From 2lbs to 2Points: The Story Behind Emma's Big Shot!

This has been a super emotional week for so many reasons. I do believe I mentioned Angel's on earth this week and I believe everything that happens in life is supposed to. It's tough to explain, but this week someone from above is showing me I'm on the right path at the right time. I really put my whole heart into this idea for the last year and a half, trying to create content to spotlight South High. I know there's someone out there asking why. I dont make money. Nor has it ever been about money, or fame or whatever conspiracy theory's are out there. The truth is, I needed to heal. From the loss of my Dad, to giving up the business I ran for for over a decade. Two really bad breakups back to back. Covid just sent the world into a tail spin. Blah blah blah...I had to stay off my feet so my foot would heal, and mentally, I just needed to figure out how to feel normal again. So I turned to my dream. Sports. They have always healed me. Always been there for me. Just get lost for hours. South High, same feeling. They were always there for me in some pretty tough years of my life. I needed some kind of motiation. Fresh off Angelo LaRose's 3k Yard record breaking season, I caught word that old friend Diago McClain was coaching for South High and I had followed the Sting and his mission since he began. Watched all of his success. I was amazed at what he was accomplishing with his girls. When I heard he was Coaching at South, something just clicked. It all made sense for me. From game 1 to present I have believed because I have been lucky enough to see it off the court with my own eyes. . Yes, they all have talent. Yes they all have physical skills. They all have intangibles that you cant physically see. Heart being at the top of the list.

First thing you need is CHEMISTRY. When people hear that word used in basketball context to describe a team, they think "On The Court". Well, there are two types of chemistry. Physically on the court, and off the court being the other. Team Nights. Team Dinners. You basically become family. You protect your family, help them when they need, be their shoulder to cry on. If you want to win, thats a giant factor. I can say, that is now South High. Coach Bob LaRose has that structure as well. Absolutely a BROTHERHOOD! These girls? Absolutely a sisterhood. We had a few transfers this year and same thing. Chemistry is exactly the same vibe as last year. Every game you see them clapping for each other, pumping each other up, reassuring each other every play. That translates to them playing some serious defense. Someone swipes, the other is their to recover for them or they get the steal themselves. Talking to each other on the court. I said last year and Ill say it again. This is basically like watching the Golden State Warriors. Tough D and pure shooters.

Filming these games has just been phenomenal to watch. Im watching this team grow into a monster week by week. And this week may have sealed the deal, might have been the spark they needed to ignite this season on fire. The girls have played well. Defense is winning games for them. In my honest opinion, we have seen nothing yet. Thursday night The Lady Colonels traveled to St. Paul's to take on the Knights. Watched the JV game which was also phenomenal and vid will be out soon. When the varsity team hit that floor to the sound of the buzzer they were intensely focused. Defense was serious again, and they ran away with it early. Which meant we got to see some of the talent we have behind the starters. Which is where my story of Emma Houlihan's shot began.

When I film, I'm filming to keep the ball in view. I really get to watch the plays slow when I edit to see what actually happened. Now admittedly. I was not familiar with her play, but I film everyone equal. When she hit this shot in real time, all I knew was that the team behind her went bananas as did our crowd. Now I figured it had to be her first two varsity points or something like that. I had no clue why and I just assumed. Might have been that she came back from injury, all I knew was there was something different about the way they cheered. It gave me instant goosebumps. The minute I walked in my door, I went right to work creating the video. I was bummed because the storage in my phone was full and I missed Ava's amazing deep three buzzer beater which had the crowd going bananas too. I had to see what the deal was with this shot. So I go back to check in slomo and was amazed at what I saw. First time through, I saw their reactions and got a little choked up because you coul tell it was genuine. That right there is what a team is all about and should be. An absolute image of beauty.

The best part about this pic for me is the form. That's a flawless jumper right there. She shook a defender, took one step in and dilled the shot! That's the legendary Grace O'Gara at the end of the bench. Jaiyla Colon is awesome in every picture and her excitement in the video will make you cry laughing or it will touch your heart, probably both. Jaizzy gets pumped! Ari and Sam get hyped. But let's talk about this next pic. The reaction from Bryan and Coach Sam O'Gara!

This right here is a thing of beauty. When I zoomed in on Bryan's reaction? Just wow. Doesn't that just have heart all over it. All of their reactions were in synch and genuine. And look at Sam. Sam is a great Coach and this gives just a small indication of the bond she has with her team! Coach stays in Coach Mode. There is no doubt that he's just as excited as the girls on the inside, but he coaches the entire game. As far as etiquette goes, obviously you're not celebrating a 2pointer because of the scoreboard, so I knew there had to be more behind it.

And then I get to the best picture from the whole thing. This incredible smile....

I made my highlight reel and spotlighted this just because it was such a heart warming moment. I love seeing these girls smile because they deserve too. After all, this is a mission to build their basketball resume's and get them noticed for college's. College Coach's want to see character. How they interact with each other. See what their mentality is. Well take a look at this team. 10/10 Character across the board from players to coaches and parents involved with this team. I posted the video of their game and went to sleep. It was well received, was getting some good views. Being talked about, 100% Inspiring. I still had no clue what the deal was. Before I could ask...I get this message in the morning...

Completely Stunned. So the smile on Emma's face, was the smile of a girl who felt like she had finally made it. To have someone cheering for you the way those girls were...I can only imagine what you have been through and that has to be the most well deserved feelings of all time. When I spoke with Emma's mom, I was speaking to a woman who has had her heart shattered for her daughter. A woman who knew what her daughter had been through and watched her heart break as well. A woman who said she found it ironic that she had to bring her daughter to South High from Sutton so her daughter could heal and know what it's like to play for a team that becomes family the minute you put that jersey on. This message from her was everything to me. No amount of money could match the feeling that your work touched someone's life! Now knowing everything you just read....Watch this video! This is the story of a girl who beat the odds and now she's competing for playing time on one of the best high school basketball teams in the state. And although she doesnt get alot playing time, she will in time, and she just may have provided the inspirational spark this team needed to make another deep run into the playoffs. Thank You Emma!