P's First Basketball Game

After my post earlier this week I had a chat with P's physical therapist and she spent his Thursday session working on basketball drills and getting him fired up for his big on-court debut.

He didn't attempt any shots during this morning's game, but he got 3 during warm ups!

I had planned to talk to his coaches pre-game, just to fill them in a little on his history. I absolutely did not want him to get sympathy or special treatment per se, but the physical therapist and I had come up with a couple of ideas regarding court position that we thought would help him not get fatigued too early. Of course, once I arrived at the gymnasium I realized the coaches were out sick and we had a fill in. I decided to let it ride...and it was a blessing in disguise. He did GREAT! (And I think I have now decided to just keep my mouth shut!)

He was still quite small compared to the others and he spent a lot of time at the back of the pack.

But my boy is not afraid to play some defense. His Daddy and I were in stitches over how enthusiastically scrappy our normally easy going child became on the court! He loves getting his hands in front of the opposing team's faces. He actually successfully spoiled a couple of shots.

I really wish the photo quality was better on the picture below because his grin is priceless!

His team lost 18-9, but he was convinced they won because, "Did you see that? They couldn't even shoot! I was awesome!"

And while I certainly think there is a place for humility, this time I decided to let it ride! Besides, if his interaction with this girl was any indication...

Getting shot down will happen enough on its own in time!

I asked him what he said to her because I was just out of earshot, but could tell from the body language she was not interested in chatting with P. Apparently he was asking her if she had ever played Moshi Monsters and she told him to "Stop talking and go play ball."

She has no idea what she is missing. :-)