“Shopping is cheaper than therapy.”

There was excitement in the air this morning, you could almost taste it – yes sir, shopping day had arrived. The bus trip to the Adidas Staff Outlet was full of shopping plans, shopping dreams, shopping discussions and even some warm up shopping exercises from Michelle (you never can be too careful). We got to the outlet 30 minutes before the shop opened (just to be safe) so there was more time for the excitement to build. By the time they called us in there was a few frothing at the mouth and then we were let loose. Matt Black sprinted like no man has sprinted before – straight out of the gates. Sharon wasn’t far behind, and almost took out a small child as her competitive spirit kicked in. With 50% off all stock, it was also a great opportunity for us to test our maths skills – it’s not all shopping fun and games you know, this is an educational experience. After 90 minutes (and many, many pairs of shoes later) we departed, a little weary but still with a spring in our step. Why, the spring? Well, we were off to our next shopping encounter, Woodburn Premium Outlet. This is an outlet mall in Woodburn, Oregon, with over 350,000 square feet of premium retail space – it’s a shopping mecca. Ciaran’s budget discussions from last night still ringing in our ears, it was a case of pace, pace, pace…well, for some. Matt Black has again led the shopping charge – and may have even purchased a large suitcase to house his plethora of new purchases. We’re now known as the Tommy Hilfiger Titans – that store must love us (and we love it). From there, a little weary from our day’s shopping extravaganza it was time to pile back on the bus, attempt to find room to fit all the parcels and bags and get back to basketball. We had an hour to recoup on our way to Vancouver, Washington for the boy’s to play Columbia River High School who have over 1200 students. After a day’s shopping, the girls were very happy to have a night off and support the boys.

We had our first birthday celebration for the trip with Darcy celebrating his sweet 16. While we may not have given him any fanfare for his Australian birthday, he certainly received a barrage of birthday well wishes for his American birthday. We even had a cake for all to enjoy – everyone is now hoping for more birthday’s (and more cake).

Junior Varsity Boys

The shopping extravaganza may have taken its toll on our Junior Varsity team. Columbia River came out of the blocks firing while we were still thinking about sales and 50% off discounts. Despite valiant defensive efforts from Joel Duncan, Darcy, James and Stuart, Columbia was scoring with rapid succession. Joel Dent was finding the basket scoring all our 5 points for the quarter. At the end of the first quarter we were down by 14 points (19-5). We came back from our thoughts of the sales at the start of the second and scored the first six points thanks to Conall and Joel Dent. Conall provided some much needed height and was pulling in the rebounds and added another 2 points to bring us within 6 points two minutes into the quarter. Joel Duncan kept the scoreboard ticking over and Mason added an intercept and assist to his tally to get Conall to the boards. After a great second quarter we pulled the deficit back to 9 points (32-23). Birthday Boy Darcy, got us on the board to start the third quarter but Columbia River were converting as well. Mason and Stuart added a couple of points and the boys were applying pressure in defence but Columbia held the lead going into the third quarter by 11 points (50-39). Jake and Max applied the defensive pressure in the final quarter and Joel Dent kept our score moving along with a three pointer. Two points from Jake helped our scoreline but at the end of the game the first quarter had cost us dearly and we went down by 17 points (65-48).

Varsity Boys

Resplendent in their newly purchased Nike shoes, shooting sleeves and leggings our Varsity team took to the court, and with some great team passing Malok to the basket for the score.  An Oli drive to the basket and foul conversion added another 3 points to the total with Matt Black and Jaidyn adding to the tally as well. Down the other end Columbia were still scoring well. Oscar was working hard under the basket and half way through the quarter the boys led by 3. A back and forth scoring exchange saw the lead see-saw in the remaining minutes with our Titans down by 1 point at quarter time (17-16). In the second quarter some tight defensive pressure by Toby and AJ helped create a turnover and consequent score for the Titans. Columbia went on a scoring rampage while our scoring quelled and we were 8 points down mid way through the half. A much-needed time out was called to try and bring life back to the team. Oli teamed with Oscar to get another 2 points on the board and then an Oscar swat to deny the opposition a score had the crowd on their feet. A Malok dunk as a result of some great Titans defence brought the house down. An Oli steal and basket brought the deficit back to 5. However, some last minute scoring by Columbia pushed their lead out to 9 (35-26) at half time.  Malok got us on the board in the third with a 3 pointer but Columbia kept up the scoring pressure. AJ, Matt Withers, Conall and Toby came on to help apply the defensive pressure but unfortunately we couldn’t stem their scoring. A much needed Toby 3 pointer came near the end of the quarter but was matched by Columbia. Matt Black scored 2 points in the dying seconds and at the three quarter time break we were 16 points down (55-29). Matt Withers added a three pointer with scores from Matt Black, AJ and Oscar helping our tally but it was to no avail with Columbia leading by 23 points with 3 minutes to go. A Malok three pointer and quickfire 4 points from Oli, followed by 2 points from Oscar brought back the deficit to finish down by 18 points (74-56).

The Flag
We have a two-time winner – and none of us are surprised. Ella has come back to the flag fray, and it feels so natural for her to have it. As some background to her nomination, our accommodation here in Portland has been our best yet. We are all loving the taste of luxury, but none more so than our young Ella. She loves the beds, the bathroom and especially the breakfast, she really loves the breakfast. So much so, that when she found out that our flight the following morning required a departure that would require us missing the hotel breakfast, she was livid and decided to express her disappointment to Bucks as they were heading up the lift. She was strong, she was firm and she told him in no uncertain terms her thoughts. As she arrived at her floor she gave Bucks a final glare and stepped out, only to realise she didn’t remember her room number, so with tail between her legs she then had to turn around and ask with an angelic smile what her room number was. Not one to bear a grudge Bucks gave her a room number (however if might not have been the right number) so without a care in the world (apart from the fact she was missing tomorrow’s buffet breakfast) she proceeded to room 529. She tried the door with no luck, shrugged and then moved to the next door and proceeded down the corridor for the next 5 doors with no luck. It was then she realised the stream of sniggering Titans lining the corridors watching her attempt to get into a room, any room – and the ensuing laugher. With another glare at a laughing Bucks she tossed her hair and finally found her right door – 535. Karma, it’s a wonderful thing. Welcome back to the flag zone.

Special mention to yesterday’s flag winner, Malok, it seems he loved being a flag recipient so much that he wants to keep the mantle, or the flag that is. As we discussed only two days ago, the flag must remain in the recipient’s possession for the full 24 hours. Not our Malok, who left it sitting in the motel, not realising until we were at Adidas….that’s a big oops. Welcome to bus duties Malok.