I’ve been shooting varying levels of basketball longer than any other sport, so for me, the game can be a bit predictable when I’ve been photographing a particular level, such as high school, after a few months. That being said, I was pleasantly caught off-guard while photographing Friday’s game at Shiloh Christian School.

Perhaps it was because I had just come from a girls game at Springdale Har-Ber***, or maybe it was because this was the first game I photographed Shiloh, but for some reason, this game was very fast. Not the time per say, but the players, Clarksville players in particular, were just really, really fast. I honestly felt the players from Clarksville were moving on the speed of a NAIA or NCAA Division III school.

(***When photographing boys and girls games, the boys are noticeably faster. This is especially evident when photographing boys after girls.)

The Clarksville players consistently moved down the court and back with great speed and hustle. Very rarely would the team casually walk the ball back after a bucket was made by Shiloh. The team also exhibited quick ball handling and…unique…passing and dribbling skills. This game was the first time I’ve seen players ally-oop the ball, pass the ball blind and backwards or trip up players by doing a quick spin and change directions. It was almost as if the team had a choreographed ballet on the court instead of plays. It was quite enjoyable to watch (unless you were cheering for Shiloh of course). When a team comes out with the energy and momentum that Clarksville had, it can easily rattle the opposing team. Unfortunately for Shiloh, they couldn’t keep up with Clarksville and lost, 79-57.

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I’ve probably mentioned this before, but nothing get me more excited to shoot a sports event than cross-town rivalries! When I was in high school, it was the highlight of that particular sports season and I’m glad that tradition holds true here in Springdale. I was honestly stunned at the sheer number of students who attended both the girls and boys games. Their energy make the games not only more enjoyable as a spectator, but also release and energy into the atmosphere that I as a photographer pick up on. I find that I shoot better or more creatively when in a gym packed with screaming fans!

I was also pleased to see the games dedicated to the Coaches vs. Cancer event. The event is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches formed in 1983 participated throughout the nation with high school and college basketball teams. Coaches from both teams wore sneakers with their dress clothes and cancer survivors were honored at the start of the girl’s game.

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The thing I like most about photographing boys basketball is by far the intensity, hustle and aggression on the court (where it’s meant to be, not in the stands with the parents). Sometimes, as counter intuitive as it may seem, I think this tenacity on the court is amplified the younger the players are too. – this game was no exception.

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Both the boys and girls Rogers Heritage High School basketball teams dominated over Gentry High School during the season openers Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 in Gentry. What really stood out to me at the game though was the support for the teams by fellow Gentry High School classmates. Even though both teams were down, their fans never stopped cheering them on, which I think, makes a game much more enjoyable to be at.

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Pea Ridge High School came to Springdale High School only to get run over by the Bulldogs. SHS kept lots of pressure on the Blackhawks the entire game which helped the Bulldogs achieve victory, 69-36.

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Photos from Fayetteville Woodland and Alma’s championship game Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, in the 7-A West Junior High Regional Tournament at Central Jr. High School in Springdale. Woodland completed an undefeated season by winning 56-37.