Keeping Busy

Had a busy weekend and a busy last few weeks.

Grace is doing Pro-Hoops Academy with Jay Hernandez. It's close to home so that really helps. Three nights a week from 7-9:00 she works out with Jay and anywhere from 6 to 10 pretty good players.  9-10 she shoots on her own. She's the youngest and some nights the only girl. It's been really good for her to have to go up against these big strong guys. She's not nearly as tentative and has been going strong to the basket as well as taking her fair share of open jump-shots. Jordan and McKayla come some nights and Grace running with or going against those guys is a priceless opportunity.



Still practicing one night a week with Rising Stars and coach Lauren Tartamella. Played a tournament last weekend and the girls really stepped it up. Wound up losing three out of four which sounds bad but it really wasn't. They were in every game and played hard all the way to the end. Played man to man defense which is what they need... too much switching for me but... can't have everything. Saw some really good things from the girls and Lauren did a very nice job of subbing and setting up combinations of players, moving girls in and out of the core group. Practicing one night a week is really a very tough thing. The tournament season is coming to an end and it seems like this past weekend the coach and girls were really putting things together in a meaningful way for the first time. Makes us want to do more. They all got better this past weekend, hopefully the team will be playing in Nike Swoosh this summer. Love the parents, love the coach, love the girls, love the organization.... Rising Stars is legit.

Bethany LaSueur's baby shower was this past Thursday. Grace couldn't make it since she had training but we kicked in a couple bucks towards a gift and we truly wish Tom, Bethany and their future point guard all the very best! Bethany has done a fantastic job with Rising Stars.

Grace also picked up a game with Game7 McCombs.... played really well. He had her in at the four and five which was interesting to watch since she's only been at the three the last few months. Posted up a bigger girl who wasn't as skilled and took her any time she wanted to. Forgot how much fun it was to play for Kevin! Hopefully we'll do more with him.

Glen Cove hired a new Varsity and JV Coach for next year. NY Basketball Hall of Famer Greg Mayerhofer. Seems like a really nice guy. Came out to see Grace and some of the other girls play out in Happaugue over the weekend. He's also already had two open gyms. Seems like he's motivated, definitely knows what he's doing and is trying to do a good job with the girls. Coach "Mayo" also got the girls into the Freeport Summer League for a 10 game season through July. He's been coaching for something like 30 years and has won state and county championships so.... should be a great thing.

Obviously the kids miss this year's JV and late season Varsity coach Corinne Turner. She was with them two years, was close in age, they had a nice run last year and she's from the neighborhood. Nice person who could/should do big things.

Went into Manhattan on Saturday night and hooked up with one miss Carrie Moore.... and, she had a special guest star with her one miss Brittany Hunter. GraceAnne was very excited to see them both! Some of our very most favoritest people on earth. Carrie looked happy and I hadn't realized how much I missed Brittany, both extraordinary people.

Still doing Sunday's with Jay and Pro-Hoops.... going to see our good friend Laura Barry at St John's for the last time tomorrow morning. Waaaaah! We are REALLY going to miss Laura, she has been soooooooo good for GraceAnne. Can't wait to see where she winds up.