Blue Gryphons -Last Place Title, 2014 Summer League, Division C

I learned something about my son, Dylan, this summer.  He is an amazing coach, and he has potential to be an even more amazing coach.  He loves basketball, but is too old to participate in the recreation center league.  Brandon began playing in the rec center league a year ago. He is still in the youngest division ( 9 – 10 year olds). 

 

The Blue Gryphons (minus one player)

 

This summer, Lance and Dylan coached Brandon’s team, the Blue Gryphons.  Dylan was too young to coach so Lance served as head coach while Dylan was assistant.  This presented a great opportunity for Dylan to grow personally.  He had to step out of his comfort zone and exert maturity as he tried to teach, lead, and mentor these young boys.  They all loved and looked up to Dylan.  It was easy for Dylan to take on this role.  The difficult and more challenging responsibility of being a coach for Dylan was dealing with the parents.  He had to communicate to the parents.  He had to give end  game inspiring speeches.  He had to make decisions at game time. 

 

When we first got the roster for our team, Dylan wrote a script out that he followed when he called each parent to introduce himself as the coach.  He was so nervous.  By the end of the season, he gained confidence and became more articulate.  At our final pizza party, Dylan called each player up to stand next to him as he complimented them and noted their strengths and contributions to the team.  He thanked the parents for their support during the season.  I was truly proud of him.  It is not easy for a 15-year old to step into this role.

 

He received a nice card signed by all the team.  One player wrote, “You are my favorite coach…..”  I learned that Dylan has an incredible rapport with kids.  He would do extraordinarly well as a teacher.  He is a natural.
 

It was a big commitment to coach.  Lance attended the weekly practices and made most of the games.  However, he had to go to San Diego some weekends, and Dylan was left to his own devices, and I am proud to say that he did not disappoint.  He even benched Brandon at one of the games, because he believed Brandon was not being a team player and making foolish shots (a ball hog). I didn't agree with Dylan's assessment, but the other players did.  Brandon is the best player on the team, and it took alot of maturity to bench the best player in a close game.  Dylan made the right decision. 

 

Dylan also got to participate in the coaches vs staff end of season game.  I enjoyed watching him play and laughed as I heard several people in the stands shockingly comment, “that guy is a coach?!!!!”  Dylan is only a year older than the kids in the oldest division in the league. 

Lance and Dylan received appreciation and recognition for volunteering to coach

 

Brandon? What can I say?  He is an incredible ball player.  He is one of the youngest in the league and already one of the best point guards.  He is aggressive and fast.  He has that competitive drive.  He HUSTLES.  I know this is also due to Dylan mentoring him over the years.  Brandon wouldn't be as good as he is without Dylan as a big brother.

 

 

The Blue Gryphons took the last place title in the league winning 1 game and losing 9.  Nonetheless, we believe we were the best team out there because we never lost by much.  It was always 2 – 4 points only.  The games were so close!!!

 

Lance, Dylan, and Brandon enjoyed the seasons so much that we have already agreed to coach again. Lance made a keen observation about this team.  He said the boys all got along so well.  There were no big egos....no star players.  Everyone genuinely liked and cared for each other.  Unfortunately, most of the players on the team will advance to the next division so we will have mostly new players. I’m excited for the Winter Season, and I think  this time, we will go for the first place title.

Go Blue Gryphons!!