PLAYOFF UPDATE FROM MEEK

Hey everyone!

We are on to the next round of the playoffs. We were able to sweep Dynamo Moscow in this first round. The first game was tough in the first half and we were able to pull away in the second half, but in game two it was down to the wire. It was win or go home for Dynamo and they came out fighting like any competitor would do.  It was Epiphany Prince for us that caught fire and carried us over the top to victory. She went 6-8 from behind the 3 point line and finished with 28 points. On the other side it was Kristie Toliver that tried her best to carry her team to victory but was not able to.

Our team really rallied together and came up with some key stops as well as some big shots, and I was very happy.

From here we have to take on Ekateringburg, they have the number 1 seed and we have the number 5. Of course the odds are against us with that, but each time that we played them it was a pretty close game so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. We are back home now and I am in my bed resting, I intend on doing this the rest of the day to give my body the proper rest that it needs, and we are back at in the morning.

That's all for now, I will keep you posted on how things turn out.

Talk to you later!

Meek

GREAT WIN

Great Win yesterday everyone!

It came against my buddy and little sister Glory Johnson's team --Volodga. You all remember thats the team that gave us our first lost.

I want to let you know how proud I am of my teammates. We all really played well and together to get this win. Michell Snow was not to be reckon with, she came away with 19pts and 11 rebounds. Epiphany Prince did her thing as well scoring with ease like usual. Glad they are on my team. I played well also, but my Russian teammates came in with a bang to help push things over the edge as well.

Vologda fought pretty hard but with early foul trouble across the board it was kind of hard for them to be as aggressive as they may have wanted to be. With that being said though it didnt stop Glory from having a monstrous game. She finish the game with 17 pts and 14 rebounds. I was very proud of her, as well as my teammates.

Jasmine Thomas also managed her team very well for Vologda she is a very fast strong level headed point guard and she definitely keep the defender on their toes.

After the game we grabbed a bite to eat and it was time to say good bye. I did get a chance to speak with Glory a little bit, so that was a good thing. Now after a relaxing day off, it back to work in the morning.

OH YEAH. Before I get off of here, I just want to say congrats to my Lady Tigers. They have been performing very well, and I am very proud of them. I wish them all the best in the SEC Tournament as well as the rest of the season. Keep Pushing ladies!!!!

Meek

VICTORY!

Hey everyone, we WON! It has been quite sometime since I wrote to you all about a game. That is because we have only 5 left in 2 months. Its so crazy i know but what can we do. We lost out of Euro-cup  so some of this is our fault.

Anyway this game that we won moved us back in 3rd place. The top 6 spots are so close nit, that we lost one game and it dropped us from 2nd place to 5th and now we are back up to 3rd. These next couple of games will be very important as we are looking to finish the season in either second or third place heading into the playoffs. This will be fun as well as interesting.

We are coming off of a day off and back at it in the morning, starting with weights and then a night practice. We must be Focused and bring that focus to practice so that it can carry over to these next game. You play the way you practice, and we have two very important games coming up before another small break.

I will keep you all posted on things that will take place but right now it is kind of slow, so I am working on some non- basketball stuff; such as, my books and different future plans that I have. Be on the look out for it

Until then I will talk to you all later,

Meek

VICTORY!

We have finally gained a win in 2013. It came against a team name Rostov here in Russia. Now this team is sitting in last place in our league, but I never felt like that when I stepped on the court; and the way that they competed, they didn't feel like they were either. They were a very physical uptempo type team. And believe me my body feels ever moment of that game. I tip my hats off to them though because they did not just put up a fight, they put a very hard fight. I am also proud of our team and the way that we responded to the game. Ausa Bimbiate had a great game, almost went perfect from the field, but it was one free throw I believe that was missed. She carried us with 26 points.

We have another big one coming up against Sidney Spencer's Team on the 10th. It will be another hard fought game and we will need to jump out early. Until then we prepare. So off to sleep I go, because before you know it, it will be time to get up and head to practice.

Later Everyone!

Meek

BITTER TASTE

I am still shock and upset with our 13 point win, yet still a defeat.

We face Kayseri again as you all know, and we had to beat them by 15 or more point in order to advance because that's how much they had beating us by at their place.  Well low and behold we were doing just that, and at the last few secs that hard fighting Kayseri team managed to tie it to the point where we were only up 15! So that breaks it even from their defeat earlier and it send us into over time. Now two of Kayseri starters had just fouled out. They point guard Martinez, and  USA's own Ashja Jones (WNBS Connecticut Sun).  That left them with some talent out on the floor, but those two were key.  In the extra 5 min yes it was brutal and it was definitely a grind. Our team lost a little discipline and as a leader and a point guard you have to take some of that responsibility. Well believe me I did.  Everyone knows that it's not easy to repeat for a title, but that was something that we were looking forward to doing. Unfortunately it didn't happen that way, now we must focus on the Russian league we can still maybe redeem ourselves here.

We have Orenburg coming up and this is a mist win game for us. So we're have channeled our energy and focus to that and we are ready.

Meek

MEEK UPDATES HER TEAM'S PROGRESS

After a long road trip and our first lost in Euro- Cup we then had to face a smoking Dynamo Moscow team in the Russia League. They have players with very good talent on their team. As a matter of fact it is the Maryland dynamic 3 all over again. They have Kristi Tolliver, Crystal Langhorn, and Laura Harper playing together all over again. I know the Terps nation is proud.

As for us we fought harder than we did the previous game but we came up short by 3 points. Now I am not sure what has happen to us since the break but we need to continue pulling it together and quickly. We have Kayseri coming up again very soon and because of the point spread in Euro-Cup we have to beat them by at least 16 points in order to advance. Is it doable? Yes I think so! But it will be a very tough challenge for us.  We, without any doubt have the challenge, but can we act maturely enough to overcome this position that we have put ourselves in? That is the question that we face right now. I'm believing that we do, and holding on to that. I will be back in touch with you all very soon to let you know if we were or not.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Meek

DIPPING INTO THE COLD WATERS

Today is a very Sacred Holiday here in Russia. It is almost like a baptism but not exactly the same thing. It is a cleansing dipping to wash away your sins. One of my former teammates posted it on her twitter page and I became intrigued by it so I started asking about it. Now giving that  Russia is enduring its harshest winter in over 70 years it has not stopped these people from being dipped. In Siberia Russia it is a whopping -50 degree C and in the Moscow region it is a little warmer at -17 or -18 but still it is very cold and people are dipping themselves. It is told to me that the water is special and that no one gets sick after the dipping. Whether it is true or not, I still find it very interesting and am glad to see people wanting to have a new start from their washing.

A TOUGH LOSS, A GREAT VIEW

I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT WE LOST LIKE THAT!

We played Kaseri on yesterday. If you all remember, it is the team that we competed against last year for the Euro-Cup Championship. They came out ready to play. And we played decent for parts of the game.  Our defense was not up to par at all. We gave up 101 points. That is never a good thing. Kaseri did what they were suppose to do on their home they protected it, now we have to beat them by at least 16 point or more in order to advance. It will be a tough challenge but i believe in our team.

Until next time..

Ill talk to you all later

Oh. Yeah I did get a little chance to view the city a little bit and it is really not a bad place, This church was my view from my window every morning. Not a bad site huh?

Meek

MEET MY SHOOTING COACH

Hey everyone -- check out this video link on my Shooting Coach Marvin Harvey.  He also worked with Marie Ferdinand Harris as well.

http://tinyurl.com/b49k4q9

BOUNCING BACK WITH A WIN

I come sharing out redemption. On yesterday we redeemed ourselves by winning our game. It was a battle at first and I must tip my hat off to the Bulgarian team. Not only did they drive for THIRTY SIX hours, but they played like they had only flown for 2! The ladies gave us everything that they had and I have a great respect for that.

I have to let you know though that although we won the game, we did not play as well as we are capable. I am not taking anything away from the other team at all. But merely stating that we (Dynamo Kursk) better get it together very soon. It will take a total team effort for us to get anything accomplished this year and we need to start now. We thought that the Vologda game was like a wake up call for us, but our defensive approach to last's nights game was not very good either.

There is some positiveness in this though. We are still racking in W's so there is not much complaint, but I love getting better in the process and that's what this is all about.

Ok until next time.
Meek

SHOCK REUNION

I come to you today to share our first loss. We played Vologda, one of the Russia teams, and as many times as I have talked to you all in the past few season about this team we have been the ones to come out on top. Well, this team that Vologda has this year is definitely different. They are very young, talented, and energetic. Their two Americans (Jasmine Thomas -- WNBA Washington Mystics) and (Glory Johnson -- WNBA Tulsa Shock) and also my teammate played very well tonight. Despite our outcome I was really proud of them and how well they played. The day before our game, Glory and I was joking around with our families about who was really going to win the game, and of course Glory was talking a lot of smack saying that they were. I just laughed and said "ok." I didn't think that they would win of course, and I don't think Glory really thought they would either; she was just saying things to get me mad. Well it didn't work then, but it did when it actually happened LOL. We were undefeated up until this point, but hey, what can you say. Both Johnson's played well tonight, and although my team didn't win, I am still proud if my teammates and back to work we go.

Meek

A TIME FOR CONCERN AND PRAYERS

I come to you all saddened with a heavy heart. This situation that is now occurring over in Israel truly makes me pray a lot harder. For those of you that read the bible I know that it says that these times will come as well as happen. There will be rumors of wars; but even in knowing that, it is still difficult to see, watch, and hear about it. I hope and pray that my fellow colleagues that are over there are safe and that they can stay out of harms way. I pray and ask God for everyone's protection over and although the outcome may not be great for all parties I'm still praying that prayer.

The next thing is the situation with Chamique Holdsclaw and Jennifer Lacy -- Two women of which I have had the opportunity to play on the same team with. When I look at this situation it truly hurts my heart. These are two individuals that are in a need for comfort, support, love, help.  I was really shocked by this story and I will continue to pray for the both of them.

Although we won our game against Botas, this really life threatening happenings are sticking out for me a lot more. I will say that I am proud of my teammates as we all played very well. Everyone contributed and did what we needed to do as a unit. Courtney Paris tried to out her team on her back as she finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, but it was enough for her group. I was definitely happy to see her though as well as Quianna Chaney (Lady Tiger alum), and Christi Thomas.

Temeka

ONE NATION

I would like to first start off by saying that I am very happy and excited for OUR President and his entire family as well as his team. Many people were worried about if the first time was just a mere accident, but America has spoken. I am so proud of everyone that has gotten out and voted. There are so many things that can be said, from the history and many before that fought for his right, to the importance of why which party is better; but I won't go into that I will keep this very positive and say that no matter what Party won in the end whoever ends up in that chair is the President of he United States Of America. That person will be the President for the entire country and WE as a whole has to Respect that.  It's so difficult being in a leadership position, everyone has an opinion on how things should be ran but not all truly want to accept or embrace all h responsibilities that comes along with it.  As I sit here in the Moscow airport smiling because I am truly happy, I also reflected back to the last election and how important it was for history to be made. It was great, and history has been made again, but its no more saying that it was because of history so to say. It is now because the better man has done what he needed to do to win the hearts of all fellow Americans that he will lead.

Again I am happy for OUR president and I pray that all goes well with and for him; remember everyone he is fighting for US as a whole. America if we can come together on one accord, OUR strength as a whole will not even be able to be measured on a scale. WE are a very strong country but WE sometimes let other things get in he way of the bigger picture. ONE NATION!!!!!!!!

That's what we are suppose to be and that's what we should be!!!!!!

Meek

BACKS AGAINST THE WALL

Hey there!

I am coming to you, with the news of being down 2 games to Orenburg. This is not a good position but I am still believing in our team.

We will have a day to rest and one to travel and we play again on Friday. Its do or die, either we win and advance or we are done. I will keep you all posted.

Meek

A RELAXING BOAT RIDE

Hello all!

I come to you today with some different news. It's not basketball this time. It is more like a fun picnic in the park kind-of-thing. Today we went on a little boat ride around Kursk, we didnt even know that the place existed. The men that run it and is a part of it are huge fans of ours as well as all the sports around Kursk, and they were thrilled when we accepted the invite to come and relax with them. We had some food that was put on a grill. (That was delicious I might add) Then I got to ride on the boat which then turned into all of us driving it, of course with close instructions. Today I must say was a much needed relaxing day, and we are back to work tomorrow for the final round of the playoff starting on the 23rd.

Stay tuned everyone and I will be back to talk about out match against Orenburg later.

Have a great weekend!

Meek

TOUGH LOSS TO SEIMONE'S TEAM

Hello world!

I come to share with you that we came up a little short against Spartak last night. We lost to Seimone and her group by two points, now we have to play for 3rd and 4th place instead of 1st and 2nd. It was a hard fought battle but again we came up short.  I was very upset and kind of displeased with how we actually played overall, but mostly about my own performance. I know that things begin and end with me and to not lead my teammates the way that I know I should or could have truly bothers me. I thought about this for a little while after the game as well, then the WNBA draft came on and  I was able to watch it.

I want to say congrats to Our own LSU and now Washington Mystics LaSondra Barrett for having a chance to accomplish a goal as well as live a dream of hers. Super proud of her.

Next I want to say that I am very please with Coach Klopp and the Tulsa Shock for the draftees that they have brought to our team. I am looking forward to seeing all that young talent in person. I have a little over two weeks left over here and then to Oklahoma to be a part of something that seems like it will be very good.

I hope that everyone have a great week and I will keep you all posted on the rest of the playoffs.

Meek

MEEK AND TEAM POST PLAYOFF VICTORY

On Yesterday we had our first playoff game and we came out on top. It was against 6th place Nognisk and they gave us a fard fight for the first 2 and 1/2 quarters. Here is an article on the the out come I hope you enjoy it.

Kursk "Dynamo" has won the first match plej-off. The contender - Noginsk "Spartak" - in the regular championship has taken the sixth place and has assigned to itself glory of the collective fighting on a house parquet up to the end. The match against "Dynamo" also didn't become an exception.

In the first quarter of a command played practically as equals. "Dynamo" has come forward almost at the very beginning of a meeting, but this advantage remains small all period. A starting piece in structure kurjanok has perfectly spent Michel Snow. American center for ten minutes has typed 13 points that on one point it is less than all, than result of all command of competitors (14:19).

The advantage won by "Dynamo" in the first period, has been lost after a break. Most of all efforts to this local success of mistresses has put Snezhana Aleksich. For a quarter it has typed 10 points and thanking its sniper abilities to "Spartak" it was possible to come forward. However, the maximum advantage has never exceeded two points, and at the very end of first half Anna Petrakova has returned "Dynamo" leadership (32:33).

After the big break "Dynamo" has made jerk 8:2. Mistresses were a little more overcame, but could oppose nothing Michel Snow and Aushre Bimbajte. "Dynamo" also has begun the fourth quarter with great dispatch, having won first two minutes with the account 10:0. "Spartak" has tried has organized a pursuit, but anything, except remarkable game Apricot (for the period has typed 9 points), couldn't show. In structure of Kursk "Dynamo" has perfectly spent Anastas Bocharova's who has never missed from game quarter. As a result the command of Vajnauskasa has won the first match plej-off with the account 62:75 and has moved in a series to two victories. The following game will take place in Kursk on April, 8th. And if to be necessary the third meeting it also will take place on a house parquet "Dynamo" on April, 9th. The beginning at 19.00.

"Spartak" (Noginsk) – "Dynamo" (Kursk) – 62:75 (14:19, 18:14, 11:15, 19:27)

"Spartak" (Noginsk): Abrikosova (13 points, 5 transfers), Pupko (12, 9 selections), Aleksich (10, 4 transfers), Ulyanov (10).

"Dynamo" (Kursk): Snow (24 points, 10 selections), Vodopjanova (8, 10 selections), Bimbajte (11), Johnson (9, 7 transfers), Rytikova (0), Bocharova (10), Petrakova (9, 10 selections), Lisina (4), Bashko-Melnbarde (0)

SHARING A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH FAMILY

Hello everyone! It has been some days but I had to come home for some personal stuff but thanks to God all is well. During this time, I made time to share it with the people I love the most my family.  Some may not know, but family is very important to me and every chance I get, doesn't matter how tired I am I spend it with them.

Being gone as much as I am gone its very difficult because of all the things that I miss out on, and sometimes I run myself crazy trying t make up for all of the list time in just a few days.

I love seeing people happy, it is so important to me, and to be able to do with my family makes it all with while. Here is a photograph with me and some of my little cousins at Chuck-E-Cheese. I think I may have had more fun than them LOL. I'm still a kid at heart.  Headed back to Russia tomorrow and it's back to business, no more play time. It was fun though and these are definitely the moments that you remember. I love my family -- good, bad or indifferent.

Meek

LOOKING BACK AT THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP DURING OUR CHAMPIONSHIP RUN

I am still feeling the affects of our victory. As I mentioned before it was something very special for us as a whole, but it is also a great accomplishment for me as well. I want to talk a little bit about leadership. I rarely ever talk about myself when it comes to this but I know and feel deep in my heart that I am a true leader. For the entire Euro-Cup games I feel as though I have done just that for my team. And to top it all off with winning the entire thing is something very special that I will hold with me forever.

I came across the poem by Howard A. Walter speaking on Character from John Maxwell and I thought it was so fitting. It says:

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there are those who suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend of all--- the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.”

― John C. Maxwell, Developing the Leader Within You

When I read this I began to think of me and ask myself does any of this apply to me and sure enough i was able to put a check by each one of them. This is an honor.

I also came across these line of questions and it truly made me think! I loved this questioning and found great joy in answering them. I think you all should do the same. You don't have to share it with anyone if you don't want to, but to be able to ask yourself these questions and answer them will do something for you.
You will be able to answer and realize things that you didn't even know you wanted to know or even think of at that time; but the awareness of it all and the joy that will come with it will be great.  Things may have seem one way at some point but when you take a glance back over your shoulder, you realize just how far you have come and how much better overall you are..

“Look behind you: What have you learned?
Look around you: What is happening to others?
Look above you: What does God expect of you?
Look besides you: What resources are available to you?” ― John C. Maxwell

I hope you all enjoy this.
Have great week!

Meek

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIENDS!

Thats right! We have won the Fiba Euro-Cup Championship!

This is the first time in Club History to ever accomplish something as special as this. I am so proud of each and everyone of my teammates. They all played well and played their part. Michelle Snow came up big for us, She was the MVP of the game and it was well deserved. She finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds -- I was very proud of her.

The best part about this all was the gratification that my teammates had, as well as the look of disbelief, excitement, surprise, happiness, etc., all bottled up in one. That was definitely a priceless moment.

Our President, management, Governor, and everyone that played a role in preparing our gym as well as putting things together for us, was very please with this victory. The celebration was amazing!

Although we couldnt fit all the fans in the gym due to its size, there was a big screen outside of the gym that our supporting fans watched until the end.

This again was great for our club, but it was also great for the city and the people in it.

Ok, I am going now as I will continue to celebrate this moment. Have fun everyone and thanks for your support and well wishes, this championship is for you also.

Meek