4th Grade-Week 2

The 4^th grade Xtreme had another great week!  We began the week with training on an intense Monday night however crazy it may have seemed, we were able to get some good work in with all the kids.  Keep in mind, we had no idea how many kids were going to show up, and we were overwhelmingly pleased with the turnout!  We have made some changes to the process and will continue to make refinements as needed.  During these training sessions, the kids will be pushed towards their goal of playing basketball at a higher level. 

Wednesday’s practice was chalked full of instruction and once again, I asked a lot from the kids.  It was a practice full of positive energy and praise.  We did have a slight issue with lack of focus, and in an attempt to gain that focus back they all ran their share of lines.  We touched on a 1-2-2 defense, three quarter court press, learned 2 out-of-bounds plays, and reviewed the offense, our press break, 2-2-1 press, m2m and 2-3 defenses.

Sunday was game day, and once again I was really proud of all the kids.  In the first game we split the teams up for an inter-squad game.  Zeki took control of the ball and penetrated very well!  Noah and Garrett faced off against one another at the 5 spot and battled for every rebound.  Ryan was able to get open for some clean looks.  Keep shooting the ball Ryan; it will come!  I asked the kids to run the offense, and they did it at a very high level.  Nathan and Julian were able to get the offense setup and started.  We will keep working on our cuts this week.  Please remind your boys, “PASS-CUT-ROTATE”.  We’ll get it.  Sava continued his solid play and was knocking down jumpers.

Our final game was against the 5^th grade comp team.  Our boys played their hearts out against a much bigger and stronger team.  We worked as a team trying out all of what we learned in practice last week.  We played m2m, 2-3 and even a little 1-2-2 defense.  The boys tried to run our out of bounds play, but it didn’t always go the way we drew it up!  We’ll be working more on these this week in practice.  I was very happy that they did try to set them up.

The game was tight from start to finish.  The 5^th grade team has some beasts under the boards that we struggled with all day.  Vince did an excellent job in the 4^th quarter of staying low and fronting their big man.  This was a task that I asked each of our post players to do.  What was impressive, was that these players have never been coached in this and were open to learning and applying this new skill.  I was even able to get in some playing time for our comp kids.  They came off the bench and provided some great fire.  I have been asking a lot from Josh as I have been playing him out of position this whole season.  I’m asking him to take on the point guard duties.  He’s made great strides, and I’m very proud of him for taking on something he is not comfortable doing.  This type of attitude is contagious and it shows on this team. 

Late in the 4^th quarter when Josh hit a wall, Spencer came in and provided exactly what we needed.  He came in with the much needed energy and defense.  Chase was a warrior all day.  I can’t tell you how many elbows he took trying to defend the ball.  His combination of speed, effort and attitude is so huge for us.  I told the boys entering the 4^th quarter down 4, that defense is what was going to win this game.  All of the kids bought into this, buckled down and played lock down defense.  YOU GUYS ROCK!

I know I am starting to sound like a broken record, but I am so proud and impressed how hard the boys are working.  I have asked a lot of them each and every time we meet and they have stepped up and met the challenge.  In fact, they have thrown it back in my face with “Coach, is that all you got?” 

The boys have all of 24 hours to relish in the accomplishments this week.  We are back at it hard starting Monday 5-7pm with training and we will have a very intense practice Wednesday.  I’m sure they will exceed my expectations.  They have done it thus far and they will continue to do so. 

On another note, a big thank you to all the parents.  The kids are not the only ones that need to be dedicated for this program to work.  An extra thank you goes to Mark Sienkiewski for offering to assist me on Wednesdays.  Maybe I can get him to join me full time!!  You have all been great and very supportive of what we are trying to do with this program.  Every one of you have my promise that I will continue to work as hard as I can to better your kids not only as players, but people as well.

 Coach Bob Mack