Post 7th grade thoughts

A day removed from the 7th grade game and we can all think about the game a little more clearer. So some things that we can recap about what could have been for the 7th graders.

If we look at the keys to the game from a few days ago, only 1 out of 3 were met.

--Free Throws

When you shoot 2-for-10 from the free-throw line in a championship game, you can't get away with it. They missed the first shots of the 1 and 1s as well as an intentional foul, where you get two shots and the ball. Even making half of the free-throws would've changed the entire complexion of the game.

--Limit the turnovers.
They were not able to do that. When they were faced with the press, too many times was the ball turned over. In a man to man press, the best thing is to either clear out or set a screen. On some instances, there would be too many St. Mary's players in the back court and that caused confusion. Also, the best way to break a press is with passing. The 7th grade did too much dribbling.

In big games, you can't get away with missing lay-ups and free-throws. In the season, when you play teams that are far weaker, the 2-for-10 free throws doesn't really matter too much.

The 7th grade was also not used to playing from behind. All season, except on maybe one or two occasions, they had the lead in the second half. Basketball is mental and
the more you look at the scoreboard, the more worried some players can get.

BUT, let's not forget. This team moved up in the divisions and still made it to the championship. There are teams before that went 8-0 one year, then 0-8 the next year. The 8-0 was a byproduct of just weak opponents. And when some teams get bumped up, they can't pass the test.

At the beginning of the year, I told the coaches a realistic goal would be to go (5-3) and make the playoffs. They passed the expectations by a mile. It was a fantastic season as a whole, only to fall just a bit short.

This was a great learning experience and this team should be primed and ready to go for next year.

ALL GIRLS PRACTICES TOMORROW AT CAMERON HOUSE