Idris Muhammad, Season Report February 2023: Everyone loves a comeback story, but this is no comeback story. This is a story of hard work, tenacity, and love. The “ball is life” phrase is often thrown around loosely. But after spending 3 years with my team I can genuinely say that ball is life for these boys. After our record last year of 5-11 everyone had a chip on their shoulder. We all were sick of losing. So over the summer, some traveled, while others played basketball for AAU teams. I was on the former end of the options but that did not mean I wasn’t playing basketball. On my summer journey not only did I play basketball I studied it so that when the new season came around I’d be prepared. But the beginning of my senior year had separate plans. I broke my ankle while at football practice. And was out for an entire 3 months, finishing football season and slowly impeding on basketball season. I was heartbroken, I thought I’d never be in a competitive state. The thought of not being able to play the game I love broke my heart, and I didn’t want to let my team down. After those 3 months and my being released from my boot, I was still unable to completely function. My ankle was stiff and tender. After rigorous rehab, I returned to practice. Once there, I realized everyone had gotten better. Everyone wanted to win, and we looked as though we were having fun doing it. There’s a simple saying I pride myself on, “The urge to not lose will always be stronger than the urge to win.” So as we progressed and grew, we merged. WE became a unit. All moving towards one goal. The goal of not losing. Winning comes naturally to those who work hard, but we simply worked to not lose. Our first game against Manuel Arts was perfect. I saw teamwork, effort, and a victory at the end of the game. We moved through our season after that collecting victory upon victory but also losing some games. Whether it be individual guilt or collective disappointment, we knew we had to be better to compete at a higher level. Everything came together during our most recent home game against Dorsey, we were making shots, making the right plays, and playing defense, it almost looked as though we were favored by the basketball gods. Everyone played and everyone made plays. It was perfect down to the last minute details. And if asked do I believe in my team? I will scream yes from atop any mountain top if asked. If asked would I do it differently? No, I would not. If asked where are we headed? I’d tell you to not take your eyes off of us or you might miss the show. |
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Year 2 Partnership with Row LA / View Park High School, View Park Middle School and Vista Middle / Developing Leadership Through Rowing / Rowing & Sailing On The Water April '23!! |
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