Districts and Beyond
We had our week of district competition in Eldon and got to play two games post-season for basketball. We came up short in the district semi-finals against a really good Owensville team that made it to the Final 4 this year. We'll call it a learning and growing year for our younger players, and they will keep getting better. It has been fun to watch them this year.
Gracie made all of her free throws against Blair Oaks in the 1st round of districts
4-4 at that line!
Helping the team to a victory and getting to play at least one more game.
Gracie listening to her coach at half time of the last game against Owensville.
I must say, I heard Gracie's name being yelled by him during games so much more than last year. He has high expectations for her and challenges her to get better all the time.
Last minute of the last game...just before the seniors were taken out for the last time. You can tell by the look on their faces the end was inevitable. They played hard and fought; it just wasn't enough.
Each season has it's ending and it is always hard, no matter when it happens.
I know it was a huge change coming off of the State Final 4 season last year. Different dynamics and skill sets. There were games that the girls looked amazing and then there were others that it just didn't all come together. Regardless, Gracie had fun and wants to keep doing it. Here are a few pics from earlier in the season.
Right before the start of a game
Getting ready to go.
Christmas party
Senior night
District Wrestling
The format for the state series changed this year, which was a good thing, but felt a little weird. We had districts and then state, one week apart, with the top 3 making it to state from each of the 8 districts. Last year we had districts, regionals, two weeks later state. I like that it was not as drawn out this year. Our district was at Blue Springs but Nick had to supervise weigh-ins in Columbia first, then make the 90 minute drive over to Blue Springs. After Owen weighed in, he, Gracie, and I went to Cheddars for dinner. I don't think I have ever seen him eat a 1/2 lb burger as fast as he did that night.
Owen only had 3 other wrestlers in his bracket and the top 3 would move on to state the following weekend. I knew he had a pretty good shot, but there was one wrestler who was pretty good and that match was a little nerve racking. He had a round robin bracket, so wrestled each of the other wrestlers.
1st Match
This match was the nail biter and heart stopper.
As you can see, it was very close; 8-7 decision. The deciding point was an escape by Owen.
Third match... not as intense
What a great shot!😆
Congrats after the match.
Placing 1st in districts gives a higher seed at state.
Drilling with Bryce
More warming up
Watching his teammates compete
Getting some down time in between matches
Just hanging with his buddy
Bryce doesn't like to cooperate with pics
Gracie got to go this year!
She was at basketball last year during districts and regionals.
That sums up this years' winter sports post-season districts. Ups and downs for both kids and we never complain about being bored... that just doesn't happen at this time of year. Gracie will have a little down time until softball picks up in April. She has 3 different practices each week again; hitting with Coach E, hitting in Columbia, and her team practice each weekend in Kansas. She has also said she is committed to staying in shape, post basketball season, and so far has run a few times each week since her season ended. I imagine after a couple weeks, she will be ready for a busy schedule again.
It's starting to feel like spring
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