Monday, December 3, 2012

Lessons Learned for Lumberjacks vs MAFB in OT

Saturday afternoon the Lumberjacks let one get away in overtime as WE gave up a 20 point lead in the second half to Minot Air-Force Base 89-92. This was truly a TEAM loss. With a young team it is important to remember WE must learn how to win on a regular basis, and sometimes learning to win means recognizing how to lose. As a TEAM we became hesitant on offense to make a mistake, and WE compounded our errors by not being aggressive on the defensive end. Two areas of statistical concern have been established 10 games into the season. Defensive rebounding and valuing the ball must improve if WE intend on being competitive against schools with a higher level of talent.

Several ingredients are necessary to develop a winning TEAM along with a winning program:
 -Discipline = Play the same way whether WE are up by 20 points, or down by 20 points. Style of play is not based upon the scoreboard. Final outcome will be determined according to our collective effort, and focus to execute minor details.
 -Trust = Strategy and philosophy must be executed without a shadow of a doubt. Each player must accept a specific role during each possession and fulfill their duty at that point, because WE are all aware of who has what responsibility at that given time.
 -Relentless Effort = Nothing will work, unless WE work. Every possession is an opportunity for us to out work our opponent. Effort can never take a play off.

Of course it is frustrating to squander a large lead at home, but WE believe this TEAM is in the process of developing "thick skin." This loss hurt but it became evident what WE are capable of when we play together vs. straying from the TEAM approach. For the first time of the year we held a commanding lead early in the game (not always easy to keep control when it's new). After watching film our guys will be able to identify the difference in TEAM play from the 1st 20 min. to the 2nd 20 min.

Pointing out negative aspects of Saturday's loss is just too easy because of the outcome. Teamwork was exceptional in a variety of areas but we did not sustain the same level of play throughout the game. Also, several individual players performed at an extremely high level along the way. Kristoff Walker scored 28 points to go along with 6 assists as he is beginning to see an ability to change the game with the pass. Billy Engel continues to fill up a stat sheet by scoring 16, dishing out 7, and grabbing 7 rebounds. One guy who WE can always count on to play like a Lumberjack is Ben Veith. Veith was 6/7 from the field for 16 points, grabbed 8 boards, and delivered 5 assists.

The Lumberjacks are off until Jan. 3rd and 4th, meaning WE have plenty of time to improve or decline. I will keep followers up to date over the Christmas Break because WE will be recruiting on the road to identify talented student-athletes for the 2013-2014 season. 

Let's Get Jacked Up,

Coach Fehringer