Three-peat for the Patriots

I've said all week to anyone that would listen that I felt a sort of mystique when I was watching USA play throughout the tournament. It's just one of those things, when you're watching a team play and have a feeling you are in the presence of something truly special happening.
That instinct of my proved to be right on last night as the Patriots took care of Reese 53-47 in the Class C District finals.
I've had the pleasure of covering the last two District championship wins for the Patriots (they have won three straight District titles) and let me just say, while last year's was cool, this one was extremely special.
After USA lost their entire starting five to graduation last year, expectations for the 06-07' campaign were definitely down.
Add in the loss of Brennan Pitcher to his illness and Tim Holland to an ankle injury and those expectations sunk even lower; especially after a four game skid a few weeks backs.
Patriot's coach Mark Gainforth explained that it would have been really easy for the team to feel sorry for themselves and let the season spin out of control. Instead they made the conscious decision to succeed and ended making a late run towards a league championship (they finished in second behind Reese).
That momentum carried over for the entire tournament, which saw many of the team's young players step up into key roles, especially on offense.
Against the Rockets, Taylor Cramer and Brandon Bitzer once again emerged to lead the "O" as they both chipped in 14 points each. As for Bitzer's effort, it earned the praise of Greg Colburn (a coach at BCAS), who called it the best offensive effort he's seen from Bitzer all season.
At the same time, Cramer helped to cement his status as a go to player with several key free throws down the stretch. Cramer, who was 9-for-9 on the day and 12-for-15 in the playoffs, was 6-for-6 in the final 35 seconds to help put away Reese.
One other player who definitely earned Gainforth's praise was Kelson, who scored nine points and grabbed at least 10 boards. He was a force all night, playing aggressive and like he really wanted to win the District title bad. Gainforth pointed out that had it not been for Gettel's effort, there is no way his team would have won.
One other thing I would like to point out. I interviewed Gainforth many times in my career, obviously much more so over the last 18 months I can tell you I have never seen him like I did after the Patriots won. He seemed to be on the verge of tears, but when and if they came (I suspect they might have when the reporters left), they were all from happiness.
Gainforth explained that he was truly happy for this group as they finally have separated themselves for the past and now have their own legacy.
I guess when it comes down to it, this means I'll be spending my 32nd birthday covering the Patriots in Sandusky. I can think of a lot worse ways to spend the day.