"A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's



To make a long story short... I saw this and now I'm gonna go to Polk High next school year.

[LemonTea3260]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Best dynasty on os right here

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Best dynasty on os right here

thanks I'm glad you are enjoying it. this should last for a long time.

great work!!! Also can u send me a link to this roster?

thanks and yea I'll try to send you it tomorrow.

----
You guys have any suggestions for this upcoming season?

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's

Offseason - Central High School
So this are my last month at Central High School before summer break then moving Dayton and attend Polk. At this point I wanted to arrive at Polk at the top of my game because this school is a legit powerhouse and it's not going to be easy making their team... I learned this after doing the research over their program, according to the sources they went 13-1 last season and they went 29-3 prior to the global season length change.

The first thing I wanted to do in this process was see exactly what coach Arambula thought I did well and not so well at. This would allow me to know what I need to improve at and how I'd do it.
The main attribute I wanted to fix in my game was of course my shooting stroke. My outside shooting is developing into a requirement at my size considering I'm going to be going up against either JV or Varsity athletes next year and it won't be any easier to drive the lane against them.
However before that is addressed I know for a fact I'll need to polish my passing skills. This will include knowing limitations and knowing my teammates better, scanning the floor well and more.

My main concern at this time is to finish strong academic wise at Central High School. My current GPA is 3.5 which is above standard but like I said, I want to come to Polk ahead of the game in all categories.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's

Central High School After School - Coach Arambula Office
After the dismissal bell sounded I decided to go over to coach's office and get her to evaluate my game as I stated before. Thing didn't turn out well, at all, and I ended up getting expelled from Central High School.
I started out by just walking into the office and better trying to get coach to better understand why I was leaving Central and she well, she didn't want to hear it. She stated that Central basketball team would be mine next year and that I won't succeed at Polk because Monroe "plays the same position as me"... I was a little confused there because I was a point guard and he was a shooting guard but she later explained that I was a point guard in a shooting guard's body.

Later on after the frustration built inside me after she had been bragging about how great the team will be next year without me I raised my voice and said how about you schedule a game against Polk's varsity team next year... She agreed and that was a deal.
Then AFTER that she continued bragging saying that Gregory, Donnell, and Dontae (transfer sophomore) would win them the state chip. That got me because I realized how unproductive Gregory was and the fact that she started him over me almost the whole season. Things got out of hand and inappropriate words were blasted out of each of our mouths annnnnnnnnnnnnnddddd I got expelled.

Guess I'm going to Polk early.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's

The Arrival - Polk High
So here I was at the school I didn't expect to be at until August, all over some petty bs...
It was awkward going around not knowing anybody but I made myself open and actually met this dude named Anton Malcom who was apart of the basketball team. We became good friends quick and he guided me around the school and told me a little about the team. Oh and this dude was like 6'5" and a sophomore! He told me pretty much the whole team was around his size and I will admit that got me a little nervous.
I asked him about Troy and he explained him in terms such as "arrogant" and a "ball-hog". That's what I'd expect a superstar athlete's personality to be like so I wasn't surprised. I'm just gonna try to make friends with him so I'm not a nobody on the team next year.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's

Offseason - Summer Recap

• Attended Two Basketball Camps
  Nike Boys Basketball Camp - This one was an overnight camp at Denison University from July 14-17. This one was probably the best one I attended out of the three. These guys really knew their basketball and they were always willing to help. I think my game developed in all aspects at this camp.
  
  Polk High Basketball Camp - This camp was the regular high school camp in efforts to raise money. Not saying it was a bad camp but it wasn't the greatest. Like all the school camps, it focused on light practice regarding shooting and dribbling. The best thing about this was that I met a lot of Polk's basketball players in all the grades but most of the seniors were coaches including Troy.
  I can't say I left this camp feeling like a better basketball player but they've got me using my follow through more productively.

[LemonTea3260]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Haha very funny

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

I should have updates back up on Monday.
I would LOVE to have some more feedback and suggestions to make this dynasty better heading into Kane's sophomore season so please help me out!

Oh yeah and also I have real life basketball tryouts on October 28th and I'm pretty sure I'm going to make that but I'm going to need to pick up on my practice schedule so they're may be fewer upsayes but this is not going to die anytime soon because I'm actually having fun doing this.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

---

Tryout Information
Monday October 21st, 3:25 PM
You will need a physical, athletic fee, as well as a a GPA exceeding and 2.8.

[hooky221]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Definitely following. This is a great read so far, can't wait to see where it takes us.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's

October 21st, 2013
Tryouts Today - Polk High
I woke up to my casual morning flow with my annoying alarm clock waking me up. I knew today was what I had been prepping up for all summer and I sure wasn't about to fail. It was the Polk High varsity basketball tryouts. I had never been more determined and eager to accomplish something in my entire life up until now. I'm glad to say that I'm extremely confident about today.
I got dressed and packed my extra basketball clothes I'd wear at the tryouts and prepared to make my way to the bus stop.

I said bye to my dad as I walked out the door and headed to the bus stop which was about a block away, I'd gotten use to it by this point.
I approached the bus stop and saw the everybody who's usually there...

"What's up Michael" said Odis Ahmad. This guy was was the quarterback for the Knights this season.

"Sup, you trying out for the team today?"

"Yeah I guess, but I doubt I'll get any playing time though. Troy is a tombstone for minute distribution"

"Oh dang, good luck."

"Same with you."

---

School Day

*School bells sounds and announcements start*

Good morning Polk High! I'm Mr. Patchell and I'm honored to be your principal. Please stand as we say the pledge of allegiance.
--
Today the character counts lesson is a quote from Benjamin Franklin, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Next time you make the decision to not study for a test remember that you are not hurting anyone but yourself. Nothing is fully given but you have to strive on your own to achieve those goals by using the littlest pieces you have to prepare yourself.
Let's have a great day at Polk High.

--

6th Period Biology, Last of the day
"Alright class, the bell is about to ring so pack up" said Mr. Reed.
*School Announcement Through Intercom*

Attention everybody there is a late day announcement, all boys players who plan on trying out for the boys basketball team today please change into your athletic clothing and report to the main gym.

"This is it... Varsity basketball here I come"

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Varsity Roster Tryouts - Day 1

Coach Introduction

Wow we've got a pack this year! So for all you newcomers I'm coach Santiago. I've just about been a little of everywhere. I've coached NCAA, Overseas, and now I'm here. This will be my 5th year coaching at Polk High and let me tell you... This is a hell of a basketball program and we've got a ton of players here trying out this year so you're gonna want to make this your best.

To get things started I'd like to give you guys an idea of my game plan. I hate to see 1-on-1 basketball, I hate it. You've got 4 other teammates there on the court with you so once you touch that ball don't think you have to make a play for yourself. Be able to scan the floor and see what's best for the offense. Make screens, help teammates on defense, and most of all SPEAK. I don't care how you are off the court, shy or loud... I guarantee you those who communicate well on the team will have that higher shot at making the team. It's not hard at all and that's what lead us last season to such a great year.
Speaking of last year, we've lost a lot of our players from the previous year due to graduation so I'm going to really be out here searching for those players who I can trust with the torch of this ball team.

Today isn't going to be much of a long day. We're going to do a lot of scrimmages just to see where exactly all you athletes are at as of now then moving on to day two will be where the player evaluation drills and everything will come in.
We're going to break you guys up into a 5 on 5 groups. This will allow us coaching staff to be able to see how you will work together. We want to see all the elements I said before. Communication, and team basketball. So in the meantime we'll be spectating all the games around the gym.

My POV
We started up the scrimmage and it was actually a 5 on 5 on 5. Meaning once you get scored on your team is out until the next team is scored on. I was unfamiliar with the majority of the group I was put in with besides Anton. I made it my job to be the team leader for the squad.
So in conclusion of this first workout I'd have to say I did only alright. Troy was on the opposing team and at times I'd get caught up with him guarding me. I however also didn't really think I did my best here in this game. When these guys in the gym look like college athletes I kinda lost my composure. I felt like I was a little kid playing against superstars which was somewhat true but in all seriousness, I could've done better and I will.

Coach Discussing

So this is day one everybody. I saw improvements from a lot of you who were on the team last year and I'm liking what I'm seeing from you new guys. But what I saw from some of you guards is that you're dribbling too much. Like I said earlier, I don't like the 1 on 1 game. I saw some guys I really like out there though but it's a lot of talent and it's definitely not going to be easy making cuts.... Tomorrow we'll have day 2 of tryouts, same time. I want everybody out here to come back tomorrow going hard. Let's make it even better than day 1.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Varsity Roster Tryouts - Day 2

Coach Introduction

Welcome back to day two yall. If you're here right now it means you have made the first cut and I'd like to say congratulations. As I said yesterday, today will be all about the drills. One of my favorite things among the gameplan is defense... I love when our players can guard multiple positions. And I love when we have aggressive defenders.
So with that being said let's get into stations and I'll be watching over like yesterday.

My POV
I'm still here... I thank God for my performance yesterday and I'm confident I'll show out even better today. I want to be that guy who shows relentless effort today.

Coach/Assistant Side Chat

Coach Santiago: What grade is this Gustavo Forest guy in?
Assistant 1: Uhh 9th I believe.
Santiago: The kid is a real go getter at that age... Definitely gonna be a good contributor on the team.
Assistant 1: You're thinking he's a starter caliber?
Santiago: From what I'm seeing, why not. He's a phenomenal shooter and I'm thinking we could start him at the shooting guard position and slide Troy to the small forward position.
Assistant 1: He's too slow to guard a shooting guard... He's a tough situation, I'd suggest him being our small forward but we can disscuss this later on down the line.
--
Assistant 1: What are you thinking about this guard depth?
Assistant 2: None of them really appear to be that true point guard. They're all looking more like combo guards.
Assistant 1: Yeah we've got a lot of them. I'm liking Michael's dribbling. He's just not a finisher and doesn't look for the open man when he drives to the basket.
Assistant 2: I don't know about that him.. He isn't much of an effective player.

My POV
As I awaited to be sent into the action at the 3 on 3 station coach one of the assistant coaches approached me.
He told me that I am on the hot seat of making the team but he believed I can. He told me to look to making a move when I received the ball and take my time.

Coach Wrap-up
This is it. We want to thank everybody for trying out by unfortunately we're going to have to make our final cuts and create our official varsity basketball team. All of you played great out there so this will be hard decisions so we wish you all luck.

Knights on 3.
1, 2, 3 KNIGHTS!

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's

October 22nd, 2014
I've Made The Team! - Polk High
-- Last Period Biology --
And remember class... The projects are all due on Thursday. I hope that all of you are near completion with them and certainly hope that none of you haven't started.

-- Bell Sounds --

---

Bus Routes
I arrived on the bus as one of the last ones which typically happened and made my way near the back, my assigned seat next to Anton.

"Dude Anton you never told me you were that good!" I said as I threw my backpack at the empty seat across from mine.

Anton replied as he took out his math homework "Haha if that's what you'd like to say. I was always told to stay humble and always let my game speak for itself. You know the typical things those coaches usually rant about."

"Yeah I guess. But man you were really tearing that guy up yesterday!"

"Antonie?" he grinned "I should be tearing that guy apart, he's not ready for varsity. He's going to make the team though because he was recruited along with all those other freshman from the Ohio Elite AAU squad. They all suck besides Gustavo but the coaches will ride them all season."

Man this guy gives himself no credit... I took a few seconds to respond.
"Well I doubt they'll get any minutes on the varsity squad. The upperclassmen will always take up the minutes. But speaking of AAU do you play for a team? I'm trying to find one.

"Yeah true. And I play for the King James Shooting Stars.
Oh here's my stop. Good luck on making the team, check the school site at around 7 and the coach will probably have the roster up by then."

"Alright later." I said
This guy plays for LEBRON JAMES sponsored basketball team...

---

Home
When I got home I came in to see no one was there. I found and read a note on a table in the foyer from my dad saying that he'd be back later.

I really had nothing to do because I had finished the biology project last Friday so I decided to call up Odis for a ride and go to the YMCA to get some pick up games in.

"Aye Odis you going to the Y?"

He responded saying, "Uh yeah. You need a ride?"

"Yup."

"Alright I'll be there in a min"

---

YMCA
We got to the YMCA and went through the check in and proceeded to the basketball gym. From the window I saw Stanford and Anton.
As soon as me and Odis entered the doors Stanford blurted out his team.

"I got Odis and Anton. Y'all got Michael"

"Damn can I get ready?!" I said as I sat on the bench and took my shoes out. I had gotten a new pair of NIKE ID LeBron 13's a few days ago and everybody has been making me the center of attention every since.

"Man hurry up" Cleveland responded with a sense of urgency in his voice."

"Alright let's go"
I hoped off the bench and received
the ball on the check.

I had Parker on my squad and some dude around my age I had never seen before. Parker was a sharpshooting dude who was maybe in his mid 20's.

I passed the ball in and received it back and busted a three in the face of Cleveland.
"You wish I stayed on that bench a little longer don't you Cleveland" I joked as I maneuvered back on defenses.

Cleveland striked back at me, "Well don't get used to it cause you're gonna be riding it all season if ya make varsity"

"Haha real funny."

--
The games continued all day long. Guys left and some came. Eventually at around 6:45 I left the gym and went to the subway in the front of the Y.

As I finished the order I grabbed my food and proceeded towards one of the high tables.
I had recalled what Anton had told me on the bus about the basketball roster being posted online.
I typed in the school website domain and found the basketball section. Before I clicked the roster section I prayed in my head and took a deep breath.

---

Polk High Knights
2014-2015 Varsity Roster