365 days later....

A year ago, the world stopped for a moment as I looked into the eyes of a baby that was just minutes old; nothing will ever take the place of me holding him for the first time. I really remember it like it was yesterday. It was day of uncharted waters and a major life adjustment for me and Lauren. Today, one year later, we celebrate the first birthday of Davis.

You wanna see how fast time flies by? Have a baby and you'll be amazed. People often told me that you couldn't imagine how much you could love something so much. I didn't believe them, but it is true. It's been a year of adjustments and learning new things everyday. It's been a year of more worry and stress at times. However, it's been one of the most rewarding years of my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

With that sappy stuff said, today was Davis' big day. Although he will never remember his first birthday, it is something Lauren and I will remember forever.

Happy Birthday ,"cool dude"!

Ahhh, rivalries...

I was just another onlooker last night when the Calera Eagles and the Shelby County Wildcats squared off. I'll be honest, I have not seen much basketball outside of the County (Shelby), but I would think the rivalry between the Eagles and Wildcats rank amongst some of the best around. Sure, there have been blowouts, but the instant classics far outweigh anything else. Tuesday night was one of those to talk about.

Here is what I know:

• Calera has a good team; they may make a deep run in 4A, if not win it all. They are quick and athletic and a fun team to watch.
• They have a freshman, Deandre Haynes, that is smooth as silk on the court, never says a word, and can jump out of the gym. Yes, a freshman. I can't imagine his skills in the next three years under Burdette. Go watch him/them play.
• It was a jam packed crowd and loud.
• I couldn't hit free throws with the game on the line. Big kudos goes to Mr. Hyde for doing so.
• If Shelby Co had one turnover, they had 20. However, they battled all night and had many chances to win the game.

Here is my story on the game: Calera holds off Wildcats

Quick rant: I got to the game early and the girls game was just beginning the second half. With five minutes to go in the 4th quarter, the Shelby Co coach was still standing up, coaching from the bench and even calls a timeout......up by 38 points! Come on. Is that necessary? Maybe it was just me bothered by that, but I doubt it as others were as puzzled as me.

All the best,

Ricky

Where have all the Bulldawgs gone? A basketball inquiry.

Thursday night came and went and, yet again, I was on the AHSAA high school basketball scene--Vincent Yellow Jackets v. Montevallo Bulldogs. Yes, I've been busy.

Here is what I know and would like to know:

• It was a very sparse crowd with not many folks in attendance
• I didn't partake in sour straws that night.
• It was the quickest basketball game I think I have every been to. It started early (7:15'ish) and I was en route to the casa at 8:30. Nascar fast game.
• When I look back and think of the Montevallo Bulldog teams of old, I remember high flying, athletic, shoot the lights out teams--every year. I do not understand what has happened? In my opinion, Montevallo has always had athletes and good basketball teams. Maybe it's just a down time right now, every team goes through those. I have no concern that they will resurge on the hardwood in the near future. I remember when I was in high school at Shelby Co., you'd have to get to that gym hours before the varsity games just to get a seat. At times, you were lucky to get a spot where you could stand and see the game. Man, there were some $$ games there!

Here is my story on the game: Vincent Swarming Into The Post Season

All the best,
Ricky

High School Basketball On A Saturday Night...

I made the trek over to Briarwood High School Saturday night to cover the #9 Lions taking on the Shelby County Wildcats. Here are some things I gathered:

• Briarwood has $$ facilities! This was the first time I had seen their "new" gym, but I think it has been there a while. It was the first time I had been to a basketball game there since '97-'98. To be a private school with no state funding, etc. they do it big over there. Very nice gym/setup, great organization.
• The AHSAA has a referee that looks like Matthew Perry of "Friends". Loved to blow the 'ol whistle though!
• "Sour Straws" have become a concession stand favorite for me--the sour apple ones.
• I wish I was the "trend setter" in this age of athletics. First, it was the mohawk by a player ...caught on like wildfire. Then, it was the (name a color)-out....caught on like wildfire. The most well known one is with Reggie Bush as he started the "write your area code, etc." on your eye black strip for prime time football games--my fav by far. With that said, the Briarwood student section represented the White Out the Wildcats really well. Props to them.

Now, the game was a big one as far as 5A, Area 8 was concerned. The winner would put themselves in the driver's seat to host the Area 8 tournament. Briarwood had been playing well as of late and so had the Wildcats. I must say if the refs blew their whistles once, they blew them 100 times. Holy foul calls...

It was a good game, good atmosphere. Story is linked below.

Lilly leads Shelby County past Briarwood

All the best,

Ricky

Streaks were made to be broken....

I covered the Montevallo Falcon vs. Alabama-Huntsville Charger game Thursday night. It was a lopsided game at first, but turned out to be a good one in the end.

It was the second time I had been back to my alma mater's new gym. The first time I went was when the Falcons were making a national championship run--you couldn't fit another body in that place. This time I was honestly expecting a similar showing, maybe a little less. However, it was like the old Myrick Gym days when about 100-200 people showed up. It was more than that Thursday night, but I expected more. Maybe it was the frosty weather...gosh almighty, it was cold!

The way the game went along early in the first half, I told some buds around me that UAH was a about to blow UM out of there own gym. That was just the way it was going with UAH jumping out on a 15-2 run; Montevallo couldn't get anything to fall!. UAH went on to lead it at the half.

Both teams came out hot in the 2nd half and it was a shootout. Montevallo shot close to 60%, but never seemed to get over the hump--they never led in the game.

UAH winning was the first time the Falcons had lost to UAH since Danny Young has been there--10 meetings. That's insane. However, the bigger story was Josh Magette and he brought his game. He was one missed free throw away from getting a career high in points, but he settled for 22 instead and, most importantly, a win.

I still believe there wasn't a logo/decal on Montevallo's floor he didn't hit a three from. UAH's coach, Lennie Acuff, is a very nice guy to talk with, real personable. Danny Young is too as it was the first time I had ever spoke with him.

There had to be a least 50+ Hoover/Spain Park folks, family, and friends there to watch him. Magette pleased his faithful Thursday night and, indeed, it was a good homecoming for him.

Montevallo falls short, Magette shines

All the best,

Ricky

(photo courtesy of Matt Orton)