Clear Lake Falconhoops

Pasadena Texas Invitational Tournament Day 2, Game 1 vs. Jersey Village The Jersey Village Falcons had hoped that they could compete with the Clear Lake Falcons today in the first round of the games the teams would play on Day 2 of the tournament. They tried but they just did not quite have the talent. They were a good team but no match for the Clear Lake Falcons. Lake took an early lead with Armie Lewis scoring early and Kendrell Thompson hitting 2 trey’s in the first quarter to put the Falcons up 15 –11. Lake never looked back but maintained the lead throughout the game. 26-19 at the half; 40 -27 after three, and a final score of 50 to 40. It was a good contest and good practice for the Falcons. An opportunity for them to further hone their impressive skills prior to district games which really matter. That is what tournaments are for. Enjoy it, work hard, get better, win and enjoy it, prepare for district play. But sometimes bad things happen in a game where the athletes are often taxed to the breaking point. In today’s game, in the first quarter, an ill fated connection between an opponent’s bone and a Falcon nose sent Justin Kurtz to the floor in what had to have been considerable pain. Yep, he broke his nose. He heard it pop. He could easily recognize the sound and the sensation because it was not the first time his nose had been broken. It was the fourth! Three times in the last year. When a phenomenal athlete like Justin plays with the drive and intensity that he often does, it is no wonder things get broken and pain is inflicted. Whether it is worth it or not is not the subject of this article. My intent is to acknowledge the contribution Justin makes to his team and the value that represents to his team and his school. Justin’s playing days may be over. The doctor had cautioned him previously on repeated injury to the same area. There are many people who recognize how valuable Justin is to the team and they all hope he recovers soon and is allowed to continue his participation in basketball. The Falcons are a far better team with Justin. Losing Justin would be a major blow to the team but Justin’s well being far outweighs the joy and satisfaction that comes from excelling in a school team sport. We all have to face the day when participation in a sport can no longer continue regardless of how much we enjoy the sport. Sometimes it is increasing age that prevents us when our bodies tell us “You cannot hope to do this well any more. If you continue it, you will get hurt”. When it is time, you will know. Sometimes it is an unfortunate injury or physical change that stops us. But we all have to face that day if we love sports. Hopefully, Justin will not be robbed of the remainder of his high school playing career and the lifelong memories that will come with that. His team is eager to have him back as soon as possible. Scoring: Kendrell 12, Mark 9, Armie 9, Jordan 7,Brandon 6, Gordon 5, Lee 2 2’s: 9 of 23 not good 3’s: 5 of 9 very good free throws: 17 of 21 very good