Approaching the Coach…

by Christy McCauley

As we all know, and may have experienced, it is difficult for a parent to sometimes deal with why their child sits on the bench during an athletic competition. When is it appropriate to approach the coach? Timing, word choice, and demeanor, can make all the difference in the world when discussing how much playing time your child got or gets. In my experience, right after a game, especially after a stressful game in which we lost, is not the best time to approach a coach regarding your child’s playing time. This could be embarrassing for your child, especially if there is a blow up between parent and coach.  Not all children are confident enough to do this, but the first step may be to give your child a chance to speak up for him/herself by talking with the coach about playing time and how to improve upon the necessary skills so that he/she may contribute more in game competition. The most appropriate thing a parent can do to speak with the coach is to schedule a meeting at a non-stressful time and place. Next blog topic…the debate about equal playing time, the pros and the cons!

Coaches Corner...

Coach Ken... January 28-31st. It was a good week for the boys varsity basketball team as they won both their games against Norwood and Congressional school. The team was again led by Amara against Norwood school. Although we had good contributions from Ryan and Reilly. Against congressional Reilly was outstanding and the team was led by Charlie. Woods is now 6-1 in league play and is off to ICS on Monday.

Coach Ricca...

Woods vs. Norwood

The varsity girls did it again!  They had a great win against Norwood after our school pep-rally!  The girls played in front of a big crowd, included support from parents and the boys and girls JV teams.  The first half was close but as usually the girls came out strong and aggressive.  We turned up the defense and picked up full court man.  The girls were able to make stops and pull away with a comfortable lead.  Norwood tried to make a comeback in the fourth quarter but it was too late.  The Woods pulled off a 44-27 win with 7 girls scoring.  Katherine had 18, Lindsay had 8, Carlota had 7 with a big 3 point shot, Elizabeth had 6 points, Izzy scored 3 and Lexi had 2.   Way to go!    

Woods vs. Congressional

The Varsity girls continue their winning streak with a 39 – 14 victory over Congressional!  We started the game in a full court press.  The girls definitely put on the pressure, forcing turnovers on Congressional’s first 4 possessions.  Carlota and Katherine turned the turnovers into quick points and we took a fast 10-0 lead within the first minute of the game.  The game continued this way until half time.  The Woods lead 25 -2.  We took of the pressure and allowed girls to try different positions.  The game ended with 7 girls scoring. Katherine had a season high of 22 points.  Carlota scored 7 and Elizabeth, Annalise, Izzy, Madison and Zoe all scored a basket.  Elizabeth had a strong defensive game, blocking 5 shots.  The girls go into the St. Andrew’s tournament with a 9-0 record.

Coach Washington... The boys were excited to play Congressional, especially after the disappointment of the NPS game being cancelled due to the slippery floor. It was another victory for the boys over Congressional 39-15.  The game proved to be too close in the first quarter with Congressional dominating the boards and leading 9-6.  Adjustments were made after calling a time out with 2:30 left in the first quarter.  "You never know what you can do until you try!" is what the boys heard during that time out. Woods made a complete turn around, executed the plays and communicated as a team on defense. I am always proud of the effort that the boys put out!  It shows heart and determination when I put a player in a position that he is not comfortable with and he steps up to the challenge...this is one thing that I cannot teach. ICS is next bring, on the challenge!!!

Team stats: 19-43 shots (not shy when it comes to shooting), 13 defensive rebounds, 19 offensive rebounds.

Key player stats: 

DJ 6/8 shooting, 4 rebounds, 1assist, 2 blocks. 

Ify: 4/6 shooting, 12 rebounds 1 block, 1 steal. 

Ugo: 3/5 shooting,  10 rebounds,  1 block.

Emeka:  2/5 shooting,   4 rebounds, 1 steal.