There are many sureal and amazing moments in life...
This past Saturday was one of them!
The Squalicum Storm boys won the 2A State Championship!!!
Let me share with you the story, the journey, the amazing season that they have had!
December.... the start of the season, at least for the Storm! The first game showed that this team was out to win, and to win by a lot. At the end of the month they travelled to California to win big against 3 teams and then lose (their only loss of the season) to one of the best teams in the country. Even though it was considered a loss, the Storm took as a huge learning experience that would help train them for the state tournament.
January.... The Storm continues to cream every team they play while giving their loyal fans games to marvel at. For one game they travelled to the Sundome and whopped the team they played their as well as getting a sense of what the state tournament was going to be like.
February.... Not many games left. No team can stand against the Storm... they are winners and they get the job done. There is improvement in each player... they went from super good to... well, unbelievably good! They start the district championship tournament.
March....The Storm once again claims the District Championship title and maintains the number one ranking in the state. Every team that might play them at the state tournanment knows that the chances of beating the Storm depend on those teams playing the best game of their lives and even then... the chances are slim.
March 11 - 14... the best week in Storm history! And at this point I must beg you to read the following story about the championship game.
The STORM vs. the Tigers
The day dawned cold and cloudy, it looked like it was going to storm… what a coincidence!!! :D
Because the championship game did not start until 9:00 pm, both fans and players alike had a long day ahead, filled with waiting, hope, and excitement. Although I can’t tell you what exactly the players did or how they felt, I can just imagine. My friends, family, and I worked to fill the many hours with distracting activities; going to see elk, eating out, talking, and watching other basketball games. As the hours wore on, anticipation mounted and even though everybody was exhausted, new waves of energy began to surge through. We arrived at the dome around 5:00, just in time to watch two boys’ teams play for the 3rd and 6th place trophies. The team that we wanted to win won, so we were all happy. The dome was beginning to buzz with excitement as all that was left now were the girl’s and boy’s championship games. The court had been moved to the center of the dome and all the seats folded out. I ran over the state clothing section and bought a sweatshirt and had my last name put on the back… to commemorate the wonderful week and season that it had been.
Finally the girl’s game started… pitting the ABMHS Wildcats (who were then undefeated) against the LHS Lions. Right before the game started, our team entered the building looking calm, cool, and intimidating! We watched as they walked over and sat down and then proceeded to “watch” the game. The girl’s game was fabulous!! It was a complete upset as the Lions brought home the state trophy!!! Shortly before the game ended, all the Storm players got up and proceeded to the locker room to get ready for the greatest game of their lives.
As we waited for the Storm to come out onto the court the big group of us tried to figure out seating arrangements, took pictures, and grinned at each other. There were lots of Storm fans and blue, white, and silver were seen all over the dome. Finally, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity the team ran onto the court amidst thunderous applause and loud cheering! Their warm up began and we watched with pride as they made basket after basket!
When at last the warm-up ended and 8:00 was put on the board in preparation for the first quarter of the game, I think I had a grin stretching a mile wide. I had complete confidence in the Storm, they WOULD win and they WOULD bring home the state trophy, there was no doubt in my mind. The team that they were playing was a team that they had beaten 2 times already and so the Storm knew what to do to shut them down. The outcome was already determined!
Suddenly the lights went off, only to be replaced by spotlights that spun crazily around the dome and little static colored lights dancing sporadically all over the court. Music was turned on and the announcer’s voice boomed out over the cheering of the crowd to start the championship game. He introduced each teams reserve players with the spotlight following each one as they were introduced. Then he announced the starting line ups and the noise became deafening as each of the Storm starters was introduced. Last, the coaches were introduced and when Mr. D’s name was announced the roar amongst the crowd was the loudest yet! Everybody was pumped up, adrenaline was high, and we were ready for the game!
The lights went on, the coaches had last words with their teams, and the officials ran out onto the court. The players took their spots and Kyle (our 6’7” player) took his position underneath where the tip off would be. As the ball shot into the air he jumped and hit it quickly to one of his teammates who was waiting nearby. The game had begun!!!!! Within the first few minutes of the game, it was clear that the Tigers did not even hold a chance. The first quarter finished off with a score of 21 - 6, with the Storm leading. I would like to tell you that I remember each and every shot and that I can now relate to you the fantastic moves that each player did, but I can’t. Much of the game is a blur to me, with my most vivid remembrances being cheering so loud that I became dizzy, jump up out of my seat countless times, clapping until my hands tingled and eating a record number of sticks of gum for a game. I do recall though that Kyle did amazing! The other team could not shut him down and he finished with a score of 13 due to his quickness, and fabulous plays made by the team. Michael and Patrick had great blocks, and even though Michael had quite a few fouls, it didn’t matter because he was so good. Derek and Keith both had some beautiful baskets which caused the crowd to rise to their feet and let out cheers that could be heard throughout the state. Caleb did awesome… he helped with passes and scored. I vote him most improved player, he totally rocks!!!
At half-time, the Storm was ahead as usual. When the Storm re-entered the court, they were met again by loud cheers. As the 2nd half of the game started, my heart sunk as I again remembered that this was the last game of the season, the last game that Kyle would ever play (he is a senior) and the culmination of a season of hard work. But then I was reminded of what awaited the Storm in a matter of 30 minutes. The 3rd quarter sped by and as the 4th quarter started and I felt as though I could never sleep. Suddenly the score was within 10 points, but no worries, the Storm extended that lead to 17. With only a couple minutes left to play, Mr. D. began putting in the reserves and the thunderous noise started up again as these players bounced onto the court. With only one minute left on the clock the whole crowd was on their feet ready for the win that was soon to be complete. The starters and main reserves began hugging each other and everybody was grinning! After having to redo ½ a second the game ended with the SQUALICUM STORM BECOMING 2A STATE CHAMPIONS! To try and write down the craziness, noise, and celebration that followed would be impossible, you just had to be there. I have never seen Mr. D. so happy in my entire life. The team was glowing and they could not stand still. With watery eyes I watched as they were awarded the state trophy (a golden basketball) and poised for their victory picture. Many of the players were on the radio, reporters were swarming around the team and fans were waiting expectantly on the other side of the blockade. Once the radio interviews were over, the team went and cut down both nets and celebrated with radiant smiles as they held up those precious pieces of the net. Keith even got a date to the prom, which he did in a very sweet way! When Mr. D. finally got up on the ladder he cut the whole net off and placed it around his head. Then he led the whole team and student body in the fight song of SQHS. After that the players dispersed to be congratulated by family and friends. Camera flashes were seen all over, high fives and hugs were given, and masses of people descended upon the team.
When we left, the team had just returned to the locker room to celebrate as a team with the coaches. We went and took care of an errand and then at 11:00 pm we went to Red Robin which had been reserved for only the team and SQHS fans. The whole building waited and waited for the team to arrive and when they finally did they were met by cheers and applause. It was so great to watch them interact with everybody. What fun it was to watch Grant B. get his picture taken with Christopher and then go and congratulate other players. Watching Mr. D. carry around his young grandson was priceless and I will never forget watching Brady stand on the team’s table and kiss that golden ball. There is a future basketball star!!!!
Now it is over, and the long wait until next season begins. But instead of it being heartbreaking and depressing, it is so very exciting. Although I am very sad and slightly depressed that I have to wait 9 months to see the Storm play again, I am even more proud of them and the season that they have had. I admire them not only for their talent and victories, but for the sort of people there are. They are tough, humble, kind, hard-working, and respectful; something which is very hard to find in state champions.
But I especially want to congratulate Mr. D who is in my opinion the greatest coach ever. He deserves this win! He has the highest opinion of his team. On Saturday as he was coming down the hall in the hotel, I said “here comes the greatest coach ever”, and his quiet reply was “It is the players that make the coach”. I agree that the players are a huge part of it, but I also think that it is because of the heart, the hours of work and guidance, and the prayers of Mr. D, that the team made as far as they did.
And so, I now end this story (and if you read all of it you are to be congratulated). You may think that I am slightly crazy to get this excited over basketball, but if you saw they Storm play and you watched them year after year, you would be just as crazy about them as I am.
CONGRATULATIONS to each and every one of the STORM team and coaches who are now 2A STATE CHAMPIONS!
Because the championship game did not start until 9:00 pm, both fans and players alike had a long day ahead, filled with waiting, hope, and excitement. Although I can’t tell you what exactly the players did or how they felt, I can just imagine. My friends, family, and I worked to fill the many hours with distracting activities; going to see elk, eating out, talking, and watching other basketball games. As the hours wore on, anticipation mounted and even though everybody was exhausted, new waves of energy began to surge through. We arrived at the dome around 5:00, just in time to watch two boys’ teams play for the 3rd and 6th place trophies. The team that we wanted to win won, so we were all happy. The dome was beginning to buzz with excitement as all that was left now were the girl’s and boy’s championship games. The court had been moved to the center of the dome and all the seats folded out. I ran over the state clothing section and bought a sweatshirt and had my last name put on the back… to commemorate the wonderful week and season that it had been.
Finally the girl’s game started… pitting the ABMHS Wildcats (who were then undefeated) against the LHS Lions. Right before the game started, our team entered the building looking calm, cool, and intimidating! We watched as they walked over and sat down and then proceeded to “watch” the game. The girl’s game was fabulous!! It was a complete upset as the Lions brought home the state trophy!!! Shortly before the game ended, all the Storm players got up and proceeded to the locker room to get ready for the greatest game of their lives.
As we waited for the Storm to come out onto the court the big group of us tried to figure out seating arrangements, took pictures, and grinned at each other. There were lots of Storm fans and blue, white, and silver were seen all over the dome. Finally, after waiting for what seemed like an eternity the team ran onto the court amidst thunderous applause and loud cheering! Their warm up began and we watched with pride as they made basket after basket!
When at last the warm-up ended and 8:00 was put on the board in preparation for the first quarter of the game, I think I had a grin stretching a mile wide. I had complete confidence in the Storm, they WOULD win and they WOULD bring home the state trophy, there was no doubt in my mind. The team that they were playing was a team that they had beaten 2 times already and so the Storm knew what to do to shut them down. The outcome was already determined!
Suddenly the lights went off, only to be replaced by spotlights that spun crazily around the dome and little static colored lights dancing sporadically all over the court. Music was turned on and the announcer’s voice boomed out over the cheering of the crowd to start the championship game. He introduced each teams reserve players with the spotlight following each one as they were introduced. Then he announced the starting line ups and the noise became deafening as each of the Storm starters was introduced. Last, the coaches were introduced and when Mr. D’s name was announced the roar amongst the crowd was the loudest yet! Everybody was pumped up, adrenaline was high, and we were ready for the game!
The lights went on, the coaches had last words with their teams, and the officials ran out onto the court. The players took their spots and Kyle (our 6’7” player) took his position underneath where the tip off would be. As the ball shot into the air he jumped and hit it quickly to one of his teammates who was waiting nearby. The game had begun!!!!! Within the first few minutes of the game, it was clear that the Tigers did not even hold a chance. The first quarter finished off with a score of 21 - 6, with the Storm leading. I would like to tell you that I remember each and every shot and that I can now relate to you the fantastic moves that each player did, but I can’t. Much of the game is a blur to me, with my most vivid remembrances being cheering so loud that I became dizzy, jump up out of my seat countless times, clapping until my hands tingled and eating a record number of sticks of gum for a game. I do recall though that Kyle did amazing! The other team could not shut him down and he finished with a score of 13 due to his quickness, and fabulous plays made by the team. Michael and Patrick had great blocks, and even though Michael had quite a few fouls, it didn’t matter because he was so good. Derek and Keith both had some beautiful baskets which caused the crowd to rise to their feet and let out cheers that could be heard throughout the state. Caleb did awesome… he helped with passes and scored. I vote him most improved player, he totally rocks!!!
At half-time, the Storm was ahead as usual. When the Storm re-entered the court, they were met again by loud cheers. As the 2nd half of the game started, my heart sunk as I again remembered that this was the last game of the season, the last game that Kyle would ever play (he is a senior) and the culmination of a season of hard work. But then I was reminded of what awaited the Storm in a matter of 30 minutes. The 3rd quarter sped by and as the 4th quarter started and I felt as though I could never sleep. Suddenly the score was within 10 points, but no worries, the Storm extended that lead to 17. With only a couple minutes left to play, Mr. D. began putting in the reserves and the thunderous noise started up again as these players bounced onto the court. With only one minute left on the clock the whole crowd was on their feet ready for the win that was soon to be complete. The starters and main reserves began hugging each other and everybody was grinning! After having to redo ½ a second the game ended with the SQUALICUM STORM BECOMING 2A STATE CHAMPIONS! To try and write down the craziness, noise, and celebration that followed would be impossible, you just had to be there. I have never seen Mr. D. so happy in my entire life. The team was glowing and they could not stand still. With watery eyes I watched as they were awarded the state trophy (a golden basketball) and poised for their victory picture. Many of the players were on the radio, reporters were swarming around the team and fans were waiting expectantly on the other side of the blockade. Once the radio interviews were over, the team went and cut down both nets and celebrated with radiant smiles as they held up those precious pieces of the net. Keith even got a date to the prom, which he did in a very sweet way! When Mr. D. finally got up on the ladder he cut the whole net off and placed it around his head. Then he led the whole team and student body in the fight song of SQHS. After that the players dispersed to be congratulated by family and friends. Camera flashes were seen all over, high fives and hugs were given, and masses of people descended upon the team.
When we left, the team had just returned to the locker room to celebrate as a team with the coaches. We went and took care of an errand and then at 11:00 pm we went to Red Robin which had been reserved for only the team and SQHS fans. The whole building waited and waited for the team to arrive and when they finally did they were met by cheers and applause. It was so great to watch them interact with everybody. What fun it was to watch Grant B. get his picture taken with Christopher and then go and congratulate other players. Watching Mr. D. carry around his young grandson was priceless and I will never forget watching Brady stand on the team’s table and kiss that golden ball. There is a future basketball star!!!!
Now it is over, and the long wait until next season begins. But instead of it being heartbreaking and depressing, it is so very exciting. Although I am very sad and slightly depressed that I have to wait 9 months to see the Storm play again, I am even more proud of them and the season that they have had. I admire them not only for their talent and victories, but for the sort of people there are. They are tough, humble, kind, hard-working, and respectful; something which is very hard to find in state champions.
But I especially want to congratulate Mr. D who is in my opinion the greatest coach ever. He deserves this win! He has the highest opinion of his team. On Saturday as he was coming down the hall in the hotel, I said “here comes the greatest coach ever”, and his quiet reply was “It is the players that make the coach”. I agree that the players are a huge part of it, but I also think that it is because of the heart, the hours of work and guidance, and the prayers of Mr. D, that the team made as far as they did.
And so, I now end this story (and if you read all of it you are to be congratulated). You may think that I am slightly crazy to get this excited over basketball, but if you saw they Storm play and you watched them year after year, you would be just as crazy about them as I am.
CONGRATULATIONS to each and every one of the STORM team and coaches who are now 2A STATE CHAMPIONS!
