Finals time...

Hey y'all,

Tomorrow, both my Under 14's and Under 16's teams are playing basketball semi-finals. I rate both teams' chances of winning a premiership highly, but I also have a moral dilemna.

In the case of the Under 14's, do I play the strongest team for the largest portion of available court time, or give the full squad near to equal time to make an impression on the game? To be realistic, we have three 'standout' players and the other five are good to great 'supporting' players. Notice I didn't use the word 'stars'? To me, all the kids I coach are stars.

I am in charge of a good, versatile side that has both individual talent and a close-knit team environment. We are gradually perfecting the ultimate team game, where players are prepared to sacrifice personal glory and accolades for the benefit of the best interests of the team.

Here's the team;
Joeburger - The Chairman of the Boards. This season has seen the development of a more physical game, and when he is in this mood, is rarely beaten. Can also break a game wide open with a three-pointer.
Magic Hands - The name says it all. In all my years of playing/coaching basketball, I have never seen someone who handle the ball as well or as easily as this guy. A genuine class act, is also a great team player. Can also shoot well, from both inside and outside the three-point line.
Haydos - A great team player, who grows in skill and confidence every week. Rebounds exceptionally well, and is also becoming more confident in handling the ball.
Tyso - A newcomer to the team, he has blended extremely well into the side. He is quite quick, and can also shoot well from around the key and beyond.
Pocket Warrior - Small in stature but big in heart, he is the first person I look to when I want a running tagger, especially against the stronger sides. Has the knack of hitting shots at crucial stages.
TJ - A classy, versatile player. Has the ability to change the tempo of a game, and is both an offensive and defensive weapon. Can rebound exceptionally well when needed.
Tweedletim - Another newbie, and a big improver. When he first came into the side, he was shy and rough around the edges, but has started to come into his own. Is capable of lion-hearted efforts to change the tempo of a game.
Tweedletodd - Another newcomer, and a strong all-round player at both ends of the court. Quite capable with a jump shot, as well as on the break.

I'm fully aware that 'standout' players alone will not win us games. I believe that every player, no matter how good or bad, deserves court time because average players become good players if they are given enough game time, and have a 'never-say-die' attitude. One or more of these 'support' players could end up winning us a game. Also, what happens if one or more of the 'standouts' doesn't fire?

I know that it's a 'tradition' to play your best side in finals games, but I can't stomach that theory. These kids turn up every week, pay their fees, and so are equally entitled to equal rights as players. But is it the right thing to do in finals games?

What about the parents and families of the players? Some family members attend these games just once or twice a season to see the kids play. How would both the kids and their families feel if their contribution to 'the cause' was meagre? I personally couldn't live with that, because I've been in that position before, and I know how badly it affects a kid's self-esteem to be thought of as a bench-warmer or untalented player. These labels sting, and they are not the way I want my kids to think and be thought of.

But when a premiership is at stake, what is the best avenue to take: winning first or team first?

In regards to the Under 16's, they know they have what it takes to conquer the best teams in the division.

But in order to win the big games, they have to have faith in every team member. Also, to win the big games (including the premiership), they have to share the load evenly. This means that one player alone can't take it upon himself to play a one man team game. Rest assured, anyone guilty of putting individual ahead of team will find himself seeing less game time.

Every player has a role to play in this team:
Tabazco - A Co-Captain, best defensive dagger, and an out-and-out truer. Can also play taller when needed. Is also a big thinker.
Scooter - A Co-Captain, and the engine of the team. Gives so much to the team, and expects so little. A true leader in every sense of the word.
The Breathalyzer - A strong scoring weapon, and skilled ball handler. Is very focused once the game begins, and does it with a smile.
Major Pain - Easily the most intimidating player in the team. Good players from top teams have to think twice when approaching him. Also an emerging defensive dagger.
Senor Sundo - Due to injury, has not been allowed to make a great impact on this team to date. Possesses a knack of hitting important three-point bombs at critical stages.
Sauerkrause - A genuine all-round talent. Can potentially fill any spot on the court, and has proven to be a match winner when needed.

With all these qualities, these boys make a good side. But it takes a team to win the big games.

- Fridge.