Paul VI High School VISGBA State Champions

The PVI Lady Panthers Varsity Girls Basketball team had an incredible journey this past week playing five games in five days!

It started with a win Wednesday at home against St. Gertrude (Richmond) in the Virginia Independent Schools State Tournament Quarter Finals. Thursday they went to Holy Cross in the Quarter finals of the WCAC tournament and upset them at the buzzer – Devan Fitzsimmons hit a 15 footer with 3 seconds remaining! Then off to Richmond for the VIS Semis/Final. Friday night they beat a pesky Bishop Sullivan team by 24 to move to the final (Blair Koniszewski hit 7 three pointers!!) against Flint Hill. Suffice it to say that they were starting to get tired. But they overcame a very tough FH team in 2 OT’s to capture their 4^thconsecutive State Title!

All tournament team honors for Blair, Maya Singleton, and Jess Long. Jess long was named MVP of the tournament! Mr. Menke (PVI retiring AD) was there for the game and proudly posed for pictures with the team, the seniors, and just about anybody that wanted. He was really proud to have his last basketball championship of his 42 year career!! He will surely be missed at PVI!!

Coach Allen said – ”we are like a driver going down the highway with the fuel light on– trying to go as far as we can before we run out of gas! Well, they finally ran out. In the semi-final of the WCAC tournament at American University.  Elizabeth Seton brought the season to an end. The PVI girls played hard the whole game but it was obvious from the beginning that Elizabeth Seton had the freshest legs. They struggled and lost a very emotional game. It was the last game for Blair and Melissa Westphal our seniors and they really wanted to go out with a win.

The whole team should be very proud – they won 23 games (school record) – 12 conference games (school record) – won the VISGBA state championship, made it to the semi-final of the WCAC for only the 2^nd time in 8 years – won 12 out of their last 14 games and one of the most impressive accomplishments in PVI history – Blair Koniszewski made 103 three pointers this season to lead all players in the Metro area (boys and girls)!!!  WOW! What a year.

The coaching staff and followers of the Lady Panthers are VERY Proud of their dedication and hard work this season as it will be a season that will never be forgotten.   I was able to be present for several practice, workouts, team meetings – this coaching staff pushes and challenges these young ladies.  The team responded, showed their trust and commitment and really came together to put it all together for a strong finish.  Perhaps, if they did not have the worst winter weather in recent history and the schedule wasn’t so jammed up at the end (5 games in 5 days… the NBA doesn’t even to that to millionaires, let alone high school kids) they might have kept going.  I didn’t doubt them.

Congratulations to each of the players, their families and the coaching staff on a great season!

Paul VI HS (VA) vs. O'Connell

From the Boy’s and Girl’s game at Paul VI High School in Fairfax, VA., a rival game vs. O’Connell… both boy’s and girl’s won big!

There is a freshman on the girl’s team that Division I’s need to see.  Also, one or two juniors.  Call Coach Allen!

It’s been a big week at PVI…

Lady Panthers upset # 1 Holy Cross and # 5 Seton

PVI Lady Panthers had a very exciting week of basketball playing 5 games in 7

days against 2 teams ranked in the top 5 in the Washington Post and the top 3 in the WCAC.

On Tuesday, the team hosted the 5th ranked team in the Washington Post, Elizabeth Seton. PVI led the entire game pulling off a very exciting 60 ‐ 54 win.

On Friday in front of a great crowd, The Lady Panthers hosted # 1 ranked Holy Cross. The game was a battle back and forth in the first half ending with a 26‐26 halftime score. The team came out very strong in the third quarter and finished strong pulling away with a 59 ‐ 53 victory. It was a very exciting game in which the PAC was very loud and supportive for the team.

The Lady Panthers finished off their 5th game in 7 days with a 77‐16 win over Don Bosco Prep.

Coach Scott Allen, his staff and players have put together a tremendous run of 8 straight wins after some early season struggles.   The perfect time, heading into conference and State Tournaments, to have come together and  be playing great team basketball.

Boy’s Basketball

On February 16, varsity played DeMatha and lost 72‐84 in a game in which a section of PVI fans were removed from the game under controversial terms by a referee. PVI was lead by Patrick Holloway 29pts, Stanford Robinson 11pts and Devin Hill 11pts. On February 18, PVI played Gonzaga and lost in a very disappointing 91‐53. PVI was lead by Coleman Johnson 11pts, Asa Smith 9pts, Stanford Robinson 9pts and Patrick Holloway 9pts. On Saturday, PVI beat Don Bosco 73‐33, lead by Devin Hill, Patrick Holloway, Stanford Robinson, Jamall Robinson, Coleman Johnson and Asa Smith.

John Noonan Ursuline Academy

In prepping for an “X’s & O’s” phone conversation with Ursuline Academy coach John Noonan one of the many things we were going to talk about was defending Flare Screens, both at the top and on the wing.  It got me thinking…

Like all of you, this is the time of year when it’s getting to be crunch time.  Being able to “steal” a play or two during a game (either offensively or defensively) can make a difference in the outcome of a game and potentially play-off seeding.

Talking basketball again with John was great!  John is a quality teacher of the game and an even better person.  His ideas on teaching fundamentals, defending actions as well as teaching players “HOW” to play are fantastic.

Follow the links below for ideas of defending FLARE SCREENS:  FLARE SCREENS 1 and  FLARE SCREENS 2.

I’ve become a much bigger believer in SWITCHING many things, including FLARING SCREENS.  The size and athleticism difference isn’t that great for one or two possessions to scare me out of the benefits of switching the action and killing the play.  You see most every coach during a late game situation say, “SWITCH EVERYTHING!”  With the game on the line, most people switch… why be afraid to do it as a steady system or scheme?  Not sure it isn’t the best way to handle most screening actions.  I wouldn’t do it all the time either, but it’s still probably the best way to kill the play.

One of the most over looked areas of defending flare screens is ball pressure.  Ball pressure, with “HIGH HANDS” that limits VISION is critical.  As a side note:  isn’t BALL PRESSURE a key to disrupting offense period?

Would welcome any thought and ideas in a reply or at: ideas@allbasketballreview.com

Good luck the rest of the way and in the tournaments.

RECRUTING TIPS – THINGS TO KNOW

• You and your parents or coaches may visit a college campus, at your own expense, as many times as you would like.  There are times considered a “DEAD PERIOD,” when you can not visit with members of a coaching staff.  Let the coaches know you are coming.
• You may meet and speak with college coaches on their campus at any time, except during a “DEAD PERIOD.”
• You may receive three (3) complimentary admissions to any collegiate sporting event any time you are visiting a university campus.  Your high school and/or AAU (Summer) coach may receive two (2) complimentary admissions as well.  That sporting event must be on the universities campus or regular HOME playing facility and it can not be for a post season (conference or NCAA Tournament) game.
• During your Senior year in high school:
  • You may take ONLY five (5) Official Visits
    • An Official Visit allows the college you are visiting to pay for certain things for you and your parents or guardian.  Those things include:
      • Hotel
      • Transportation – for you only if you are flying for all of you if you ride in the same car with your parents or guardian.
      • A university coach may accompany you during your trip to campus ONLY if that transportation occurs by automobile and all transportation occurs within the 48 hour period.
      • meals – On campus or Off.
      • Complementary Admissions to Athletic Events

• BEFORE you can take an Official Visit you must provide that college a copy of your test score fro the SAT, ACT or PSAT.
• Your Official Visit may not exceed more than 48 hours.

DEFINITONS:

EVALUATION

Permissible for authorized athletics department staff to be involved in off-campus activities to assess academic qualifications and athletic abilities.  No in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts with a prospect are permitted.  *Each year, the coaching staff may evaluate you up to 5 times during the academic year in women’s basketball (others sports have specific numbers of evaluations specific to the sport).  You can locate sport specific evaluation numbers HERE.

CONTACT

A contact occurs any time a coach has any face-to-face contact with you or your parents off the college’s campus and says more than hello. A contact also occurs if a coach has any contact with you or your parents at your high school or any location where you are competing or practicing.

Other Definitions HERE.

RECRUITING RULES & REGULATIONS

When does a young man or woman become a “Prospetive Student-Athlete” (PSA)?

You officially become a Prospective Student-Athlete (PSA) on the first day of classes for 9th grade.  Before 9th grade you become a PSA if a college gives you (or your relatives or friends) any financial aid or benefits that the college does not provide to all prospective students.

When is a college officially recruiting me?

If a coach or representative of the college’s athletic interests approaches you or any member of your family) about enrolling or participating in athletics at that college/university you are considered a prospect.

Who is allowed to recruit me?

Only university coaches and staff are permitted to recruit you.  Alumni and friends of the university are NOT permitted to contact PSA’s or their families in any way.

When can I begin to receive recruiting mail?

You may begin to receive recruiting materials through the mail from coaches, faculty members and athletic staff members beginning September 1st of your junior year in high school.  Boosters and Alumni can NOT mail you.  You may receive ONE mailing prior to September 1st of your junior year.  That mailing can ONLY out line the NCAA bylaw on mailing, contain a questionnaire and a camp brochure.

*If you request information before your junior year, coaches may send you a questionnaire, but all other information must come through the admissions office.  If you visit the college on your own (an unofficial visit) you can pick up any information that is available to any prospective student, this includes a student-athlete handbook.

When can a PSA receive phone calls?

College coaches may call you once per week after July 1st upon completion of your junior year in high school.  There are select other sport specific times where a coach may call you prior to summer competition, etc.  You may call college coaches any time and it will not count as the one call per week.  You may also call collect.  If college coaches call and you are not home or available – it does not count as their one call per week.  Boosters and Alumni are NOT permitted to call you at any time.  **You can locate most coaches phone numbers on their university’s website under “Staff Directory.”

Former WNBA Coach Talks About Character Education

Washington Middle School students listen as Jeff House, former collegiate and professional basketball coach and publisher of allbasketballreview.com, as he speaks during a Character Education assembly at the school. P-J photo by Dave Emke

The event, organized by the school’s guidance department’s Monte Lawson and Theresa Olson, is part of an on-going character education program designed to help promote a greater sense of community and giving back.

The school’s creed was featured and can be downloaded here:

WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL CREED

For a copy of my PowerPoint pdf, WHY ARE WE HERE?  By: Jeff House, email me at:  leadership@allbasketballreview.com.

I can bring this presentation to your school or team by emailing me at:  leadership@allbasketballreview.com.

Watching San Antonio vs. Washington.

Saw a nice inverted High Split used as a pressure release for PTG:  Used with good passing center (Duncan), with Back Door action into inverted High Split.

CLICK for DOWNLOADABLE / PRINTABLE Play

Latavious Williams from Rivals.com

Latavious Williams made history Thursday when he became the first high school player ever to jump straight to the NBA D-League.

The Tulsa 66ers chose Williams with the 16th overall pick. Tulsa is an affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

His high school coach said Williams turned down a $100,000 guaranteed contract to play in China in favor of entering the NBDL Draft because he felt it gave him a better shot at reaching the NBA. The average D-League salary is between $35,000-$40,000.

“He had a contract on the table that could’ve paid him $100,000 or better in China but he had to weigh the pros and cons,” said Carlos Wilson of Humble (Texas) Christian Life Center. “It came down to taking the money and getting some financial stability for now, but still you’re a long way from the NBA when you’re in China. Or taking the least amount of money and being a step closer instead of four steps closer.”

The 6-foot-8, 205-pound Williams initially committed to Memphis in May but faced academic hurdles that endangered his eligibility. He then announced in July that he would play overseas instead.

“Obviously if a kid has a chance to play professionally and have a chance financially to better him and his family, again, you have to support the kid because that’s No. 1,” Memphis head coach Josh Pastner told the Memphis Commercial Appeal in July.

Brandon Jennings skipped college last year to play professionally in Italy and ended up being chosen No. 10 in this year’s NBA Draft by Milwaukee. He is now the leading contender for NBA Rookie of the Year honors.

Jeremy Tyler, a 6-10 junior from San Diego, is suffering through a rocky time in Israel and plans to enter the 2011 NBA Draft.

Two American college guards, Nick Calathes of Florida and Terrence Oglesby of Clemson, opted to leave college early to play professionally overseas.

But Williams made history by jumping to the D-League, which he hopes will eventually lead him to the NBA.

“Somebody from the NBA is going to see your every move,” Wilson said. “I think that was it. It was basically closer to making it to the NBA.”

According to Tulsa’s official Website, three players on the Thunder’s opening night roster saw playing time with the 66ers last season.

Kyle Weaver averaged 17.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and nine assists in two games, while D.J. White averaged 18.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in six games on assignment in Tulsa. Shaun Livingston played 11 games for Tulsa, averaging 9.3 points, six assists and 3.5 rebounds per contest, before being called-up to the Thunder on March 31.

In addition, Ramon Sessions of the Minnesota Timberwolves played on assignment during the 2007-08 season, while Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova and Orlando Magic forward Brandon Bass each played on assignment during the 2005-06 season.

Williams hopes he can follow in their path.

Jeremy Tyler

Here is the latest…

USA Today LINK

Obviously, everyone knew this would take some time, but there seems to be a mixed review out there if this was even a good idea at all.

Jeremy Tyler’s European Experiement Gone Wrong

Jeremy Tyler’s First 100 Days from the NY Times

We’ll see where this one goes, but maybe it will be a good lesson for future phenoms.

Coach Wooden’s teachings are always profound.  This week…. for me, 8 practices in 4 days so far… have convinced me of that even more.  So many different styles, personalities and ways to teach with all the same goal:  Teach the game, play hard and try to be in a position to win.  Coach Wooden’s words and philosophy are always good to go back to , to ground us, to remind us of what is important.

Most have probably already seen this, but watch it again.  Especially now as we all start games.  Good luck!

Below are some notes from the video:

Victory with Honor

- there is too much emphasis on winning today

- the coach is first and foremost a teacher

- before Coach Wooden was a coach, he taught English for many years

- the 4 laws of learning in English, are the same applied to coaching

- the teacher has to be more concerned about the entire learning process, than just in the content. Same goes for sports

- its easy to get carried away with win loss record

- Coach Wooden was more disappointed in parents who were concerned with their children getting an A or B than in whether they really learned anything

- Our society is too concerned about athlete first, and not student before athlete

- high school coaches, are really teachers.  Teachers first, in the classroom and on the court.

- it made Coach Wooden a better coach, the fact that he taught English before. It helped in organization skills, and helped in dealing with athletes as individuals

- the job of the coach is therefore to analyze each individual and help them achieve their maximum potential

- each player is different, therefore they must be treated differently

- Please always ask, “what is your most successful team??” Coach Wooden’s response, “I won’t know in 25 years.”

- most treasured medal or prize according to Coach Wooden was the academic medal, it holds the most value for individual achievement

I have heard players say, this is too “Old-School.”  I don’t know, academic goals, humility, hard work, selflessness, team first…. if that is “Old-School”, count me in – I’m guilty.