Stonebridge Cavs SportsBlog*

I suppose we all left the gym tonight with mixed emotions. Our Lady Cavs managed a strong win over their opponent. Can’t recall the score but we were +20 or so. Our girls seem to be getting a step faster as the season progresses. They are working well as a unit. Their press is getting tougher. Ashlea and Sarah seem to be even more dominant.

Audio from tonite’s game here. Click on “girls basketball.”

Seems the girls got their nerves out of the way in this game, specifically the first half. After halftime, we turned up the pressure. Caitlyn Walsh nailed some threes along the way. Caitlyn Unsworth played her normal great game. We got some great bench play from Anna and Rachel. Sometimes — maybe especially in the playoffs — it can be tougher to play at home. Away games get the team, well, away. It’s “us against them” on the road. Tomorrow, the girls go on the road — Reston I believe. I think they’ll come out charging. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. Go for it, girls!

Victors in Defeat
The boys had a heartbreaking loss to a very determined Tidewater Academy. Tidewater was out-sized certainly, but they played a disciplined game, got some good bounces, made their free throws and hit a few real clutch shots at the end. But we’re not confused — the Cavaliers boys are winners. They won every time they stepped on the court. They worked and worked and worked. They took on several much larger schools and always contended, always kept their composure, always showed respect for the game, the coaches, the refs.
It happens. Anyone who has played any organized game knows that sometimes the shots don’t seem to fall. And this crew also learned another life lesson — the burden of success. After the game, Coach Cal said to me that a few years ago, we wouldn’t have all felt this much heartbreak for a loss in boys basketball. But last year changed everything, and this team and their coaches did a tremendous job carrying the mantle of “State Champions.”

Let’s hear it for the fans!
Wow– what a scene tonight! Great fun. Great intensity. Great cheerleading. Great homemade shakers. Great concessions. And Cavaliers Club members even got some free popcorn and drinks!

I hope others will use this space to extend their thoughts and appreciation to the team, to the coaches and to the administration for creating this environment for SBS to come together and unite… like a small town… like a family of friends… always keeping things in perspective. There are bigger fish to fry for these boys. And the lessons they’ve learned are invaluable. Thanks, Coach Cal. Thanks guys. For a great season!

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