Character is revealed in many ways. How a team wins. How they lose. Can they pull away? Comeback? Win in the clutch? For Lj5, every element of those traits and more were on display over the course of a remarkable 48 hours that was the 2010 Florida State Championship Tournament in Jupiter.
In the end, Lj5 outscored championship tournament opponents 182-84, but not before sustaining their first USSSA 5th grade loss of the season and coming face to face with the specter of self doubt.
Now, to say that Lj5 is the 2010 state champion is only a fraction of the story. To say that it was dramatic is also just part of the story. But the story will be told nevertheless, shared, and loved for years to come.
A frozen moment in time.
Playing from behind the entire Championship game to (now #3) nationally ranked Florida Future, Lj5 fought their own fatigue and uncharacteristic sloppy play to claw their way back against all odds and snag the title with no time on the clock.
Under the steadfast leadership of Coach K. and Coach Ricky, Lj5 not only overcame an emotionally draining, last-second loss to The Future one day earlier, the never-say-die-nine overcame one missed opportunity after another to turn the tide, forcing themselves to battle back from an 11 point deficit before trimming it to nine with three minutes left. Then, with all hope waning, one player after another made a play, forcing the action, laying on the pressure and closing it within two before a shooting foul sent “Don’t-miss Kris!” Krystal Moncrief to the line with 16 seconds on the clock.
The first free throw hits nothing but net. Lj5 down by one. The second bangs off the rim, causing a melee under the basket before falling out of bounds with just a heartbreaking few seconds left. The Future inbound... confusion envelopes the scene. In a blur, Crystal finds the ball firmly in her hands as the clock races to zero. Then, with an open look from 18 feet, Lj5’s power post master rises gently off the floor as time stands still.
Swish. Elation. Pandemonium. Delirium.
LJ5 are the 2010 Florida State Champions.
Once again, this was about the team, nine deep. EVERY player made a contribution on the march to this title. EVERY player made a contribution to the final outcome in the five game championship tournament. EVERY player improved their performance this season.
And ultimately, definitively, and most importantly, EVERY player demonstrated the kind of mutual respect and kindness to their teammates that is the hallmark of all great champions.
With Lj5, it has, and must remain... a team thing.
