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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, May 30, 2014

Summer Hoops Under Way


Instead of going to a meeting, I spent last night at Allentown's Cedar Beach Park. Local high school teams were playing basketball, and it cost nothing to watch. Teams came from all over the Lehigh Valley. I saw Saucon Valley, Freedom, Easton, Liberty and Emmaus, to name a few. But I was there primarily to watch Becahi and Whitehall.

Many varsity basketball players also play football, and their coaches won't release them from the weight room for these games. So they arrive late, or not at all. But that's good news for 8th graders like Mikey Esquilin (left) and Dat Lambert (right). They both not only played, but even started. That's the beauty of Summer Hoops, when the coaches and kids are more relaxed, more willing to try different things, more willing to have fun.

Mikey and Dat are both point guards, and have been playing with or against each other since first grade. Over the years, they've become great friends. But all that goes out the window when they face each other. They had a blast, and also play on the freshman and JV teams, along with AAU. They basically play 6 days a week. They are lucky, too, because they both have had plenty of support from people who, unlike me, know how to play the sport.

Dat's first baptism into basketball came at the hands of Rodney Robinson. He taught him to dribble with his left hand by tying his right hand behind his back. Judge Emil Giordano, who really should give up the judge biz fir professional coaching, was next. He taught Dat how to steal. Dat also played under cerebral Craig Golden for the 'Canes. He taught Dat to use his head on the court. Chuck Rockmore, whose Wall2Wall teams have won multiple tournaments, taught Dat enthusiasm. His biggest supporter, however, has been his mother. She gets him to all these practices.

Mikey has had different coaches, including his Dad and a Salvation Army coach who never lost a game. His mom and grandmother are at every game, rooting him on.

Last night, Rodney watched Dat play. "Keep your head up," he'd remind him."Don't lose that dribble too soon," whatever that means.

I take pictures.

Whitehall drubbed Becahi in this game, though nobody seemed to notice the score. Dat blamed his new shoes. He and Mikey skipped off to the playground (at least that's what they said) while parents gossiped.
He's definitely getting a lot bigger than his mom. 
I did give Dat a few pointers, too, but I had no idea what I was talking about. Dat politely listened.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice pictures of young people, Bernie. You know who will doubtlessly try to claim you have a fascination and can't control your urges, while in point of fact she is the one with the obsession and lack of control, and as a result may soon be homeless.

Bernie O'Hare said...

They may be young, but they sure are big. I went back and looked pics I took two years ago at Cedar Beach of many of the same kids. I can't get over how much they've grown.

Anonymous said...

Nuff said!

Anonymous said...

She must have been a victim of a close family member as a child. It would explain her accusing or insinuating pedophilia toward men she hates. That doesn't forgive a $67K judgment, but it would explain her mental health and anger issues.

Anonymous said...

Don't mention that nut Mezzacappa in this great post.

Anonymous said...

Dat is certainly growing into a very handsome young man with good values. You and his mom have certainly earned the right to be very proud of him. You had a lot to do with his positive upbringing.

Anonymous said...

I did recognize Tuyet. Wow she changed! I remember he with glasses. Hubba-hubba!

Anonymous said...

how often are games held at Cedar Beach. Seems like a fun way to spend an evening, watching the young talent of the LV.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Almost every weeknight in the summer there are different leagues playing there.

Anonymous said...

Good post and a nice retreat from the daily political grind. Some of the best sports action in the area can be found for free on local fields and courts. I can't pass a youth baseball game without the urge to pull over and watch a few innings. Good for Dat and thanks to his mom and you.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Nice of you to say, but Dat has had a lot of people look out for him. He's fortunate to have had lots of good coaches, teachers who really care and he himself is driven.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I know what you're saying about watching a few innings of baseball.

Anonymous said...

Always enjoy reading about Dat, it's been a pleasure watching him grow and mature!

Thanks Bernie.

The Banker

Bernie O'Hare said...

Thanks Banker, you have always been very supportive of him. Maybe when Beca faces a certain other school in your area, we'll hook up.

Anonymous said...

Not only is Dat a great ball player, he is a great kid!!! Very bright future for that young man

Bernie O'Hare said...

I deleted a comment linking to a petition drive by Mezzacappa. This is not the place for her cRaZiness.

Anonymous said...

Look forward to it Bernie, just let me know when the games are.

The Banker