Raiders claim state title with win over Central Florida
March 10, 2012 10:01 PM
MARIANNA – Prior to his first official practice as the coach at Northwest Florida State, Steve Forbes laid out three goals for his team for the coming season.
Win the Panhandle Conference, win the Region VIII Tournament and win a national title.
Following a one-sided 85-66 win over Central Florida in Saturday’s Region VIII championship game, Forbes and the Raiders are two-thirds of the way home.
Freshman guard Chris Jones led all scorers with 20 points on his way to being named the tournament’s MVP, and Rod Rucker finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Raiders won their fifth state championship and earned the program’s fifth NJCAA national tournament berth.
After entering the tournament as the No. 1-ranked team in the FCSAA, the Raiders left little doubt that they are a team to be reckoned with once they arrive in Hutchison, Kan., site of the NJCAA tournament.“Since about late-November, early-December, we’ve been one of the top-ranked teams in the country,” Forbes said. “We came (to Chipola) for the Panhandle Shootout and Palm Beach was ranked ahead of us and we beat them by 37 points.
“I think at that time that we really took notice that we were pretty good.”
On Saturday, it was everyone else inside the Milton Johnson Health Center that took notice.
Neiko Hunter, who along with Jones and Rucker was named an all-tournament selection, had 14 points and eight rebounds. Chad Donley, whose late first half 3-pointer was cited by Forbes as a turning point, finished with nine, as did Teraes Clemmons. Trency Jackson hit consecutive 3’s late to help the Raiders seal the win and ended his day with eight points.
“It feels great,” Jones said. “We wanted to do it for our fans, so many of our fans came out.”
In front of a large contingent of Raiders fans, NWF State (29-1) once again struggled out of the gate, falling behind early as Central Florida hit its first three 3-pointers to build a 17-13 lead.
Central Florida’s touch from behind the arch would cool, though, as the Patriots finished the half a pedestrian 3-for-16.
NWF State, meanwhile, would chip away at the Patriots lead, taking its first lead of the game when Hunter hit both free throw attempts at the 7:08 mark.
From there, NWF State would begin to pull away.
The Raiders were nine-of-10 from the line in the half and when Clemmons hit his 3-pointer from the corner 52 seconds before the half, he gave NWF State a 32-24 lead at the break. NWF State held Central Florida to just 29 percent shooting from the field. Hunter Williams and Luis Jacobo led the Patriots (25-8) with 10 points as Central Florida struggled to handle the Raiders swarming defense, shooting just 39 percent for the game.
“We’ve been a great defensive team all year long,” Forbes said. “I think a lot of people get confused when they watch us play and think it’s about our offense. It’s not about our offense, it’s about our defense.
“We’re the best defensive team in this region, we’ve proven that night in and night out.”
Now, the Raiders will turn their attention towards the final item on their to-do list, winning the program’s second national title. NWF State won its first and only title in the 1994-95 season.
“When you come to Northwest Florida State, you have a chance to win three banners,” Forbes said. “… (now we) have a chance at three.”
Read more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/marianna-48113-raiders-state.html#ixzz1ooYWrLkQ
ChatGPT
Title: Jason Shay: The Journey to Nationals
Introduction
In the world of collegiate athletics, reaching the national stage is a dream that many coaches aspire to achieve. Jason Shay is one such coach who embarked on a remarkable journey to guide his team to the NCAA Nationals. In this article, we will explore the inspiring story of Jason Shay, his coaching philosophy, the challenges he faced, and the path that led his team to the national spotlight. Additionally, we will address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this compelling narrative.
The Coach: Jason Shay
Before delving into the journey to Nationals, it's essential to understand the man behind the team. Jason Shay, a respected and experienced basketball coach, had always harbored a passion for the game. His coaching career began to take shape in the NCAA Division II, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation for being a dedicated and forward-thinking coach.
Coaching Philosophy:
Player Development: Shay believed in the power of player development, emphasizing skill improvement and personal growth as fundamental components of his coaching philosophy.
Team Cohesion: He fostered a sense of unity and teamwork among his players, recognizing that a cohesive team could achieve greater success than a collection of talented individuals.
Adaptability: Shay understood the importance of adapting strategies and tactics to suit the strengths and weaknesses of his team, demonstrating flexibility in his coaching approach.
The Journey Begins
Jason Shay's journey to Nationals began when he accepted the position of head coach at a mid-major Division I university. The challenges were substantial. The team had not seen significant success in recent years, and Shay faced the daunting task of turning the program around.
Initial Challenges:
Building Trust: Establishing trust and rapport with the existing players was a priority. Shay worked tirelessly to create an environment where players felt valued and motivated to improve.
Recruitment: Recruiting talented players who aligned with his coaching philosophy and vision for the program was crucial. Shay sought athletes who were not only skilled but also committed to the team's success.
Culture Change: Shay aimed to instill a winning culture within the team. This involved challenging existing mindsets, improving work ethics, and setting higher standards for performance.
The Road to Nationals
The journey to Nationals was marked by significant milestones and challenges, including:
1. First Winning Season:
Shay's leadership saw the team achieve its first winning season in several years. This was a testament to the progress being made both on and off the court.
2. Player Development:
Key players flourished under Shay's coaching, showcasing substantial improvement in their skills and basketball IQ.
3. Team Chemistry:
The team's chemistry and cohesion reached new heights. Players supported one another, and the sense of camaraderie grew stronger.
4. Tactical Adaptations:
Shay's adaptability as a coach became evident as he tailored game plans to exploit opponents' weaknesses while bolstering the team's strengths.
5. Playoff Success:
The team's performance in conference playoffs exceeded expectations. Shay's strategic coaching decisions played a pivotal role in advancing through crucial matches.
6. Nationals Qualification:
The culmination of Shay's efforts came when his team secured a coveted spot in the NCAA Nationals, marking a historic achievement for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of reaching the NCAA Nationals for a mid-major program?
Reaching the NCAA Nationals is a significant achievement for mid-major programs, as it provides exposure, opportunities for growth, and validates the program's potential to compete at the highest level.
How does a coach like Jason Shay inspire players to achieve success?
Coaches like Jason Shay inspire players through their dedication, leadership, and a commitment to player development. They create an environment where players feel valued and motivated to excel.
What role does adaptability play in coaching success?
Adaptability is crucial in coaching, as it allows coaches to tailor their strategies to suit their team's strengths and exploit opponents' weaknesses. It ensures a dynamic and effective approach to the game.
What challenges do coaches face in turning around struggling programs?
Coaches face challenges such as building trust, changing team culture, recruiting the right players, and implementing effective coaching strategies to turn around struggling programs.
What can aspiring coaches learn from Jason Shay's journey to Nationals?
Aspiring coaches can learn the importance of perseverance, player development, adaptability, and fostering a winning culture from Jason Shay's journey to Nationals.
Conclusion
Jason Shay's journey to guide his team to the NCAA Nationals is a story of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to a vision. It serves as an inspiration not only to the basketball community but to anyone striving to achieve excellence in their chosen field. Shay's coaching philosophy, leadership, and ability to overcome challenges played pivotal roles in the transformation of the program. His remarkable journey highlights the enduring power of teamwork, player development, and adaptability in the world of collegiate athletics.
No comments:
Post a Comment