You always end up having to guard the biggest player on the opposing team. And it's then when you shine the brightest. You always play your absolute best when the competition level rises.
State Weekend. Always a big deal. Tough competition, high intensity, hotel reservations, lobby parties, swimming pool hangs. This would be our fourth trip to State and our first time not playing in the championship game. You made it to the semi-finals but ran smack dab into a buzz saw, playing against a team with two 6-foot+ players/brothers from Africa. They could one-hand dunk if that says anything. You guys kept the game within single digits for a good chunk of it but couldn't get over the hump in the end. However, you gave them their closest, toughest game of the weekend and their players were huffing and puffing at half time. You definitely made that team earn it.
But the highlight of the weekend was the game that you won to advance you to the semi-finals. You were down double digits at one point. And then you rallied. You, Jaden, played SO. DARN. WELL. It was such a joy to watch you - as I have said - excel against such a tough and fierce opponent. The game was played late and you guys were tired, but we couldn't have been prouder of your intensity, how hard you worked to get open and get layups under the basket, and how tough and fast you played defense. I'll never forget when the game was over - you talked to Papa Bob and Nana Nancy on my phone - and when you handed my phone back to me, it was literally dripping with sweat. You were soaked from head to toe, and the hotel laundry room got a good dose of Outlaw player uniforms late that night. ;)
A 3rd place finish at the toughest State weekend yet. And just like that, the end to your elementary basketball years. It is flying by way too quickly. I remember when we stared this journey in 3rd grade, that it felt like these years were going to be plentiful. I should have known better.
Love you, Jaden. Proud of you always.
