This past Sunday, we mentioned some changes we plan to implement for this new summer season of CCU Basketball. This year, your team assignments will be grouped based on who can grow, learn and play best together. Please be aware that this may mean

As Spring approaches, it only means one thing: Summer is on the way! The Cumberland Sports Ministry would like to welcome all who are interested in participating and competing in the Chinese Christian Union (CCU) Summer sports leagues. Our mission is to develop mature Christians and engage others with the message of Christ through healthy sports competition.

This game started out bad for us, and got worst. I have to say that out of all the games so far, this one is the ugliest. No defense, no box out, and basically the other team did whatever they wanted.

One thing that I strive for

Some people wonder why people in Cumberland, especially the leaders, are so strict. Why can’t we cuss on the court or why do the leaders want us to come to church? We as leaders don’t want to yell or bench players. We don’t take joy in taking your joy away. We do it because

The Great leaders in the world have one thing in common. Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Caesar, Sun Tzu, and David most of these leaders were great commanders in life, but they also had a lot of issues and we won’t talk about that because it’s not important. What made these people great in the field of battle is

We faced a very good opponent Monday. I have to admit they were a very good team for C league.

Even though we

Challengers played a very physical game 06/24/09 night with Sunset Ministry. I know they are super physical and if I remember correctly we lost to them. I remember that before when we played, their physical play

Blowout? Losers? A Lost…A Blow out probably.. Losers.. Never. Were not Losers. We lost but not losers. We fought and we lost but if we grow and work hard to get better then we aren’t losers. A loser is someone who has fell but doesn’t get up. IF you don’t get up then yes you did become a loser because you are not willing to step up and grow. I see a lot of needs in the Seekers team only because we felt confidant that we can win because we won two games but then we still have a lot of work to do to become a cohesive unit. Every game I love the fact that players come together and talk about the game. I think this is important to us because if you all don’t talk you coach might not know what is important to all of you. I see the press early on made you lose your nerve but I think that if we learn to better communicate and work together we can learn to beat the press. Remember though talking and practicing goes hand to hand. If you don’t attend practice which I know for Seekers the attendance varies a lot because of people’s responsibilities then take time besides practice to play with your teammates so you can build that connection on the court. I think before the best teamwork I have seem was when I saw Carl Malone and John Stockton. Both players in my opinion were good players but because they worked with together and built the connection they both became great players. Right now you can see that the same coach for the Jazz is trying to do the same thing with the young players. Darren Williams and Okur both work very well together because they have that connection that they know how to Pick and Roll and create opportunities for each other. Keep working hard on developing skills like that. Step back up after this lost and stand tall. Losers HA! Not Us Not Cumberland Not Christians.

Psalm 97:11Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

Last night Kenosis played Full Life Quest team. This game capitalizes what happened to us the whole season. We player toe to toe, trading baskets, giving up second chance shots but managing to always be a little ahead of them at every turn. When the team turned their defense strategy to stop us our offence adjusted to take advantage. Jason Chow scored and gave a beautiful pass to Phillip for the inside score plus one foul. The game represented our seasons so far because every time to push hard the other team push harder but this game was different. Under harsh circumstances Eamonn coached with a cool head and made adjustments when the time was needed. He coached them with heart and because of it the team won. It wasn’t just the 3 points that won, or the defense stops but the total effort of the team. Then our victory was stolen. 3 seconds that changed the whole atmosphere of the game. 3 seconds that was caused because our emotions took over, 3 seconds where the thinking stopped. 3 seconds, one play.. 10 point lead, 2 seconds ball came in stolen, 1 second layup was put in with a slap on the backboard. 0 seconds.. the game was stolen. I personally through this scenario numerous times last night thinking that maybe we should have done this or that but at the end it is meaningless the damage was done. One technical 3, One infraction 2, One loss 1…. In just 3 seconds the victory we would of celebrated with joy and jubilance instead was celebrated with a coaches and players saying sorry to the players, CCU Committee and Quest’s Coaches. 3 seconds…..

I personally think that the player who did this didn’t do it because he’s Cocky or that he wanted to rub it in that his team is better but because he was over excited and his emotions took over him. I know this player and I know he has a good heart and doesn’t do things just to hurt people but the damage by this mistake is done. Players from the team waiting were mad, CCU Committee members and fans are mad but most importantly I think God was displeased. What people didn’t know was that players came to both games yesterday without bring jerseys or asking their coaches to bring them jerseys. Since the first game 2 people never got their jerseys and didn’t tell their coaches. Thanks God though, my bag has exactly 3 jersey that I felt in there by mistake. Thanks God and Praise to God that the jerseys fit the players. Thank and Praise God that the numbers weren’t duplicated so all the players could play. Thank God for such a blessing but then we dishonored his gift to us with this action. I ask you all to not be mad at the action that was done yesterday but to REFLECT. Reflect what CCU means to you, Reflect that the people you play with on the courts are either your Christian Brothers and Sister or are people who want to learn and seek God. Reflect that our actions either a conscious choice or through pure emotions does have consequences.

Remember. God Forgives and knows that we will make mistakes and sin but to be forgiven we must learn from what we did wrong and seek God's forgiveness. Remember to pray to God for he will show you the way and help you become a stronger person not just physically but mentally also.

Let's Win Humbly with Honor and Respect for our challengers.

Incredible highlights of our 2008 Cumberland CCU basketball highlights. This made lunchtime just that much more enjoyable.

Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoBoZukFZpU

A great BIG thanks to Jacky Chau for filming, editing, and compiling this video!

The Bench

Every time we hear about sports we always hear the word. THE BENCH, Every time it comes up it sounds negative. “Hey, do your best or I will bench you!!!!” “Come to Practice or You’re BENCHED!!!!” … Funny thing though. I been on the bench for so long that I actually enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong I like to compete but man to get the best seat in the house to watch a game.. It’s just great.. Well that’s not the only reason why the Bench is a good place for me. The main reason is that I believe we are put into situations and positions for a reason. I am on the Bench because in the game right now I am not the best man for the job. Of course we can all debate who the best person is or not in a situation but I think with trusting and believing in our coaches we know that when the time is right he or she will give us a time to shine. So being on the bench and watching the game I guess there isn’t much for me to do except enjoy the game right? Well, not in my opinion. If we are on the bench we have sometime the players on the court doesn’t afford to have. We have time to think, analyze and strategize. So in terms of basketball I can see who is the best players, figure out what is the best way to attack the opposing team and figure out a good way I can make a difference on the court when my chance is there. I think we should all remember that even though were on the bench sometimes we shouldn’t just use the time to watch and enjoy the game but also think about how to make a differences when were back on.

In truth an even thought there are a lot of negativity with the idea of being put on the bench. A team’s bench does make a major difference to the game. Some people don’t think it is and think that the bench mean that the player is weak but in truth the bench is the backbone of a team. Like the human body were only as strong as our support system. I am not sure about you young people but to us older folks we start learning how important it is to keep out backs safe because without a strong back we can’t do a lot of things. In the 2009 NBA Finals people stated that if the Lakers wanted to go all the way they needed their bench to step up. The starters can only take the team so far and the bench is the other component that takes them the rest of the way. If the bench or the starters don’t do their park then the game will be lost. So if your on the Bench don’t look down at yourself instead look up because your time will come soon and be ready because you will have the knowledge and power to make a difference.

Standings so far for our Cumberland teams:

Cumberland Basketball Silver Division Challengers: 2-0
Cumberland Basketball Bronze Division Seekers: 2-0
Cumberland Basketball Bronze Division Kenosis: 0-2

Cumberland Volleyball DC1: 4-0
Cumberland Volleyball DC2: 2-2
Cumberland Volleyball DC3: 4-4
Cumberland Volleyball C4: 4-0

Cumberland Softball B Division: 1-0
Cumberland Softball C Divison: 1-1

Off to another stellar start! Continue to support our players and pray for God's blessing in this ministry.

Is it me or are we doing really good? Last year I thought we did well but this year wow.. Big Ben, Jason's Passing, and Simon's 3 comming back.. wow.. and what about the Hustle. man the whole team hustled. Man I enjoyed that game. I wonder if what Allen said last time we talked that we were Gold Material is really true.. hmm I think I have to see more games to know for sure but in truth I know you guys are all Good. Our Goal is to turn that Good to Great. So let's soo what we got so far....

Players willing to pass...... Check
Players who can finish ..... Check
3 point shots........................Check
Defense.................................Check
Players who Hustle ...........Check
A GREAT fan base ............Check
A Coach willing to Learn ...Check

wow.. I think you got it..

wait. sorry were aiming for Greatness right.. okay.. so let's see we should work on this.

Clear Communication within the team
Know our goal
Teamwork
Willingness to support each other
Willingness to work with each other to improve each other...


AHHH.. I think we got it.. yeah..maybe lol that's where your coach comes in to tell you.

GOOD Game though and people who didn't play, continue to work hard your time will come soon. Just show him how good I know you are.

I found this article online http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/coach_relationships.html#

and I think it really breaks down the responsibilites of players and coaches.

Please read it and trust me it's worth the read.

Thanks

and Praise the Lord for he is Good.

Man.. I was so scared we wouldn’t win.. I have to give mad props to Hayden though. He got that steal to ice the game. I still think that there are still things to work on though. Our energy level is up but it sucks because Quming is injured. Man I love the fans though. I think they are the ones that make this game as enjoyable as it is. Not just the fans on the sidelines but the fan on the bench and fans on the court. I love the fact that we all were cheering on and even though some people didn’t get to play this game though I think they will be rewarded later. I do see a lot of spirit though and we should take that spirit use that same spirit thought the league. Keep it up. Be ready to practice hard this Sat.

Man, Hearing the game and seeing your facial reactions made me feel how deep your feelings were for the game. Honestly I could see Eamonn try to keep his frustrations and disappointments inside of him but I can see it in his eyes. Yes it sucks. Honestly it does. Both games are so close yet we can close it out. I think one key thing that Eamonn saids that I totally agree is that we have to learn how to close out a game. Practice rebounding to make sure that we don’t lose any opportunities that we may have and make use of all the opportunities we get in the game. Practice boxing out so that we have the advantage at rebounding. Learn what is the best shot selection so that we can get the best offensive score as possible. Good Job and keep working hard for that win.

Yesterday Challengers game was a pleasure to watch. You guys were playing like pros. Very solid offense and out rebounding the other team. Good support from bench.

GREAT JOB!!

The play i liked most was when BIG BEN rejected a layup by number 8. I know in his mind, he was saying, "NOT IN MY BACKYARD". I would be intimidated to go against him on the court.

WORK HARD GUYS... we can all have a fruitful season!!

Wow.. A blow out for the first win.. I got to say that's something I like to see. I mean controlling both ends of the court man that's great. Jason was playing like a true point man I even lost count of how many assist he got lol. Everyone was hustling and playing hard LOVE THAT. Raining 3's from the outside was a nice addition also.. Keep it up guys that was a great game.. btw I wonder if the CCU people record the game.

See you all at practice. latez