As an outsider into T basketball I have in my head that they simply are not very good offensively and win with defense despite their talent level.

 

Fair?

 

I have the same assessment.

As an outsider into T basketball I have in my head that they simply are not very good offensively and win with defense despite their talent level.

 

Fair?

 

One of the old standard lines is defense wins championships. However, I think that holds more true for regular season championships where over the course of a season your defense keeps you in almost every game. In tournament play the team that is offensively exceptional will win. Everybody steps up their defense because the season is on the line, but you move on when you are good on offense. Trinity is not a good offensive team. It was painful to watch how Spaulding was utilized in the offense. The only play it seemed they ran for him he slammed it home, but that was when the game was already over.

 

2 others game observations. Just like Trinity rained on the Ballard parade last year, the roles were reversed tonight. It was almost an exact role reversal. 2nd observation is Trinity lost points every time the transfer, West, was on the bench. Every time West was in the game Trinity went on a run. I was blown away he sat so much. Not sure if this was just a one game thing, but very odd he did not play more.

Before each season began who'd have thought last year's Trinity team would defeat Ballard and that this year's Ballard team would defeat Trinity in the region tournaments?

I have the same assessment.

 

I agree with you both and although I know they (T) have 4 D-1 players, I didn't see that when I saw them at the COP in Florida at Christmas. I saw some which I thought could play maybe D-2 or D-3, but besides Spalding no standout D-1 players. Just the opinion of an old but still kicking coach.

I agree with most have put here. I think Szabo is a great defensive coach, I'm not sure about the other side of the ball though. The team that won state had so many great athletes and they were perfect for his in your face, wear you down, defensive pressure. Not that this team didn't have athletes but this time had a ton of offensive fire power IMO. If they would have been allowed to play a more open style of play I'd hate to know how many teams they would have been able to just simply outscore. Not many teams can score 80+, I think this Trinity team had the talent to do that regularly.

I don't think the plan was all that complicated. Trinity decided they weren't going to let Eaves or Perry beat them. Offensively, Ballard has really been a 2 man team this year, with all other points coming by committee. I don't really disagree with the game plan, but I disagree with not making the adjustment once Ballard didn't seem phased. Wilson stepped up huge for Ballard.

This Trinity team just didn't seem to have that intangible. I was telling someone midway through the season that they weren't missing any piece in terms of position or skill or physical ability, but they were missing something along the lines of a killer instinct. They just didn't seem to have anyone with that ability to will them to a win.

Good win by Ballard.

I think it should be pointed out that Ballard has been on a remarkable run since Renner has been there and have clearly been the best program in the state in that time.

In his 17 years they have at least made the state championship game, or been in the top 2 in the final regular season AP poll 11 times. That is crazy consistent.

 

Any time it looks like they are losing too much talent they seem to come back just as strong the next season.

Before each season began who'd have thought last year's Trinity team would defeat Ballard and that this year's Ballard team would defeat Trinity in the region tournaments?

 

Pretty strange.

 

To me, this group just wasn't quite as stout defensively. The Quentin Snider et al teams of the last couple years never dropped darn near 70 on the Shamrocks. Heck, they were usually barely able to hit 50.

Pretty strange.

 

To me, this group just wasn't quite as stout defensively. The Quentin Snider et al teams of the last couple years never dropped darn near 70 on the Shamrocks. Heck, they were usually barely able to hit 50.

Craziness in the 7th. Every single year. :lol2:

Craziness in the 7th. Every single year. :lol2:

 

Ballard really penetrates and kicks out well for open 3s. Last years bunch didn't buy into that as much.

I agree with most have put here. I think Szabo is a great defensive coach, I'm not sure about the other side of the ball though. The team that won state had so many great athletes and they were perfect for his in your face, wear you down, defensive pressure. Not that this team didn't have athletes but this time had a ton of offensive fire power IMO. If they would have been allowed to play a more open style of play I'd hate to know how many teams they would have been able to just simply outscore. Not many teams can score 80+, I think this Trinity team had the talent to do that regularly.

 

Having a 6'10 guy to bail you out defensively helps. Trinity got beat off the dribble all night. Spaulding bailed them out blocking or altering shots. Really surprised Trinity didnt go zone after they came back and took the lead. Ballard drove right past them all night.

Can we still not question Szabo's prowess? All those that criticized me for questioning if he used Spalding enough need to be evaluated. Good day.

 

After Friday night, I feel your pain.

After Friday night, I feel your pain.

 

Been that way all season long and anyone who has watched a game can attest to that. But the T faithful criticized me for saying such and said I was a disgruntled X refugee for having the same thoughts as everyone else in the state.