STRAIGHT UP BALLER

This weekend the Greenhills Middle School Girls' Basketball team took part in the St. Paul Invitational in Ann Arbor. Cate had played basketball at the park or in the driveway of our neighbors on occasion, but she had never played organized basketball until joining her school team this year. That is why it was such a revelation to see her command of the court at this tournament. She reminded me of a mini Magic Johnson with her vision of the court, spatial awareness, and command of basketball's fundamentals.

Perhaps it is true that skills from one sport transfer to another, and soccer and basketball have many similarities. However, I like to think that certain athletes have attributes that are inherently well-suited to certain activities. For them, playing a range of sports allows them to develop disparate skills that create a much fuller package and end product. This is a thesis the writer David Epstein discusses in his book Range.

Cate's skills were on full display in all three games in the tournament - a single elimination event. She rebounded, started fast breaks, made shots, and delivered some "dimes" - inch perfect passes, which her teammates often put away for baskets. In the end, the Gryphons prevailed and took the title. Here's to the generalists and here's to Cate!