Basketball season is officially back, which makes it the most wonderful time of the year. And we didn’t ease into it either. Right out of the gate, we hosted our first tournament of the season and came home with the gold.

Because of our stellar record last year, we started this season ranked 5th in the Great Northwest Basketball League. And as the Basketball Gods would have it, we faced off with #4 West Salem and #3 Hillsboro for our big debut. Yikes! But we came out strong, played our game, and beat both of them, plus Aquinas, just to be extra clear that we’re here to compete.

This year looks a little different, too. We still have the best coach ever (a.k.a. Dad), and the most dedicated hype crew (courtesy of Grandma’s strong cheers), but instead of two evenly split teams, we’re rolling with more of an A and B team setup, which basically means: look out, world! And get ready, paparazzi… because we like to win.

I’ve also been asked to help out with the 7th grade team again, so you’ll probably see me at some of their tournaments this season, too. More basketball is always a “heck yeah” from me.

It’s a long season, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because while it stretches from November-April, it’s also my favorite season. I’m pumped, I’m ready, and I can’t wait to see where this year takes us.