123xxx wrote: ↑Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:18 pm
IVCguy - That’s a great evaluation of the two teams. Thanks for the relevant info. I have not seen Highland play this year but have been fortunate to see them in the past and their coach is as good as they come. They are holistically fundamental in every regard. They do not wow you athletically, but they wow you with every little thing that most don’t notice. They always have good spacing, guard play, and are connected on the defensive end. South Webster on the other hand has physical tools that are better. They have a D1 player. They have strength and can rebound. Both communities are mighty and passionate. This one will be on my must watch list. I’m hopeful the Jeeps can move on. I would love to see a local brand continue and represent. Tall task for both teams, but I look forward to it! The biggest key to the game in my opinion will be valuing possessions and being efficient from the line and the paint. Just my take…Go Jeeps!
Not saying I understand everything Coach Schlabach does, but taking what he has said publicly, he seeks to control what is controllable. They are going to work as hard as anyone. They will schedule very tough challenges. They want to be the strongest team on the floor, so they are in the weight room all year. They are intentional and fanatical about teaching fundamental skills. For example, you don't see Hiland players shooting funky-looking shots - they all shoot with form. There is a special pride they take in sticky man to man defense and their execution of team defense principles is as good as you will see.
It's been over a decade since Jr played for him. Back then I would see the scouting reports and the detail was incredible. Players would know exactly what the player they would be guarding would do and there would be specific things to take away what that they did best. They would give Jr a dvd cut up of the opponent to watch and focus on. For one deep tourny game, I asked Jr if he felt like he could handle a beast the other team had in the post and he said, "I know exactly what he is going to try to do. I even know which butt cheek he lifts off the toilet seat to wipe." Lol. He held him to 3 points. My understanding is that they have simplified what the players get delivered to them in recent years. Regardless, those Hiland players never step on the floor and see something that surprises them because of how the coaching staff prepares them.
So their scouting is elite, as is their ability to adapt that information in terms of game-planning for individual match ups. I think that's a big part of why they are consistent. You can't control your size or talent level, and when Hiland plays a team bigger and better than them, they often get beat, but as it turns out, when coaches control what they can control and your team rarely beats themselves, you can win a lot of games.
The other advantage Mark has is tourny experience. Unfamiliar teams, different venues, different refs and styles of officiating, etc. He knows how to manage all of that and that helps him manage his team.
Players and talent come and go, but the fact that Hiland is a consistent factor at the district and, usually, regional level is a testament to how good Mark and his staff are at doing what they do. FWIW
unfortunately most of my favorites have moved on to the baseball forum or have disappeared until next season until the beatings continue. 
. Make no mistake, this game will come down to coaching.