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