Raderstorf Family: Three Games, Three Nails....

The Celtic's first playoff game was Wednesday. We played a team we had already beat twice before, so no one was terribly worried about it. I was very nervous however.

Celtics came out with power and dominated the entire game. Celtic's won 18-4,moving them to game two of the playoffs, that score however didn't keep me from biting my nail the entire game

Playoff Game One-First nail nub.

Thursday was our second game. We played the only team that beat us during the regular season. Every girl played absolutely beautiful. Every play was executed perfect and the defense was hard core hardly letting the other guys score. Towards the end of the game it was noticeable that the girls were getting tired and started to lag a bit, but being ahead 16-6 didn't keep me from chewing..

Playoff Game Two. Second nub.

Then came Friday. I was starting to get a little concerned because Taylor had had track practice everyday after school and then spending each night late at the games she was pooped, Thursday night while Taylor was brushing her teeth she was falling asleep at her sink.

Walking into the Gym Friday my stomach was in knots, and Taylor's eyes were a titch glassy from fear. Off the bench the others guys could not miss a shot. At half time they were up 9 to 1. Things were so intense, 4 of our girls were crying and every other girl was shaking their heads knowing they were going to lose. Coach Joe asked Taylor, one of the crying girls, why she was crying and she said "I don't know". It's called pressure Taylor!

Coach Joe knew that desperate times called for desperate measures and gave a pep talk laced with a little bribery.

Coming into the second half our girls got it together and started shooting and making points. However, with each basket we got the other guys got one too. No kidding, the score was tied the entire second half. With two minutes left in the game one of our best players got fouled and made both of her foul shots providing us a two point lead. At 52 seconds on the clock Taylor stole the ball and the coach called a time out. With the ball in our possession we entered the court, held on to the ball and won..24 to 22!!

Playoff Game Three. Third Nub.

I am not exaggerating when I say this was the most intense hours of my life. I felt so helpless as I was watch these girls trying so hard to pull through the pressure this game put on them. One of our best girls was so nervous she could only stand in place and let the game go on around her. Thank goodness we had Coach Joe who knew just what the girls needed for a little motivation..pizza! That's right. At half time Coach told the girls if they would stop crying and pull it together he would buy them all pizza after the game. So thanks to peperoni The Celtics are U10 Champs!!

Each girl got a big 'ole trophy.