Great convo going back and forth, as one guy above said the passion shows.
I think Riordan has a out now of the Open and with all the mentioning of the zone offense issues, personally I think getting to state in the open would be one hell of a challenge. I don’t know how three WCAL teams make the open, especially with the splits with Mitty and Bellarmine who are on the winners side. I could be wrong but I see the team falling to D-1. If that’s the case, I would love to see a Riordan De La Salle matchup myself.
Their was mention of them having a 9-0 streak, unfortunately the seasoned coaches find ways to adjust and unfortunately if preparation is a issue, well those coaches will beat you. The players no doubt play the game, but at this level steps away from NorCal and a possible state title appearance, the players also need to be fully prepped and put in the best position to win.
With that said, the doctor. He is a good friend and could have been a huge asset to a team so talented such as this which on paper is just a tad below Sheldon. The team has major talent, but if I had to put money on it, I think he enjoys being a assistant these days and personally I think if he landed back as a head in the WCAL, it would truly have to be his way a majority of the time. The man is seasoned, and one of the best preparation coaches hands down. Weeks into the 2002 season, he incorporated a 1-3-1 at practice. Never was it used, until all the marbles were on the line. Tofi and company started in a man against Centenial, went to a 2-3, then a 1-2-2, and they scored with ease until finally in the second quarter to a 1-3-1, and that cause fits for Aaron Affalo and company.
Also and with all due respect, playing at 5 is a preparation issue. Try leaving SF at 10am on a Wednesday, grabbing lunch, thank God Hoosiers was on the TV system, grabbing a light dinner, pre planned shoot around at Liberty Christian, and then a hard fought battle against Brody Angley and company in front of the most raucous and passionate fans in Redding and coming away with a win. Getting back at 2AM, and having to immediately go into preparation mode for a Saturday night barn burner in Sacramento. At this level preparation doesn’t just call for X’s and O’s.
Lastly I see mention of a team being underachievers or overachievers, this team is loaded with talent. Two fantastic d1 guards, the best tandem since the Kelly and Manigo days, great height, Hubbard has been a factor, the kid who was hurt for a minute has been a factor. I don’t think you rate this team either way. This is a team if well prepared beats darn near everybody and in my opinion wins by 20 last night.
Just my two cents. I am a WCAL homer, and would
love to see Riordan represent at state as well as a few others if it all shakes out. Bellarmine and Mitty will have a tough road. Personally when all is on the line I don’t see them beating Sheldon.
Good luck to all. Although stressful, the road to a state title game is full of fun and is a fantastic experience for the kids.
