Gadding About with #4 in Lawrence, Kansas

Devonte' Graham

I first was awed by Devonte' Graham while attending my first basketball game at Daniels Middle School where my grandson Zach was on the team.  There was this phenomenal little kid hitting 3 pointers right and left, stealing the ball, making great passes, and I exclaimed "Who is THAT kid?"  His grandmother, Doris King McCain who was sitting behind me, tapped me on the shoulder and said, "That's my grandson."  I have followed Devonte' ever since.  He and Zach played together at Daniels, at Broughton, and played in the State Championship Game together at the Dean Dome in 2013.

After a year at Brewster Academy, Devonte' was signed by Bill Self at Kansas where he has had a spectacular four-year career.  As I followed the Jayhawks, I told Zach that we must go to Lawrence to see Devonte' play.  This past weekend, I marked this off my Bucket List.  What a grand time we had!!!!

We met Devonte' on Friday night at Jefferson's a popular bar/restaurant on Mass Avenue.  Zach and I had arrived a bit early and claimed a table.  When Devonte' walked in you could see heads turn, because he is well-recognized and admired both off and on the court.  Devonte' is kind and thoughtful, and when young boys wanted to have their pictures made with him as we left the restaurant, he happily obliged.   He is quite the celebrity in Lawrence.

Having dinner at Jefferson's. 

After dinner, Devonte' took us on a tour of Allen Fieldhouse, the athletic facilities and his dorm.  It was all mind-boggling!

The practice court. 

Allen Fieldhouse empty at night and ready for Saturday night's game. 

Balls ready for the upcoming game.

Devonte' and Zach at center court. 

The locker room. 

Zach and I left his dorm all psyched up and ready for the game on Saturday night.

(To be continued.  Stay tuned.)

Holiday Tournament Broughton vs. Apex 2014

Holiday Invitational Tournament

The Holiday Invitational Tournament is well underway here in Raleigh with Broughton High School the venue for the boys' tournament.  Broughton played Apex for the right to advance to the final championship game of the Summit Hospitality Bracket.   It was a close game, tip and tuck the whole way.  Here are a few of the photos captured by the photographer for WRAL. 

Jerome hits a three pointer. (Photo by WRAL).

Austin lays one in. (Photo by WRAL).

Brooks for two. (Photo by WRAL).

Roy dunks for two. (Photo by WRAL).

Tharon heads down the court. (Photo by WRAL).

Which Number 22 drew a foul on this one? (Photo by WRAL).

Brooks looks pretty desperate here. (Photo by WRAL).

I believe Brooks may be holding. (Photo by WRAL).

In the end the Broughton Capitals won 63 to 62, but they will now face Millbrook a formidable opponent who has already beat them once this season.  This will be an exciting game. Good luck CAPS. 

How I've Become a Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Fan

One of Broughton High School's star basketball players in the 2013 graduating class, Devonte' Graham, has committed to play college basketball at Kansas where he will be a freshman this fall.  I've followed Devonte' since middle school where he and my grandson Zach have been on the same school basketball teams through senior high school at Broughton in Raleigh, NC.

When I first saw Devonte' play he must have been in the seventh grade, and I commented, "Who is that kid?" A lady in back of me replied, "That's my grandson,"  Her grandson was a terrific player then and now he's heading to Kansas to play college basketball. 

Devonte' playing for Raleigh Caps in State Finals. (Photo by Ava Barlow)

Devonte' playing in the State Finals for Broughton High School in 2013. (Photo by Ava Barlow)

 Devonte' led the Broughton Basketball Team to the State Championship in 2013.

This past year Devonte' attended prep school at Brewster in New Hampshire.  He had a sterling basketball season there.  After being recruited by a number of colleges including NC State, Virginia, Providence and Kansas among others, he chose Kansas.

 Now I have become a Jayhawks fan, and you bet I'll be watching every Kansas game that is televised when possible.  Devonte' is not only a great point guard, but he is a very nice young man, and I predict great things for him. Check out the following link to learn more about Devonte' choosing Kansas.
Devonte' picks Kansas.

Grandson Zach Graduates from Broughton High School

Zach with his Mom and Dad. (Dad graduated from Broughton too.)

It hardly seems possible, but my first grandson graduated from high school today.  It seems like just a bit ago that he was a toddler coming over to spend the night with GrandPat. 

Zach at age two.

Zach at eighteen.

 He's grown into a fine young man, and we are very proud of him.  He's cute as a button, smart, a fine athlete, but most of all he is a kind and thoughtful young man.  He'll be in college at NC State University so he won't be far away.  He will be staying in the dorm though, so we may not see him as much as we would like. 

Classmates Will and Zach will be roommates at NC State University in the fall.

Honors and service cords.

 I've thoroughly enjoyed the role of Grandmother to him and to his three younger siblings. 

Zach with his family and the Broughton High Bell Tower in the background.

We will have more graduations on the horizon.  The next in 2015, then 2018, then 2020. 

Zach with his girl friend, Claire.

Zach and GrandPat. 

Good luck Zach in whatever the future holds.  Love you. 

A Party for the Broughton Caps Boys' Basketball Team

The Boys' Basketball Team at Broughton High School made quite a run this year going all the way to the Dean Dome to play in the 4A High School State Championship.  They played a terrific game there---very close---and although Olympic of Charlotte won (56 to 53), these boys will always be champions to me.   To quote Michael Jordan, "They didn't lose they just ran out of time."

The parents gave the boys and coaches an end of season party last night and here are some of the photos.

Party at home of Chris Brickhouse (far left).

Left to right: Chase, Devonte', Sam, Vonshae, John.

Coach Ferrell.

Hungry guys.

Chase's Mom and Sister.

Grandpat and the Team.

Watching video of some of their best plays.

Many of these boys are seniors and will be moving on to college, I wish them well in whatever their future holds.  And for those returning to the Team next year, I hope to see you at the Dean Dome. 

Charlotte Olympic 56, Raleigh Broughton 53

Congratulations to Olympic.* 

The 4A High School Boys' Basketball Championship game was played in the Dean Dome on Saturday night  March 16, 2013.  It was a very close game and although Broughton from Raleigh lost we are very proud of our CAPS.  They played a tremendous game against an excellent team from Olympic in Charlotte. 

Chris Brickhouse.

Devonte Graham.

James Hemphill.

Zach Palmer.

Chase Johnston.

Coach Jeff Ferrell.

Hold your heads high.  You made a great run this year!

 This Broughton Team will always be champions in my eyes.  To quote Michael Jordan, "You didn't lose the game, you just ran out of time!"  I love these guys, especially my grandson Zach.

* All photos from the News and Observer by Ray Black III. 

Broughton in the Final Four

Broughton High Cheerleaders (Photo by Greg Mintel.) *

In the first game of the 4A High School Boys' Basketball Regionals in Fayetteville on Tuesday night the Broughton team beat Hillside 65 to 49. Here are some pics of the game. 

Zach after being introduced at the start of the game. (Photo Greg Mintel.)

Two points for Chase. (Photo by Greg Mintel.)

James sinking two. (Photo by Greg Mintel.)

Our special No. 4, Devonte'. (Photo by Greg Mintel.)

The coaches and bench. (Photo by Greg Mintel.)

Zach defending and trying not to foul. (Photo by Greg Mintel.)

Zach played a great game. (Photo by Greg Mintel.)

The faces of defeat. (Photo by Greg Mintel.)

Another good game for Broughton.  They've made the Final Four. The game to determine Eastern NC Champions will be played on Saturday in Fayetteville.

*All photos by Greg Mintel of the Raleigh News and Observer.