Longtime coaches David King (left) and Jim Waller talk basketball. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
It was the big blowout before the big shutdown.
Washington state high schools capped the winter sports season by deciding their basketball champs during the first week of March, and former Coupeville coaches David and Amy King were there in person to witness the drama and excitement.
Their thoughts on what they saw, and how it relates to current Wolves:
Heading to a basketball or for that matter any state tournament is the ultimate goal of any coach or player.
We were lucky enough to be part of some teams in the early 2000’s for basketball that made it to state.
We also led a basketball team to regionals a few years back and coached a softball team to state about eight years ago.
So to attend a state tournament as fans is something we wanted to do. No pressure, just sit back and watch and enjoy.
We wanted to see the best of the best teams on both the boys and girls side of things along with seeing some of the best individual players.
We weren’t disappointed!
The atmosphere is something every athlete should experience.
Just walking in on day one of four we could tell the stakes were higher and the spirit throughout was awesome.
Players, coaches, even the refs, fans and the bands, how could that not be worth experiencing.
Then by day four everything was elevated ten-fold.
And to think we didn’t have a team we were linked to. But we matched the excitement of the day and games.
Here are some things we would like to share.
Each and every team felt like they belonged.
They each had an edge but not over the top. Confident, but not too cocky.
Well, maybe a few teams and players.
As coaches and fans of the game, we could see the dedication and discipline of each player and team.
If a team found themselves down, they never felt like they were out of it until the final buzzer. They stuck to their team’s game plan and kept fighting.
We saw some examples of that.
Annie Wright girls down with 0.4 seconds left and the ball 3/4 court away. They hit a game winning shot beyond half-court!
Or, in the boys championship game when one team seemed to dominate for most of the game, then the other team knocked down a three to send it to overtime. Then went on to win.
We saw players with resolve and nerves of steel. They would step up in crunch time with the ability to make free throws in tight games at the end.
Many of those were loser-out games.
Or players “wanting the ball” to be able to take that big shot for their team.
These players didn’t get there by “just showing up at times in the summer for summer practices.”
Or “coast through practices during their season.”
These players put in the time and effort to be able to play at this level.
We could tell pretty quickly that the team’s best players led their teams.
They did this by including their teammates. These better players wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for their teammates.
They were willing to give up the ball for better shots. They trusted their teammates. The encouragement by all was a sight to see.
Every player made it about the team, it was never about individual stats. Every player played their role.
Ball handling. This is one thing that is so important for a successful program.
We witnessed guards, wings, posts and centers that ALL could handle the ball.
A player that can dribble is someone that improves their team.
Lastly, something that stuck with us was the fight and grit.
Players played through contact. Very rarely did players complain or expect a call. They were there to play basketball.
They gave their all every minute of every game.
Anyone serious about excelling at a sport and to help their team make state should attend tournaments like these if they can. The atmosphere is second to none.
Anyone who attends would understand the heart and sweat it takes to get to a state tournament.
We hope this helps those attending Coupeville to dedicate themselves to their team and teammates and put in the work to be able to experience state as a player.
Now that we are all off from school for six weeks, dribble a ball in the house. Work on your shooting form.
It’s the player that does things like this that elevates their individual game.
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