The full squad participated in a practice /scrimmage February 10th, and the results were very encouraging in many areas, but still revealed some areas that need to be worked on.
Before beginning, it's vital to point out that, when we need to work on things, that means that we all have to work on things, coaching staff and players, in order to put the best effort forward when tournament play demands our very best. A team is a composite of its component parts, meaning players and coaches must work together to achieve whatever goal is out there, whatever we, as a team, feel is important enough to justify our efforts.
On Wednesday, as part of Orientation 2010, we played a collection of grade 9 girls, some of whom played Junior basketball last year, and some who qualified for Junior, but decided to wait for their second year to try out for the team.
Make no mistake. Under the direction of Junior coach Mark Valliquette, the team opposite us was very much playing for future considerations, as the Junior team try-outs are six months away. So the opponent was, to a certain extent, a legitimate one, given that six months from now, girls from our team will be competing with girls from our opposing team for playing spots on the 2010-11 Junior squad.
Our defense, for the most part, was good, and at times very good. We were particularly effective in our 2-1-2 look,doing a good job of clogging easy lanes to the basket, and limiting the opposition to outside shots. Mind you, those other girls made some of those outside shots, but luckily, we won't be facing those girls in the tournament. So we're going to score our 2-1-2 an A-.
Our 2-3 trap was ragged. We didn't consistently pressure the ball with two defenders, which, of course, is the hallmark of many pressure defenses. And the problem started right from scratch, when we were unable to pressure the entry point with both guards at the same time. We were able to attack the ball carrier with a single guard, but almost never with both, and this suggests a communication breakdown over assignments that we, as a team, are going to have to work on. The 2-3 is one of the most effective defenses out there, especially if you use it after first setting it up with the 2-1-2, and it's something we're going to have to work on if we plan on being successful.
Our 4-1 was nothing short of outstanding. The girls "tasked" to be the "4" did a great job of pressure rebounding, resulting in several bullet passes up court for clean breaks, perhaps as many as eight in total, with the potential for 16 points if all those opportunities are converted. Again, fabulous work by everyone involved. While we might need to work on our finish for baskets, the hard stuff seems to be already mastered.
We dabbled with some 3-2 stuff, also known as the Triangle and Two, but there was no obvious impact that can be reported as a result of this defense being utilized.
In closing, it's important for us to recognize the efforts of those who have assisted us in the development of this basketball team. First, I'd like to thank the McLaren sisters, Sarah and Rebecca, for their time in coaching our squads during try-outs, and the pointers they passed on to our players. And most importantly, I wish to point out the contribution of Leanne Lecompte, who, selflessly, and for seemingly just the simple joy of the game, has donated hours of her time towards making us a better basketball team.
To everyone involved, well done!
Practice on Monday, February 15, 2010.
