Ouch! This score is proof of why we should be slow to judge. This score does not reflect the talent of our seventh grade boys, nor does it show the heart and grit of these young men. Allow me to explain…
    Our boys played a team of men. Before the game I asked if our competition consisted of true middle school players. We were told they were in fact in middle school. Wow. Before us was an immediate test of character and guts. Our boys played with the heart of a lion, and they raised their game against what looked like a varsity boys team. At the end of this incredible challenge, I was so proud and honored to witness our boys honor Christ by shaking the hands of an opponent who chose all game to run the ball, shoot three pointers like rain, play man-to-man pressure defense, and keep its starters on the floor, and all of this while being ahead of us by fifty points!
    Strangely enough, our fans were more complimentary and encouraging than they are after a victory. I'm guessing, because like me, they were proud to see our boys say “No!” to a running clock in the second half and just have fun fighting and battling in an unfair contest. Our fans recognized the greater spiritual lesson of life being learned and experienced by these young men. And let me tell you that their effort made God look good!
     Justin Jackson again led the team in scoring with 13 points. Keaton Hart dropped in a hard-earned 7 points and 4 rebounds. Michael Pender, who was pressured all game, still distributed 6 impressive assists.