Throughout the Citrus College Men’s Basketball team’s journey in the 2010 CCCAA State Playoffs, Citrus College Sophomore De’Andre Haskins will give the Fighting Owl faithful periodic insight into what is going on with him and the team. Today’s blog is the fifth installment of The Basketball Blog.
While talking to one of our red-shirts on the team earlier this week, Brandon Parga, he expressed to me how much he’s been enjoying practice. He prepared himself everyday to take it to us every second in practice. We talked about how hard each and everyone competed and our sense of a united-emotion throughout every person in the gym. This week’s practice was ultimately about getting ourselves mentally prepared.
Last night [Thursday] was the banquet for all of the teams at the State Championships. As we entered the doors of the Hyatt where the banquet was located the whole room was quiet and all eyes were on us, The Citrus College Owls. We looked around and proceeded to walk through the lobby, the very first thing I heard out of someone’s mouth was “There go’s Citrus”.
Leaning against the wall, I could feel all eyes still on us; and I thought I love this feeling! Waiting to get seating in the dining room we got a chance to see our opponents face to face. Every second waiting in the Hyatt I wanted to start the games that moment as I felt tension constantly growing throughout each team.
Tonight we met as a team at 9pm and discussed our previous times spent preparing for other competitions in our past and trying to master our ability to get rest, while channeling our minds on our ultimate goal. San Jose City has a good starting five; a three guard, a good front court and two athletic high flyers. I know that they like to get up and down the floor and I know that they will be well prepared, as will we!
My emotions going into tomorrow are warrior like, I am anxious, I am excited, I am fearless, and I am ready for battle. As I walked through each and every player room tonight and asked them “are you ready?” By the looks on our player’s faces, there was no need to answer that question. Our family was born to own this moment.
Blog #1
Blog #2
Blog #3
Blog #4