By BLAKE TOPPMEYER
Herald-Whig Sports Writer
WARSAW, Ill. -- Jacey Hartweg didn't grow up as an outside shooter.
"In junior high, I even played a post," said Hartweg, a senior guard on the West Hancock girls basketball team. "I was always driving to the lane and was always scared to shoot the outside shot. That's a big shot to take."
The system Adam Brumbaugh instituted when he took over as West Hancock's coach before Hartweg's junior season caused her to change her playing style.
Turns out, she's pretty good at knocking down shots from the perimeter.
Hartweg drained a team-record 48 3-pointers last season. That record likely will fall this season. With, six regular-season games remaining, Hartweg has made 45 3-pointers.
She also holds the team record for most single-game 3-pointers, draining seven in a game twice.
Hartweg attributes part of her 3-point success to the confidence Brumbaugh's system gives shooters.
The Titans (11-11) run a frenetic offense that Brumbaugh modeled off the system coach Paul Westhead used at Loyola Marymount University with standout players Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble.
ESPN made a film on Westhead's system, called the "Guru of Go," that was released during the network's "30 for 30" series. Shortly after Brumbaugh took over the program, he showed that film to his players, along with another film about the system called "Paul Westhead: Basketball in the Fast Lane."
"We watched so many old films about basketball," said Hartweg, who is averaging 12.4 points and 3.7 steals per game. "When we first watched it, I was like, ‘What are we getting ourselves into?' But then we got in practice, and it turned out fun."
The system emphasizes attempting a lot of field goals, especially 3-pointers. Brumbaugh also uses a five-in, five-out substitution method, much like Division III Grinnell College (Iowa) uses, with players coming in and out about every 45 to 90 seconds.
"At first, it was definitely frustrating," said Hartweg, who attends Hamilton High School. "We were like, ‘We're just getting in a rhythm,' but eventually we realized, there is no rhythm. You give it your all."
The Titans also have the opportunity to fire away from distance anytime they're open.
"It definitely feels more comfortable knowing I do have the green light, and it doesn't matter if I missed the last one. I still have the green light," Hartweg said. "I feel like it's a lot more comfortable shooting all the threes that I shoot in the system, because everybody has the green light.
"I feel like if we weren't running the system, I would think a little bit more about my shots, and it would be a lot more of a mind game. But now it's like, ‘OK the ball is coming to me. My first option is to shoot if I'm open.'"
That's a change from what Hartweg was accustomed to.
When Hartweg was younger, her game was built around penetration. She never started to think she might be a player who could excel from the perimeter until a summer-league game right before her junior year.
"It was like the last game (of summer league that year), and I made maybe two threes, and I was like, ‘Whoa, I can actually shoot those,' and I started working on it," Hartweg said.
Now, Hartweg still drives to the hoop if she's closely guarded on the perimeter, but if she is open, it's bombs away.
"(Driving to the basket used to be) her bread and butter more than threes, but she started developing the threes because we needed that outside presence, and she definitely fits the bill," Brumbaugh said.
West Hancock - Running the System
In the world of high school sports, few things are as impressive and captivating as a well-coached team executing a finely tuned system. West Hancock, a renowned high school athletic program, has consistently demonstrated their ability to "run the system" effectively across various sports. In this article, we will explore what it means to "run the system" at West Hancock, delve into their key sports programs, and address frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of their athletic success.
The Essence of Running the System
Running the system is a phrase often used to describe a sports team that executes their game plan flawlessly. It's about cohesion, discipline, and mastery of fundamental skills. At West Hancock, running the system is a core principle that underpins their athletic success.
1. Teamwork and Cohesion
Running the system requires every player on the team to understand their role and work together seamlessly. West Hancock athletes emphasize teamwork, communication, and unity to achieve their goals.
2. Discipline and Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to running the system. West Hancock athletes are known for their discipline in practice, their commitment to their training, and their ability to maintain focus and execute during games.
3. Adaptability and Versatility
While sticking to the system is essential, West Hancock teams also understand the importance of adaptability. They can adjust their strategy when necessary, showcasing their versatility and basketball IQ.
4. Strong Fundamentals
Running the system starts with mastering the fundamentals of the sport. West Hancock athletes prioritize skill development, ensuring they have a solid foundation to build upon.
Key Sports Programs at West Hancock
West Hancock's ability to run the system transcends multiple sports programs. Let's take a closer look at some of their most prominent programs:
1. Football
West Hancock football is renowned for its disciplined approach to the game. The team's strong defensive strategies and well-executed offensive plays have led to numerous successful seasons and championships.
2. Basketball
Basketball is a source of pride at West Hancock. Their basketball program emphasizes ball movement, teamwork, and strong defensive play. The athletes' ability to run the system has resulted in both boys' and girls' teams achieving notable success.
3. Track and Field
In track and field, West Hancock athletes excel in various events. Their dedication to training and their commitment to the system have led to multiple state championship titles and individual accolades.
4. Volleyball
West Hancock's volleyball program is characterized by their well-coordinated plays, strong net presence, and effective teamwork. The athletes' ability to execute the system has resulted in competitive teams year after year.
5. Baseball and Softball
Both the baseball and softball teams at West Hancock have consistently demonstrated their ability to run the system. Their success can be attributed to disciplined pitching, solid fielding, and strategic hitting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does West Hancock instill the importance of running the system in its athletes?
West Hancock instills the importance of running the system through coaching, leadership, and a strong team culture. Coaches emphasize the system's significance and teach athletes how to execute it effectively.
2. What role do coaches play in teaching the system?
Coaches at West Hancock play a pivotal role in teaching the system. They provide guidance, design game plans, and work with athletes to ensure they understand and can execute the system's strategies.
3. How do athletes benefit from running the system?
Athletes benefit from running the system by developing a deep understanding of their sport, improving their teamwork and communication skills, and achieving success as a team. Running the system also prepares them for future challenges in sports and life.
4. What challenges do West Hancock athletes face in running the system?
Running the system requires discipline, hard work, and mental focus. Athletes at West Hancock must overcome challenges such as physical conditioning, adapting to different opponents, and maintaining consistency throughout a season.
5. How does running the system contribute to West Hancock's success as a sports program?
Running the system is a cornerstone of West Hancock's sports success. It ensures that athletes are well-prepared, cohesive as a team, and capable of executing game plans effectively. This approach has resulted in numerous championships and accolades for the school.
West Hancock's ability to "run the system" is a testament to their commitment to excellence in high school sports. Their athletes' discipline, teamwork, and versatility across various sports programs showcase the importance of mastering fundamentals and executing game plans effectively. As West Hancock continues to excel in football, basketball, track and field, volleyball, baseball, and softball, their dedication to running the system serves as an inspiration for young athletes and a source of pride for their community.
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