Intensity

We had our second game of the season on Saturday. I'd sum the whole game up with one word - intensity. The first half was a close one as we end the half only up by one, 15-14. They had two good players and we had managed to stay in front of them for most of the half. We got lost on defense a few times and they made us pay with easy baskets. Our players also got caught up with worrying about the referee rather than playing basketball. At half time, I gave them the "referee's don't win basketball games, players do" speech as well as let's pick up the defensive intensity. Matt, our post player, and Craig went to work on their best players. Matt frustrated the other player so much with his defense that he started pushing and fouling Matt. Craig simply shut the other player down, not letting him get by him or to the basket the entire second half. We held them to 3 points for the half and ended up winning 28-18. I'd like to think that the team is a reflection of the coach and they have picked up on my intensity and passion for defense. I was very proud of how they played.

Craig hit a pair of jumpers - really nice shots, good form, nice follow through, good arc on the shot, nothing but net. No threes this game but that is okay. His defensive effort was impressive. He is so quick. Most of the time players can catch up to a player dribbling up the court, not with Craig. He can get down the court just as fast as the other players running. He just needs to work on his lay ups and he will be extremely dangerous. Just another item for practice.

The cycling was more of an escape this week rather than exercise. I rode for 4 hours total, one hour on four different days. I needed the escape as we were downsizing this week and letting some really good people go. For the year, I went over 5200 miles, meaning my weekly average will be above 100 miles per week for the year. Nice! The work I am doing now on the bike is focusing on leg strength and cadence. I sit and get my cadence to 85-95 RPM and cycle up the gears at descending intervals. I start with 15 minutes on the easiest to warm up, click down, 10 minutes, and then 5 minutes for the next 5 clicks down, finishing with 10 minutes of cool down with 5 at halfway back up and the last 5 where I started. At the highest gear, it is painful to keep up the cadence but it does the body good. The hour just flies by when I do this. With all the inclimate weather, I will be spending a lot more time in the garage. It is all good. This is how this year started out. The legs feel good and I need the time on the bike. March is not so far away.