It's time to get excited about basketball! No doubt, you and your daughter are wondering just how the tryout process works. First, the WGBA finds the most qualified evaluators possible. We have two Varsity coaches, Jenny Johnson and DeeDee Deeken and three Division 1 standouts, Molly Tadich, Angie Welle and Sara Streib. In addition we have Heidi Howard, Shelly Bishop, Alissa Case, Tina Christopherson and Roxie Myhre, all of whom played college basketball and have coached at the JV or Varsity level for the past several years. We have assembled a top-notch group. Secondly, you may also be asking yourself, ?What do the evaluators look for?? It truly is a combination of strong fundamentals, coachability, athleticism and attitude. How quickly does the athlete pick up on a drill? Does she understand helpside defense? Can she dribble with either hand and without looking at the ball? How does she handle pressure situations? Without question, some players have VERY strong fundamentals, but lack experience or the competitive drive that shines through in game situations. Some are very raw, but extremely athletic. However, each player will have an equal opportunity to show their strengths through many different types of drills. They?ll have a chance to show their ability to dribble, pass, shoot and rebound in a structured setting. As the tryout moves on, the girls will participate at a more intense and competitive level. Transition drills, 1 on 1, 3 on 3, and full court 5 on 5 scrimmages will make up a large portion of the tryout time. The teams are generally selected with the following guidelines: 2 point guards, 4 wings, and 4 posts. Sometimes the formula is altered slightly to accommodate for a player who can play multiple positions. It is critical that each team has a balance between their perimeter players and post players. It is very hard to compete if we don't have players that can match our opponent's strengths at each position. Finally, what if your daughter makes the "B" team? Or the "C" team? What if she doesn't make a team? The most important thing to remember is that your daughter has a team to play on! Each and every year on the varsity basketball team we have successful players who have played their entire traveling careers on a "B" or "C" team. Many times the experience of being the "go to" player on a "B" team allows your daughter to grow in her basketball abilities in much less time. If your daughter doesn't make a team this season, encourage her to work on her skills and come back next season ready to knock the evaluators socks off! Please be on time to pick your daughter up on the final day of evaluations. She may have incredibly good news she'd like to share with you or she may be disappointed with her placement. Whatever the outcome, she will need you there! In closing, remember why your daughter is participating: the love of the game, the lessons of life, and the fun of being part of a group. It is great to have goals like being the best on the team or even earning a college scholarship. Please remember the number one priority should be to help the TEAM reach its potential. And lastly, encourage and support your daughter as much as possible. The season is a long one filled with many peaks and valleys. Help her stay positive by staying positive yourself.
Have a great season!
Kris Jones Varsity coach Wayzata Girls Basketball