UNDER 21 TEAM TRAINNING BEGINS

The U21 practice sessions will begin on Wednesday June 17. at 7.30 pm at Checker Hall.
Once again The Checker Hall team will be made up of players under 21 from the Braves club and from the Cougars team. In addition there will be players from May hill team joining for the first time.
I hope they enjoy this season as much as they enjoyed the 2008 season. Good luck men.

BRAVES GAMES THIS WEEK

Fri 19 June at Gully Hill 6.30pm vs Yank Team Todd City United.

Sun 21 June at Culloden Road 6.30pm vs Grazettes Nets

ARAWAK BRAVES COACH HAPPY WITH THE CONTRIBUTION FROM THE BENCH

It is really quite remarkable that Braves continues to get a team to enter the BABA competition every year.  It is testament to the resilience of Adrian Brome and the wonderful group of young men that make up the club.  Every year some issue occurs that threaten the resolve of the club and yet the club continue on.  This year was no different.  I can safely say that every week one or two issues come up and they are dealt with.  People are offended sometimes by the manner some issues are dealt with and some by the fact they are the focus of the issue but it never seems to melt the bond that is Checker Hall Braves.
This year the team learned of the news that one of our most respected and inspirational players will not be in a Arawak Braves uniform  this season.  This caused some disappointment because of the fact that no actual reason was given and i guess everyone was wondering if it was something they did.  He did discuss the possibility of his leaving with the Coach two weeks before.   It  still took a couple of weeks, a few practice games for them to realize that for what ever reason he choose not to play and to respect his decision and move on.  Everyone agrees that he is still or brother and he needs our support.
This hurdle being crossed a number of players have stepped up their play.  Corey Graham, Demario Prescod, Alair Beckles, Jason Jordan and Ron Taitt have already shown great improvement.  Jason and Ron have had to share the point guard position in two of the four games because of injury to Roland Fields and have been doing a fantastic job.  Demario’s game has step up more than his attitude which still needs some work but he is fitting in offensively and is now paying some attention to his defence.  Corey Graham’s shooting is coming to the fore and Alair Beckles is working on his finishing the fast breaks and they just needs to play more.
It is hard to replace Shane because he was the heart of the Coaches strategy. He depended on him heavily.  He was a team all in one.  He was my 1,2,3,4, and 5  and was the birdie in my ear.  However Andrew and Leacock are attempting to play his role with some success.  So far they get the coach thumbs up.  Adrian took one game and a half to realize that Shane is no longer on the court with him and has now adjusted his role to suite the present cast.  Bovell has taken up the offensive lead and is very active on the defensive end working very hard and Andi Daniel is looking solid he just has to adjust his shot slightly because as the season goes on he has to relieve Adrian more.  Chadd has work commitments and has not been able to get a game yet while Hanif and Darrin are experiencing subs issues.
There is generally a positive energy coming from the court and i detect a genuine effort by all to play their roll the best they can.  A Coach ask for anything more. 
The next big game is on Thursday against Todds City ballers.  A game we need to win.  We have faced hard times and set backs before but they only cements or togetherness.  WE ARE THE ARAWAK  BRAVES

A PICTURE CAN SPEAK A THOUSAND WORDS?

                                          IN THE PHOTO THE COACH IS GIVING AN INSPIRATIONAL HALF TIME PEP TALK.

But to be honest do you think all the players here are listening to every word the coach is saying.  I don’t know but i will try to interpret the individual expressions and what was going through each persons mind at the moment the camera went FLASH!!!

Andi ” You believe the coach spit in my face again?”

Adrian ” I wonder when i will get a coach that i can look up to.  He has been a pain in my neck for 15 years. grow up shorty.”

Darrin ” Coach look like a fat elf in that hat.  I wonder if he ever went to xtreeme when he was young.”

Hanif  “Coach alright he there talking bout winning this game but he want me to lose my girl.

Jason ” Hanif  i see that when he start to talk he does make you want to go to the bathroom too.”

Roland ” Every time he open he mouth he does say that i don’t like practice because i don’t like to run. But honestly look at he guts.  I think he need more practice than me.”

Read carefully and then tell me if what you read is true.  I know.  I agree with you.