So, what have I’ve been up to since we last spoke? What have I been doing in my spare time? I’ve been watching Vampire Diaries.  This show is really good because all kinds of stuff are always happening. A lot of plot twists and head shaking moments that really keep me glued to the show.  It’s really hard to stop the vampires from getting what they want. They are kinda invincible. As far as music I’ve been listening to Jay Critch a lot, he’s one of my favorite artists right now. I also got a chance to catch the “Black Panther” movie and it really lived up to the hype.

I’ve been spending time learning the game of basketball, practicing and getting ready for AAU season and making sure I continue to do well in school. Watching on the sidelines can be difficult, but I realize it can also be a good thing.  I have accepted it, so when I’m watching the games, I see the floor and can go through each game like I have virtual glasses on. I see the opportunities to score and the missed opportunities and lapses on defense. I am learning by storing the plays and images in the back of my mind. Morgan Freeman, that black actor, that played God in “Evan Almighty” he said,” Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen - that stillness becomes radiance.” And I am learning to be still and observe.

AAU Season with The NY Gauchos

The thing about sitting and watching is that you see things that you wouldn’t normally see because the game is slowed down. Now you see everything around you both on and off the court.  I’ve watched referees make great calls and dumb calls. I’ve watched some coaches, actually coach their teams to wins and other coaches right into losses.  I’ve watched coaches build up players and watched others kill players confidence. I’ve watched players make great plays and I’ve watched others make not such great plays. But this is the game of basketball.  Basketball is life. I am getting ready mentally and working out to be physically ready.

Off the court, I am learning to be still as well, especially in school. I’ve learned that even professionals such as teachers and staff can show some not so great lessons and some positive ones. Right now I am just focused on my grades. My main goal is for my grades to be higher than they were last semester. And I am on pace to do just that.

St. Raymond’s has played 9 games since we last spoke.  I will talk about a few that stood out to me.

1/28/2018

St. Raymond vs. St. Peters
This first meeting with St. Rays vs St. Peter’s was played in Staten Island and was one of the better games that we played. The ball moved fluidly and the players made great decisions throughout the game that resulted in the win. Everyone played hard and Ray’s had a good crowd there to cheer them on.

2/1/2018

St. Raymond vs. Long Island Lutheran
Smh…this game was hard to watch. Both teams have great talent, but St. Ray’s could not execute in that game. The ball was not moving like it did against St. Peter’s and the lane was being clogged up by the bigs making it hard for St. Ray’s to attack the basket. St. Ray’s was unable to adjust and loss… it was just a very ugly game overall.
 

2/13/2018

St. Raymond vs. Mount St. Michael
My brother Dallas and Omar Silverio played well in this game. The game went into overtime and St. Ray’s was able to execute down the stretch. The whole team played good defense. Dallas and Omar were just on fire all game and led St. Ray’s to victory.

Next time you hear from me it'll be AAU season with my bro Chris and the 'Choz family!!!

-Da'Marco