The Maryland Lady Shooting Stars youngest team competed in the VA Cardinals Veterans Day Tournament last weekend. Despite having a team that has several players under the age of nine, Coach Mack and his assistants approached the tournament in Stars’ fashion—intense defense and transition basketball. Since being assembled only a few months ago the “baby” Stars have played all older competition. This weekend would prove no different.
The “baby” Stars started the day with a huge win over the Maryland Flames. Coach Mack’s full court press and trap zones seemed to confuse the Flames as his girls created key turnovers that resulted in fast break points. The second game match-up against the FT Hunt Fireballs was the total opposite. The Stars found themselves in a battle with a well disciplined and talented team that shot extremely well from the outside. Nonetheless, the Stars competed to the very end but succumbed and loss by four.
Day two of the tournament saw a refreshed and rejuvenated Stars team that seemed to play with a “chip” on their shoulders. Prior to their game with the PV Classics, the entire team (yes in the breezy wind) was outside working on their defense. This translated into another big win that advanced the Stars to the Championship game with the undefeated VA Cardinals.
The Championship game was played in the big gym at Mt. Vernon High School—home of the VA Cardinals. The Cardinals entered the game with familiarity--the courts, players, and officials. The Stars came in with determination. However, the first half belonged to the Cardinals as they built a ten-point halftime lead. The calls, shots, and hustle favored the Cardinals. Conversely, the second half belonged to the Stars. The “baby” Stars responded to the coaches’ challenges. The girls hustled, played intense defense, and made big shots that erased their 10 point deficit to tie the game. Unfortunately, with: 30 left, the Cardinals scored a basket and took the lead by 2. Still, with a few seconds left, the “baby” Stars showed their composure by executing a well-designed play that saw the ball roll around and off the rim before the final horn sounded.
Although the “baby” Stars experienced their first heartbreak loss, they exemplified the courage and sportsmanship of the organization. They left the gymnasium with pride and earned respect from all who witnessed an exciting championship. As one parent commented, “this game was the best game of the tournament!” Watching the “baby” Stars compete was evident that even at an early age; Coach Mack has his young talents believing that “hard work pays off later!”