Wear Them Down

I've posted several keys to our victories (defense, hot shooting, etc.) throughout the season. Last night, the key was our team's depth. We trailed by 5 at the half and by 4 going into the 4th quarter. But as the game wore on, you could see Harrisonburg getting more and more tired, and our guys were still fresh. The game plan was pretty simple- press the whole night and run (I mean RUN) on offense every possession- we used the phrase TRACK MEET several times. Harrisonburg gradually just gave in under that intensity and we ended up winning, 70-61. It was a great night for our players- they got to hoist two trophies (regular season and tournament) and they went to receive them as a whole team. Now we play the winner of Jefferson Forest/Broadway in the Regional semi-final. If we win that, we assure ourselves a spot in the State quarter finals. That game is Friday, so I won't post anything else basketball-related until next weekend.
-Jimmy

Survive and Advance

We survived TA last night. We won the game 48-40 but had to come from 10 down in the 3rd quarter to win. It's almost like we're on cruise-control right now, knowing that we have advanced to Regional play regardless (what I don't like about VA's system). For those "basketball heads" reading this, TA played a Triangle and 2 against us and it bothered our offense significantly. However, to still come out with a "W" is what tournament play is about. We play a vastly improved Harrisonburg team for the District title on Friday night. I'll post at some point during the weekend to let everyone know how we do.
-Jimmy

Tourney Time

The regular season has come to a close. What a regular season it was! We finished 20-1 overall, 6-0 in the Massanutten District with a 62-41 victory over Turner Ashby last night. We move into District tournament play, where we face Turner Ashby again in the semi-final. We already have a bid to Regionals, so these next two games are about wanting to win the District tournament and have the claim of out-right District champs. We will need to play better than we did last night in order to accomplish that goal. I'm glad the tournament has arrived- I think our kids will get re-focused and start playing more inspired.
-Jimmy

Achilles Heel????

It sure seemed that way. With just over 5 minutes to go, Fort led 52-43. For the game, they hit a total of 12 3's (most of them were contested- we played good "D", their "O" was just rolling). Somehow, someway, we found a way, though. In the end, the final score was 60- SHS, 57- FDHS. We made some big plays on defense (steals, diving on the floor, taking a charge) and some big shots on offense. Our record improves to 19-1, 5-0 with only 1 regular season game remaining. It will be an emotional Senior Night on Friday. I hope that we're READY for Turner Ashby. I was proud of the way our guys hung in there, continued to battle, and made the plays necessary down the stretch last night. A great effort!
-Jimmy

New Ranking- #1 and a Proud Tradition

The newest version of the State rankings came out late last night. We have claimed the #1 ranking in the state. Once again, this is a huge credit to our players for their hard work. We've got such a GREAT group of kids and I'm so proud that they are getting recognized for their efforts. Now tonight we play Fort Defiance. We're 18-1 and this is the team that is responsible for the "1" in our record. I hope that our kids are ready for a payback game.
On another note, tonight is a proud tradition for our basketball program. Tonight is Academic Night. We start the 5 guys who have the highest semester GPA's, regardless of position, skill level, etc. It is a REALLY cool thing that Coach Edwards started and I'm always proud to be a part of this night when we honor our student athletes for their work in the classroom in addition to their work on the hardwood.
-Jimmy

District Champs

With a 63-49 comeback win (we trailed by, I think, 6 points with 4 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter) we sealed a District regular season title and improved our record to 18-1 overall, 5-0 in District play. It was a great road win- I think our best TEAM win of the year. We had 4 players who scored in double-figures. The GREAT news about it is that it clinches a Regional playoff berth. VA works a little differently than Ohio- the regular season champ in each District is rewarded with an automatic berth to Regionals. This year that automatic bid also comes with a first-round bye, making it even more important. We will "bye" to the Regional semi-final. That's a HUGE step toward making state play (once again VA is different than Ohio in that any team making the Regional Final automatically advances to the State quarterfinals). Still more basketball to be played and more goals to reach. Last night was simply a big first step toward achieving those goals.
-Jimmy

What to say ? ? ?

I haven't updated this since the game on Tuesday against Lee. Partly because it's hard to know exactly what to say. Partly because I'm a coach and I'm busy getting ready for the next one. We completed a season "sweep" of RE Lee. I think we might be the only team that has ever beaten Lee by double-digits 2x in one season (we won this one 59-48). Our team defense and our execution of detail in our defensive game plan was the reason we were able to win. We continue getting better and better on the defensive side of the ball. We're not bad on offense either, but our defense is truly our strength. It feels good to beat Lee, but in the grand scheme of things, tomorrow's game against Broadway is the one that REALLY matters. I hope our kids are focused and bring the energy necessary to defeat a hungry and searching Broadway team.
-Jimmy

Snow Day!

We had a couple snow days last week but they should have called those "ice days." This was our first real snow of the winter so I thought I would take some pictures of it. I love where we live! I love a good day off from school (I think Gus does too). Jimmy went to run some errands, I finished our taxes and tonight we are hoping to still have the big game against Lee. They are number 1 in the state, we are number 2 - and we beat them on their home court in December - make sense? At any rate, should be a good game! - Kari