Sunday, March 21, 2010

Off Line & Upward Bound

Our SAMO girls basketball team made it to the 3rd round of the state playoffs and went down in a heart breaker against Clovis West, a team out of Fresno. We lost by 4 in a back and forth battle. We shut down their 6'3", 250lb center, but we could not contain their star guard who played out of her gourd. She dropped 39 points on us out her team's 61. She bombed threes, drove on three girls at a time and dove on the floor for many balls. She said after in an interview, "I never wanted anything more. I wasn't going to lose." And you have to respect when one's ability matches their drive. She was amazing. Mina just finished her Y league. They lost today in the championship game. She's a superstar though. Her natural athleticism is pretty phenomenal. Here is the other star, Cloe, also 10. This was the team's one-two punch. While Cloe grabbed a defensive rebound, Mina would have already bolted to the other end. Cloe would cock back her arm and rocket a pass to Mina, who was the only one able to catch a pass like that, and would usually finish with a lay up. This happened about five times a game. Can you beat the stance of these girls? Is there anything more beautiful?

6 comments:

Marigoldie said...

Great news all around. I love the concept of this community program -- how brilliant and how obvious, now that you mention it. You're going to spread so much light in there with your baking workshop.

Mina and Cloe are killing me in that photo. I would love to have seen the scene you describe (even though I did kinda see it in my head).

Diz Rivera said...

Obvious, yes, good word. I will say that there is an arduous interview process for the families to get housing at UBH -- only the most motivated to get off the street make it in, which is why they have a 95% success rate for over a thousand families served, but this leaves a big hole in other sectors of homelessness including those currently struggling with addiction and mental illness. That said, there is a unbelievable growth in the group categorized as "motivated" homeless or newly homeless especially families here. The homeless growth rate in my area is up 35% since 2005. (According to the LA Homeless Services Authority). I will also say there are a good amount of programs in SM that help the homeless who struggle with mental illness and addiction, UBH is not one of them. But I’m so motivated by giving kids a fighting chance by watching their parents not only get back on their feet, but thrive. Also, 95% success rate for over a thousand families?! That’s a program that’s working and preventing families from slipping further back, possibly causing a worse chain reaction in the kids.

Marigoldie said...

Get those families on their feet, then you have a stronger, healthier society to take care of the addicted and mentally ill. In theory.

Madame One Tree said...

Firstly: GIRL POWER, AND COMPLETELY SWAGGALICIOUS!! I could almost see the game of both the girls.


Secondly: UBH is bound to be so fulfilling for you. I know you know it, but something profound fills the empty spaces when you give of yourself. It's like that more you give the more you receive thing. A good space to be in.

lagata said...

Love the photo of Mina and Cloe. Sounds like they make a great team. Both games sounded like they were phenomenal, played the whole way through, games. Awesomeness!

UBH - 95% success rate - incredible! How wonderful that you are able to share yourself with them. I can't wait to hear about your experiences (if you share) :o)

missysue said...

Love your blog! Thank you for such an inspiring visit ;o)

...........
love + luck + bliss,
missysue