Orlando Comets

(KB - 08/05/05) The Comets broke new ground by being the first competitive team in Florida to create a competitor/sister team in their own age group. The feat had been accomplished in other states, but in Florida it seemed that everyone wanted to strike out on their own. The Blue team has struggled with identity problems since its inception. Playing in the shadow of the Red team has had certain exposure and name regonition benefits, but in the end it was all about the W. The Blue team was about to find that out this truism in their inaugural season. In the Spring of 2004, Red team coach Garfield Blair consistently touted the Blue team as one of the top 14U teams in Florida. The Red team then stepped aside and allowed the Blue team to carve out its own niche. The Red team decided to play in the 16U division, leaving the 14U division to the Blue team, the Lady Wildcats, the Clearwater Heatwave, and the Orlando Miracle 13U. (The Miracle subsequently decided to play in the 15U division). The Blue team opened the 2004 season with a 61-57 win over the Heatwave at the Miracle Challenge. The win raised a few eyebrows outside the Comets organization, but insiders shrugged it off as de rigeur. The Heatwave came back and trounced the Blue team in the championship game, 54-37. Coach Blair said the Blue team only had seven players and was "exhausted". Remember that quote. Although the Red team played most of their tournaments in the 16U division, they had to qualify for AAU Nationals in the 14U division. The Red team played in the 14U division at the Cocoa Super Regional, AAU States, Spring Fling, and YBOA states that year. In virtually every case, the Red team was bracketed with the Heatwave. The Blue team was on the other side of the brackets. Heatwave parents were beside themselves with frustration. Predictably, the Red team beat the Heatwave early in the brackets, usually forcing them to finish third. Then the Red team would face the Blue team in the championship, play lackadaisically and win by 30. The scores weren't as important as the finish. The Comets organization always finished 1-2 at these events. The Blue team only played the Heatwave at 2004 YBOA states. The Blue team did beat the Heatwave at that event, but so did the Red team (twice) and so did the High Hoops Sun Rays. The Heatwave were missing several players that weekend, including Lauren Lee. All of this is a roundabout way of saying the 2004 tournament season seemed somewhat choreographed in the Blue team's favor. The Blue team had yet to step out on their own and go toe to toe with a comparable competitor. By consistently finishing in the top 2, many of the Blue team parents believed the team was ready for the next level--AAU Nationals. The Blue team picked up Asia Wilson for this event. Their roster underwent significant changes during the season. By the time nationals rolled around, the Blue team consisted of Asia, Lallique Roman, Brittany Waters, Jelana Childs, Candace Thompson, Samantha Shields, Tiara Jackson, Jessica George, Loren Thomas and Michelle Troche. The only remaining Red team members were Jessica and Michelle. Shields emerged as the team's leading scorer and go to player. Wilson shored up the Blue team's guard corps. Their front line was solid if not spectacular. And the Blue team was learning the judicious use of the Red team's signature full court press. The team went off to Louisiana with high hopes.