Three's a crowd for the Brigade

The Sportsmanship Brigade spent last weekend at The St. Louis Jewish Community Center (The J) and took in a pair of eight-year-old boys basketball games. Team Robson played Team Bartig in one game and Team Hardwick and Team Bierman squared off in the other.

Teams at The J are named for the coaches and that system certainly fits Team Hardwick. The boys are fundamentally sound, unselfish and respect their opponents - all qualities embodied by their coach. We could not decide on one thing this team did well. They patted each other on the back after good and bad plays. They helped opponents up who fell to the floor and encouraged one another from the bench.

In a case like this, the Brigade had no choice but to issue a blanket award. Pizza for everyone!

Team Hardwick

The second game featured a very mild-mannered, but hardworking young boy and the most excited fan the Brigade has ever seen at a youth game. First, Liam showed a great attitude and unselfish play in leading his team to its first victory of the season. He was an easy selection for the Brigade.

Liam and his mom

Then, there was Jennifer Scott - the most excited adult fan we have ever seen at a youth sporting event. "Go, Blue! There you go! Woo-hoo! Go, Blue!" Those types of cheers went out nonstop for an hour. She cheered like this was an NBA or NCAA Final Four game.

To some, it may have seemed obnoxious. To the Brigade, it was just what the doctor ordered. All too often, parents sit in the stands at youth games as if they were attending a funeral. Kids should know how important they are and that we really like seeing them play. Jennifer understands that. The Brigade understands Jennifer.

Liam and Jennifer Scott

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents, fans and officials 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.