By Coach Green
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Fast Break Wild Dogs headed into their second Shootout at The Pinnacle in Chino, California with a retooled roster of seven players and plenty to learn together.
Three members of the pack returned from our first Shootout. Three Wild Dogs regulars joined us for their first taste of club basketball. Two were playing the first basketball games of their lives, and another was playing only his second. Our seventh player had practiced with us only occasionally, but you would never have guessed it from his performance: he played very well and led the team in scoring in the first game.
A tough first test
Our opener against the Corona Scorpions was a tough battle. We learned that we are still pups when it comes to handling a press. One parent described our primary ball handlers as getting “mauled.” Every player had a chance to learn, and everyone gave their best.
We lost 46–17, but the game gave us lessons to bring back to practice.
Refueling together
Between games, the Wild Dogs gathered over Panda Express. Sharing a meal gave the pack a chance to refuel and enjoy some time together. That camaraderie was an important part of the day, too.
More than scoring
We came into game two against GRG Red looking a little more prepared. The team put up a tougher fight and increased its scoring to 34 points in a 47–34 loss.
Two members of the pack scored 17 and 15 points. I was glad to see them eat—but Wild Dogs also help the rest of the pack eat. Sharing the ball and creating opportunities for more teammates will be something we keep working on.
Coach Stan made another important point: contributing to winning basketball involves much more than scoring. We saw tremendous effort on defense, with players contesting shots and challenging passes. Our newcomers contributed in ways that the score alone cannot show.
Seven players, different levels of experience, and another day of learning together. We have work ahead of us, and every member of the pack has a part to play.
