Urban Stars teaches the power of perseverance and determination

Kelby Brothen (Urban Stars Director)

Early in the season it seemed that one of our 8th grade boys basketball teams was set up for disappointment. Their coach left at mid-season to take a job as a junior varsity coach at a local high school. A couple of players had committed to play but were inconsistent in their participation. At tournaments, this team was matched against teams in a division above theirs, resulting in losses of 20 or more points. Even the teams they were supposed to be competitive against were beating them.

Elliott Darden stepped in as coach. He guided the team through the turmoil with a calm but firm attitude. It took time, but the players began to respond and believe they could improve their play and compete. Things really turned around two weeks ago.

The team played in the Anoka Tournament on the weekend of February 13, won all three games, and gained the Championship. They advanced to the League Playoff Tournament, hosted last weekend by Urban Stars here at the Colin Powell Youth Leadership Center.

At the League Playoff Tournament, all nine players were confident that they were ready to do their best and play well as a team. The first game drew Hill-Murray, a tough opponent. The score was close all the way to the end when Urban Stars pulled out a three-point victory. That game proved to be their most rugged test of the tournament because they went on to win their next three games, including a 20-point victory over Mahtomedi in the Championship game!

Congratulations to our 8th grade team and Coach Elliott Darden.

Life lessons from basketball

Kelby Brothen (Urban Stars Director)

Through basketball we are able to reach about 300 kids a year, teaching them athletic skills and life skills. Our volunteer coaches are invaluable and I appreciate their dedication to the kids and our program. Below is a story shared with me by one of our volunteer basketball coaches, Phil Bayer:

When Anthony (not his real name) tried out for basketball in November he was one of the most athletic kids there but lacked basketball fundamentals. He dribbled high and lost control of the ball, he played defense standing up, and he often fouled. Worse than these deficiencies, though, was Anthony’s anger and frustration with himself and others. When he became angry he became verbally abusive with team mates, lost control and threw away the ball, flagrantly fouled, or just gave up and quit trying.

Two months later, Anthony continues to improve and gain confidence in his athletic abilities, but our main focus has been on helping Anthony control his anger. We talk about expecting mistakes from himself, his team mates and the referees; and that mistakes are a normal part of life we all have to expect. I remind him that even Michael Jordan only made half of his shots. We talk about being non-critical with team mates and the joy of playing basketball, to make the main goal to have fun. We talk about the importance of team and how all his actions affect them.

When Anthony does get angry I take him out, whether it’s a practice or a game. I make it clear he cannot participate until he calms down. Anthony is going longer and longer periods of time without becoming frustrated or angry.

In our last tournament Anthony became agitated and angry early in the first half of our first game. I immediately took him out. He became emotional and argumentative. I told him to go to the end of the bench and that he may not get back in the game. Our assistant coach backed me up and Anthony dutifully and quietly sat out the rest of the half on the bench. In the second half I put him back in without incident. After the game I told him how proud I was of the way he calmed down and turned his attitude around. In the second game of the tournament he had a great attitude and scored a lifetime high of 18 points. In our last game of the tournament Anthony scored 28 points. Anthony was extremely proud and happy.

Anthony and I continue to work together at keeping a positive, calm and loving attitude. We experience some setbacks but continue to move in a positive direction. Anthony is growing as a basketball player and a leader of the team. He continues to gain confidence and experience more joy as he learns to manage his anger.