Basketball Season Starts

Basketball season has started for Clifford. Half of the team from last year returned, and they have a new coach, whom we are already impressed with! He likes to be called Papa G or Coach G, or Gary for those parents who choose to not call him by his nickname. He's this older black guy where basketball is his life. He coaches for the school district, and I've only heard good things about him. He's firm, but patient with the boys. Practices are one night a week. Their team name is Royals. They had their first two games this last Saturday. Sadly, they lost both games, but only by a few points. They played hard and made the other team work for it. I was in charge of snack for one of them, so I decided to spend a few hours making up sugar cookie basketballs. Clifford was thrilled when he came home from school and saw them (score some brownie points for me!). The games were a blast to watch!!! The boys are much more aggressive this year, yet amazed us with their teamwork, which has definitely improved. And Clifford himself as improved greatly as well, though he still has areas to work on....like listening. This last Tuesday was the last practice until after the new year, so the coach let Clifford borrow a basketball to practice with. I'm so happy we were able to continue Clifford in basketball. Pete and I, who are not into sports, are quickly becoming a fan of the sport.