The Next Time???

So on July 25th, we (Joshua, Jayden and I) decided to try our luck again at fishing (mainly becuase just a few days ago we invested in $200 worth of "fishing gear" and needed to make sure it worked), this time a the ol' reliable Stampede Lake. Thinking this would be "the next time" we got to the lake about 5:30AM and started to fish.

Well...different day, same outcome as a few days before. Nothing.

Still, a good time was had, good father and son(s) time and a little R&R. Still no fish. Dad blames it on the fact it was a full moon the night before...

And...it just means the BIG one is still waiting for us!!!

Where are the fish??

Joshua was starting to show a bigger interest in fishing, so I decided to take him, a few of his friends (Jashon and Alex) and Jayden fishing on July 23rd. This was also Jayden's first time fishing. We took off and arrived at Lake Pardee (in Ione) at around 5:30AM ready to catch the big one!

Here's the boys early in the morning and Jayden enjoying his first time fishing. Unfortunately, we didn't catch anything! Oh...except for this monster....

Everyone had a great time - except for NOT catching fish! Oh well...maybe next time...

A Day For Heroes....Next Level Bball Training 1st Annual Father and Son Basketball Camp

On June 25-26, we hosted our first annual Father and Son Basketball Camp-"A Day For Heroes". We had a total of 8 pairs of Father and sons. It was an overnighter camp and the pairs stayed a a local hotel in the area which was included in our fee.

The campers checked in on Friday at 430pm. They had the Hardwood Palace all to themselves! Lance ran drills, had fun contests, and father and son games. We provided dinner, dessert, showed the LeBron James movie, "More Than A Game" and served popcorn. On Saturday morning, campers checked back in at Hardwood and began their day with more fun contests. At the end of the camp, campers were awarded prizes, including awesome trophies, sweet goodies, Jamba Juice giftcards, etc.

The camp was a lot of fun and all the pairs really enjoyed themselves. In fact, they can't wait until the next one! It was a great bonding experience for the Father/Son pairs to play together and spend that quality time together. It was awesome.

Thank you for all the campers for attending! We hope to see you all at our next one. (Photos will be posted soon.)

Next Level Basketball Training Summer Skillz Camp 2010

In June, we hosted our 2010 Summer Skillz Camp. It was another successfull camp with approximately 70 campers! Thank you to all the great coaches and campers who attended our camp!

See you at our next one!

My DAWGS!

I just wanted to "give a little shout out" to MY DAWGS...my beautiful family. As everyone well knows, especially if you follow our blog, we have A LOT of basketball in our lives. Not only do both of the boys play, but Cyndee and I also run our training business.

As you can imagine, this translates to a lot of time in the gym.

My family is the reason our business is successful because they allow me to do something I absolutely LOVE doing - teaching and training kids. The fact that both Joshua and Jayden play - and excel - at the sport, is simply a bonus for me!

Joshua is the BIG DAWG, Jayden is the Li'l DAWG, and Cyn is the QUEEN DAWG!

Thank you Joshua and Jayden for being on the court, wanting to get better, and listening to your coach - you both play the toughest position: Coach's son. And thank you to my wife for her countless hours sitting courtside at the games, the practices and the training sessions.

"Coach" Lance

Reno Memorial Day Jam CHAMPIONS!

The Reno Memorial Day Jam tournament brings together over 800 teams playing under one roof at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. It is reported as the largest tournament of it's kind. It also marks the end of our YBA DAWGS Club spring season, and many of our teams work hard to have a "good showing" at this tournament. I have cut and pasted our tournament summary...it's a little lengthy, but read on for Joshua's accomplishments!

Everything our players have done since last Memorial Day Weekend 2009, all of the sweat and hard work was in preparation for Memorial Weekend 2010. After a few lopsided losses in the 2009 tourney, the boys made it a goal to come back and win it in 2010.And win it they did.

The team was "laser beam" focused from the Friday before the games. Even with a tough schedule ahead of them - early games, and no knowledge of the opponents - they did not let that phase them.

Game 1 YBA 67 Next Play (Farifax, CA) 46

The 9:15AM start time, (and only game of the day) was not in our favor, as the adrenaline from the weekend was rushing through everyone the night before. A combination of a very well coached, "scrappy" opponent that passed the ball great, and our lack of help defense saw YBA leading at half by a mere four points. YBA turned up the offense in the second half, and never looked back. Joshua Ohara led all scorers with 14 points (5-10 shooting), while Jashon Lewis (12 points), and Alex Martinez (12 points, 6-8 shooting) also made huge contributions. Bryson Zorich handed out 10 assists, and Joshua led the team with four steals.Coach said "It was a good effort by all of our players, not our best effort, and our defense needed help, but they did what they had to do to win the game."

Game 2 YBA 66 N Your Court (Foster City, CA) 57

Playing their earliest game EVER (8:00AM), coach didn't know what to expect from the boys. But, their focus was the key. They all went to bed early, with the goal to win in mind, and put their basketball game and the team in front of the arcade. Also, a surprise visit by the teams assistant coach from a year ago, "Coach Jim" provided a little "spark".The team from Foster City was a "hard nosed" team, playing YBA tough the whole way, Joshua Ohara again lead the team with 17 points, hitting three 3-pointers, Jashon Lewis and Bryson Zorich each had six assists, and Alex Martinez put forth a great effort with five steals and eight rebounds and 12 points (5-7 shooting). Ethan Wainwright was also a key player with nine boards and seven rebounds.Coach said "it was another gritty effort by the team, but we're capable of playing better. Our on ball defense and help side defense must've been left at home, because we were lucky to win this game!"

Game 3 YBA 71 Humbolt Bengals (Humbolt, CA) 44

With a HUGE break in between games, the players had some down time. But when it was game time, it was all business. During the break between the games, the team found their defense (much to the coach's appreciation) and YBA jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead, with a smothering, trapping defense that caused quick turnovers that led to easy baskets. The team had a balanced offensive attack, with Bryson Zorich (15 points, 6-13 shooting) and Joshua Ohara (15 points (6-9 shooting) leading the effort. Blake Pifer also had an outstanding game with 10 points (4-8 shooting), and made great "in game" decisions. Rounding out the scoring effort was Jashon Lewis with 13 (6-10 shooting) and Ethan Wainwright with 12 (two 3-pointers).Alex Schneider got busy on the boards with six, and made many "hustle plays" that kept the possession and led to easy baskets. Bryson lead all players with six assists, and Jashon Lewis led the team with nine steals. Coach said "I am glad we found our defense, because our offense goes as our defense goes. I hope it stays with us for a few more games. Winning our pool is HUGE, and it doesn't get easier from here. This is the first game this tournament we ALL played as ONE UNIT, our team play was outstanding, and if we can keep together and focused, good things can happen."

Game 4 YBA Hoop Dreams (Meridian, ID)YBA 75 Hoop Dreams 45

Playing against a VERY fundamentally sound and well coached team, YBA had to have their game faces on, and bring their "A" game, as this was now bracket play, and a "Win or Go Home" situation. The 915AM start time seemed normal after the last few days. The biggest concern was going to be the "energy level".With the opposing team being from Idaho, you can imagine they had a couple of BIG boys. Using a little strategy, the YBA DAWGS put the pressure on the guards to make the plays, and with our defense still with us, we were able to jump on them and force them into taking quick shots.The offense was also clicking, as the team shot a scorching 54% from the field. Leading the scoring effort was Bryson Zorich with 22 points (four 3-pointers, 8-11 shooting). Alex Schneider found his "O", and contributed 11 points on (6-7 shooting, and his first 3-pointer of the year). Blake Pifer also chipped in 11 points off the bench (5-8 shooting).A parent from the opposing team came up to us after the game and said "we have never played a team that can shoot so well! It was a fun game, and you guys are fun to watch!" Also, one of the refs made a comment "He is nice coming off the bench!", referencing Blake Pifer's energetic play.The boys were now one game away from their initial goal: THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Championship YBA 56 Roadruners (Palo Alta, Ca) 46

Facing a team they had lost to a year ago (at the same tournament) by 40+ points, the YBA DAWGS were confident that their hard work, and preparation for this game would give them a good chance to win. Playing in front of a very hostile crowd, and against a very talented, and athletic team, the boys were up to the challenge.Down by as many as six in the first half, the game was neck and neck the whole way. With a three pointer by Joshua Ohara sparking the team and inspired play by Alex Martinez, they scraped and clawed their way back to within one point at half time.Alex Martinez came up HUGE in this game with an "all out 100%" effort on both ends of the court and diving for any ball within the Reno area. Alex finished the game with 18 points (7-12 shooting) and 14 rebounds.Jashon Lewis was the emotional leader on the court, encouraging the team to "go as he goes". He finished with 11 points, and a number of tipped passes, changed shots, and smothering defense. Ethan Wainwright (11 points, six rebounds) and Joshua Ohara (10 points, two 3-pointers, two steals) also gave great efforts to help the team win.Blake Pifer and Alex Schneider both provided solid minutes, and played great all around games, with hustle at every minute. Bryson Zorich finished the game with nine assists, and played a solid point guard game in directing the team to victory.Coach said "The boys worked hard and deserved this win! They played a great team, but we were focused the whole weekend!

Nicknames are earned, and the boys definitely earned theirs this weekend, so here are some fun ones from RENO:

"The Playmaker" - Bryson Zorich

"Laser Beam" (for his laser beam focus all weekend)- Jashon Lewis

"The Junkyard DAWG" (Does the dirty work) - Alex Martinez

"The Glue" (without him, the team falls apart) - Alex Schneider

"The Microwave" (Can get hot in an instant) - Blake Pifer

"The Silent Giant"(Doesn't say much, but has a big impact) - Ethan Wainwright

"FedEx" (Delivers the BIG SHOT right on time) - Joshua Ohara"

Closing thoughts: This was a great end to a great season! As a team we shot 51% (122/240)and averaged 10 steals a game. The boys all worked hard on their individual games in the past year in preparation for this tournament, and it paid off. I am proud to be a part of a team with players that not only are very skilled players, but are also good kids. I am proud of their effort this past weekend (and past year), and happy for them that they were able to set a goal, and obtain it. Hard work makes the dream work!!!

Visiting Bachan

Here are the boys visiting bachan recently. Bachan had recently celebrated her 93rd birthday!! Doesn't she look good!?

Principal's Honor Roll

CHECK IT OUT! Joshua made the Principal's Honor Roll!! (For the 2nd trimester in a row at his new school)

If they did this for Jayden's grade, he'd be right there with big bro!!

We're proud of both our scholar/atheletes!!

Joshua in the news...

Joshua's school learned the importance of keeping our water clean. With that came the "only water down the drain" campaign. A contest was held, and three winners were chosen...and Joshua's art was chosen and published in the local newspaper! Check it out!!!

We're proud of our artist! As some of you may recall...Joshua attended an "Art" preschool...phew! Now we know those were dollars well spent! lol!!!

April 24-25 Tahoe Qualifier Champions

Another trophy to add to their collection! The boys won another championship which was the Xtremehoops Lake Tahoe Qualifier. They went 3-0 again. In their first game, they beat the Reno Ballers 38-30. The second game they beat the Cameron Park Bruins 50-20, and in the championship game, they beat the Fairfield Ballers 55-31. Way to go Dawgs!!

Next Level Basketball Training Spring Break Skillz Camp 2010

During spring break, we hosted another successfull Next Level Basketball Training basketball camp. It was our largest camp yet with over 60campers! It was also our longest camp running from 9:30-2:30 for 4 days straight!

We had awesome coaches, a great agenda filled with intense workouts, fun games, prizes, even lunch!

It was a complete success and a great turn out! We received nothing but positive feedback and are expected to put on a summer camp as well.

We have some fantastic spring events coming up as well. Stay tuned...

2nd Trimester Grades

Joshua and Jayden had outstanding grades again and this time at their new school! Joshua received the honorary Principal's Honor roll which is the highest honor roll you can receive!

Great job to both of our boys!!

Air Jayden

Here are some great action shots of Jayden, thanks to Tye...Jayden's come a long way and is following in the footsteps of big bro. His ball handling and aggressiveness is getting better and his shot is a very clean one!

Jayden's goal is to become a YBA Dawg just like Joshua and compete at the AAU level. At the rate he's going, he'll be there in no time!

Go Jayden!

Playing With The Big Boys

Since Joshua's team had been winning so many tournaments in row, Lance decided to enter our 5th grade team in a 6th grade division.

Before their 1st game, the opposing 6th grade team and parents were pointing and giggling at our 5th graders, saying things like "awww, look how cute and little they are" and, "they can fit in our shoes!" Blah blah blah! In the 3rd quarter of the game, our team outscored their team 14-0! They weren't laughing anymore, that's for sure! After the game, one parent looked at us and just said, "wow!"

Joshua's team played against the "trees", the 6th grade boys were significantly taller, stronger and their game was a bit faster. In spite of all this, the 5th grade DAWGS played extremely well!

In the first game, they lost by 3 points but were ahead in the 3rd quarter with a 14-0 run!

In the second game, the 5th grade DAWGS won by 1 point. In the 4th quarter, we were tied up, Joshua hit a clutch 3 at a very critical time in the game and gave us the lead! It was amazing!

And in the final game, the DAWGS beat a team from Napa by 18 points! The Napa coach did not, I repeat did NOT like the fact that his 6th graders were losing to a bunch of little 5th graders. He received 2 technical fouls before being ejected from the game (like an NBA game)!

The entire team played their hearts out. Joshua got a number of "oohs and ahhhs" from onlookers. They were impressed with his quickness, defense, ballhandling, shooting, and aggressiveness. He is the littlest kid on the team and the 6th graders towered over him, but he went in there and helped his team fight hard to the end of each game. It was so much fun to watch.

Even though we didn't win the whole tournament, the kids felt like winners! We were so very proud of our 5th graders. They played hard and kept up with the bigger boys, never feeling inferior or intimidated. They were so happy and can't wait to play in another 6th grade tournament. This time they were actually challenged in each game. I don't think anyone expected our boys to do as well as they did, but they proved everyone wrong!

Awesome effort and heart to the 5th grade blue DAWGS!

One Day Shoot-Out

On Saturday, Joshua's team took championship again and were 3-0! YBA beat El Dorado Hills Trojans 56 to 28, Sierra Storm 66 to 21, and the Folsom Force 38 to 35. The championship game against the Force was a great game. YBA was down by 14 at one point and came back to win it by 3! The YBA boys played so hard and fought to the very end. Congrats to the DAWGS!

Martin Luther King Jr. Classic Tourney

This weekend, Joshua's team went 3-0 again! 49-28 against the Sierra Storm, 56-23 against the Rocktown Ballers, and for championship, 44-27 against the Folsom Force. What a great tournament. Last year, Rocktown always beat us by no more than 5! Also, the Force was "THE" team, I don't think any team beat them last year! Way to go YBA Blue!!

New Year's Challenge Tournament Champions

This past weekend, Joshua's 5th grade Division I YBA Dawgs team played in their first official winter season one-day tournament. The boys went 3-0 beating out the Reno Ballers (46-33), Del Oro Eagles (43-14), and the Davis Wildcats (58-24)! Great job to the DAWGS!

The Baller

Our team photographer, Tye http://www.allstar-sport-shots.com/ created this photo collage for each player on our team! Amazing isn't it? She's creative, innovative, and so very generous and puts so much into her projects! Thank you Tye for all you do for our boys and our families in general! What a great keepsake!

Jayden's Hotshots Win

Last Friday, Jayden played in his first game of this new winter season. The entrie team played great and got the "W"! The refs turned the score off once Jayden's team scored 37 points because the opposing team had only 2 points! Jayden's team could NOT miss! Fantastic win. Last season, Jayden's team went 0-8, we already know that this season is going to be a great one for sure!

Farewell To Mom O...

On Monday, November 30th Mom O. (Lance's Mom) passed away. She had been battling pancreatic cancer for over 2 years. To some of you, this may come as a shock but for those of you who knew her, you understand that she was an extremely private person. She didn't want people to know and at one point specifically asked us to not say anything to others about her condition.

Although we knew that her "time" was near, we didn't know it was going to be that soon! We spent Thanksgiving at the house along with Lance's sister, Kim and her family, and his brother Ryan and his family.

We lost her way too soon and there is an emptiness in our lives without her. The holidays will especially be difficult because it was her favorite time of year when all of her kids and grandkids were together. She was such a proud Grandmother and absolutely loved each and everyone of her grandchildren with all of heart.

Thank you all for your support, kind words of sympathy and love. Please help us all by remembering the good times that you shared with her and keep those memories close to your hearts!