Though the 16U team suffered four straight defeats against very good opponents at the Syracuse Carrier Dome Pre-Nationals, they came away with their pride intact and loads of respect from tournament officials. Losing by double digits each of the first three (3)games of any tournament usually means going through the motions and limping home on the last day. But not for this team. Playing an inspired, passionate and intense game against Rome Spangle our 16U team, almost pulled the game out. At the end of the game, during the customary sportsmanship shaking of hands between the teams, one of the game referees went into the Spangle teams line and personally greeted each of our 16U players. At the end of the line he greeted Coach Kanalley with a hand shake and complimented the team for putting out a great non-stop effort, right to the last second. He also remarked if some of the boy's teams put out the same type of effort the tournament would have been a total success.
