A Perfect Slam Dunk!

This week was week 7 of the Upwards Basketball program which means that we only have one week left. The first night of practice, Billy sent me a text message and said that "K" had no basketball skills at all. Now remember when I asked "K" if he wanted to play basketball he said "Sure" then a few minutes later he (very enthusiastically) questioned "Jennifer, what is basketball?". With that being said, Billy's message wasn't much of a surprise. We didn't expect "K" to be the star of the team. We just wanted him to have a place to get some energy out, learn to play on a team with other kids and to more importantly, just have fun. If he gained some ball skills, that would be an added plus. 

During the first practice, "K" couldn't even dribble the ball standing still. In his game today, he was dribbling the ball while walking down the court. During the first week, he would attempt to "granny throw" a ball into the net not even coming close to the hoop/net/backboard. Today he was attempting to shoot the ball and came very close to the net, throwing the ball overhand. Not too bad in our book!

The Upwards program does not keep score and every kid gets to play equal time. But it is hard to not realize which team is scoring points. The other 8 kids on "K's" team have shot and made many baskets throughout the season. "K" has not. Well today during his game, "K's" coach picked him up and held him close enough to the net that "K" was able to "slam dunk" the ball. Everyone erupted in applaud. Needless to say, Mom and Grandma had tears in our eyes looking at the HUGE smile (the one I love so much) on my little man's face. He was so happy and proud and excited and every other happy emotion. It was awesome. During the post game meeting, his teammates where congratulating "K".  He was on cloud nine! 

He was still smiling about it tonight while he was telling his other set of grandparents about it. Coach Kyle has no idea what his assisted shot means to "K" and to Billy and I!!