In the Spring, players may ask the coach, “How can I get more playing time next year?” It is a reasonable and important question. An athlete wants to know what their off-season focus needs to be. The Old School Coaches share their response to the question.
I want to share four articles that Mike wrote in 2000 when the girls basketball team was making a run to State.
Hailey Van Lith scored the last 6 points of the third quarter, and then scored 12 points in the fourth quarter to lead TCU to a 71-62 win. She outscored ND 12-11 in the fourth quarter, and had 18 of her teams 39 points in the fourth quarter.
Throughout his career, Jay has helped shine a light on girls sports, and as a result helped with the growth of girls sports at GHS.
Years ago before tech allowed podcasts, Jay ran a column in the Register-Mail entitled “Silver Streaks Insider.” This episode was “Silver Streaks Insider: Crisman a Streak for All Ages.” It was written in November of 1999 before Crisman was to be inducted into the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Both Jay and Amy were 1981 GHS graduates.
As an assistant coach, she brought many of the same characteristics- work ethic, commitment, and loyalty. The most impressive thing about her as an assistant coach was her desire to keep growing in her knowledge and as a leader.
As a head coach, her passion and enthusiasm were off the charts. Her energy level was off the chart and it carried over into how the team played. The team was aggressive on offense and defense. 8-9 players rotated in and out of the game which created an exciting style and a strong sense of team.
I asked Coach Demott to reflect on her first team and her first year as Silver Streaks Head Coach.
Coach Demott- One thing that I was really proud of this season of the team and coaching staff I had was at no point in time did anyone ever give up. There were times I’m sure many people thought it will be hard to come back from or this is a rough stretch and they were probably right, but everyone stuck together.
Massey- Were there any things that came up during the season and maybe took more time and attention? Were there any things that surprised you during the season?
1961 All-Western Illinois
First Team-
Dick Redlinger, Aledo
Dennis Woods, Fulton
Dennis Radabaugh, Savanna
John Moore, Sterling
Lincoln Nixon, Galesburg
Mel Lacey, Monmouth
We all get excited when a mid-major pulls an upset, unless it is our favorite team that gets upset. The #16 vs #1 upset that never occurs, until it does occur, gives us that sense that “anything is possible.” For those of us that live in Illinois, it reminds us of the Hebrons or the Cobden. Nationally the upsets remind us of Hoosiers and Hickory. The upset is part of what helps pump up TV numbers.
At one time, NET was the tool for selection and seeding. It was a “secret” formula not shared. The mid-majors have computer experts at their schools, and they cracked the code. The mid-majors then adjusted their schedules to meet the formula. A few more mid-majors made it into the tourney as a result. So the Power 4 schools dropped that and came up with a new secret formula.
I asked some Silver Streaks fans and media their impressions of Coach Demotts first year as Silver Streaks’ Head Coach.
First of all, I am so proud of Lexi! I couldn’t be happier for her and the Streaks on their first full season. I think what impressed me the most was how she operated with such confidence in what she was doing. It seemed like a great blend of sticking with Streaks traditions as well as implementation of the new. I was also very impressed how she had the girls working hard and team building both on and off the court. They completed various service activities, and had a bunch of fun experiences as a team which is wonderful. It’s no surprise that Lexi coached a hard working group, being a such a hard worker herself. Way to go, Lex!
One thing that impressed me about Lexi this year was her determination and mindset all season. No matter what the situation was, winning or losing, at practice or during a game, she always kept the same energy and never gave up on the girls. Another thing she was good at was building relationships with the girls. That made it easy for them to have confidence in the team and want to work their hardest.
There seems to be more athletes who only play one sport, and fewer multi-sport athletes. What are your thoughts on the value of playing only one sport vs. value of playing multi-sports? How can coaches help the athletes who are playing multi-sports?
