A letter to myself

As children people make lots of mistakes. It is a part of growing up. I was another average kid, making mistakes, getting bumps and bruises, and living life. As we grow older we should mature. This was not one of my most mature moments. In my sophomore year it was around my favorite time of the year. Basketball season at Flint Northern. We were playing against our rivals Flint Northwestern. This game meant a lot to me, my team, the fans, and the coaches. It was a tight game from the opening tip to the last seconds of the game. I was having a great game. It seemed like I could do no wrong. I was scoring, rebounding, passing whatever my team needed I did. It came down to the last few seconds of the game and we are down by one point and this is when everything went downhill. I got the ball with 10 seconds left in the game and drove to the basket. I saw one of our guards in the corner open so I passed to him but the ball slipped out of my hands and I watched my pass sail over his head and out of bounds. Later my mom told me that I had the open shot even though it didn’t feel like it. If I could go back and give myself a note it would say a few things. First you must continue to do all of the things your team needs. You must be an all-around player and show no weaknesses. You must play smart but remain aggressive. Make them play at your pace do not let them control the game. Make sure you are in a good place mentally. In order to win this game you will have to focus. As time runs down you are going to have to make plays for your team. Keep the mindset that you are better than anyone Northwestern has to offer and no one can stop you. Focus on the game and do not get distracted by the crowd. You must leave everything you have left out on the court and don’t leave with any regrets. You must lead your team by example and vocally. If your game speaks your words will mean more to your teammates. You must trust yourself as well as trust your teammates. As the time runs out be aggressive and think about what their defense has been doing all day. They have been forcing you left when you make a move the entire game. Even though you are not bad with your left hand you are more comfortable with your right hand. Knowing what they like to do on defense you must make a move left then quickly back right to get the defender off balance then go hard and strong to the basket thinking shoot first pass second. Force them to double team you and if they do find your open teammate. Play it smart but go for it yourself first since you’ve been having a great game so far. Trust yourself and take what the defense gives you and get the victory!