Damon+J.

media type="file" key="damonj.mp3"

“Don’t Block the Shot, Take the Charge”

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It was fourth grade C.Y.O. basketball at holy trinity in Poughkeepsie. This basketball game was important; it was for a spot in the championship round. In the biggest game of my young life, I made a mistake and it cost us a chance to be the champions. All just because I (4’5” at the time) tried to block a shot and not take the charge and I paid for it. Which is why I believe you should take the charge instead of blocking the shot. ======

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It was the middle of winter at the Holy Trinity School for Catholics. It was my first season out of two at Holy Trinity and my first time being on a basketball team. So all I had was the two practices a week and all of the fundamentals my dad taught me over the years. Our team was one of the best and we were in the semi-finals game. We weren’t down by a lot and a quick momentum starter was all we needed. That game, I had a lot of playing time for my aggressive defense, unfortunately I picked up four fouls. The other team had a fast break lay-up coming my way and I was the only one back. This kid cleared me a foot. This was a fourth through fifth grade league so this kid was definitely older than me. For some reason I made an attempt to jump with him and block his shot. BUMP! Echoed through the whole gym as I fell to the ground and hit the wall. As soon as I hit the mats, I saw my vision grow smaller into a little circle. Next thing I knew I woke up with my coach, Mom, and a few teammates surrounding me. It turns out that I was unconscious for about two minutes. The foul was called on me but I was out of the game anyway and I got a concussion. If I were to have taken the charge I would have not gotten a concussion and my team could’ve had a chance in the final. ======

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I believe that you should get the ball back the easy way and take a charge. Its full proof and you look good for your whole team when you take a fall for them. When you block, more then half of the time the foul will be called on you and the other team gets two foul shots. Take the charge and look good. ======