The high school basketball season is in full swing. Yes. I have already seen some of you in the local gyms. I appreciate all the kind words, folks. I sincerely do. I ENJOY THOSE ARTICLES will always get you a fist bump or a hug. Kids under the age of 10 will score a $5 bill. Offer only valid through 2023.
Tons of my friends are still coaching. Many are now officiating. I am trying to stay in the loop. I hope to get to many games. Most of my nights are spent watching my son, Jensen. He is a 9th grader, and he plays for the Port. His team is hanging in there, and we have been on the road. Last week, we were at Scranton Prep. This week, it was Crestwood. I love the idea of doing these triple headers, but it is a very long night. The 9th graders play at 4 — JV at 6. And the Varsity follows. Thankfully, next week, the Millionaires will host.
My father-in-law, Iron Mike Coledo, will occasionally tag along. I will pick him up at Wegmans, but Papi couldn’t make the games in Mountain Top. No worries. We had a great conversation when we traveled to Prep — three hours in the Jeep with his favorite son-in-law. Sorry, DJ. I was solo. It has been a few years since I was at Crestwood. I will always run into a few familiar faces — usually a coach, an admin, a random fan, or someone taking tickets. Remember. I was involved in hoops for 30-plus years.
The other rents tend to sit behind the team. I love all of them, but I am more rogue. I prefer to sit across from the benches. Front row at the 50-yard line. Midcourt. I am no longer that guy. I am actually quite tame. I no longer yell at the zebras or offer free advice. I was quite the character when I coached. Those days are gone. I tell everyone that I am heavily medicated.
I am evolving as a hoops parent, but still tough to please. I have seen my fair share of games — more than most. I tend to find flaws when I am watching basketball. That’s my thing. I try to encourage my son to do his best. Be a good, supportive teammate. Always hustle and never pout. Yes. I will share my thoughts, but I always give him some praise. Jensen is young and is showing some improvement. He is gaining some confidence. Jensen is at a great age. He still loves the sport, and I want to keep it that way.
The Crestwood Comets prevailed in a very entertaining game. The Freshman Millionaires had some chances but missed a few down the stretch. We are getting there — no need to panic. Jensen played well. He made a couple of 3s, and he fouled out. It was great. He lowered his shoulder and got caught on two occasions. I didn’t complain or question. I was super proud of my son for taking it to the basket and on to the next.
Since it was a triple header, Jensen didn’t have to stay for the JV and Varsity games. The entire group traveled together in style. They always do, but the 9th graders were allowed to head home with their parents. Jensen and I wanted to play it by ear. I recognized the D2 officials. One of them came over to me during the JV game. We had a great chat. He called a few of our state playoff games. I thought it was pretty neat that he also remembered. I turned to see if Jensen was equally impressed. Unfortunately, Jensen missed the entire conversation. He was busy on Snapchat.
The ride home is the best part. It goes so quickly. It always does. My son and I talk basketball, and we listen to MY music. We talked about the game. We reflected on a few plays and laughed at the ones that didn’t go our way. It is healthy back-and-forth banter. Comical actually. Jensen asked some great questions on this trip. He is fascinated with basketball. Did you play in college? Who was the best player you played against? Who was the best player that you coached? Coolest venue you played in? Biggest win as a player and a coach? I answered the best I could. My son learned some pretty cool things about me. Oh, it was a fantastic road trip — one of my all-time favorites. I made the right choice. Merry Christmas, sports fans. Cheers.
