can beat, and realizing that your playoff hopes are slim. On the way to the next game my dad who grew up playing sports in the DC area was giving me a little background about Riverdale Baptist and their competitive sports reputation. Right when I entered the gym, I felt the energy rise. DC and Bmore were in a battle. The lead went back and fourth. Wow! DC hit a game winner. It was my time to play, but with the excitement of the game before and the championship banners all over the walls I started to get a little nervous. However, I knew I had to prove myself. I have been struggling to find my confidence in this league throughout the season. Win or lose, I was determined just to play my game. First game was against a very good PG team. We competed hard but the results did not show. We got killed on the boards. We thought for sure the next game against Anne arundel would be different. This is a game we had a chance to win. It was right after the game of the year, Southern Maryland and Alexandria, which also ended on a game winner. We began to warm up and I knew we had to work hard to win this game. Anne Arundel was very big and we were missing all of our big men. We had to box out and close out shooters. We didn't do it. We weren't listening to coach. We were all playing our own way instead of coaches way. As a team, we shot poorly especially from 3 point range. Having 6 players and being the second game of the day we were just out of gas. Unfortunately, we racked up another loss. Even though we had 2 losses we played tough as team and earned respect. I am getting a little tired of saying this but next week against Arlington is a must win. 


Thanks, Michael Tehan #30 of the Loudoun Eagles 

Entry # 5 Josh Jackson (Game 5 and 6)

On Thursday, July 14 we played Prince William Mustangs there isn't pretty much to say because we beat them 83-51. That was a tune up game for Saturday against Alexandria City. Alexandria gave us a huge run for our money,  Alexandria was our biggest challenge of the season. The game kept going back and forth but at the end Alexandria pulled out the W with the game winning layup the score was SMC 61-Alexandria 63. We'll meet again Alexandria!! 

Entry # 5 Michael Tehan (Game 4)

“Drip drip drip”

The feeling of sweat falling down my face. It was game 4 at Landon high school, and the air condition was not turned on. The gym felt like a furnace. It didn't really bother me because my mind was focused on the game. We only had 7 players, but we were playing the winless Fredrick team. 

We need a W regardless who shows up to play. Game on, the clock the begins to tic. It was very back and fourth in the beginning. They took the lead at the end of the 1st quarter. Coach got mad at us for not playing defense. We didn't panic, although we did have our usual turnovers which we have to eliminate if we want to beat more competitive teams. Early in the second quarter we came back and were up by a few. It continued at the pace until the 4th quarter. We pulled ahead by 9. At that point with a comfortable lead I thought we should calm down and waste clock. Instead we started playing 1-5 which brought them back in the game. They brought our lead down to 4. 

Right as that happened I stole the ball and made a layup then knocked down a 3! Up by 9. Fredrick couldn't get back in the game. Game over, we won! Also, shout out to cj who better be reading this.

Entry #4 Michael Tehan (Game 3)

“Blank blank blank”

That's what was going through my mind after a long week of youth camp. I had not slept much the past 5 days, and I just came from a 3 hour car ride. I couldn't get my mind to focus on the game. My legs were dead, but I was trying to play through it. It didn't work. Benched! I was awful, and so was most of my team. We needed to win this game which is why Sam and I came back a day early from camp. However, nothing was going right. 

After the first quarter we were down by 9. Turnovers and not boxing out is killing us. At half we were down by 13. Surprisingly, with our lack of energy and sloppy play we brought the lead down to 7. I still wasn't in the game because I was sucking. “Crap” mid way through the 3rd quarter right when we were putting a game a together, Sam Larsen fell on his ankle. He is out. He had to go to the hospital. 

Last week Jiaan and now Sam. Two of our best and tallest players are out for most of the season. I felt bad for Sam. He is one of my best friends, and he is on my AAU team. Seeing him leave early for the hospital was hard. The game went on. Unfortunately for us nothing went right again. In the 4th quarter they took over, we lost by over 20. We're gonna have to learn how to play as a team, and get rebounds without our two tallest players. I think we have the talent but we have to use it effectively in order to succeed as a team. Watch out Frederick were coming for you next week.

Entry # 4: Josh Jackson (Game 3)

Woooo!  Another close game against the DC Bulldogs.  But, once again the SMC “Money Team” cashed out and deposited another “W” in the bank SMC 77 and DC 73.  I’m beginning to see the difference between playing Rising Stars and Elite.  Elite games are faster, the talent is more competitive and the contact is more physical.  SMC was up by 10 but my friend Zion Russell began hitting those 3’s and brought DC within 3.  However, down the stretch it was SMC defense and free throws that made the difference and secured the win.  #who'snext

Entry #3: Michael Tehan (Game 2)

“SWOOSH SWOOSH SWOOSH”

Great way to start game 2 against Fairfax! Before the game began, we knew we had a great chance to win. All we had to do was be unselfish and play good defense. We started with a full court press, they could barely get the ball across half court. Before we knew it were up 27-0. The game continued at that pace. With the way the game was going, everyone got good minutes. It was never close, we won by 42 points. Sadly, one of our best players, Jiaan, got hurt. I hope he is ok because he is a huge threat on both sides of the ball.

Next week we play #2 ranked Alexandria, and we are already short on players. Sam, Cole and I are at youth camp next week, so we were going to miss the game. However, since we are short on players, coach Larsen offered to pick us up a day early and take us to the game. You know I can’t pass on that. We are the major under-dogs, but after losing our first game we will need an upset in order to make the playoffs. I think if we play our game, we can do it.  See you next week when the Loudoun Eagles take on the Alexandria Knights.

Thanks, Michael Tehan #30 of the Loudoun Eagles

Entry # 3: Josh Jackson (Game 2)

Game 2 is in the books, 

SMC “Money Team” prevails over the PG Stallions. Once again, another talented team gave us a run for our money just like the Charles County Warriors did in our first game. Even though we were missing some starters, we came out on top with the W because everybody stepped up. I was more excited to play against the PG Stallions because I played with them in the winter PYBL season. 

Well, that game is over and we’re on to our next opponent which is the DC Bulldogs. This will be interesting since I will be playing against some of my AAU team mates.  Until next time.  #WEDONTLOSE.

Josh #1 

Entry #2: Michael Tehan (Game 1)

“CLANK CLANK CLANK”

      

      The sound of the ball bouncing off the rim. Not the sound I wanted to hear. Our shots weren't falling. It's been two weeks since we played our last game together, and it kind of showed on the court. We kept on turning the ball over with sloppy passes, bad angles, and out of control play. Before I knew it we were down by 10 at the end of the 1st quarter. We had to focus, play our game, and listen to coach so we could come back. That's when we made a little run. I kept telling myself, "We can't lose this, we can't lose this.” It's our first game and I so badly wanted to win.  

“Yup” halftime and were only down 5!

        Coach got on us for not playing our game. He was right. We need to get back to business. I knew I had to be more aggressive with the ball, and our team had to stop turning the ball over.  Third quarter is when we took the lead for the first time. Momentum changed, we were hitting shots. Our bench was crazy. Before we knew it we were up 5. My mind was racing, I hate to lose. We had to hold on. I kept thinking, “We got this, we got this.” End of the third quarter, up by 5 still. We held on to the lead for the first few minutes. Oh crap turn over, and another one, and another one. All tied up with 2 minutes to go. Two of our best guys foul out. They take the lead back. Not enough time.  We gave it away. We lost! This is not how I wanted our first game to end, but we're ready to come back fighting next week. 

By the way if we had Sam Larsen we definitely would have won...

Thanks, Michael Tehan #30 of the Loudoun Eagles

Entry # 2: Josh Jackson (Game 1)

Week 1: Southern MD vs. Charles  

My first PYBL game with Southern Maryland Cardinals AKA “The Money Team” was good and we finished the game with a W. But before I get to the win let’s talk about what happened a little bit before tip-off.

Before tip-off, everyone is anxious to play. Especially me, I had so much adrenaline pumping through my body, I couldn’t wait to get on that floor. Tip-off; everyone seems to be playing a little too pumped. By the second quarter we got it together and started to play like a team.

I’m not going lie, Charles County gave us a run for our money. Towards the end of the game it was a dog fight. Charles County goes up by 2 with a few minutes left in the game. The score was Charles County 60 and Southern Maryland 58. We then get the ball back on offense and make a clutch 3 with like a minute left. Charles County gets the ball and misses, we then get the rebound and they foul us and we’re in 1 and 1. We miss both free throws. Once they got back on offense we put them in a bottle and they didn’t score. So with so much time on the clock I was fouled. I made 1 out of 2 free throws which put us up by 2. The score was Charles County 60 and Southern Maryland 62.  We then got fouled again, made 1 out of 2 free throws again and the score was Charles County 60 and Southern Maryland 63. As soon as you know it, the game is over CARDINALS WON!!!!!!!!  


Next game we’re coming for u PG.

Entry #1: Michael Tehan (Pre-Season)

“POUND POUND POUND”

The sound of the ball hitting the floor. It all started in 6th grade when my friend Sam joined pybl for the winter league. I did not know much about pybl at the time, so I decided to follow them on instagram. The constant posts of stats and results were really cool. Then I found out they were having a summer league.  I knew I had to tryout for loudoun.   About 2 weeks before  the tryout the nerves kicked in. I was in the gym everyday for 2 weeks correcting bad habits and working on my shot. Then it came, the day of tryouts. All I could think about at school was tryouts. I tried to play football after school to get  my mind off it, but that didn’t help. My friend, Cole,  who was also trying out came over and we just sat there nervously until our ride came. When it came, we hopped in the car and drove off. When I got there I was so nervous I was shaking. Everyone was huddled up and coach was talking to us. Then he had us do lay ups. After, we did some other drill that I had never done before.  It was sorta confusing but fun. Then 1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3, and 4 v 4 half court minnie games. Then it changed 5 v 5, I knew I had to make an impression. It was a hard, fast, aggressive AAU style of play which is not how my Flexx AAU team plays.  I did it!  My shot was on and I played well.  That night, I got the email that I made the team.  

A week later practice began.  Coach went over the offense, in bounds play and the press break.  Same thing for the next practice.  We were getting to know each other and starting to have some fun.  Coach entered us into a tournament so we could learn to gel together as a team.  We blew everyone out and it felt great.  So great that we decided to do another one the next weekend.  We blew everyone out again until the championship game.  The team we played in the championship was from Raleigh, North Carolina and they were big, fast and aggressive.  It was even until midway through the second half.  We stuck to our game plan and finally the other team began to fall apart. They turned the ball over and started to make mistakes which gave us the opportunity to pull ahead.  We won by 24 points.  Thats when I knew we were going to have a great summer season.  I can’t wait for June 9, our first PYBL game.

Entry #1: Josh Jackson

One day in the summer of 2015, my mom took me to my friend basketball game at Clinton Christian.  During the game my mom spoke to my friends mom and she told my mom about the PYBL league.  After the game, my mom said that she would do some research.  While I was at the game I saw high school coaches walking around with team rosters monitoring the players.  It was a lot of coaches and I told myself that if my friend could do it so could I.  That winter my mom did some research and found out about the winter tryouts.  That winter I tried out for the Southern Maryland Cardinals and the PG Stallions Rising Stars.  I made both teams but I selected the PG Stallions.  My season with PG was more than what I expected.  We finished undefeated, I made the 2^nd team All PYBL and we won the first Rising Stars Championship.  

Now, this summer I will be playing in the PYBL Elite league for the Southern Maryland Cardinals and I will have the same opportunity as my friend.  Thank you Marcus Dockery (DC Bulldogs).  My first game is two days away and I extremely excited to start this new journey in my life.  I would like to thank the PYBL staff for giving me this opportunity to not only play for their great league but also for giving me an opportunity to write this weekly blog. 

Again, thank you.

Josh Jackson #1 SMD Cardinals

#letthegamesbegin

#thepybl

Welcome to PYBL 2016 Summer Blog

NEW SUMMER BLOG COMING THIS WEEK 

We are very excited about this summer.  You will see a lot of growth from the PYBL League.  This summer you will get a chance to view the league from the eyes of two very different but exciting players.  Each week they will provide an in-depth review of their PYBL week.

We are excited about this addition and can't wait for you to read.

See you in the Gym!  All Summer Sixteen!