A Bruin, at 5

Maiya started playing basketball for 3-5 year olds with the Bruins in January.  After taking a basketball clinic in November, Maiya decided she wanted to join Jr. Lakers with the Y.  Actually, she was kind of hot and cold. We'd ask her if she wanted to play, and she'd say yes one day, and no the next.  We thought she was going to be a no, but then she changed her mind and decided to try it out.

The first game was pretty scary.  Lots of kids falling down and crying, the kind of heart-tugging that goes to parents when their little ones are freaked out by the speed and craziness of the game.  Actually, a good word to describe 3-5 year olds playing basketball is "pell-mell," a little chaotic, a little crazy, just a little too fast.

Some of the kids are really good, they know what they are doing, they know how to run and dribble and pass and others are learning where and how, but not really why they are in the game.  Maiya's first game was a little deer-in-headlights-ish, but in her 2nd game, she actually made a basket.  And, even though they don't keep score, Maiya's into early math and she is keeping score and mouthing us the number of baskets each time one is made.

I like that the team has boys and girls, and that the teams are very diverse ethnically.  I like that I also like that the snacks are healthy fruits and water.  I like that she's a hustler and not afraid to run back and forth, and that she really wants to get the ball.  But mostly, I like that Tony, Maiya and I are getting out early on Saturday mornings and going to the games as a family.  Go Bruins!