OK, I know that this is the post that no one wants to read right now but I hope all the girls do look at it in the next few days. Here's 10 reasons why you all should be thrilled with what you just accomplished:
- You were a team that last year: finished under .500, did not qualify for the Shore Conference tournament, and lost in the first round of States. On the bus ride home from Ocean after that final game last year could you ever have even imagined where you just were today? You just played in the CJ 3 State Finals!
- You were predicted to finish 4th (or was it 5th) in B-North this year. You are B-North Public champions and gave RBC all they could handle for the overall title.
- There are 112 schools in Central Jersey. You made it further than 108 of them!
- There are 432 schools in the NJSIAA. You made it further than 416 of them!
- You were 5-0 in overtime games this year. Not only is that amazing all by itself but the experience that comes from winning those games is priceless.
- Like it or not, the teams that win championships are teams that are dominated by Seniors. They're just plain more experienced, bigger and stronger. The 4 teams that are left in Group 3 are: Matawan - 8 seniors, Montgomery - 7 seniors, Northern Highlands - 9 seniors, West Morris - 11 seniors. The only teams to beat you this entire year each had between 8 and 11 seniors on their roster. You have only 2 seniors on your team and you just made it to the CJ3 finals - that's AMAZING.
- You could play with any team this year. Of the 5 teams you lost to this year, you also beat 3 of those same teams. We did not play the other 2 a second time. I would love our chances in a rematch against either of them.
- You are young. Like we already said, only 2 seniors. Yes, Karlie and Liz will be very difficult to replace. They bring so much to this team. I hope everyone noticed their passion, toughness and total effort given each and every day. Learn from that example and be ready to be that kind of player next year.
- Yeah, the Rocky video was corny. It's titled 'Going the Distance' because that's the name of the song in the background. Remember, Rocky didn't win the first fight, but he went the distance. Just like you did today. He learned from that fight and he did win the next fight! Learn from that game today. Remember how today feels all off-season. Use that feeling as motivation to come back stronger, faster and better next year.
- You have the chance to be a very special team next year. Lots of upperclassmen + experienced underclassmen + extended playoff experience from this year = potential for great things. Work hard. Get ready. Commit yourself 100 percent.
Well, that's more than I usually say in an entire month.
Thank you all for a great season. It's been a lot of fun watching you all play.
