Posted by Come on on January 13, 2024 at 22:34:31:
In Reply to: Re: Coaches/teams running up scores posted by South Pasadena Head Coach on January 13, 2024 at 20:49:11:
:
: Hello,
: My name is Cody Masden. Head coach for South Pasadena High School. Forgive me for the lengthy response, I believe there are some great things we can talk about here. Thank you for bringing up this topic, it’s awesome that we have this public space to be able to talk about this because as a coach in high school sports, and as a former player, there are so many things to be thought about with the subject. And I think it is a tough call either way In looking at all the impact that a game like this can have. I hope to provide insight into the thoughts of the coach on the winning end, as I have been on the losing end as well.
: First off, I have the upmost respect for Coach Lee, and his entire team and staff over at Monrovia, we have a great relationship and I love how he coaches his girls and the passion he has for the game. This has nothing to do with anything aside from the differential in skill between 2 schools at this period in time. As coaches we always do the best with whatever skill level comes through our school system at any given time. If you were in attendance you would understand this was not an attempt to run up a score, this was just ima great team effort in discipline, good habits and execution from the players on my team.
: What I can’t do: I can not look 5 of my players in the eye and say “you’re the worst 5 on the team so you’re going to play” and then sit the rest of them.
: League System:. We are placed in the Rio Hondo league, obviously, every HS team is placed in a league, and each year league opponents play each other twice no matter what. It does not matter the differential in skillset between teams, or take into consideration what teams have done in prior years. No matter what we have to play each other. I have been extremely blessed as a coach to be able to coach a very talented team over the last few years, I have two players looking to be able to play Division 1 College basketball, and even more players, striving to play next level after and at the very least be part of a great team and compete for championships at the highest level. Not every team in our league has this opportunity or even an opportunity to make playoffs at the end of the year.
: This specific game: For the purpose of defending myself and my school and to let everyone know that I have a heart and my goal was not to embarrass anyone. The post mentioned 80 combined points by 2 of my players. One of my players had 46 at halftime. (She played 16 Minutes) I allowed her to stay in to reach what I thought was an inspiring milestone for her in scoring 50 points in a game, regardless of the competition it was something I hope will inspire her to work even harder and strive to be as great as ever. We lead by over 80 points by halftime, after which we ran the clock for the entire second half of basketball. Every single one of my players scored, I subbed in my reserve players throughout the game. We are an extremely talented team and made a ton of shots especially playing in front of our home crowd the momentum carried a lot of baskets in. In the second half we elected to no longer play as tough defensively and “allow” them to dribble up the court. Again this is not intended to be disrespectful this is the reality in the difference of skill level between the teams. As competitors we do not want to practice bad habits we have big goals in mind so we put the upmost importance on securing every rebound, playing defense to our highest capability and to practice our offensive execution. The only other option would be to tell my kids “hey let’s not try to play hard today, try and let them score” As a coach, competitor, and athlete I would find it extremely disrespectful if an opposing team carried this mentality against my team, I want to try and become better. Last year an opposing league coach was offended and confronted me about only playing my bench. I lose in each scenario.
: The sportsmanship side: As a coach who talks with coaches all over the world as well as being a sports fan my whole life this is an interesting topic. Some people say, “Why don’t you just play your worst players” and many coaches I know try to get their teams not to practice “playing down to another teams level.” As to ensure that habit doesn’t occur and result in a loss to a tougher opponent. If it was my choice I would elect to not play against teams not on our level. I do not intentionally schedule victories I look for competitive opportunities to help encourage my team to play at their highest capabilities. Last year I rotated my players in some games “5 in & 5 out” subbing frequently as to stop our own teams momentum in the name of “sportsmanship”
: What the public might not know: In years past, I have had great teams. We have been Rio, Hondo league champions, unanimously for four years in a row. last year, in particular we were undefeated in league play. After the season a league MVP is chosen through coach voting as well as 5 players selected for “1st team” and 5 players selected for “2nd team” this is done to honor exceptional play through all the league teams. As a competitive team we do a lot of goal setting, visualization etc.. many of my kids strive to be selected to one of these teams as it is what most would describe as an “attainable” goal. One of my players last year averaged over 20ppg along with other extremely admirable stats that she works hard to prove she belongs playing at the college level, we did not lose one game and the player on my team was not selected league MVP, instead it was selected from one of the teams with the least amount of wins. As a coach and an adult I completely have zero problems with whoever wins MVP. I support every single player and I will take nothing away from the player who won that award because she is an amazing human being, and I witnessed it firsthand. it was real real. However, when you are trying to motivate your own team with certain goals in mind, if it’s tough, the next season to have them straight to the same things and there might not be a possibility to replicate the same success every single year, after all a high schooler only has 4 years to obtain any of these accolades.
: Last year, out of sportsmanship, I benched my best players early and even opted in having them not play in multiple league games last year as we could see the skill differential. In the coaches meeting where this was decided not only did the mentioned player lose out on the opportunity that was deserved very few of my players were selected to be a part of the 1st or 2nd team honors as multiple coaches sited “we didn’t see them play so we didn’t vote for them” (because I chose not to play them out of sportsmanship) This is not coming from an arrogant place however the reality is that the majority of my entire basketball team would be the best player on any other team in my league. This is all luck of us being in a location of a lot of experienced basketball players and I would like to think the culture and environment I have been trying to create for the past 8 years has helped us be so successful,
: Players on different levels: As I mentioned before I have more than one player who really will play at the highest level post high school. For those unaware, stats for players on maxpreps is a huge tool that is used for players (especially from a small city like south Pasadena) to get noticed by college coaches. In fact I have had a plethora of coaches reach out to me citing “I saw her stats and hilights on max preps, can you give me more film or information etc..”
: What can be done: I can see options of not having “leagues” and allowing teams to schedule against anyone. This is out of my control so many logistics with this it’s Just something off the top of my head.
: Mercy rule- If a team goes up by 60 or more the game ends. I’m not a fan but possible solution.
: I don’t know what the best thing to do is, I am just trying to get my team to buying in to playing a high level at all times. I truly did what was best for my team in that moment. I have only good intentions and everything I do is in the name of growing the sport and bringing up the level of competition. I hope this inspires a friendly conversation amongst coaches and fans alike. I hope everything to come next is positive as we are all growing and learning every day!
: Thanks for reading!
: : Can someone please explain the recent trend of good teams running up scores against sub par teams? I've recently seen Ontario Christian leave starters in while pressing and pushing the ball in transition to win by 107 (yes 107!). What good does having a player score 63 when it comes against JV quality players? Yesterday South Pasadena beat a 3-12 Monrovia team 121-10. Two S. Pas players had a combined for 80pts on 51 combined shot attempts. I just don't understand, where are the school administrators? How are athletic directors ok with this? Someone please explain. And before some tells me that it's the bad teams fault save it, there are plenty of bench kids that could be playing and coaches can pull off presses and traps earlier. Where is the sportsmanship? Just a frustrated observer here.
You are a tool. You cant even beat Avg D1 teams or city section teams. Prey on beating up bad teams and even brag on social media. Your league cant stand you. Yuck