The circle is unbroken as players save the storytelling for themselves

What’s the 411? - Gramps at a game is capable of getting the most basic elements wrong like, “Who is actually playing?” I watched Cape’s junior varsity girls beat who I thought was St. Thomas More 41-1 Jan. 17, ignoring clues like purple uniforms and the name Royals on the scoreboard. It wasn’t until a parent and former student, Charity Elliott, messaged me at home, “We played Delmarva Christian, Fredman, but it’s OK, we love you anyway.” I see myself as a real writer, and this 41-1 game was in my wheelhouse, a challenge to create a storyline that wasn’t the same old tired, soapy stuff. The final score just sort of happened. The Royals got up and down the court and weren’t hateful; the ball just didn’t drop into the basket. Afterward, as Cape lined up for the handshake “good game” ritual, all six of Delmarva’s players came over and asked if Cape girls wanted to pray with them at center court. Cape coach Scott Cleaver’s girls gave him a questioning look; it was their first play and pray request. “You join them in prayer or not, it is your decision,” Scott said. They all went to the tip-off circle, joined hands, bowed their heads, and gave thanks. Cape fans clapped. There was soul and inspiration in the Big House. I was just glad the kids told the story of the game better than any I could have created.

Window to the past - Anyone ever break into a school gym through a window on a Saturday morning and play three hours of basketball with 30 of your closest friends while taking advantage of all the free ice cream in the cafeteria? No, me neither. The talented varsity St. Thomas More girls’ basketball team, 8-3, looked lethargic - tired, even - in losing to Cape 35-30 Jan. 17, and it never seemed to climb the excitement ladder with the game on the line in the fourth quarter. Fans who talked to me surmised it was because they played and lost to Concord just the night before. A teenage basketball player tired while playing basketball is a theory I just cannot accept. The sport is a joy to play, and there’s always excitement in trying to close out a win. I found St. Thomas More to be mystifying, a team capable of running you out of the gym like I was back in the day when the cops showed up.

Beauty and the Beast - I’ll be the beast, no problem. I was leaving the Cape office Jan. 18 after snagging Athletes of the Week, when a pretty girl wearing a crown and a sash across her chest which read Miss Greenville walked up to the counter. “Miss Greenwood,” I said, adding, “Guess I should get a picture.” Secretary Amy Gooding, part of a growing legion of friends who help clarify reality for me, said “That’s Greenville, Fredman. It’s near Hockessin.” Danielle Taylor had no idea who I was, so that made two of us. I took her photo, then scribbled down biographical data, which later I would be unable to read. Danielle graduated from Cape last June and is a freshman at McDaniel College. She was in the Cape Chorale, captain of the color guard and member of Cape Thespians. Danielle, 18, competed in the Miss Greenville pageant - close to college - and won, which makes her eligible for the Miss Delaware pageant this June. “Don’t you want to know my platform?” she asked as I was leaving the office. “Absolutely,” I said. “Mental health awareness for today’s youth,” she said. “Depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Making sure kids know they are not alone.” I always leave the window to my soul open, which is why people keep breezing into my big old goofy world. 

Duck and dog - Finley Jones turned 11 in September. He was on the younger state championship Milton Little League team. Later in the summer, he won the national championship duck-calling contest. And last week, the Finley family traveled to North Carolina to get his first dog, as in “feed your dog and take care of it.” The dog’s name is Gator, and he is one lucky dog. Let’s hope that when Finley starts to quack, Gator doesn’t get confused and soft bite his head. Younger sister Emmie, who is 9, has a Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles and mini poodle) named Rosie. She plays Little League and does tae kwon do. If you are asking, “What do dogs have to do with sports?” then I just can’t help you.

Snippets - Tough calls for the weekend games, but if I were betting your money, I’d choose New England over Pittsburgh and Atlanta over Green Bay. Brady and Ben are both a hamstring away from bar league flag guys. I think Mr. Rodgers is out of rabbits. Matty Ice and Julio are what’s happening. Go on now, git!