2020-2021 High School Girls’ Basketball Preview – Fayetteville Christian School
As a basketball coach, it is essential to teach and guide all the players on the team and be in tuned to what they learn throughout the course of the season. Don Gardner is one of the coaches that believes in teaching his player the right way how to play.
Head Coach Don Gardner: Girls Varsity
1.) How does the team look for the upcoming 2020-2021 season? ”We should be guard heavy. Me and my staff like to trap so that could work for our benefit. I love the progression my post made this year”.
2.) How would you rank the team in the NCISSA Sandhills conference? ”We should be in the top 3 barring injury”.
3.) What are your realistic expectations this season? ”Well we always come into the season shooting for the top. We respect every opponent. So that’s no disrespect to any team we are always trying to be honest with our players. So many think they are really the next professional athlete. If we can convince the team to focus on playing good basketball and not “I wanna go D1” mess any team can be powerful. Let you play determine what level you go”.
4.) Who are your starting five as of today? ”Thats hard to say because of the turnover rate as far as players coming and going. I don’t guarantee starting positions. That keeps the team working hard”.
5.) What are your team strengths? “Our strengths have always been our speed. Even at the post. When we push the ball the post know where to sprint to just like when we trap. Our goal every year is to be one chain”.
6.) What areas will need improvement? “awareness!!!! Simply just understanding the game and each other as a unit”.
7.). How is your bench strength? “Well, I always tell my leaders you’re only as good as your “weakest link”. Our beach don’t always stay a bench player. That’s what keeps the players honest”.
8.) What are the most important character-building qualities to teach your players? “Your character has always have to be team first. We’ve battled that in the past. We have to strongly get back to that and that will be one of our focus points this offseason”.
9.) Each team is different, how can you motivate your players on this team? “That’s a question I can’t answer at this point until I see who comes and who goes“.
10.) How can you improve teamwork and the attitudes of each player? “It’s easy to do when I have them with me and my staff. It’s when some get home to Mom/Dad, and other family members that put them into a different mindset. Every one of my players know that I love them. I treat them all with love and high regards. But they have to leave and go home and face those dinner conversations with whom ever that might be. We hold every player to a standard. My practices are closed. So parents don’t know what we do. Kids also need to be honest with their parents and let them know. If they don’t hustle or don’t display a good attitude that hurts their respective playing time. If you love your teammates then there shouldn’t be beef in the school or allowing teammates to get in trouble. That’s how me and my staff grew up. To “ much” battle of self today. I control what I can control”.