Last week, Shonn's team dominated Newton, another local team, in the first round of Regionals. The best part was that Shonn coached with class, pulling off his press early and making sure to get every boy into the game with substantial playing time. They still won 46 to 3.
But as of Monday, it was official: Shonn's basketball season is over.
He has the curse of the good coach...he starts with a team that needs a lot of direction, he gives it, and they improve. Drastically. This year, his team started 2-7 and finished 11-2. They even won the consolation bracket of their conference tourney.
So why is this a curse? The beginning of the year is so stressful - long days and the burdens of crushing NBA-hopeful-dreams by picking only 5 starters for the first competitive season of these kids' lives. (I don't know that much about basketball, but I do know that there can only be 5 starters. Not all parents know this.)
So it goes - lots of stress, early morning practices (like alarm at 4AM early) and late nights, and all along, he really teaches them. So, they improve and start winning. Shonn's a very competitive guy, so when they win, it's a good night. When they don't... well... It's frustrating. But with so many wins at the end of the year, he forgets about the so many frustrations early on.
I think he's a great coach, and so do many other observers. So, should he keep coaching, or use the time for something else? He's thinking it through right now and trying to decide. I just want him to be happy!
Meanwhile, it's nice not be cursed with the 4AM alarm.
Wow, 4 AM???!! In my book, that is still the middle of the night.
ReplyDeleteHmm...this is a tough call. The students that get to work with Shonn are blessed to have such a caring, dedicated coach and role model. Plus, with that win/loss ratio I see the makings of one of those inspiring coach movies!
But, you guys are sooo busy, it would be really nice to have one less thing on your plate.