Last Tuesday, December 7, the Lady Hornets were tested by the Rye Wildcats at their gym. We came up short from victory, but we haven't lost the battle yet. Immediately, looking at the schedule prior to the season, I knew that this would be a tough game, especially to have for our season opener. In practices prior to the game, we keyed on team perimeter defense, as well as getting in to crash the boards. It is kind of funny how practice can help you prepare all you need, but when it comes to the game it is all up to you; you won't have 2 tries to make a missed lay-up, you only get one chance to prove you know what you are doing.Unfortunately, all that we did in practice did not transpire in the game. We were a little stagnant on offense, we weren't physical on defensive and offensive boards, and we let the Wildcats out hustle us and out play us in tight possessions. It left us all with our heads hanging down, but Coach Borelli soon got us to snap out of that, the next day in practice. Each of us set a goal for ourselves for this week to come that we did not achieve against Rye. Coach simply said, "Now that you have set this goal, your focus isn't the loss against Rye...we have to get ready for Chesire Academy."
Yesterday afternoon we visited Chesire Academy at their gym, and came out victorious. From the tap, we were efficient on offense. We attacked every hole in their defense and knocked down key perimeter shots. On defense, we had a lot of ball pressure causing turnovers in the half court set, while keeping them out of the paint for the most part.We got a win, but there is still much to improve on.
It is one win and one loss, but right now I am not really focused on the record, I am focused on the growth of this team. We have to set our focus as a team, not just to go out and win all of our games, but to actually work on those components of our game that will lead us to victory. It is not just the physical things done in the game either, it is the mental part of it all. So far this season, it is safe to say that we aren't consistent in instilling confidence in ourselves and our teammates.As Jack Nicklaus, the professional golfer said, “Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.” With that said, we have to work!
www.nhregister.com
Dreisen, what a wonderful piece you wrote. I especially like the part where you say that focus should be on the "growth of the team rather than trying to win every game." Your mother is very proud of you or she would not have sent me this link! I don't know if you remember me, but I used to work with your mom at CT Works. Keep up the great work, both on the court and in school. You have a very bright future.
ReplyDeleteJoyce Bagley
Hi Miss Joyce! Yes I do remember you! You are my mom's favorite lol...Thank you so much for your support...I really do appreciate it! Hope all is well with you :)
ReplyDelete