The 8A boys basketball team of St. Joseph found itself, again, in familiar territory -- the Oakland CYO Diocese Playoff. I believe it's the boys' 4th straight year in the playoffs. And it's a fitting end to their season, and CYO basketball, as a whole.
Our first game was yesterday, and we played St. John of El Cerrito. Venue was St. Elizabeth Elementary School in Oakland. I took BART from the office, got off the Fruitvale station, and walked about 3 blocks. My son, James, got a ride with one of his teammate-buddy, Devin, along with BFF Coby, while the wife drove from work.
When I saw the opposition, I remember playing these kids before in 6th or 7th grade. But I couldn't remember the outcome. Some said we beat them, but it just didn't come back to me.
The boys played exceptionally well last night. We led right away, and never looked back. There were a couple of scary moments when St. John came as close as a couple of baskets, but they were no threat. When the buzzer sounded, final tally was 42-23.
Whenever we play in tournaments outside of our very own Mission Valley League, we expect to see all sorts of behavior from players, parents, and fans. Playing in the Diocese is not any different. What I do not understand is why are these behaviors unchecked and allowed to happen -- unsportsman-like conduct, cussing, answering back at referees, arrogances and total disrespect for officials, rough play, and just downright ghetto behavior!!! I won't surprised if the kids don't go to Catholic school, but just play for them, but it's more shameful if they do. And the parents? Well, I guess the fruit doesn't fall too far from the tree.
We experienced such bad behavior in our game against St. John as our lead grew and their frustrations mounted. I just shake my head and ask myself, "are these boys really from a Catholic school?" I must commend our boys for maintaining their composure and focusing on the game, despite the rough play and, often, bad calls.
Prior to our semifinals game this afternoon at St. Bede's, I was a witness to another bad behavior, this time from the fans (maybe parents, too). With our win against St. John, we moved on to the semifinals round and played Corpus Christi of Piedmont. We arrived early and watched the last 5 minutes of the other semifinals match between Christ the King (CTK) and St. Ignatius (SI).
It was a close game, and St. Ignatius was in penalty. So every foul against them meant freethrows for Christ the King. In the last couple of minutes, whenever CTK was on the foul line and about make a shot, SI fans would make noises to distract the shooter. The players complained and the referee probably had enough of it, too, that he stopped the game and warned the crowd of league rules on fan behavior. But some people in the crowd didn't want tohear what he had to say and continued heckling. Finally, the official called out a fan and had her escorted out of the gym. CYO and tournament officials then talked to the crowd during a timeout to make sure nothing untoward happened.
I just find this shameful. It's disgraceful and humiliating. It really is. And to think that this is a Catholic league. Well, who said Catholics are saints???
More on the semifinals game later.
No comments:
Post a Comment