All of our seniors are going to play big roles for us. They have been big all year with their leadership and how they have stepped up. |
Caleb is obviously going to be a factor. But I believe the other kids who worked hard in practice every day are going to contribute too. |
Dave is a perfect example of a kid that just wants to do anything for the team. He does whatever we ask of him and he's just happy to do whatever he can do for the team. He truly is a team player. |
I can tell you right now that I am still hungry for another chance at this. And I know I can't wait 31 years to eat again. |
I know that I would hate to have Nate guarding me. He is an active and intense player, and I know if I tell him that this player doesn't need to touch the ball, that Nate will do all he can to make sure that it doesn't happen. |
I think people forget about his ability to go to the basket. He's also an emotional player and can really come in and give us a spark. |
I'd hate to be Caleb's teammate next year. Because he is going to ride his teammates and work so hard to get back here. He got a taste of this and you can tell he wants more. |
In this game you can't look past anybody. Everybody wants to win and everybody is going to bring their best, so we have to be prepared to play our best, and tonight, we came out and played our best from the start. |
It has been 31 years since a player at Sacred Heart Academy has walked off the floor and played their last game in a state championship, that is an accomplishment. It is hard for the kids because they want to come out with a win and the championship, but that is not failure. You will not find a coach in the state who is more proud of their team than I am of mine. |
It should be inspiring, especially for young girls in society today, because they are so suppressed in the sports arena. |
It was never a concern for me. It never excited me. I just look at myself as another basketball coach. Being an African American coaching a Caucasian team means nothing. |
It's going to be hard for me because I have had the opportunity to work with six wonderful kids. They have all taught me something about life and to just watch them grow and develop is amazing. I am excited for their future. So tomorrow, I am glad to be in the state championship with them, but it will be hard to see them move on. |
It's something you can't put in words. You really can't say how much that would mean for us. To share that with this group of kids would be amazing - that word has been said a lot lately around here, it really would be one great moment in time. |
Jacob has always been very big for us on defense but offensively he sometimes needs to shoot the ball more. There are times when he'll pass up wide-open shots and give them to Caleb (Simons) or Pat (Theisen). He's almost too unselfish. |
John knows what it takes to win and be a leader. He has the desire to win and he always steps up as a leader. Sometimes in the locker room, I don't need to say what needs to be said because John has already done it for me. |