The sounds of American Basketball.
We were at the Siegal Centre in Richmond Virginia for the Virginia State High School Championships. On this afternoon we watched a game and a ½ (the 2nd half of a girls division final and a full game of the boys division final).
Was it anything like High School Musical? Yes and No.
No, in that we were on neutral territory and all the spectators had travelled to be there like us, there was also no Troy or Gabriela. Yes, in that there were bands playing, rival cheer squads doing back flips, coaches frothing at the mouth, one eyed crowds hollering, controversy, fried food of every description and some really amazing basketball.
We had a terrific time soaking it up and became thoroughly engrossed in the action (and the popcorn). It really is an exciting game to watch as the lead changed time and again and the players showed their strengths and weaknesses throughout the game. The boy’s game finished on a knife edge and we were pleased to see the team that were the good sports triumph over the slick and clever yet bad sports team. In fact the turning point included an amazing rebound, double steal turnover and then a run away slam dunk that sent the crowd wild.
At every time out and scheduled break the band would strike a tune and the band members would dance with their instruments. The cheer leaders would lead chants or do combination acrobatics. No matter what was happening during the game (offence or defence, penalty shots or general play) the spectators and cheer squads had something they would do in support of their team. We were disappointed when it was time to go home, especially as the evening scheduled games would include talent scouts from the major leagues.
A terrific American experience all round!
Michael
We were at the Siegal Centre in Richmond Virginia for the Virginia State High School Championships. On this afternoon we watched a game and a ½ (the 2nd half of a girls division final and a full game of the boys division final).
Was it anything like High School Musical? Yes and No.
No, in that we were on neutral territory and all the spectators had travelled to be there like us, there was also no Troy or Gabriela. Yes, in that there were bands playing, rival cheer squads doing back flips, coaches frothing at the mouth, one eyed crowds hollering, controversy, fried food of every description and some really amazing basketball.
We had a terrific time soaking it up and became thoroughly engrossed in the action (and the popcorn). It really is an exciting game to watch as the lead changed time and again and the players showed their strengths and weaknesses throughout the game. The boy’s game finished on a knife edge and we were pleased to see the team that were the good sports triumph over the slick and clever yet bad sports team. In fact the turning point included an amazing rebound, double steal turnover and then a run away slam dunk that sent the crowd wild.
At every time out and scheduled break the band would strike a tune and the band members would dance with their instruments. The cheer leaders would lead chants or do combination acrobatics. No matter what was happening during the game (offence or defence, penalty shots or general play) the spectators and cheer squads had something they would do in support of their team. We were disappointed when it was time to go home, especially as the evening scheduled games would include talent scouts from the major leagues.
A terrific American experience all round!
Michael
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