Summer Survey:  In our last newsletter, I invited parents and players to provide feedback on Rocky’s summer basketball opportunities.  Three people responded.  The coaching staff will look at the survey results and use them to build next summer’s basketball opportunities at Rocky.  This will be the last opportunity to take the survey, please take a few minutes to provide feedback by clicking on the following link: Parent/Player Survey

 

New Website/Communication Expectation:  This summer I spent some time creating a new Rocky Basketball Website in hopes it communicates more efficiently with players and parents than our old website.  We were all frustrated with the old one.  I would like to take this time and remind players and parents that the coaches expectation is that parents receive information from their sons first.  That means if the coaches tell the team that the bus leaves tomorrow at 3 pm, the players are expected to go home and relay that information to their parents.  The website is not fully complete and I will be fine tuning it throughout the year.  Plan on checking the website daily for updates and changes to our schedule.  The new website is http://rockybasketball.wix.com/lobobasketball.

 

CHSCA Clinic:  In late July I was asked to speak at the Colorado High School Coaches Association Basketball Clinic.  It was an honor to be asked to talk about what we are doing at Rocky Mountain High School.  My presentation focused on our off season workout program, handling multi-sport athletes, and I gave coaches some of my favorite practice and skill development drills.  I am proud to say that based on some of the feedback I received we are doing some great things at Rocky.   

Academics:  Being a student athlete at Rocky is an honor and I wanted to take a moment and remind players and parents just how important academics are.  As a student athlete, all eyes are on you.  You are being watched closely by your peers, teachers, and administrators.  Please set a great example by working hard in all your classes, being on time, and treating your teachers and classmates with respect.  Sports should not come first you academics should.  Statistically speaking you are much more likely to earn an academic scholarship than an athletic one.  If fact athletic opportunities are often based on academic standings.  I will be sending out an email to the entire staff at Rocky and asking teachers to notify me if any of my players are not behaving like a true student athlete should.  Parents please check your son’s grades and hold them accountable and remember what should come first. 

 

Fall Meeting/Schedule:  All players interested in playing basketball at Rocky and who are not playing a fall sport are expected to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, August 28th at lunch in room 307. Our fall schedule will officially be announced and expectations will be set. 

 

What are the coaches looking for in a player?  Attitude have never been more important to the coaches in the Rocky Mountain High Schools Basketball Program.  In fact, in 3 of the 4 categories we use in evaluating players, attitude plays a significant role.  As a coaching staff we love to have players who demonstrate the following characteristics:  

1. Hard Working:  We love to have players who thrive on being challenged individually and as a team.  This player goes beyond what is expected and pushes themselves to the limit.  

2. Coachable:  When the coaches tell a player to take a charge vs. trying to block a shot, the next time that opportunity comes, he takes a charge.  This player listens to their coaches and trusts that we have the best interest of the team in mind.      

3. Team First Players:  This player puts the team before themselves, not by saying they do, but by their actions.  Are you an energy giver or energy taker?  Do you make the team better?  Is the team better off without you?  Does this player quit on plays?  What does body language say about the player? 

4. Skills:  Coaches are always looking for players who can dribble, pass, and shoot.  You want to play more?  Be a great shooter or ball handler, or both.