"I-Wil" Wildcats #11

As many of you know the Blazers now have won 8 straight games. The amazing part is most of those wins have come without two of our best players; LaMarcus Aldridge, and the unproven Man Child Greg Oden. With the likes of last years Rookie of the Year; Brandon Roy carrying the team, and big play from Travis Outlaw, Channing Fry, Webster, Przybilla, and Jack, the Blazers are looking playoff bound.

As of just a few weeks ago the Blazer Mania was over 7 games back from Utah, now a 1/2 game separates them. Included in the recent win streak was 2 wins over Jerry Sloan's boys. Needless to say, I have been reborn and I am so happy to see Nate McMillan have success here in P-town.

Though Rip City is back, the team and player I wish to blog about is a few more miles south down I-5 (of the Rose Garden) the ever popular, Wilsonville Wildcats. Starting for the second straight season at point, Junior, "I-Wil" (I just came up with that name, and I am pretty sure no one calls him that, but, I think it is cool).

As cousins and family, we often talk of athletics, and more often participate in them at family gathering. In fact athletics are usually why we gather, and then cover it with an excuse, sometimes called a wedding. During these thrilling events, we ask how the team is doing, but do we ever get to see our fine High School athletes in action, usually not.

That is why I am doing my small part, with limited technology to bring this extended family closer together. Though the footage does Isaac no justice, I just wanted to give you at least a small taste.

Isaac is such a baller, he will sneak up on you, all the sudden, BAM he has 20 points. He sees the court very well, literally runs the team - keeps them on track, has an incredible shot - like only one other lefty cousin I have seen, passes very well and plays D unlike most of the rest of the family. I would like to see him slash to the rim a little more and get to the line, because he is so efficient from that charity strike. All in all, probably the best player Wilsonville has ever seen.

Background on the game: It was an "Endowment" game, which basically means an extra game, that notoriously has limited attendance and costs more money. (By the way, Uncle Stan, thanks for covering me last night!) Should you decide to attend one of "I-Wil's" games you may be lucky enough to have Stan cover your admission, get a free piece of pizza, and enjoy the 5th quarter with ice cream and the leading scorer of the game.

I also wanted to note a few things in this post:
1. I am currently a MALE NURSE for my broken back mother, beckoning at her every call, so it was lucky I found a little time to put this together. Your prayers, support, and food is most appreciated.
2. It is great to be back in Oregon.
3. Another Plug for Blazer Mania.
4. And just put down my excitement for church ball over the holiday break. I am pumped.

Which brings me to my last point, THE COUSIN CHALLENGE:
Being proud to be from the Beaver state, and speaking in behalf of all Oregonians, I challenge the state to the south to a dual.

Details: We have a finely tuned athletic machine we can put together up here. With a few recent additions, thanks to marriage (Trevor and BW). We just need a wedding (HINT HINT to those bacholers out there, you know who you are). As thoughtful Oregonians we will also give you any married-in help you desire (i.e.- Steve Hales, the deep threat from downtown, who's game is like unto J.T.-BYU). We anxiously await, and if necessary we can have a few warm up games if you feel you need to wait until Ben and Nate get home from serving the Lord.

Lastly, I say, Merry Christmas, and BRING IT!!!

Remembering Aunt Sharon

On Thursday night my moms oldest sister, Sharon, passed away. The last memory I have with Aunt Sharon is at my cousin Dawnielle's wedding (see pictures below). It was great to have such a supportive aunt through the years. No one was expecting this to happen so soon, but through this it has re-emphasized the importance of families. How grateful I am for my family- both immediate and extended!