Hawks youth movement

Times Reporter 

 

With all of last year’s senior basketball Grade 12’s having graduated, new boys’ basketball coach Tony Irving, is preparing his Holy Cross Collegiate Grade 10’s and Grade 11’s for junior varsity play this year.

“We had a senior team last year, but we have no Grade 12’s this year. We have three Grade 11’s, and nine Grade 10’s,” Irving said. “These three Grade 11’s, their senior team went to provincials last year.”

The Hawks’ varsity team lost in the provincial semi finals last season.

Irving, who’s coached basketball for more than 20 years, wanted non-selfish players to fill his J.V. roster.

 “What I stress is that individualism and ego take away from the team. I’m trying to emphasize that it’s all about team,” Irving said. “It doesn’t matter what skill level the kids are at, if they’re using their skills to benefit the team, then that’s what we’re looking for. If they’re using their skills to benefit themselves, then that’s not what we’re looking for.”

The Hawks practice twice a week, working on fundamentals of a well-oiled machine.

“We work on offensive skills – shooting and positioning – proper mechanics,” Irving said. “I’m more of a structural coach, so no matter what they do, whether it’s a fast break or how they run defense, everything they do is structured. Those are a lot of things we work on in practice.”

The Hawks had their first game in Okotoks against Foothills on Dec. 12, before the time of print, and will be hosting their home tournament in March.