MMS Wildcat coaches emphasize basics
Sports reporter
When it comes to what is important in their coaching, Marion Middle School boys' head coach Kelly Robson and girls' head coach Autumn Priddy are in complete agreement.
"The best thing middle schoolers can work on is fundamentals," said Robson.
"My biggest goal is for us to get better on fundamentals," Priddy echoed.
Priddy indicated she is intent on preparing her charges for high school hoops, but is careful not to burn the girls out with repetitive drill-and-practice routines.
"You cannot drill over and over and keep them interested," she explained. "You have to get creative with your drills."
Priddy, in her first year as head coach for MMS after being an assistant last year, believes her years as a player and coach for the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford give her a leg up on keeping practices interesting.
"As a college coach, we would do lots of clinics for younger kids, all the way down to second grade, so I've had a lot of experience in how to teach skills and make it fun," she said.
Eighth graders who played for Priddy last year have helped send a message to the incoming seventh grade players.
"They were able to tell the seventh graders Coach Priddy expects a lot of us," said Priddy.
In early practices, Priddy pointed to eighth grader Shelby Percell as one of her potential standout players.
"She was my workhorse inside as a seventh grader, and so far she's not letting me down," Priddy said.
Two other eighth graders showing welcome development are Jordan Harper and Donna Cady.
"They split time last year at point guard, but one thing I didn't expect is that they've grown as two guards, so I can have them on the floor together," explained Priddy.
One seventh grader showing promise is Whitney Gordon.
"She played with my eighth graders over the summer," Priddy noted, "and she's very basketball smart."
Priddy indicated satisfaction with the work effort of her players, giving special kudos to Jessie Taylor and Taylor Harms.
"From day one, they give 100 percent all the time, and they are eager to learn the plays, to be able to play," Priddy said.
Veteran coach Robson was guardedly optimistic when assessing prospects for this year's eighth graders, who struggled to a 3-11 record last year.
"I'm hoping we've had improvement in our skills, so that some of those close games we lost last year we can turn into wins," Robson said.
"We might be spending a little extra time on fundamentals this year," he suggested.
Robson believes a potential strength of his teams will come on the offensive end of the floor.
"We've got a handful of pretty good shooters," he said, "if we can find a way to get them open."
Defensively, the Wildcats will primarily use a zone, though Robson hopes to play more man-to-man as the season progresses.
"Historically, I've been a zone guy — I try to protect the basket," he said, explaining the primary benefit of a zone. "The farther away they have to shoot, the better chance they have to miss."
Robson has been impressed with his team's work ethic as well.
"We're working hard at things, and we're getting better," he asserted.
Robson mentioned Landon Leiker and Les Riggs as two players he's looking forward to watching develop this season.
"Landon was the leading scorer on last year's team, and he's continuing to do the work," said Robson.
"Les has probably come the farthest of any player since he started in seventh grade. He's come a long way in a year and a half," Robson commented.
Robson sees the A, B, C-team format for Mid-Central Activities Association league games as an opportunity to provide incentive and ensure playing time for his players.
League rules allow players to log five quarters a night, giving a player the chance to play in two games.
