Parker's counter part

The basketball program that Kallsen and Parker (and Joseph) play in is Upward Basketball. I'm not sure of the back story of Upward Basketball but here is what I do know: Upward Basketball is a played primarily in Baptist Church family life centers and is designed to mix learning team work, sportsmanship, and the gospel through the sport of basketball. Practice and games all include Bible lessons and the score is not important.

I tend to feel there needs to be more of a competitive environment, but this is not the time to share those views.

In Upward Basketball each player is given a color they wear on their uniform. During play, they are matched up with a player from the other team with the same color. Normally the coaches try and pair up players of similar skill sets and height.

On Saturday a little redhead girl had the same color as Parker and she stuck to Parker like glue. This was new to Parker being the 3-5 year-old basketball game consist of running with the ball and everyone getting a chance to shoot and score. Very little defense is played and most of time no one is even focused on the other player with their color. Below is a couple of pictures taken Saturday morning and a short video.

A player from the other team (a girl!) get's into Parker's head

Kallsen comes to Parker's rescue

As you can see, Parker didn't like being covered so tight. Watch as Parker keeps his head down and keeps on walking away from the little girl. I was worried that Parker might actually cry...and I am proud to say that he didn't cry.