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Week #8
Martin Luther King Day is the start of Week #8 for high school basketball in Massachusetts. It is a great time to assess the season up to this poing, both as a player and a team. Teams and players know what works best for them and what needs to be done in order to be successful. Continue focusing on the little things that will make a difference.
Martin Luther King week is a typical week in so many ways. The only exception is having Monday off from school. Looking back to Christmas Vacation Week, players can use Monday to accomplish many of the same things that could be accomplished during vacation week.
Individual Improvement: A player can rest a little bit more. It is a great chance to catch up on homework, as many schools end the second term during the Martin Luther King week. It is also a chance to fine-tune individual skills. A player can find a gym and get some shots up. Players can work on some game shooting and scoring moves. It might also be a time to possibly work on strength and conditioning.
Rest and Recover: As we have been stressing for the past several weeks, at this point during the season rest is critical. Illnesses and sickness are happening in every program, on every team. Do not think you are immune. Get proper rest, eat healthy. Be ready to compete at your highest level.
Defining Moments: At some point during the season, there will be a moment in practice or a game that will help define a team and a player’s season. It might be a statement win. It might be a league rivalry match-up. It could be a matchup between the top two teams in the league. It might be a battle between defeated teams. Whatever the case, these defining moments will happen. Embrace these opportunities. Give a fantastic effort, and then move on. For some teams, these defining moments will be disappointing. It might be a one point loss. It might be a 30 point blowout. Whatever the result, remember to “Win the Day” because there is a lot of basketball ahead. Don’t look back!
Just Keep Working: No matter what point of the season, no matter what your role on the team, no matter what year you are, it is essential that you just keep working. The goal is to finish the season strong. The goal is to be a better fundamental player and team each day. Never lose sight of the big picture.
Don’t Point Fingers: Coach K had a famous saying when you point one finger at someone else, three more pointing back at you. The only person you should be concerned with is yourself. Don’t criticize coaching decisions. Don’t criticize the play of teammates. Don’t blame the A.D. for scheduling back to back games. Just look at yourself, focus on your game, watch huddle, and try to be better today than you were yesterday.
Rankings: Don’t worry about rankings and power rankings. Top 10 and top 20 polls are the business of radio and journalists. Don’t be concerned with the rankings, just worry about playing good basketball. The power rankings or something to keep an eye on, however it really should have no impact on your approach to the season this week. Often these are preliminary rankings based on 40 to 50% of games being played. There is a lot of basketball ahead. That is your main concern the basketball that is in front of you right now.