"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's Post-Game Thoughts
After Middleton High School...

Finally I get that playing time and check out what I did. 8 points and perfect shooting percentage. I'm thinking I've earned myself every game playing time!

[LemonTea3260]

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

Finally my boy getting some gametime

[beast10]

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

Gonna probably take a little break from this dynasty. It will not be dead however.

[LemonTea3260]

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

Gonna probably take a little break from this dynasty. It will not be dead however.

No please restart as soon as possibly

[beast10]

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

Polk - Basketball Practice

November 15th, 2014
Basketball Practice - Polk High
As I sat in 7th period, the last of the day, the clock ticked down and as it was in act Caleb maneuvered over to my desk

"Mike you heard Foot Locker was hiring minors to help with the store?"

With immediate excitement in my face I responded, "No man you've gotta be kidding?"

"Nope 100% serious. I just got a job there a few days ago. You should come up and try to get one." He said.

"Woah I'm going up there today! Plus I was already looking for a job! Y'all get a discount on shoes?"

"Hell yeah! How you think I just got these retros."

"Dang man, I'm bout to go after practice. Thanks!" I said as the bell rang.

---

Basketball Practice
I got into the gym and did a few stretches, layup drills, then settled down.
Coach Santiago: --Blows Whistle--
Everybody to the baseline...
Tomorrow is game day against Grandview and this isn't just any team, we cannot just cruise past them like we're going to do with everybody else. They're currently sitting at perfect 4-0 record and they've got a legitimate core of players who can put the ball in the basket.
We're not a bad basketball team and you guys know that but today we're going to have to up the intensity of the practice.

My Thoughts...

Grandview was apparently an extremely tough matchup according to the majority of the people who followed Polk's basketball. Even my dad told me how much of a challenge they were for Polk last year. Eventually I had looked them up on Maxpreps only to learn they were a top 10 team in the state of Ohio. But still I thought, let's just give the ball to Troy and we'll f*** them up, it's simple.

Coach Santiago Practice Conclusion
--Blows Whistle--
Bring it in.
So we were decent today. I saw slackers and I told those about my observations and I don't expect to see that again. But let's all be ready to take on Grandview tomorrow and get the win. Remember hard work, dedication, and most of all we're family!
Knights on 3
1, 2, 3,
KNIGHTS

[beast10]

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

PA Announcer: And the final score is your Grandview Bears 62 to visiting Polk's 59! Congratulations Grandview to a perfect 5-0 start!

The crowd went cheered frantically as me and the team walked towards the locker rooms in complete despair. Grandview's crowd full of students chanted "Polk sucks, we are the boss!"
I muttered so much for a undefeated season...

---

Locker Room
Coach Santiago: Let me start by saying that last play was absolute bullshi*t and I am very upset you guys failed to put the planned play in action. It was really ridiculous that a mid-range jump shot was pulled when we're down by three with the final possession.
But anyways *Sighs* I can't be too upset with you guys for this lost. We're much better than Grandview but they're a top team in Ohio as well and we didn't let them march all over us even at their home court.
Coach puts his hand on his head, I'll elaborate about this game next practice...

My POV: Originally Troy ruined our opportunity to gain the lead of the game after he missed a contested layup then like coach said, Mohammad ruined the whole time by crafting the dumbest play I had ever seen in my life. I had another good game though, 8 points.
I got dressed and was one of the first to leave the locker room.

---

Afterwards...
I met up with my dad who was able to come to this game and we left to try to avoid the rush hour game in the school parking lot.

"Tough lost out there son. Don't know what your guard was thinking." My dad said as he began driving.

"The guy is an idiot. He can't shoot, he's an overrated passer, has a terrible hairline, and he hasn't gotten like one rebound the entire season so far!"

My dad shakes his head and lets out a little laugh, "Well you've got to prove you're better. You did tonight with those 8 points and you only played like 5 minutes right?"

"Yeah I guess coach will notice eventually. I'm just happy I'm getting playing time right now." I say as I stick my headphones in.

[beast10]

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

---

Polk High Losses To Grandview: 62-59
November 30th, 2014
Written By: Polk High Student Press

FINAL SCORE: Polk High 59, Avalon High School 62

After a nationally televised game road trip to square off at Grandview High School, our Knights returned with a heartbreaking loss to mark their first of the season.

To say the least, Polk High did a great job containing the 4-0 (Now 5-0) Grandview Bears but the game's fate came down to the last possession where Polk's desperately needed point fell short.

Troy Monroe was among the leaders of representing our team at the event. He lead both teams with 22 points and 2 blocks. Another breakout performance was phased by sophomore Michael Kane as he chimed in with 8 points in just 5 minutes including 2 three pointers.

While this loss in amongst one of the heartbreakers Polk wishes to no longer go through; we hope they can learn from their mistakes and bounce back against Lanford High School which will be played next week, November 30th.

---

Polk High Box Score

Polk High Knights at Grandview High School Bears
Nov 30, 2014	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Polk High (3-0)	10	19	17	13	59
Grandview High School (4-0)	17	12	17	16	62

Polk High Knights
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Mohammad Jamey	23	3-9	0-2	2-2	0	5	2	0	1	8
Troy Monroe	29	8-17	2-5	4-4	4	3	0	2	1	22
Gustavo Forrest	22	2-8	1-4	0-0	3	0	0	1	1	5
Doug Micah	23	0-3	0-0	1-2	4	0	0	1	1	1
Augustus Rolando	24	1-3	0-0	2-2	7	0	0	0	0	4
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Stanford Cleveland	10	2-3	0-0	0-0	1	2	1	0	1	4
Romeo Jamel	9	2-3	0-1	1-1	0	0	1	0	0	5
Van Branden	8	0-0	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
Ted Ted	8	1-2	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	2
Anton Malcom	6	0-0	0-0	0-0	3	2	0	0	1	0
Michael Kane	5	3-4	2-2	0-0	2	0	0	0	1	8
Odis Ahmad	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hugh Eddie	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Antione Cristobal	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Don Alfredo	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		22-52	5-15	10-11	27	12	4	4	7	59

Grandview High School Bears
TEAM TOTALS		23-51	4-9	12-14	30	17	3	3	5	62

[beast10]

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

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's


November 24th, 2014
Weekends - The Life

Man I didn't quite know what to really do during this weekend. The loss to Polk had media around our area going crazy, seemed as if we were a NBA team losing the finals out here in Dayton. As much as I know that I should be hitting the gym this weekend I just want to do nothing... Therefore I just opened up my laptop, surfed the web for a while and then check my email which only occurs occasionally. Check out what I found.

From: [email protected]
4:22 PM (3 hours ago)
To: [email protected]

Hello Michael, I'm informed that you still plan to try out/ participate in our AAU team which kicks off in February. We're having an call out meeting followed by an open gym tomorrow and I've invited the majority of the players who also expressed interest in the team so I'd be great if you could show up.

From Coach Gatson

I don't know why but after reading this I'd realized I picked the perfect day to finally have a good game against Grandview considering it was being covered by ESPN 3. Man blessed is the answer... But anyways, I've landed the Dayton Nets out of all the local AAU team because mainly the relationship between my dad and coach Gatson. They've always been good friends so I assumed my dad would be quick to take me up to the facility tomorrow as I'd suffer from him pointing out my every mistake during the practices. It always bothered me as a young child but as I grew I took it too advantage and typically didn't make those mistakes again during the games.
So here we go, got something to do this weekend after all and honestly I'm extremely nervous.

[beast10]

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

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's


November 25th, 2014
AAU Call Out Meeting - Dayton Nets Organization

I arrived at the fieldhouse specified as the team headquarters and I quickly noticed I was one of the first to show up. But there were two others accompanied on the court, one was a white guy who appeared to be around my height then my jaw dropped as the one alongside of him was a guy obviously seven feet or higher. No way he can't be my age was the first thought to come in my head then I turned over to my dad to share the observation.

"Dad you see that guy?" I said with major shock. "No way he's playing on my level?"

"Ahh that's Dane. Dane Brian, he's the son of my old co-worker. He's not too great of a player."

"That must means he's terrible because at his height I'd be Wilt Chamberlain 2.0"

"Not quite, he's just not great, haha. Let's get to that court and get some drills in before the floor gets loaded."

Eventually the gym became packed with what seemed to be almost 30 players. Many seemed to know each other hinted by socialization so I assumed this was a huge returning class. They racked up games of 21 while others worked individually trying to heat their game up to impress coach. I finished up on my warmups as my dad took a seat on the bleachers and I headed over to try to jump into one of the 21 games.

"Let me jump in." I said anonymously to anybody considering I had no clue of any of the faces.

Then one of the players glared over at me and said, "Hop in."

Immediately the center of attention was me and one of the participants squinted over at me and said "Aren't you Michael? Michael from Polk High"

"Yeah how did you know?"

"I heard you were killin' on Polk's varsity team." Said the same person.

"I mean... Not really. I'm on varsity but I don't really get any playing time."

Somewhat interrupting my sentence was a player I'd seen about 10 minutes ago raining threes while practicing. "Man shut the **** up, give this dude buckets!"

---

AAU Call-Out Meeting/Open Gym

Coach Gatson: --Blows Whistle-- Alright everybody towards the baseline! Let's get a move on.
*Looks towards the other coach* Man this is a ton of players trying out this year. Way more than I expected.

Alright guys. Most of you guys know me but to the new faces here, I'm Coach Gatson and Coach Thorpe. This is Dayton Nets basketball.. One of the most talented organizations you'll find in the Ohio area. As a team we make it our mission here to not only partake in on-court development but also off-court growing as a person.
We take part in playing some of the best competition in all the tournaments enter. We play in multiple states throughout the course of the season including Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan. It's almost mandatory that each and everyone of those who will make this team be in tip top condition as the season comes as this is the point where the nationwide athletes tend to become more stronger, wiser, and better so we'll need to stay ahead of the game.

*Grabs Stack of Paper* I'm going to hand out information sheets regarding the team. This will give you the open gym dates, and other important information about tournaments, prices, and all that good stuff.
Momentarily we'll begin the first open gym session. Basically just drills to allow me to see an overview of you at the point and your potential as we move forward.

My Thoughts: This really where the journey begins, it's a priority to perform at a high level at all times when playing AAU. I was blessed with the opportunity to play for a highly ranked high school and the chance to do the same on the AAU level was un-real.

[beast10]

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

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's

November 25th, 2014
Twitter Feed - Home

[beast10]

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

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's


November 29th, 2014
Day In The Life - School

BEEP BEEP BEEP! I instantly hoped out my bed to slam the alarm off. Mondays, the worst day of the week... I did my everyday morning routine and made my way to the door and then to the bus stop.
There stood the casuals I saw everyday, Jenna, Hannah, Aidan, and Japree. Aidan was the lady's man so of course he was chatting away with Hannah, in the meantime the rest of us stood silently until Japree spoke.

"Michael did y'all win against Grandview?"

"Nah..."

It was once again in silence. I'd zoned out of the lost last week but he'd brought it back to my mind. It was no problem though..

---

School Day

Art Class (6th Period)
...
Michael get your head off the table. Ok so like I was saying, in this project, you all will be trying to quilling in a sculptural way. By using much larger, thicker strips of paper, the finished product should have a look that pops out in a very optical way. By using black on white, the effect is even further emphas.. Ms. Leblanc stopped in the middle of her sentence.

"MICHAEL HEAD OFF THE DESK" Shouted the teacher as I couldn't help but to notice her grazing over my shadow.

"Maybe if the class wasn't so boring my head wouldn't be on the desk now would it Ms. Leblanc."

The class was left laughing hysterically while Ms. Leblanc ordered me to go to the hallway. I wasn't a bad student or one that showed attitude just for attention I just couldn't stand that art wasn't even a top 3 in my electives and I still ended up with it.

Biology Class (7th Period)
Thankfully Biology is taught by Mr. Reed which was my favorite teacher, he really made a boring class fun. He was in a good mood and just ended up playing a movie to introduce our new study topic.
As the time ticked down in the class I knew I had basketball practice but my ankle had started to hurt from yesterday's workout for the Nets.

---

Basketball Practice

I got into the gym and did a few stretches, layup drills, then settled down.
Coach Santiago: --Blows Whistle--
Alright Troy lead us in stretches and we'll get things started.

Practice Planning

• Finding Alternative Option Players
• Preparation For Next Game; Lanford High School
• Scrimmage

Practice Recap
Coach gave us an earful of information about the quantity of elite scorers Langford had. They weren't even .500% but they had players who could put the ball in the basket and that was the point he was trying to get out. I figured we'd have no issue winning the game if that was the case.

Coach Santiago Practice Conclusion
--Blows Whistle--
Let's bring it in.
Ok guys that's it for today. But please hold on to what I've said, we need another option on this team and I know all of you guys are capable. Troy is a great player but as you see the more you guys hang off and depend on him, the more of a risk the game is in the closing minutes. If we get that person that rises from the occasion then we're unstoppable and that's the truth. But let's remember hard work, dedication, and most of all we're family!
Knights on 3
1, 2, 3,
KNIGHTS

---

Afterwards...
Coach dismissed us off the the locker rooms and like everybody else, I trotted my way there but was stopped out of the motion when coach individually called me Mohammad and Cleveland.

"Yes coach" We all said simultaneously.

Coach nods and begins speaking "Alright I called you guys because me and the coaching staff have been talking and Mohammad we've expected way more than what you're producing for us now and are considering a change in the rotations.

Mohammad just stared at coach not knowing how to respond. He was a quiet type of person but I knew he had a hidden arrogant attitude and coach knew so he carried on with the sentence.

"We're close to the conclusion that we're going to bench you and either bring one of you *Points at me and Cleveland's direction*. We're leaning towards you Cleveland because you've got more experience at the varsity level but I've been enjoying your progress lately Mike. But now Mohammad, that you're on the bench rest of the season but we just can't have an everyday starter shooting 30%, it's just not going to work man.

"Coach I'm willing to do whatever helps the team. I'll gladly take that starting role and give it all every night." I said with a confident smile.

"Such a freaking amateur goodness gracious why are underclass...

Coach cut him off before he proceeded against the verbal attack towards me. "Enough Mohammad, you all are teammates. Therefore you'll act that way. The last thing we need is for us to flip upside down because team chemistry."

Stanford stood there and continued listening as if nothing had happened.

"But anyways I just wanted to inform you guys about the change... Might not be next game but it's in mind. Have a good evening."

For the second time I once again proceeded towards the locker room. Mohammad rammed into my shoulder once we were out of coach's sight and said, "I'm not getting my f**king spot taken by either one of you and you better understand that right now."

Stanford looked towards me and laughed then looked back at Mohammad with the same smile, "Shut your dumba** up."
Stanford one of the cooler people around. Surely he wasn't going to allow someone to punk him like that.
...
It was a slight bit of drama to end practice but I definitely couldn't be upset with the outcome.

[beast10]

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

PA Announcer: Troy Monroe has done it! He sinks a game winning three pointer and Polk High routs Lanford at home! 65-63!

Immediately when that buzzer sounded our small attendance crowd stormed the floor and celebrated the game winning three pointer.
We shook hands with Lanford and then celebrated with them for a couple of minutes then proceeded towards our locker rooms with the remaining pride.

---

Locker Room
Coach Santiago: Now that was clutch basketball right there! Troy GREAT patience on that final play.
Behind the shadows of that play though I'd like to establish that that game wasn't too pleasant to watch on defense. We NEVER again can allow our opponent's to get that much momentum on us. We lucked out with that shot but that can't happen again because we're not gonna have that heroic shot every time it's a potential deficit.

But once again, stay positive because once again we've got a win! Let's keep moving, we're getting closer and closer to that state!

My POV: I was merely upset that even after the talk at yesterday's practice coach hadn't made any adjustments at the guard position like he said. Instead of being a starter like I was told I ended up sitting on the bench for what seems like the whole game besides like 5 minutes. The time when I actually was on the floor I looked to show my inner scoring abilities and was quickly pulled. Coach addressed to me that he liked that I was looking to get points on the board but he'd prefer me settling me jump shots instead of forcing my way into the paint.

[beast10]

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

---

Knights Beat Lanford: 65-63
December 3rd, 2014
Written By: Polk High Student Press

FINAL SCORE: Polk High 65, Lanford High School 63

The Knights won the game last night in a game that came down to the wire and left much of the crowd in a nail-biting situation. They were ultimately relieved when guard Troy Monroe struck gold with his game winning three point field goal.

Troy Monroe tied for his season high with 24 points to now move the Knights up to a 4-1 record. The game was indeed a challenge at some points for Polk as Lanford showed out and appeared to be one of the best three point shooting teams the Knights would ever compete against but communication ended up being key and later got them the victory.

Polk will be visiting Aaron Burr High this Friday and will look to return with an easy victory. Please come out and cheer on your Knights. It's going to be a good one you won't want to miss!

---

Polk High Box Score

Lanford High School Pirates at #24 Polk High Knights
Nov 30, 2014	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Lanford High School (4-1)	11	24	9	19	63
#24 Polk High (3-4)	18	17	13	17	65

Lanford High School Pirates
TEAM TOTALS		23-51	10-26	7-7	19	19	2	1	4	63

#24 Polk High Knights
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Mohammad Jamey	20	2-5	0-0	1-2	0	6	0	1	2	5
Troy Monroe	24	10-13	1-2	3-3	1	3	1	0	1	24
Gustavo Forrest	20	2-6	0-2	0-0	4	3	0	0	1	4
Doug Micah	24	2-5	0-0	0-0	7	0	0	0	1	4
Augustus Rolando	24	5-5	0-0	2-2	8	0	0	0	0	12
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Van Branden	11	0-0	0-0	0-0	3	1	0	0	0	0
Romeo Jamel	10	2-4	1-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	1	5
Stanford Cleveland	10	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	3	0	0	0	2
Ted Ted	9	1-3	0-0	0-0	3	0	0	0	1	2
Anton Malcom	7	1-3	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
Michael Kane	5	2-6	1-3	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	5
Odis Ahmad	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hugh Eddie	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Antonie Cristobal	-- DID NOT PLAY --
Don Alfredo	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		28-51	3-8	6-7	26	17	1	1	7	65

[beast10]

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

Michael Kane - Life & Decision's

December 3rd, 2014
Football? - School

"Hey Mike, you plan on playing football next year?" Said Mr. Hill as I stopped in the middle of my lap during gym class to respond.

"Uhh, I don't really know. I haven't played football since I was like 11."

"You look like you could be a good safety or quarterback next year. Odis has played his final season of high school this year and we're looking for somebody who could take over the role. You should consider it man. Scouts and recruiters love two sport athletes."

"Yeah I could imagine. Thanks for the offer Mr. Hill, I'll keep it in mind." I wondered why he had targeted me out of everybody. But I loved opportunities so I wasn't looking to turn down this one.

"Sounds good. What are you,? about 5'10 140?"

"I got 5'7" and 135 last time Mrs. Bates measured us but it was back in October when the second quarter began. A lot of people have said I seemed taller since then though so maybe."

Mr. Hill nodded in agreement, "Ok then that sounds like a legit size for your level, you could maybe use some extra conditioning, after the basketball season we start up condition for the sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Hope you can attend."

I'd definitely have a busy schedule playing basketball and football. Luckily it all flowed together; Football happens during the first months of the school year, then the school basketball team, followed by the AAU season. It was certainly a lot on the plate but I just wanted to have fun in my high school years and not be one of those people who look back and say "Man I should've done this or that", so why not give it a go.

---

Afterwards... Home

"What's up dad." I said upon arrival at my house. "I've got some news."

"Huh, what's up?"

"Well I was in gym today and the varsity football coach asked persuaded me to play on the football team next year. He said he thinks I could be a quarterback."

Dad looked at me with a dull look, "That could be a big risk Mike. I'm not going to control your life though so I'll say that's up to you. If you're really considering it however I'd suggest you spend a lot of time in the gym bulking up during the off-season."

"Yeah of course he told me they provided conditioning once the basketball season was over."

"That's a start but I'm talking 30-40 pounds needed to be put on you if you want to succeed in football as well. You've got a lot of muscle in your frame but thing could always be better." Dad said in encouragement. "You know what I mean?"

I nodded, "Yeah. I'm willing to put in the work needed. I'd still like to make basketball make main priority. Speaking of that, could you take me over to the YMCA? I've gotta get my jump shot straightened up. Really struggled shooting against Lanford."

"Ok let's go." He proceeded towards the door.

Football Thread - http://www.operationsports.com/forum...hael-kane.html

[beast10]

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

"Mike! I'm subbing in." Said Cleveland as I looked behind and saw him rushing to the floor.

I jogged to the bench in disappointment. There I was lectured by an upset assistant coach Jennings.
"Come on Mike! What in the world are you doing out there? You can't just launch up shots like that when we barely have a sustainable lead. There's a reason you're on varsity... You should already know this stuff."

"Yes coach." I said even though I didn't agree with a word he was saying. Each of my looks lacked defense or I was completely open, therefore like coach Santiago had said way back during the tryouts - if you see it, take it.

... Final Buzzer
PA Announcer: And that's the final buzzer. Aaron Burr falls to visiting Polk 60-53.

---

Afterwards... Bus Back To Polk
We were dismissed from the locker room and the team headed to the bus. There I found myself seated with Anton as we discussed the game.

"Why does coach continue to start Mohammad..." I said in disgrace.

"That's just the way it is man. The obstacles of high school basketball. You'll get your chance though."

"I was suppose to get the chance like 2 games ago after coach said he was going to bench Mohammad!"

"Wait what? When did coach say that?"

"You remember in practice when he called me, Cleveland, and him? I said "That's when he told us he'd been seeking to make lineup changes at guard but he wasn't done sh*t and look where we are now. Barely winning to the sorriest team in the division."

"Oh dang... You just gotta prove yourself man. Nothing gonna come easy in sports so you just can't sit back and rely on coaches word. At least look at the bright side to it all, you're not on the bench the whole game anymore, actual you're playing more than me as it seems."

"Yeah I guess."

After the conversation I swiped out my phone and noticed I had an voicemail. It was from my little brother Trent.

"Mike it's me Trent. Mama got some kinda cancer. She said the doctors told her all is not well and that she don't have a lot of more time left."

Him sobbing mainly audioed the entire voicemail but I understood the words and tears automatically raced down my face. It was one thing to hear about this in real life but to get the news through a phone just made it 100% worst.