The Lakota East mens basketball team had their season ended by Colerain in the tournament.  The game was played at UC which made for some much better light than I am used to.  I posted a few action images below but I also posted a series on the head coach.  For anyone that thinks a coach does not go through a lot of emotions during a game I wanted to prove you wrong.  They are into the game just as much as the players and experience the same ups & downs as the athletes.  All images available through the Game Proofs link above.

Trying to split through the defense.

A series of the head coach.

The game where I had my tumble – Lakota East vs CHCA inline hockey.  I had never photographed inline hockey before so I did a lot of research to learn the rules before going to the game.  There was a game before this one so I arrived early to watch and scout locations.  Never good to walk in and see nothing but plexiglass and netting.  I tried to find something to stand on so I at least could shoot through the netting instead of the smeared and scratched glass.  One fan helped me out by pointing out an entertainment ride platform that I could stand on.  Yes, that’s right, a ride.  The location worked pretty well and was definitely better than the flimsy chair I decided not to stand on.  It did not seem like it could hold my weight for a long period of time.  While on the ride platform I noticed a small place down by the team benches where there was no netting or glass.  It would be a tight squeeze but it would at least give me another angle.  So between periods I moved to that spot.  Not without falling first but it was worth it since I finally had a game level view.  Getting back out was less eventful thankfully.  I would love some feedback on the images, feel free to leave a comment.  Here are a few I liked, the rest are available like normal through the Game Proofs link above.

I like that both the stick and puck are off the playing surface.

A nice save.

Photographing the Mason vs Oak Hills womens tournament basketball game was my first event after my tumble.  I definitely was more immobile than I initially thought.  Moving around is more limited for tournaments anyways but I definitely found myself staying in one spot more than normal.  I was just glad I could make it.  My husband was probably happy was well since I would not be all grumpy in the house.  What a game it was.  Scrappy defense and timely baskets allowed Mason to come back from a deficit and win the game.  All images available through the Game Proofs link above, here are a few of my favorites:

Some of that scrappy D.

Like the cheering from the bench in the background.

The Lakota East womens basketball team continued their season by defeating Harrison.  I loved their scrappy play and determination to win the game.  They hung tough throughout the game.  You can see their team chemistry has really come together at the right time.  A number of times I saw a player look up after a steal or breaking through the press and know exactly where their teammate was for a pass.  All images from the game are available through the Game Proofs link above but here are a few of my favorites:

A steal and start of a fast break.

Getting down for the loose ball.

Nice block.

One thing that probably always lurks in the back of my mind is the fear of falling while photographing an event.  That and getting hit by an athlete or game equipment.  Well, on Wednesday  night I learned what I would do if I fell with my equipment.  I was trying to navigate my way through a small space between periods of the game to get to a new position I wanted to shoot from.  In doing so I had to squeeze through a tight space while stepping over a couple pipes and a cord.  Not sure exactly what caused me to trip but I did.  One second I am upright, next second I realize I am in trouble and the following second I am on the floor.  The first thing I did – checked out the equipment.  A broken lens hood but that was it.  I was so relieved because it could have been much worse.  I think I instinctively protected all my equipment because after I checked things out I realized my knees were trying to get my attention.  Looking down I realize the left knee of my jeans is split.  Right knee hurts a little and feels like it might be swelling.  Meanwhile the game is starting back up so I am back to photographing to the action and pretty much ignoring my knees.  During the next intermission I noticed that my left knee was bleeding and thanks to the hole in the jeans I can see 2 raspberries taking form.  By the end of the game I realized I was limping and my right knee feels like it will be permanently encased in my jeans.  Driving home I a could feel ever big of pain in both knees.  A lot of my time has been spent icing my knees trying to get the swelling down so I can wear something other than shorts.  Thanks to the fans that checked up on me after the fall at the game.  Luckily for me nothing seriously hurt with my knees.  Lots of embarrassment on my part and upset that I did something so stupid.  Here is hoping for no more tumbles.