Bluefield_Rules 46 Report Share Posted December 17, 2005 http://www.bdtonline.com/localsports/local_story_351015304.html Bluefield talent could go a long, long way By TOM BONE Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD  The proof is on the walls at the Bluefield High School boys’ basketball office  nine trips to the state tournament in the last 10 years. Coach Ernie Gilliard is the first to realize, however, that each season must be met on the merits of a given team’s preparation for a new campaign. “You’re only as good as your last game,†the Beavers’ mentor said last week, prior to the season-opening game against Graham, “so we’re definitely not going to try to live on last year’s laurels. “We’re going out this year and we’re going to try to establish ourselves as a force to reckon with this year.†The talent includes a roster studded with football players who earlier this month played in a state championship game. Gilliard said, “They bring a solid work ethic with them. ... That championship mentality, we want that to carry over on our basketball program, so that we can take it this year to the next level.†The coach was asked about the challenges of getting them into a basketball mindset. “This year in particular it’s not that big of a transition,†Gilliard said, “because we’re not changing a lot of what we did that we were successful doing last year. The familiarity of those kids makes the transition a whole lot easier. “Of course, there is a different type of running. There is a non-stop type of running here, in which they’re going to have to develop their ‘basketball legs,’ so to speak. “But again, with our style of basketball, where we play possibly 10 people, they’ll have an opportunity to play themselves into basketball condition as the season progresses.†Gilliard said that the team should benefit from a December schedule which features just three games  the opener with Graham and then two games in the holiday tournament in Princeton. “That gives us an opportunity to go over some things and really prepare those kids, and allow those kids to make that adjustment from football to basketball.†Mark Page “is a hard worker, a blue-collar player.†Ansel Ponder and Sean Brooks are “going to play big minutes for us, and they’re going to be a big plus ... helping us on our inside game. They’re both very athletic.†Jeremy Hurt will play some JV ball early, the coach said, since he has not played organized ball since the ninth grade, but later on Hurt should also get time on the floor. Gilliard said “you can’t say enough†about guards Jonathan Payne and Maurice Jordan. Gilliard described Payne as “the ultimate floor general; a tremendous defensive player. ... He does a real good job for us in controlling the other team’s guard.†Jordan, according to the coach, “is just a combination of everything that I need. He is a true basketball player. You very seldom see him out of position, where he can’t make a play. (He’s a) very polished scorer ... but one of the sweetest thing about him is his ability to put the ball on the floor, and get to the basket and finish.†Shooting guard Dexter Moore brings another dimension. “This year, he may, with our lineup the way it is, it’s possible he could play the ‘3.’ ... That’s going to give us a lot of balance and that’s going to really stretch some defenses.†Tremayne Matthews, as a starter last year, averaged about 10 points and eight rebounds per game. Gilliard said, “We are demanding that he be more focused ... to develop a better court presence. He runs very well. He does a very good job on defense for us.†Kyle Hammond, a junior, is “another polished shooter†and will see junior varsity play early, but by February “he’s going to give us another option down the stretch.†Other role-players such as Travis Steptoe and J.T. Powell are expected to play their part in forging the team’s success. Speaking about the team’s overall youth, Gilliard said, “We have some very talented people that will be coming back. Our future is extremely bright, based on the young people we’re going to be using.†He added that this year, “I think we have a little more experience as far as being there, having played in big ballgames.†Gilliard said, “We’re very pleased with the pieces of the puzzle that we have. It’s just a matter of putting them all together and getting them to commit.† Contact Tom Bone at tbone@bdtonline.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMan 3,569 Report Share Posted December 17, 2005 Sure, the talent could go a long, long way...but will the coaching let it???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.01bb665814ffc257795fe158cb2045c7.png.8a531ac878a82772b21014d7a6167582.png){kind=logo}
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.