Springville looks to get over the hump
by Matthew Ondesko, Managing Editor
It’s another blustery January day in Springville, and the Springville girls’ basketball team is in the gym working hard under the direction of coach Bob Gainey. The team is trying to fix what has plagued them throughout this season - slow starts.
When Springville starts fast it seems like that carries that momentum throughout the game. When they start slow it’s an uphill battle. Springville (5-8, 5-5) has been in every single game this season. Except for their loss to Depew, it seems every game has come down to the last possession.
That why getting off to a fast start for this team is so important. And, why, Gainey is continuing to find ways to get the girls going.
“We have discussed it as a team. The feedback from the kids has driven a lot of what we are changing moving forward. First off, we have spent a lot of time focusing on our “controllable”. Be the best at the things we have direct control over effort, communication, body language, and intensity,” explained Gainey, recently. “Our two seniors, Meg Rosenswie and Riley Kamats, have been model teammates as it specifically pertains to the “controllable.” Having two senior captains be tremendous role models for their peers is something I’m grateful to see. Secondly, we have put a lot of emphasis on our defense setting the tone from the jump. Not worrying about the pressure of scoring but focus on getting early stops to help propel the offense. Lastly, is awareness. The kids are fully aware of what the slow starts have done to our chances of winning. Getting down 10-0 in the first quarter of the Holland game set us back (despite winning the next three quarters) to making a run to win. Getting down 22 points to Akron, and then getting to within 4 points, is fine and all but it takes a toll to stage that type of effort just to get back in the game. With the girls owning what needs to change, I’m optimistic about their chances of winning moving forward.”
Despite their issues of scoring at times, Springville plays some of the toughest defense in the league. Games are routinely low scoring because of the effort on the defensive end of the court. Most players aren’t big fans of playing defense, they want to score - and score often.
But, this team is different. The girls have bought into what Gainey is preaching on that end of the court. While they aren’t a real big team, only seven players, these players give it there all every game.
Some games it works out and some games it doesn’t But, it’s not because of a lack of effort. They are motivated to go out there and show teams they compote every night.
“The girls have been terrific on that end of the floor. We don’t do anything special defensively, our seven kids do the best they can playing man-to-man defense in every game. They don’t make excuses for when it doesn’t work, and they are motivated to get stops when the opportunity presents itself,” stated Gainey. “The team has bought into that end of the floor and they’ve seen positive results from it. It’s challenging having only seven players while trying to simulate a competitive environment when we prepare for games. It all starts with their approach to practice and the realization of what it takes to compete at a high level.”
As the regular season hits the home stretch, Springville is looking to close out those close games. Three of their losses are by three points are less. Being able to get over the hump is something that Gainey continues to preach.
He knows as the games get tighter this month, it’s the little things that either get you the win or loss.
“I think it comes down to playing with unmatched energy and intensity for the entire game. We have a team of seven players, very good players, but I think there are moments when fatigue sets in and we can’t quite execute the way we want to,” stated Gainey. “Our kids do a terrific job of staying “locked in”, we just need to continue challenging each other in practice to be better prepared for the challenges we encounter in close games.”
If the game is close, and you need someone to take that last shot, look no further that junior guard Daniella Oakley. Oakley leads the team in points per game (9), rebounds (8), steals (3) and assists (2).
Oakley has taken a big jump from her sophomore to junior year, and is someone Gainey can count on when the game is on the line.
“Dani has taken a huge step forward as an all-around player for us,” stated Gainey. “She impacts the game in so many ways with and without the basketball. Her length disrupts passing lanes, she creates for her teammates by driving hard to the basket to pass to a teammate, and she’s been called upon to push the ball up the floor on occasion to get our offense going. Having a player of her caliber/versatility is a big asset.”
Oakley also wants the ball. She wants the responsibility every game. She wants to guard the best player every game, and expects to shut them down. When the game is on the line, Oakley wants to take the last shot.
Not many players want that responsibility. Not many players haver it in them to succeed under pressure when the game is hanging in the balance. But, that’s what makes Oakley that player she is.
“The best part about Dani is she WANTS as much responsibility as possible. She wants to guard the other teams best player,” stated Gainey. “She wants to set her teammates up for a big play. She wants to take a big shot when her team needs her. I’m so proud of her ability to handle what’s asked of her and still be a great teammate to her peers.”
Another player who is starting to find her game as we head into February is freshman Aubrey Roy. Roy had her best game against Depew when she went for 24 points and seven rebounds. Like most freshman, Roy has had her ups and down this season.
As the season has gone on, Roy is starting to find her confidence on the offensive side of the floor.
“Aubrey’s ascension this season has been a huge highlight as we enter February. She is starting to find her confidence on the offensive side of the floor. She’s such a unique player in that she can excel in the paint, but she’s also a lethal shooter on the outside. Another great skill she has is the ability to pass the basketball,” stated Gainey. “Her confidence has been growing from the second week of January to this point in the season. I give her a ton of credit for working through the tough moments and persevering to where she is today.”
As Springville hits the stretch run, Gainey wants his team to just go out there and play like they have all season long. Some will look at the record and say they are having an inconsistent season.
However, it’s not always about the wins and losses. It’s about the progress the team is showing throughout the year. Of course they want to win every game they play - they are a competitive bunch.
“Our focus is progress as we move through the season. We want to win every game we play. We scout and practice hard to give ourselves that opportunity. But the girls realize that progress isn’t necessarily reflected by the outcome of a game. We’ve done so many good things this season, despite our record, that there’s a lot to be confident about as we make a final push. As a group, our focus is making one another better, be the best possible version of themselves as they can be, and to be a great teammate,” explained Gainey. “Our girls believe in themselves and their teammates which is so refreshing to see as a coach. The more our team takes the court, anyone can see it from the stands, the more comfortable they get playing in big games. I don’t think this team gets nervous, I think they love playing basketball and are ready to answer any challenge that’s presented to them. It’s a great group of girl’s to coach and I’m excited to see the success they find, win or lose, as we finish strong.”
