A Homemade Recipe for Success

Prep time: 17 years

Cook time: 1 season

Servings: 17 players and 3 coaches

This homey blend of bonding and protein is the perfect recipe for team success.

Ingredients:
17 pounds of camaraderie
3 c. confidence
1 c. swagger
2 c. family contributions
1 c. fan support
1/2 c. good eats
Sprinkle with drive and determination

Best served with a side of whoop a**!

Instructions:

Bella Vista boys’ basketball had two terrific victories this week, and to what does this humble blogger attribute the success…home cooking. I am not a coach. I am not a player. I am a mama, and I stand by my bold statement.

By virtue of a league championship and a 23-4 season going into the playoffs, our team earned not one, but two home games for playoffs. Wednesday night we hosted Rio Americano and Friday we welcomed Consumnes Oaks of Elk Grove to our house. Being at home has many advantages, but there is nothing like home cooking to get a team going in the right direction.

Tuesday night, the team was treated to Italian cuisine at team captain KJ Logue’s house. I served up mock ravioli by the tray and at least four pounds of pasta with meatballs or just meat sauce. Families pitched in with salads and garlic bread and yummy desserts, which included birthday cupcakes for one of the players.

Time was spent eating, relaxing, watching old school hoops on the big screen, and eating some more. The boys laughed at each other’s jokes and watched in awe as Magic and others displayed their mad skills and short shorts. The mood was warm and welcoming, as the JV boys who were brought up for playoffs joined in the fun for the first time.

After the meal and the bonding, the boys were able to go home and get a good night’s rest prior to the Rio game, which they handled easily, 71-50.

That victory kicked player mom, Heather Berkness, into high gear as she prepared the team meal for Thursday. The theme was Mexican food, and the boys powered through an astounding 12 pounds of meat that was accompanied by beans and cheese, rice and tortillas, and of course, desserts. By the time I arrived to check in on the team, there was nothing left but smiles and players draped over every available piece of furniture watching basketball on every available TV. Ahhh…home cooking!

Friday night’s victory over Consumnes Oaks, 85-48, was a prime example of the benefits of that home court advantage. On the flip side, last year we were knocked out during our playoff run by the Antelope Titans at their house. Antelope High School is not too far away, but far enough that we felt the sting of being the visiting team. Huge sections had been roped off for Titan supporters and our Rowdy Rooters were relegated to a small section behind our bench. Many were turned away at the door because the gym was at capacity. Home court maximized its advantage to the fullest and we lost 55-46.

Friday night, the bus for Consumnes Oaks failed to pick them up in time. When the bus finally arrived, it was the wrong size and couldn’t fit the whole team. Parents needed to be rallied to get the boys to the gym on time. Rush hour traffic on a Friday, just added to the frustration and time crunch. Bella Vista was accommodating, waiting until the last players arrived before starting the fifteen-minute warm up clock. But that accommodation would not be enough to bring home a victory for the Wolf Pack.

Consumnes Oaks brought their team, their cheerleaders, and a small, but mighty, cheering section, but they couldn’t compete with our homegrown Rowdy Rooters. The Broncos claim that the Rowdy Rooters add, not only to the noise level, but also to the intimidation factor. Players can’t hear their coaches, and an effective cheering section can fluster officials. Combine raucous fan support with serious team bonding and a nice meal the night before and there you have… the recipe for success!