The defense was fantastic, shutting down – and shutting out – the Patriots high powered offense in the second half.  Although they gave up a season high 17 points in the first half, as has been the case all season, they righted the ship at half-time and took control.

Kyle Orton looked like the quarterback that Coach McDaniel wanted when he traded away Jay Cutler over the summer.  He threw for two touchdowns (two eleven yard strikes to Brandon Marshall) and over 300 yards.  He spread the ball to all of his receivers – including Eddie Royal who came up with a number of first down receptions, Marshall, Gaffney, Moreno (who generated a lot of yardage both rushing and receiving) and his two tight ends – Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler).

Even two untimely penalties against the Broncos punt receiving team late in the fourth quarter, which gave the Patriots life, weren’t enough to put the Broncos away.  The whole stadium held its breath wondering if the Broncos were going to fall to one of Tom Brady’s patented game-winning drives, but the Broncos just won’t quit.   This team just keeps on fighting.

We all left the stadium horse from shouting and cheering after Prater’s overtime game winner.  And many of in the crowd stopped over at a local bar while waiting to go cheer for the Rockies – another team that doesn’t know the meaning of quit.

Go Broncos!

Go Rockies!

After watching the game, I am more convinced then ever that youth basketball is a great thing for our kids.  The girls on both teams looked like they were in great shape and they are obviously learning important skills as well as teamwork.  If you are wondering what to do with your kids over the summer, get them involved in youth basketball or some other organized sport.  They will benefit now and in the future in many different ways.

I really enjoyed the Nuggets all year.  I am just disappointed with the last five quarters.  Still, they played incredible basketball and went a lot farther than I expected at the beginning of the season.  When they play defense, they are a great team.  When they pass the ball and move without the ball, they are a great team.  Unfortunately, they forgot those things for the last five quarters of the series with the Lakers or they would still be playing.

The good news is that they have all the pieces to make another run next year.  JR is ready to break into the big time and Chauncy and  Melo are both playing great.  We need to get more consistent offense from Nene and consistent team defense should be the top priority for 2009-2010.

Now I am rooting for the Magic.  I was just in Orlando visiting with good friends of mine.  They are Orlando personal injury attorneys and are major Magic fans.  While I wish we could have seen a Denver/Orlando Championship series, I am now on the Magic bandwagon and rooting for them to beat both LeBron and Kobe.  Go Magic!

The tournament was hosted by Denwakan Karate, the Wado Karate Federation of USA and Sensei Sadaharu Kurobane.  Sensei Kurobane is an 8th Degree Black Belt in Wado and has been teaching traditional Japanese (Wado) karate in Lakewood, Colorado, since 1970.

The tournament was well attended despite the weather.  In addition to many students who practice karate in Denver, Lakewood, Niwot and Brighton, participants came from as far away as Bloomington, Indiana, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.  In previous years, the tournament has hosted students from as far away as Ireland.

It was a good experience for all of the participants – even though some of us did not perform as well as we would have liked.  And, best of all, there were no serious injuries.

JR Smith looked like Ray Allen of the Celtics as he hit eight three point baskets.

Chris Anderson played like Bill Russell with eight blocked shots.

And Carmelo looked like Paul Pierce with his green headband.

And they won!  They beet the Utah Jazz!

I think they might want to wear green every night.

The Nuggets have now won 50 games for the second straight season – and they are in second place in the Western Conference.  Only behind the Lakers.

With all the bad news we keep hearing from the Avalanche and the Broncos trading away Jay Cutler, it looks like we might have a real basketball teamthis year.  Now, if they can only win a playoff series or two….

Of course, they learned a lot about anatomy during the day and over night – in fact they are still learning this morning – “the top of my right calf hurts”, “my tailbone used to stick out, now it is pushed in”, “I can really feel my abs”….

Diane and I chose to avoid the aches and pains – we went snow-shoeing.  We followed some cross-country ski trails most of the way and went through some beautiful woods – no traffic noise, no houses or condos.  We spent some time watching a squirrell chew through a pine cone like it was an ear of corn.  It looks like the pine beetles are having a feast too.  I wonder if there will be any trees left in five years…

We didn’t have quite the same aches and pains as our kids, but we felt it too.

Thankfully, the hottub was there at the end of the day.  Oh, what a pleasure it is to soak and watch the sun go down.

And today, we’ll do it all over again.

Just a note about the ski area – long lines (of course it is Spring Break – the weekend where Denver and JeffCo school area spring breaks overlap and we just got hit with “the blizzard of ought-nine”…).  We did hear a lot of complaints about the lines.  I guess the recession isn’t hurting the ski industry quite as bad as I thought it might.

I am sure the drive back down the hill will be slow….  Oh well, that’s what happens when we get some good snow.

I can’t say enough about the organization.  The founders – Sonny Scarlett and Chris Peterson (Coach “Pete”) – are two quality individuals.  It is clear from everything they say – and more important, everything they do, that they are all about helping the players improve their skills.  That attitude and that feeling permeates the entire organization including all of the coaches.  It is a competitive environment, but it really feels good to be there.

If your son or daughter is interested in competitive basketball, you are missing out if you don’t check out The Shining Stars.

My son is also active in sports, he plays for the Colorado Junior Eagles Major A hockey team.  They won their conference in both the regular season and year-end tournament.  Tonight, they are playing in the state championship tournament at Apex Rec Center.  Go Eagles!

While it does get tiring taking the kids to practice and going to games – sometimes all over Colorado and even out of State – it is worth it for the kids.  In addition to helping keep our kids in shape, competitive athletics are a great training ground for young people and help them learn life lessons.  You don’t win every battle, but if you learn to carry yourself with grace and dignity, you will always be a winner.

We are very fortunate to have so many organizations and leagues that encourage participation in sports throughout Denver and the Front Range.  If you have kids and are not taking advantage of these opportunities, your kids – and you – are missing out.  Make the effort.  It’s a lot of fun!

Update: tied up 1:1

Update: tied again 2:2

Pretty cool outdoor racketball setup.