The Boot...

You've been waiting patiently for an update. I know. It's just been a blah February slump. But it's time to give you the latest information on the kid who's a basketball whiz. And my grandson.

I'm anxiously awaiting his electrifying return to the court...

Seems like it's been a year since I've reported any basketball news about Landon. (Drew to the rest of the world) should be making headlines again. Actually, it hasn't been that long. He was instructed to wear a boot and use crutches for a stress fracture in his left foot for 4 weeks. Starting on January 9th. Right after his phenomenonal, season high 22 point game against Ann Arbor Skyline. As a 15 year old freshman.

It was hard for Landon (or any of us, really) to determine exactly how or if his foot was healing. For the past 2 years, the only time his left foot caused him a lot of pain was when he was doing amazing things on the basketball court. So, with the protection of wearing the boot and the help of crutches, his foot felt pretty darn good.

 

Friday's opposing coach asking Landon when's he going to be back lighting it up on the court?

 

Shannon and Tracey took him to the orthopedic specialist on February 5th. Landon assumed he would be cleared to play that same day. As if. Youth with optimism, you gotta love it. Pioneer was playing the other Ann Arbor "big" rivalry, Huron that night. Mom and dad tried to explain playing that soon however, was very unlikely. After having no weight bearing on his foot and his ankle immobilized, they couldn't imagine he could just go out on the court and play strenuous basketball immediately.

First item of business, a new X-Ray. Good news. The stress fracture was healing. Bad news. It still had a ways to go. Landon was devastated. Looking at the big picture, it's hardly a blip on the screen. But when you're a 15 year old freshman who's made the varsity basketball team in a humongous high school, and they're smack dab in the middle of an undefeated basketball season, it's a whole different ballgame. And when you've just started hitting your stride with that close knit group of guys, it's the equivalent of a lifetime. Doc explained to Landon how the fracture had to be completely healed or he'd be facing surgery to repair it in the future. Maybe during his senior year instead. Plus thinking he might be able to jump back on the court was foolhardy at best. Good way to tear his ACL or break an ankle. Man, could this get any worse? Not much, in Landon's opinion.

 

Landon sitting the bench in street clothes. But wearing a shoe finally, 2-12-16...

 

So this is what Doc proposed. Wear the boot another 2 weeks (piss, moan and groan). But now without the crutches. After one week, Landon could put on a shoe and go bootless for one hour a day, increasing the length of time each day. Following the second week, 2 more weeks of 5 days a week physical therapy. Pretty much sounded like 6 months sentence to Landon.

But he's already done with week one. Friday night was the first game we've gone to since Landon's been sidelined. He looked weird in street clothes, and used game time for his 'out of boot experience.' (More like 2 hours, but at least he was sitting through much of it). I tried to stay focused, but my mind wondered. There was no pitiful little notebook in my hand to track his stats. Around the 3 minute mark in the first quarter, I felt like crying. This was the usual time he went into the game. Geez, I'm as bad as he is about this injury. I know it could have been much more serious. Get a grip, gram.

 

All dressed up for his emcee gig at school...

 

When he went on the injured list, the Pioneers were 11-0 and ranked 5th in the state. They've lost 3 of their last 6 games. Still respectable at 14-3. Don't know if Landon's sitting on the sidelines has made a difference or not. Who am I trying to kid? Of course it's made a difference. But I may not look at his play quite as objectively as I should. Deric is back on the court after breaking his ankle a few weeks before Landon's stress fracture was finally diagnosed. He looked good and played well.

 

These guys! We were playing Bedford Kicking Mules! So the student section dressed like this...

 

Landon's managed to stay busy during his recuperation. He was chosen to be the emcee at Pioneer for a program during Black History month. He looked positively fetching. Then he got a new "do" which also looks pretty darn cute. Decided maybe a new girl in his life might be a welcome distraction. Then promptly forgot about the one subject in school giving him trouble. Algebra. Ugh. Now dad's been all over him like a cheap suit on that little issue. Landon's been mentioned a couple times in the sports section of the Detroit Press. I kid you not. An article about Michigan's top high school freshman, making big impacts on their respective basketball teams. Also, he was on some ESPN Twitter site that I can't even begin to understand. I hope it doesn't go to his head, but truthfully, it's gone to mine.

 

Detroit Free Press, Jan. 18, 2016...

 

If the healing continues, and he breezes through therapy, studies a bit harder to get mom and dad off his case, Landon might play in a couple games before district tournament. This is driving me nuts, so I can just imagine what's it's doing to him. He looked fairly miserable during the game Friday night. Being a good team player comes other responsibilities too. Another lesson where he may have needed a refresher course. He's a good student and a great kid. Just needs to focus on the big picture. As does his gram...

 

No, not a scar. Maybe a Nike swoosh???