ACT at New Smyrna Speedway
Former NBA Head Coach and 1990-1996 Boston Celtics Assistant Coach, Don Casey
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Academic Probation
Last night our 7th Grade Boy's Basketball Team was reduced to 5 players, as 7 are now on AP. I couldn't be more proud of the 5 who reached the academic standard necessary to participate.
On a team where it has been difficult to find enough playing minutes to make both students and parents happy, last night there were more than enough.
We played a team that beat us handily at home a week or so ago. Last night we trailed 22-15 with 30 seconds to play in the first half in their gym.
We ran the clock down, got a great look at a three and hit it going into the locker down 4, 22-18.
Weariness proved evident in the 2nd half, affecting our defense and leading to one of our primary scorers fouling out (mid-way through the 3rd quarter). Obviously he was disappointed but I attempted to console him by sharing fouling out happens, especially when you are as fast and aggressive as he.
We ended up losing the game; but why I love coaching basketball is now looking each of us in the face. Sports can teach life lessons. Life skills learned from taking personal responsibility at a young age will more times than not impact one's future.
There is a difference between "influence" and "impact." An exception could have been made to allow students with a "C-" to play, though the standard set at the beginning of each season is a "C." Personally, I dare say, that "influence" would not have the long term impact that not being able to play will ... can have on these students, parents, classmates, teammates, faculty and staff.
One could feel the hurt and sting.
I am not dramatizing this incident.
I was "hired" to teach basketball and coach students. If a piece of leather filled with air can teach people how to prepare and live life, let it be.
We are the Bulldogs!
On a team where it has been difficult to find enough playing minutes to make both students and parents happy, last night there were more than enough.
We played a team that beat us handily at home a week or so ago. Last night we trailed 22-15 with 30 seconds to play in the first half in their gym.
We ran the clock down, got a great look at a three and hit it going into the locker down 4, 22-18.
Weariness proved evident in the 2nd half, affecting our defense and leading to one of our primary scorers fouling out (mid-way through the 3rd quarter). Obviously he was disappointed but I attempted to console him by sharing fouling out happens, especially when you are as fast and aggressive as he.
We ended up losing the game; but why I love coaching basketball is now looking each of us in the face. Sports can teach life lessons. Life skills learned from taking personal responsibility at a young age will more times than not impact one's future.
There is a difference between "influence" and "impact." An exception could have been made to allow students with a "C-" to play, though the standard set at the beginning of each season is a "C." Personally, I dare say, that "influence" would not have the long term impact that not being able to play will ... can have on these students, parents, classmates, teammates, faculty and staff.
One could feel the hurt and sting.
I am not dramatizing this incident.
I was "hired" to teach basketball and coach students. If a piece of leather filled with air can teach people how to prepare and live life, let it be.
We are the Bulldogs!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
BCMS
Yes, I understand that a posting about 7th grade basketball doesn't provoke much excitement, intensity or enthusiasm. However, last night I was part of one of the greatest comeback wins of my life.
The Barre City Bulldogs were playing against crosstown rival Barre Town. In our season opener the Bobcats handed us a 33-10 loss at the Barre Aud., a venue every Vermont basketball player dreams to play. (That was considered our home game though played at a neutral site.)
Last night we were playing without our 6th man and had one of our starters come off the bench.
13-5 Bobcats at the half. 18-5 after 3 quarters.
As I tend to speak enthusiastically to my players, instructing and encouraging them to become better, ... the 4th quarter play nearly went beyond even my expectations.
I know we can compete. Our team practices hard. Our players have potential. Our basketball IQ is in the conversation.
The Bulldogs slid their feet on defense, boxed out and rebounded, moved without the basketball, set their teammates up for easier buckets and the shots fell in the 4th quarter.
Timeout was called with 6.9 seconds remaining in the game. Our ball at half court.
My guys outscored the Bobcats 18-2 in the 4th quarter including a 3-pt. shot at the buzzer.
As I tell my son "Never cheat, never give up." The Bulldogs kept their heads, pushed the ball in the 4th and I was proud their work paid off in a victory.
What a game!?!
We are the Bulldogs.
We play Feb. 1st vs. Hazen @ 5 PM, Feb. 3rd @ Main St. Montpelier and Feb. 7th @ U-32. Come on out and support these young men!
The Barre City Bulldogs were playing against crosstown rival Barre Town. In our season opener the Bobcats handed us a 33-10 loss at the Barre Aud., a venue every Vermont basketball player dreams to play. (That was considered our home game though played at a neutral site.)
Last night we were playing without our 6th man and had one of our starters come off the bench.
13-5 Bobcats at the half. 18-5 after 3 quarters.
As I tend to speak enthusiastically to my players, instructing and encouraging them to become better, ... the 4th quarter play nearly went beyond even my expectations.
I know we can compete. Our team practices hard. Our players have potential. Our basketball IQ is in the conversation.
The Bulldogs slid their feet on defense, boxed out and rebounded, moved without the basketball, set their teammates up for easier buckets and the shots fell in the 4th quarter.
Timeout was called with 6.9 seconds remaining in the game. Our ball at half court.
My guys outscored the Bobcats 18-2 in the 4th quarter including a 3-pt. shot at the buzzer.
As I tell my son "Never cheat, never give up." The Bulldogs kept their heads, pushed the ball in the 4th and I was proud their work paid off in a victory.
What a game!?!
We are the Bulldogs.
We play Feb. 1st vs. Hazen @ 5 PM, Feb. 3rd @ Main St. Montpelier and Feb. 7th @ U-32. Come on out and support these young men!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)