St. Rose goes 1-1 in games, 2-0 in sportsmanship

The Sportsmanship Brigade took the old Ernie Banks line of "Let's play two" to heart on Friday as members witnessed a pair of 7th grade CYC girls basketball games. In game 1, the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne B-team took on St. Martin de Porres. The CYC playoffs start next week and the gym had a postseason feel to it. Parents and fans cheered a little louder. Game seemed to be a little more physical. The score itself was indicative of the intensity. Playoff atmospheres sometime don't support sportsmanship life. Too much is on the line. There's no time to soften up. We'll shake their hands when we're done beating their brains out.

Thank goodness for Sydney Morehouse of St. Rose. She was a key player for her team - contributing a lot in points and rebounds - helping them win a 29-28 squeaker. She also delivered the only sportsmanship score of the contest as well. During a battle for a loose ball, one of Sydney's St. Rose teammates was pushed backwards and the young lady was surely going to hit her back or head on the floor. Almost instinctively, Sydney turned from grabbing for the ball to grabbing for her teammate. Certain injury was avoided as Sydney cradled her teammate and kept her upright. The Brigade saw fit to recognize Sydney for her selflessness and teammate-first attitude.

Solomon Alexander with Sydney Morehouse

Game 2 was set to be more more intense than its opening act. The St. Rose A-team and Our Lady of Guadalupe are rivals and this was a return game from earlier in the season which concluded in a St. Rose victory. Guadalupe came out firing and built up a 14-point lead after the first quarter. The game itself wasn't very competitive as Guadalupe played a stellar defensive game and seemed to drive to the basket at will. It was clear early on which team would take the loss, but Anasha Hearst of St. Rose decided not to lose her composure. On one particular play, a Guadalupe player drove to the basket and was knocked to the floor. Anasha helped the young lady up, hugged her and patted her on the back. If no one else in the building had the right mindset, Anasha did. Rewarding her was an easy slam dunk.

Solomon Alexander with Anasha Hearst

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents and fans who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol