High school athletes are just kids,
still children in many ways,
and yet,
they seem to love the pressure of competition and a close ball game.
This week, the Luck Cardinals played the neighboring Unity Eagles, in a boys varsity basketball game that has consequences in the season conference standings. The larger part of the story is a long string of losses (4 seasons) to the Eagles that the Cardinals wanted to snap.
So, the game was on, the gym was full of fans, many of whom had come for the pancake supper fundraiser before the game and stayed for the action.
With full bellies, the fans sat back to watch these two teams battle over hoops.
The Cardinals took the lead right away,
helping the fans to settle into the seats and let their pancakes digest.
But the Eagles always stayed close.
In the 4th quarter, the Eagles crept closer hitting clutch 3 point shots
and by using their big men (soon to be college, D1 football players) in the lane.
In this game, there were many great plays and fantastic shots by both teams.
Like this 3 pointer by great nephew Jack, #5.
And another...Jack was getting some good looks during this game.
Sister Ruby, #21, had a game during the girls' halftime, so she was suited up in the stands.
Watching the brothers play is a thrill and they bring a pretty good bunch of fans to the bleachers with just their family. In the background of this photo, I see Grandma Lois, Great Uncle Harold, cousin Alec, Uncle Brent, & Grandpa Ken.
Jack had several key rebounds, this one is one of many.
The last minutes of regulation were hectic, back and forth
and just when I thought it was over, we tied the score.
As the Cardinals took the court to begin the overtime, the fans were probably reaching for their Tums. This was not a fun game for the faint of heart.
My heart was racing, and my FitBit was even capturing some aerobic activity.
But our Cardinals were in control.
This clutch 3-pointer by Gage set the tone for the final minutes of OT.
The crowd went wild!!
Sister Stella in the upper left, black shirt, screaming.
Mom Heather dead center in the black shirt, whooping.
Cousin Alec, right in the gray sweatshirt, on his feet.
Grandma Lois, behind Alec, smiling wide and clapping.
Oh my.
But, it was far from over.
Gage and Jack knew it...we all knew it.
This Unity team is big, tough and they know how to win, & they never give up.
But in this case, a scrappy, fast Cardinal team held on and won the game.
Free throws were key, 3-point shots were key and the heart of a team of boys sealed the deal.
Thanks for getting our juices going and giving us a thrill ride to a great ending.
Go Cardinals!
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