Winning.

59-53.

That was the only thing I saw on the scoreboard before our teammates mobbed each other. I still can't find the right words to describe that feeling of redemption, the triumph of the Davids overcoming the Goliaths. Four years of losing; and I think I almost forgot what it felt like to win. But now that we've brushed it, I'll make sure our team never forgets that.

It was a total team effort, and for once, I didn't feel so alone out there. For the first time in years, I stopped keeping track of how many points I had, but how many points we needed to catch up. Everyone was vocal, everyone fought all the hard battles right by my side, and even though they hacked us and tried to physically wear us down, nobody gave in and nobody was injured. When the buzzer sounded, we were bruised and battered, but we won.

It's funny, when you're losing, you question your purpose, your own abilities, and your own shortcomings. But when you win, all that you think about is if this what having a real team feels like; to have these 15 guys to go war with me every Sunday night, and never having to second guess if everyone is in it for the right reasons and the right desires.

Those that believe winning isn't the pinnacle of importance with this game, it's because they are willing to settle for less, and I'm glad we have none of those players on this year's team. Don't get it twisted;

..winning is everything.