Upward Basketball

Hunter has always played soccer. But this season he decided he wanted to give basketball a try. I signed him up with Upward. I had never heard of it before and didn't know anything about it. It is sponsered by the First Baptist Church here in town and I MUST say it has been a WONDERFUL experience! The teams were evenly balanced with kids with all skill levels so no one team was stacked. It was competitive, but not ugly competitive and that wasn't their only focus. They really tried to teach the kids how to play, improve their skills, and be a team player. Hunter's coach tried to make sure that each player had the opportunity to score each game or during the season. Another one of their goals is to help bring kids closer to Christ thru sports. The kids got a card each practice with a scripture on it and halfway thru practice they would sit and discuss the scripture and how they can use it in their lives. On game days, after they introduced each team they would gather them in a circle, talk to them for a minute and then offer a prayer. LOVE IT!!! Also, at half time someone from the church would give a half time spiritual devotion. Last week's was pretty good. The man told how he was a bus driver and he thought he had dropped all his kids off and so he started to belt out a popular song by a Christian singer only to realize there was still one kid on his bus. He and the kid were a bit embarrassed, but at that point he realized that when the Lord puts a song in our hearts or words/thoughts in our minds we need to speak them because you never know when what we have to say or sing might be just what someone needs to hear at that time. Anyway, I have really enjoyed these devotions. After the games, they are given stars to iron on to their t-shirts they wear under their uniform shirt, which promptly fall off! They each get a star for participation and there are stars for best defense, offense, leadership, Christlike and team player I think it is. Hunter has had the BEST time playing and has scored several baskets! GO BOBCATS!!

Next up is Upward soccer! Stay tuned




Probably one of Hunter's favorite parts of game day....hearing his name and number called and running out to high five his coach!


After all the players are introduced they say a prayer. LOVE IT!





LOVE the faces that Hunter makes when he plays!


Hunter shoots and SCORES!!!


Hunter is ALL about intimadating the guy he is suppose to cover....look at that stare down! He had that boy shaking in his tennies!!


Hunter can't quite keep up the intimadation! He is trying not to laugh.