In The Locker Room, as of now, Zion-Benton is still the pick to survive what is shaping up to be the best IHSA Waukegan Sectional ever in terms of the quality of the four teams there.
Of the four teams, Z-B has players who know what it takes to win a sectional and super-sectional. There is no substitute for experience.
As for Waukegan, do not be shocked if sophomore sparkplug Aaron Johnson becomes the invaluable sixth man for the Dogs, giving them high-octane energy off the bench. That would move freshman Akeem Springs into the starting lineup which will make the team bigger and stronger on the boards. If you think about it, Waukegan is sort of in the same spot this year that Z-B was last year -- 5 of top 6 players will be back next year.
Finally, at tourney time, you win with a great point guard. Z-B has the best around in Ronald Steward.
There is no substitute for experience
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Zion HAS to get contributions from more than 4 guys. Owen Worthington has to do more if he is going to start. It sounds like he would be unchallenged on the sophomore team, but right now, he is doing nothing on the varsity. That is a tough spot.
I agree with Kyle, Zion must reduce the number of turnovers and get their defense up to par; particularly comparable to the game at Mundelein, where they fell to Zion 97-67.
Jeff,
I saw a ton of ZB bball games last year and a half dozen or so this year. This team is not nearly as good as last years. They do have a lot of talent, and hopefully they get hot at the right time, but I would say they are a longshot to make it out of Waukegan. Right now the mindset isn't right and Kloth isn't getting the most out of his players.
Losing Clinkscales and Antonio Stewart is proving to be more difficult than initially thought. The defense they provided and Clinkscales partnering with Ronald Steward was invaluable. This team gets very lazy at times and they don't run good offensive sets - there's very little motion. There is a lot of hi-lo, kicking it in the post and sometimes back out. That proved to be very unsuccessful against Lake Forest and Libertyville.
The team needs to run more - more pressure defense - use the athletism that they have as an advantage against almost any team they play. They're getting killed on defense by teams hitting the 3. Play more zone and double-team when necessary. The best players on opposing teams have been killing Zion - i.e. Vogrich. Zion needs to scout these opponents to know what is coming and plan for it. Have a game plan and adjust that plan when necessary!!!
Perfect example of where fans need to enjoy the game and let the coach do the coaching. If you are getting beat by 3 pointers a zone would not be the defense to play. 3 point shooters feast on zone defense. When does a coach get a break, this guy has been around for a while and has a state tournament trip on resume. Be happy that you have him. Too many coaches are run out by parents/fans that really don't have that much knowledge about the game.
I have also seen the Zion games lately, particularly against Lake Forest. Zion was playing man-to-man defense and the Vogruch was getting screens all over the place to get open. I agree with Horatio. A zone defense could have been a nice adjustment. Any adjustment would have been nice as they couldn't stop that kid from Lake Forest.
Kloth is a great man to have at the head of Zion. I think he's a great role model and educator for the kids. This more than makes up for the lack of game planning or discipline his teams display.
Lastly, there is nothing wrong with debating basketball, discussing strategy, and you don't need to be a former player or coach to recognize shortcomings. Its what makes the game so great.
Well put Oscar. I wasn't at the Lake Forest game but:
1. Vogrich has a big ten scholarship(Michigan) and is a very talneted kid. The fact that he had a good game isn't all to blame on the coach "he is A GREAT PLAYER".
2. Zone is not the answer. Possibly go "no help" on him and tag him all over the court, but not zone.
3. I'm sure ZB knew Vogrich was the player to stop(see #1).
4. Lake Forest is good, just beat Lake Forest Academy, very few teams in the area would have a chance.
4. ZB is fine and will definetely be in contention to get out of Waukegan.
5. Nothing wrong with talking logically about the game.
6. IT ISN'T ALWAYS THE COACH TO BLAME. OTHER TEAMS HAVE TALENT AND PREPARE TOO.
Just have to say congrats to Coach Kloth. I don't think there will be any critics after beating Waukegan!