Q. How does it feel now that you have completed your first year as the Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Tri-Village?

A. I feel much more comfortable and have a better scope of what to expect both on and off the floor. My coaching staff and I are still in the establishment phase of the program but I believe the players are buying into our philosophies. It has certainly helped in all phases now that I am teaching in the school district and getting an opportunity to see the players on a daily basis. Along with that, it has allowed me to become a bigger part of the community.

Q. Can you share with us some of the highlights and accomplishments of the team from last season?

A. I felt early in the season we were close but could not get over the “hump.” Our margin for error was very slim and early we struggled closing out games. However, I thought the upset win over Covington at home was the turning point in our season. We won a close game against a quality opponent. I felt that allowed us to gain confidence and momentum heading down the backstretch of our brutal schedule. That win helped us close the final 10 games at a 7-3 record and that tough schedule prepared us for the sectional tournament. I thought both tournament wins were good but the second one was exceptionally nice as we handed the #4 seed an early exit. I think getting to the sectional title game the first year was a positive for our overall program. However, I honestly felt like we just ran out of gas as we were asked to win 3 games in 4 days!

Q. What are you most proud of last season?

A. I was very proud of last year’s team as they accepted a new coaching staff and a new style with open arms. A coaching change is never easy but I felt the transition was smoother due to the overall attitude and effort put forth by the players. Off the floor, I was pleased by the way our players conducted themselves. On the court, I was proud of their work ethic. Specifically, I was pleased with our Team Defense and our tournament run. Statistically, we had the best defense in the history of the school thus allowing 49.6 points per game.

Q. I know you emphasized weight lifting in the off-season and additional court time for the kids. How important is it to a basketball program that kids participate in these activities?

A. I am a believer in the weight room due to the way today’s game of basketball is being played. The game is much more physical than in the past and the strength factor has become a bigger part of the game. Personally, acquiring upper and lower body strength elevated my game, so I know from experience the positive effect that lifting weights can do for the body and game. I think along with the lifting, it’s important that kids devote some individual practice time. Playing games in the off-season is valuable but it can’t take away from individual time. In my opinion, skill level is decreasing because kids are neglecting the individual work.

Q. I’ve heard a few people make the comment that you want kids to play basketball year round at the expense of participating in other activities. What are your thoughts on this and what would you tell those who have this mind set?

A. I do believe that it is important for basketball players to play year round. In order to improve skill level, a basketball player must put in adequate time on a consistent basis. Basketball players do one of two things: they either get better or get worse, they do not stay the same. However, in my opinion there is plenty of time in the day to put in quality time in multiple sports. I draw this knowledge from personal experience, as I was the point guard, quarterback, and shortstop on my high school teams. I am an advocate of multiple sport athletes and support all Tri-Village athletics.

Q. For any team to be successful the whole has to work together while the individuals have to work hard and accept their roles on the team. How do you communicate this to the kids and get them working together?

A. In order to be a successful basketball team each player on the team must know their role. It’s vital that each player accepts the given responsibility so that the team is firing on all cylinders. All successful basketball teams on any level have scorers, rebounders, screeners, defenders, “garbage” men etc. Those certain ingredients contribute to a basketball team in their own way. A basketball team finds success when individuals accept such roles with pride. However, it’s the coach’s responsibility to distribute roles through communication, honesty, and discipline.

Q. What are your expectations for the program and the team this year?

A. Our #1 program priority is to improve overall skill level and our team goals always stay the same: We want to win the CCC, win the Jet Tourney, and win a sectional/district title.

Q. Who are some of the tougher non-conference and conference opponents the team will face this season?

A. The league this year in my opinion is going to be balanced from top to bottom. However, in saying that, the obvious front-runner is Covington, which returns all 5 starters from last year’s team. After that, I believe there is parity throughout and on any given night anybody can beat anybody. Our non-conference schedule is still difficult as we still have St. Henry, Fairlawn, Fort Recovery, and the addition of Springfield Northeastern should prepare us for the division IV tournament.

Q. I know your family was very supportive of you last year as your grandparents, parents, wife and daughter were at most or all the games including your dad by your side on the bench. How is your family and can we expect to see them again this year at the games?

A. My family has always been my biggest supporting cast. Having my father next to me on the bench has been a wonderful experience. We certainly eat, sleep and drink basketball together, which sometimes puts a damper on family dinners! My mom and sister enjoy the games and hopefully you don’t have to sit in front of my wife as she has a tendency to wear her emotions on her sleeve! My daughter is 17 months so I’m not sure how much of the game my wife will get to see this year but they will be there cheering somewhere, you can count on that!

I would like to encourage the fans to get out this year and continue the wonderful support. The players and coaching staff appreciate the community’s enthusiasm for basketball and look forward to seeing you. We are very excited to get underway and look forward to an exciting season!

Pre-Season Peek: We start with a scrimmage at Miamisburg on Nov. 12, Valley View at home on Nov. 17, Brookville at home on Nov. 22, and wrap up our pre-season with Franklin at home on November 26.

*Meet The Team” Past vs. Present and Chili Supper will be Nov. 21 at 6pm.

Coach thanks for your time and good luck this season!