This has been a great week for SCA basketball!  Our girls won the SCS Thanksgiving tournament in Greenville.  Not many people thought we had a chance but our girls defied the odds and came away with the championship.  These girls have worked so hard and have a clear understanding of what they want to accomplish.  They would not be intimidated by the competition or frightened by the conventional wisdom.  They took on the challenge and would not quit.  They are a model of how we ought to live our lives.

At the same time the girls were winning that tournament, we are hosting the Impact Sports Invitational Tournament.  Our varsity boys are playing in the tournament.  IT features some of the top programs in the state.  No one would have given us a chance to do well, that is until they see us play.  This afternoon we play Irmo high School for the championship.

On Monday night we played Union high school.  They are ranked 7th state wide in the high school AAA division.  They have probably the top ranked player in the state.  Most people would have thought that they would walk away with a big win.  Our guys are not most people.  We defeated them in overtime 50-48.  It was one of the biggest wins in our history.

Last night we had to face Wren high school.  They are another large well established public school program.  Once again we were the underdog, but we won and we are playing for the championship today.

I have been so proud of our girls and our boys this week.  I have been proud of their performance and I was proud of their attitude.  They went out with the expectation of winning and they were fearless.

Coach Padgett said it well in the paper.  “I tell my guys not fear anyone.  This win means everything for us.  These guys have killed themselves the last three weeks, and for them to step up in front of a big crowd and a pressure environment.  I’m just happy for them.”

In the face of overwhelming odds our teams have had a clear understanding of what they wanted to accomplish.  They have stayed focused every minute of the game.  They have followed their game plan and listened to the coach.  They have given 100% on both ends of the floor.

I was thinking the other night.  People ought to live the way these kids play.  In the midst of challenging and confusing times, we must remember our purpose and give glory to the Lord.  We must stay focused, follow His plan and listen for the voice of the Lord through His Word.  We must give 100%.

Whatever the circumstances, the process is the same.  These kids have shown great commitment and we must do the same in every area of life.  You may feel that the odds are overwhelming, but we must not be intimidated.  We must stay focused, not be dominated by fear or refuse to quit.  These kids have inspired me and a lot of others this week.  Pay attention, they are showing us the way.