We are the Champions!

I don't mean to brag by way of this post, but I don't think I've ever been on a team that has been the champion of anything. Well, last night, my elders quorum team fought through a double header to win our stake championship!

The drama really came in the first game. Down 12 or so at halftime, we battled back to tie the game in the final minutes. After a little back and forth, Jason Burgess (cousin of Sam Burgess of BYU) hit two clutch free throws to tie the came with 40 some-odd seconds to go. After a huge defensive stop and rebound, we called a time out to plan the final play. With 16 seconds left, we brought the ball down the court and dribbled out to about 5 seconds left. The ball was in Brett Jenson's hands as he drove from beyond the 3 point line to the middle of the key and, with 3 defenders hanging on him, made an amazing off balance banker from about 5 feet out. The opposing team had 1 second and made a last ditch heave, but to no avail. Thanks to Stan Goodell for showing up for the second half and providing the leadership to bring us home.

The second game was a good one, but not quite as dramatic. We held a two point lead at the half. The hero of the first game had gone to get stitches after getting elbowed in the chin (Hey, it's church ball, right? Someone had to get stictches.). We were able to maintain a lead through most of the second half as it ended up coming down to free throws. With about a minute and a half left, the other team started fouling. We were up six or so at that point; two made free throws made it an 8 point game. They dribbed down and hit a three to cut it to five. We made two more free throws off the quick foul, after which they proceeded to hit another quick 3. 4 point game. With about 30 seconds left, we missed one of two to make it a 5 point game. They brought it down and got two looks at a three. On the second attempt, the shooter was fouled. At the line, he missed all three free throws. We hit two more off the quick foul and put it away.

I know a lot of you won't find this interesting, but I had a good time. Church ball really is a good way to get some exercise and get to know the guys in the ward, especially when you've been in young men's for almost 3 years. Region starts a week from Saturday!