Last trip to Biggs

Well, here I sit in the Gridley Starbucks, sipping a caramel brulee frappachino, and building a video of Lucy's last b'ball tournament in Biggs. Tiny little Biggs is about 6 miles north of Gridley. They host an invitational tournament that Lucy has participated in the last three years. Lots of good memories. The Portola girls always do well here. In addition, for the tournament her sophomore year, Lu won an All Tournament trophy here. It has always been a nice time, with lots of extra curricular shopping and movie viewing in Chico.

I remember coming here for Emily's freshman year in b'ball. Still remember the surprise when all of a sudden she blossomed into a good player. She had been on teams since 3rd grade. Always worked hard, but never particularly excelled or showed any promise. Then all of a sudden, at the first game of the Biggs tournament, she "got coordinated" as Kenny Smith, one of the other Dads told me. She had a wonderful season, and was selected the Teams MVP at the end of the season. Bitter sweet memories.

Mel McGlaughlin poses at his home with the team

The Biggs gym is named after a local man in his eighties named Mel McGlaughlin. He is a local high school sports legend as a player and coach. He started the girls b'ball tourney years ago. He is usually at all the games, and does a free throw exhibition. Last year he made 19 out of 20. Last summer he had some heart problems and had by-pass surgery and a pacemaker implanted. It was a tough summer for him needless to say (I can identify)! He has only been out of the hospital a week or so, and he wasn't at the game. The girls missed him and decided to visit him at his house. He was so pleased, and enjoyed the visit tremendously. He made it to the gym for most of the girls second game.

Lucy has been the epitome of the hard working player. She has busted her but for every improvement she has made, and really has become quite an accomplished player. Her court sense and defense are excellent, and with a little more work, her offense could improve dramatically.

After her long and successful Volleyball season, she (and most of her team mates) have had almost no time to practice, or get conditioned. Yet they played well so far. Their athleticism has pulled them through.

They won their first two games fairly handily. I have made a short video (below) mostly featuring Lucy for your viewing enjoyment. She is number 24 with a long straight pony tail against Pierce, then with the messy bun against Tule Lake. 

The championship game is against Biggs in about three hours. Biggs has an aggressive, talented and well coached team. They whipped us twice last year so maybe we will catch them napping. Regardless, it has been a wonderful weekend for Dad (and Mom too)!

That's All!