Matteke Hutzler – Sixth Blog from Portugal – Ebbs and Flows

Hey hey hey!

SOOO… It’s kinda been a crazy ride over here during the last couple of weeks.

We lost two games in a row two weekends ago, and that really set us back as a team. Since we were on a three game winning streak, I think we felt a little too comfortable with how we were playing. It was a difficult weekend with the way the schedule was set up for us playing two games in two days, when usually we only have one game on the weekend. The first game was against the number one team in the league, Algés. Down by only one at half time, we had been playing great defense against them, switching up between zone and man. In the second half, a few bad bounces and the momentum shifted away from us and we ended up losing 57-39. In the second game of the weekend, we played Boa Viagem at home, in a game that we really had a chance to compete against. We ended up losing that game 60-47. My statistics that entire weekend remained in single digits, so it really wasn’t a positive weekend for me personally. What was more disheartening was that my Mom was in Portugal for the week and was at both games. Even though we lost and I probably played my two worst games of the season, I was excited that my Mom and I were able to spend some quality time together in Portugal!

This past weekend was a much more positive experience for our team. We played Montijo and won 69-61. After putting behind me a forgettable weekend of
basketball and pushing through a tough week of practice, I put up my first double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds. It was definitely reassuring to see those numbers after really feeling the natural ebbs and flows of life that week. People in my life that know me best can confirm that my personality really reflects my environment; so when things are going well I am feeling really good, but when things aren’t going the best I can make it seem like the world is imploding. Living through both the good and ‘not-so-good’ times with a more balanced mind really helps to keep your perspective on what’s going on. I am so blessed to have amazing people in my life that help to keep me balanced and focused, and it was with their support and motivation that I was able to work hard at improving and forget about a couple of bad games.

A little extra motivation to work hard came in the form of a flight home for Christmas that my Mom surprised me with on her visit to Portugal. The countdown is on now – two weeks until small town Ontario living reminds me of why I love home. On my list of things to do when I get home; (1) speak as much English as possible, (2) drink as much Starbucks/McDonald’s/Tim Hortons coffee as possible, (3) wear my toque INSIDE my parents sub-zero house, and (4) RELAX (plus a TON of treadmill/weights/shooting but mainly just to keep Matt off my back).

ALSO, I need to give a HUGE shout out to my Holy Cross Secondary School Crusaders Senior Girls team who kicked some serious basketball butt this season, hosting OFSAA and playing with class all season long. I am so proud of you girls! AND finally, I have to give some support to my girls from the SFU Women’s Basketball Team who are off to a great start this season in the NCAA2! Here we go guys ; )

Much love,

Matteke Mary