It has been over 15 years since I've been to a high school basketball game. I realized how much I miss that energetic atmosphere. I've played a lot of pickleball and tennis since I graduated, but those sports don't have that pumped-up, fan-screaming, ambiance.
And it was louder than a usual high school ball game because it was a town rival game. The place was p-a-c-k-e-d. I loved it! Granted, Ben and I have a 13-year-old daughter, who is an amazing babysitter for her brothers when we go out, so we didn't have the stress of keeping the kids entertained. But I really did love the energy at that place!
Ben serves in the Young Men's organization with some of the boys on the team, so we were supposed to cheer for Canyon View, since that's who those boys play for. However, it was really difficult to cheer for them and not Cedar! We were also supposed to wear black to the game. You know, Canyon View colors. I was torn! I wanted to wear red for Cedar and black for Canyon View. I ended up going neutral with green.
While watching the game I had one of those moments when I realize I've changed and grown up a little bit. There were things I've learned that had I known then would have made me a better ball player.
The biggest thing is patience. It is so crucial to sports, and life in general for that matter. Sadly, Canyon View did not possess this virtue on Wednesday night, but Cedar had it in abundance. Neither team was at their best making shots, but Canyon View kept rushing the ball. They would rush through play after play. They could not keep a hold of the ball either. 18 years ago (Yikes! That's a long time ago!) I would never have noticed that.
I've always been a competitive person, and I still am, but now my competitive side has lost the anger that usually accompanied it. And I'm a better player because of it. Those young boys out there would get hot-headed and lose their focus so easily. I did the same thing when I was in high school. I'd let my temper get the better of me and whoosh! Explosion! I still have moments when I explode, but they cause less damage and are few and far between.
I really miss playing basketball. Not finishing out my junior and senior year with basketball is one of my biggest regrets. At the same time, though, I don't know how involved I would have been in the band program. And that experience is definitely one that has shaped me into the person I am today.
Oh, and seriously, high school students are loud! I should have brought ear plugs with me! I can't believe I used to make that much noise...wait, that's not true. I still make that much noise. When I laugh.
