Not my granddad, but Bob Gorden, Ryan and Kristen Scholten’s granddad. Bob was kind enough to write an article about TKA famous as well as about his grandchildren’s accomplishments this past weekend. This may seem a little self-serving, but here’s a link to both of his articles:
Granddad on Grandchildren
Granddad on TALKEETNA famous
I sincerely appreciate the kind words, although that sleeping in the car thing was supposed to be a secret. As soon as the folks at Tri-Valley got wind of it, they demanded that I couch surf. I had a husky with me, and an incredible sleeping bag. I don’t want to gush, but the experiences that I have had in Healy over the past two months have provided more than enough warmth to endure the wind and weather.
Kristen and Ryan, photo by Letitia Talerico
Ryan and Kristen are two charming and hard working young adults. These characteristics run throughout their family, and their community.
As I have mentioned, I am a little overwhelmed with Talkeetna based responsibilities right now. I’m posting from work, but I’ll make it up. However, I will follow Bob’s lead and start acknowledging a few accomplishments.
Sportsmanship Award, Birchwood Christian
I had a chance to chat with a few of these lads. Why are they such good sportsmen? Because they smile a lot, play hard, and then smile a lot. Sounds easy right? Well, give it a shot.
I discussed the accomplishments of Katherine Albert, Walter Northway Lady Warrior and tournament M.V.P., at length. I owe equal time to Eli Morse, Kenny Lake Hawk and tournament M.V.P.
I don’t go to basketball tournaments to be touched. I dig backdoor cuts, 30 foot bounce passes, catch and shoot jumpers, and ankle breaking double crosses. I’m a guard. However, the single most touching moment of the tournament, for me, was the minute long handshake with mouth to ear quiet conversation in a loud gym as time expired for a hometown championship that occurred between the Kenny Lake coach, Jesse Heinbaugh, who could diagram this sentence, and Eli Morse. It was an expression of commitment and admiration. I assumed it was a career ending conversation. Might not have been, as Eli is a junior, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is graduating early.
Eli scored 101 points in six games for the Hawks. He and Dominique Bell are the bespectacled, dynamic duo. Morse is a guard, a forward, and a center. He owns and maintains prime real estate. There’s a lot of competition. Kenny Lake uses a two-point offense, with Eli Morse occupying the center of the floor, screening for Bell, kicking out to David Helkenn and Joey Leonard, or high-lowing to Caleb Helkenn. Add to that scoring and rebounding: Eli Morse does both. I don’t have the statistics available to fully describe the triple threat, but Eli Morse does it all. I must compliment the coaches for voting Eli Morse the M.V.P. Sometimes the overall contributions of an athlete can go overlooked, particularly when that athlete’s team doesn’t win the tournament. 101 points help. Congratulations Eli Morse, M.V.P. 2010 Central Interior Conference Tournament. Well earned.
Eli Morse, Hawk, M.V.P.
I wish I had a photo of Eli’s coach, but that big man kinda blends. The camera couldn’t find him.
There is so much more to say about the 2010 Central Interior Conference Tournament, and there’s time. Thanks again Bob, and all who had as much fun as I did. Okay, even if you had a little less fun than I did.
