We probably had 20 or 25 third- to eighth-graders just wanting a picture taken with her when we got back to the pep assembly (on Sunday). What this is going to do for my program the next few years ...

Our fourth-graders were very successful. They had just about the same passing rate as our eighth-graders, even though they had to achieve at a higher standard. We have to figure out how to have the same success at eighth grade.

When cheese gets it's picture taken, what does it say?

They're working really hard. They're engaged already. Getting 150 eighth-graders on task in under five minutes is really neat.

It's probably the best second half of the year that we have played. Since it is only the third game with the lineup as we have it, that was a big step forward. We basically started over at Christmas. I think as soon as we get over that hump and get a little experience playing together and a rotation pattern set, the wins will come a lot easier for us and we will have a really strong finish to the season.

We actually thrive off some pressure . . . because we feel we can get the ball into Rae Lin and others. And once we get past that first wave, we just do a fantastic job of running our lanes and, for the most part, finishing.