1st half of the season review
So we (Spinners II) are now half way through the season and currently have a 5-6 record. For me, as the coach to sit mid table so far with a brand new team made up of young raw talent and experienced players who have never played together before is testament to the hard work the team have so far put in during our training sessions. As the season has progressed the team have got stronger as a unit and are quickly learning how each other plays and the system we play as a club. It has also been a new experience for me as a coach having only coached two of the players previously. We’ve all been on a journey learning about each other, our strengths, weaknesses and what make us all tick. The one thing me and my team have in common is we all believe in each other and work our backsides off to strive for greater achievement both on and off the court.
In the 6 losses we have suffered there has been 4 games that we were more than capable of winning, but with all new teams the chemistry is still developing, even though we have lost these games, it is clear to see we have a very hardworking talented team who for 3 quarters play some really good basketball, its just trying to fit that last piece of the jigsaw together. Two standout games that we should have won were Gateshead and Tameside. Unfortunately due to family illness I was unable to attend the Gateshead fixture, but watched the live stream on YouTube courtesy of Gateshead (probably one of the worst things I have had to endure). The team started off amazing building a 14 point lead and then crumbling at the end of the game to hand Gateshead the win. If I had been there to steady the ship would we have won? Who knows? All I know is the team represented and conducted themselves excellently as players and people whilst in Gateshead, and I am sure they learnt a hell of a lot from that experience alone! Another game was Tameside, they raced into a 14 point lead, due to us not being switched on ready to from the tip, however we beat them for the next 3 quarters, but just couldn’t quite chip back their lead, losing by 14 which was the deficit of the 1st quarter. However, these teams have still to come to our place this half, where I am sure they will be very competitive games, especially with us having scores to settle!
So far it is quite hard for me to pick out any standout players as they are as all important as each other on the squad and have all play their roles excellently so far. Our stalwart Captain Ste Graham and vice captain Ang Kornecki lead from the front and also provide great advice for the younger members of the squad. Chris Hodkin, who is the work horse/engine room of the team works hard every game and plays the 40th minute just like his 1st. Youngster Isaac Litchmore is starting to come into his own, and has gone from being backup point guard to now leading the team even though he’s just turned 18, this lad is one to watch out for in the future, especially if he keeps learning and developing the way he is. Other youngsters Sam Chicken and Josh Darby, who have never played mens National league basketball before are developing into good clever players and young men. But like I said earlier i can say the the smae things for every player the whole team are developing and getting better each game, each training session. Also for me as a coach, I’m developing with every game, every time I coach these guys. I like to give my guys a lot of ownership on how we need to play offensively, defensively, then I feel it is down to finer tune their game as individuals and as a team.
I am pretty excited for the second half of the season to commence and see how far we can take this team, realistic goal for the team has to be the playoffs! Watch this space. Starting with a home game this Saturday 10th January against Leeds, Tip Off is 1.30pm at Blackburn College.
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