It's the kids who suffer and who'll miss out on a well rounded HS experience in sports.....all to feed the monster that Bluebird football has become. The well of talent' date=' as with other HS squads will not last forever. Until then, I'll ride the wave.[/quote']

 

Well I hope your wave last at least 4 more seasons. It will go quick so hold on!!!!!

I think that is exactly where you will see CCH's basketball program go in the very near future.

 

I'm not clear on what we will see. Less kids playing football because of basketball?

I am a big fan of the 2 platoon system as well. I USED to be of the mind set give me my best 11 on the field all day long and go. That will make 11 hard-butts, but not a great team. The great, great tradition at Highlands has evolved into a monster under Coach Mueller. This has been a process to get to the level they are now. Highlands spent several years getting their heads pounded by some GCL teams and the like. Dale didn't whine, cry and not schedule them. He imitated them. He decided to beat them he had to become them. Basketball and Baseball can do the same things here. Basketball and Baseball have been good, but not as consistent. I believe they are on the right path in baseball as Coach Baioni has begun developing coaches and kids from the youth level. You do not lose all your great athletes to football. No need to bang on the football program, but look at what they did to get there, and imitate it. It will work, but not over night. No silver bullets, just work.

The HHS soccer program has not suffered because of football in the last few years as they have finished in the final 8 and 4 in 2 of the last three years. The common thing with soccer and football is good feeder programs. Baseball and basketball not so good and in the case of baseball the numbers are shrinking each year. I would also tell you some of HHS best soccer players are playing football.

The answer is plain and simple. Coach Mueller knows the names of his future players almost from the beginning of their careers in the FTJFL. He catches glimpses of their games. When he runs into a 4th grader in the frozen food section of Remke's, he knows their name and he knows their athletic ability in football. It isn't rocket science, it's dedication and awesome coaching. Coach Baioni is on the right track to success.

This year there will likely be alot of kids playing football and basketball. Where the basketball program suffers is the tremendous lack of skill development they miss out on in the offseason due to their focus on football. They put the ball down March 1st, pick it up for 3 weeks in June (if they even participate in the team camps), put it back down and don't pick it up again until Dec 10th. If you want to see something that is straight out of Laurel and Hardy come watch those footballers those first few weeks in December. Skills need to be honed period.

I agree to a point with you Q...I believe you can hone B-ball skills while still prepping for football. all you need is a ball, a hoop, and desire. The REAL difference is that EVERY FB game matters, Hoops is all just practice until March rolls around! Everyone should be ready by March. Ya just gotta set expectations accordingly.