The Process of Winning

"They only won four games last year, my kid's coach sucks."

Not necessarily. The real questions that should be asked are when the four games were won and whether the team improved in comparison to their opponents as the season went on.

For the purpose of this argument, and simplicity's sake, I'll be discussing "success" in terms of on-court success. The impact a coach has off the court is a different topic entirely, one worthy of its own post at a later date.

When one looks at the success of a coach, often the list of championships attained along with games won and lost serves as the primary example of whether that team's coach is a good one or whether they need be replaced. However, the overall record often pales in importance to the team's improvement. What people don't often realize is that those championships come as a result of years committed to the process of ensuring one's team improves in order to meet their coach's vision of what what it should look like when their team is at their best. Often those championships simply serve as validation for a job well done, a validation of one's commitment to the process of developing a winning team true to their vision.
Example, if one was evaluating Coach K after his third season at Duke, they would see a 21-34 record in his previous two seasons. An A.D. who looked at record alone may have fired him. We would not think about Duke basketball as we do today. Though a college example, I want to look at this from a high school perspective. Too often, coaches are dismissed quickly due to a variety of circumstances that are out of their control.

The problem is, the record is all many use to measure success.

Thinking about this topic in terms of year-by-year development, this becomes evident. If one year, a coach wins thirty games, and the next they win ten, the idea that they've suddenly become a bad coach is ludicrous. Instead, look at circumstance. Perhaps the first year they graduated a team full of seniors, and in the next year, they were breaking in a new, younger group. If many of those ten wins came at the end of their season, then it can be easily determined that the coach is continuing to help their team improve in comparison to their opposition as the year goes on. Often, high school coaches are fortunate to coach the talent they have. This is not to say the coaches of the talented teams aren't talented coaches in their own right, most often they are. However, this also does not mean that the coach of a less-talented team is any less talented a coach. When we went 30-2 and won the state title in 2010-11, we were not the best coaches in our state, we had the most talented team. We did well with them, but looking at that championship alone would be a flawed method of evaluating coaches in our classification. However, if one has a team that wins its first fifteen games, only to split its last five, one has a situation where the process of continuous improvement (barring injury) may be lacking. While they may be perceived by record alone to be the better coach, this may not be ultimately true.

A coach's win-loss record does not define them as successful or unsuccessful.

The ability for a coach to help his team constantly improve throughout the season shows they are good at what they do.

Oftentimes, the eye test is a better way to determine whether or not a coach is effective. Watch the team at the beginning and the end of the season. Is there clear improvement? Evaluate the talent of the team. Are they getting the most out of these kids that they can?

This is where basketball becomes a metaphor for life in another aspect. A basketball team is an organization, which needs a clear goal, and benchmarks which show the leaders (coaches) that they are on the way to reaching that goal. When I took over as the Head Coach at Westwind in the summer of 2011, I knew that we had a long ways to go. I had placed us in a difficult summer league, and coached without the score of the games in mind. I had a vision for how I wanted these kids to play; my goal was to get them there. We lost nearly every game that summer, but by the end, we were noticeably better. The kids were executing our offensive and defensive schemes in a manner much more to my liking. I followed this process throughout the season in which we overachieved greatly, finishing 17-9. The lesson I took away was that the wins came as a by-product. I was lucky enough to have a great group of kids that were hungry for success, and undeterred by a difficult summer. Other coaches may have programs where the process takes a little longer. In my position as an administrator, I now use this perspective as an evaluative tool. If the team is improving consistently, then they're doing a good job. The ones whose teams fare worse as the year goes on (major personnel injury aside) are the coaches whose performance should be more closely examined. The ultimate measure of on-court success for a coach in my opinion (and take that for whatever you feel its worth), is the ability for their team to improve as the season goes on. The result of that process, ultimately will be the wins in which the coach deserves to be measured, not some of the losses that may be the result of a difficult circumstance they've entered into. Take a look at the entire picture, and let's avoid evaluating coaches by wins and losses alone.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

A Better Solution for the WIAA Basketball State Tournament

The State Tournament for Basketball in Washington needs to be reorganized immediately. For years, the WIAA has placed state tournament qualifiers in a semi-blind draw to determine match-ups, then the teams play out a double-elimination tournament (for all but the champions and runners-up) to determine placing in state. Three years ago, 16 teams per division went to state using this formula, making an exciting, though confusing four day experience. Due to low attendance and budget restraints, the WIAA instituted a “regional” round for the top 16 teams. Following “regionals”, they invited the top 8 teams to state for three days. They combine two divisions at each venue, and alternate who plays the early and the late games. These venues hold both boys and girls games simultaneously, thus adding to the utter chaos that is the WIAA state Championships. However, the boys 4A draw is the latest of many examples that shows the draw is unfair to kids, and anti-productive to the event’s goals of high attendance and increased interest. Now is the time to eliminate the blind draw in order to create a better overall experience for our student-athletes, while generating interest back to one of the greatest forms of athletic entertainment that our state has to offer. It is time to throw tradition aside and do what is obvious. Reorganize the state tournament in a way that includes more student-athletes, increases revenue for the WIAA, and showcases the best teams in the most important games.

The simple act of seeding the tournament can single-handedly increase interest and revenue for the WIAA. Thanks to the NCAA tournament, sports fans are crazed for upsets and drama. The NCAA has created a formula that is begging to be followed. Regardless of their knowledge of high school basketball, people will be at the Tacoma Dome on the first day of the tournament hoping to catch a glimpse of a first round upset. Can a #16 beat a #1 seed? Will the #12 beat the #5? These questions, combined with the passion that comes in playing to stay alive for a state championship will make for the highest quality of basketball. Seeded tournaments are instant drama. The WIAA could bring in pre-selected athletic directors from each conference to seed the teams, and set up an enthralling March Madness. Instead of asking the #3 team in the state to play the #1 team in the state in the first round like they did in 2013, the #3 and #1 will have to survive and advance to be given a chance to play each other in the finals. It is easy to argue “to be the best one must beat the best”. That comment will not be disagreed with. However, nobody wants to see that game in the first round. In 2013, #1 played #3 at 10:30 in the morning on a Thursday. A great matchup with barely a crowd. It’s an injustice to basketball players and fans across the state. If the NCAA conducted a “blind draw”, the tournament would not be what it is today. Instead, by seeding the tournament, the WIAA could produce their own “selection show” where they present the seeds and possible locations (if not in Tacoma) live on their website. Coaches, players, and fans would be tuned in to see the pairings.  This show is a guaranteed sponsorship opportunity. Pairings may be controversial, and story lines will emerge. Another idea is to use the Score Czar, who uses raw data to compile rankings of teams. In Arizona, they use the MaxPreps Power Point system, which includes who each team played, and who they beat. Any of these systems could generate more excitement than the current one and will get people in the state of Washington talking about, and anticipating high school basketball.

Here is a little background for credibility’s sake. I am not new to the WIAA draw. I was involved in one when I was at Summit K-12 in 2009, and though we got a decent draw, a seeded tournament would have been much more exciting. When I was an assistant at Snohomish, we were ranked #3 in the state and lost a close first round game to #2 Decatur. Obviously, we would have preferred to play them in the semi-finals instead. Once we lost the first one, fans ceased to arrive. Only families were in the stands to see us take 5^th. I also have coached in Arizona, where they have a 24-team seeded single-elimination tournament. Our team always got a first round bye, and we advanced to the finals both years, winning a ring in 2011. There was a buzz around the seedings, and when lower seeded teams pulled upsets, it was discussed across the state. Plus, there were many more fans in the seats. While the premise of double-elimination is a nice concept, once the chance at a championship is gone, fans cease to arrive. Therefore, it is a waste of money for the WIAA. Instead, use that money to include more teams in the state tournament. This will create lasting memories for more student athletes across the state. The AIA even does 2^nd round games in large domes. They have the revenue to do so. The WIAA could follow in their footsteps. In Arizona, there is much more conversation about basketball and more attention to the state tournaments as well. It’s covered more in depth, and the finals games are televised through the AIA website. The irony is, Arizona basketball is a lesser product than basketball in Washington. Yet it is not being showcased here in the Pacific Northwest. This year, Greg Lee from a Spokane newspaper (I think it's the Spokesman), came up with the idea of having the consolation games in high school gyms, where one would have to win their way back to the dome on Saturday. That seems like a viable and cost-effective strategy that would allow the WIAA to keep the double-elimination format. 

Finally, imagine if the WIAA televised the first day of their tournament through their website. Does anyone believe local sponsors won’t be lining up to become a part of that? I don’t. Also, they could charge per view like occurs in other states. People will pay to watch, especially those that cannot take the time to get to the Tacoma Dome. 

Author’s note: Everyone wants to be a part of March Madness, all the WIAA needs to do is provide the obvious way to make it happen. Questions? Concerns? Comments or further ideas? Please contact me at adamdesautels@gmail.com to discuss. Most importantly, contact the WIAA today and ask them to seed the tournament from now on. Thanks for reading.

The Scholarship Race: How Early Should Schools be Allowed to Offer?

For those who know me well, my stance on this issue is nothing new. I have always believed that the earliest that colleges and universities should be allowed to offer student athletes an athletic scholarship is the beginning of 9th grade. One function of High School is to prepare teenagers to become productive adult citizens, and a college scholarship can be a factor in that. However, prior to that time, I think that as adults we owe it to kids to allow them to enjoy their childhoods without unneeded pressures from influences outside of family and friends. A scholarship offer to a middle schooler (or elementary schooler) creates a false sense of security, and causes many student-athletes to misplace their priorities.

I wrote this particular post as a response to the fact that the one program which I actively cheer for, the University of Washington Football program, had just taken a commitment from a 14 year-old quarterback from San Diego, who was about to enter the 8th grade. I am a UW alumni and at that point was a strong supporter of our coach at the time. There are currently no NCAA rules against making the offer, but I think in this case our head coach was in the wrong.

Imagine peaking at 14. Imagine that at 14 years of age you were once considered the best, and you never were again. I'm not saying this is going to happen to this particular child, but it could. This can lead to many mental health issues like anxiety and depression as well. As a society, unfortunately we have accepted it. USC constantly offers scholarships in basketball (football has as well) to athletes before they reach high school, and nothing is done about it. A lot can happen in five years, and as other athletes develop, then either side can lose interest in the agreement. I understand the argument about commitments being non-binding, but at that age, why commit at all? Rival schools are not going to back off because a 7th grader made a specific school choice. Everyone knows that the commitment probably won't last that long, and the child will become enamored with other schools, or he fails to live up to his 'athletic potential.' He will spend much of the rest of his life failing to live up to what he once was, which will be a cause of a less than happy childhood or adult life (See: Ryan Leaf, Demetrius Walker, Brian Bosworth, Michael Avery, etc...). Additionally, a student-athlete that goes through their childhood expecting to be a great sports star will most likely be lacking in many educational opportunities that youth provides. This sort of thing doesn't need to happen to kids, and the negative impacts far outweigh the positive benefits. If a student-athlete is still good enough, he will be there to be offered when they reach 9th grade. If they still like your school, they can commit then.

Consider this, what negative impacts would there be if the NCAA began allowing Universities to begin offering scholarships to student athletes after the beginning of their high school careers? Would schools have a better understanding of how the kid will develop and turn out? Yes. Would this take pressure off of middle schoolers to be perfect and exceptional? Yes. Would this keep student athletes from reaching their 'glory days' before they can drive? Most likely, yes. Does the NCAA have anything to lose by doing this? No. No school will rescind membership and flee to the NAIA because they can't get a verbal from Johnny the 7th grader. As you can see, there is nothing to lose and a lot to gain by proposing an age rule for offering scholarships.

However, that will lead us to our next problem. Parents (like the one of the 2017 UW commit), will begin homeschooling their kids and holding them back in middle school so they can become more physically mature. In actuality, they want their kids to play against and be compared to younger kids in order to make their child look better. If that happens pre-high school, the NCAA can't do anything about it.

Either way, the NCAA needs to step forward and set the right example. Set a minimum grade limit for when Universities can offer scholarships, and set it at the beginning of 9th grade. Like I said, there really is nothing to lose.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

Getting Recruited: Highlight vs Game Film

While its important to be seen by recruiters, the format in which you present yourself and your abilities is very important. Many times, I've had players ask me for game films so they can put together a 'sick' highlight film. I'll admit, there are benefits to highlight films, my overall belief is that compared to full game film, or being seen in person (best case) they fail overwhelmingly and are not often worth the time it takes to put them together. More often than not, they really do make me... sick. Remember this, when a school invests a scholarship on you, they're investing in all of you... not just your best moments.

Schools rarely come out to see someone in person without some type of influencing factor. Whether they saw you in the summer, spoke to a coach, or even saw a film of you online, they need to make a decision whether or not it is worth the investment of their time and budgeted money to come see you.

Nobody is going to come see you based on a highlight film. Why? They won't come because they don't trust the highlight film. I certainly don't. While I am not a college coach, I have received more highlight films than I want by people who want to attend (usually get a scholarship to) our prep school. What a highlight film can tell me is that you are capable of making some nice plays, hitting some shots, or dunking a ball. At its best I can see what you look like, how long your arms appear to be in proportion to the rest of your body, and (in a best case scenario) if you have any sort of athleticism. Its a decent first glance, and does a little more than a still photograph, but that's it. And I guarantee you, I'm not suggesting to my school that we spend a scholarship on someone because they have a good highlight film. However, I may ask for a full game film based on what they look like in a highlight film.

Highlight films tend to blend together and its nearly impossible to stand out. Everyone in their highlights hits every shot they take. Of course they do, the misses are edited out. They never turn the ball over, they get every rebound, they block every shot, and every pass is an assist. Again, everything not extraordinary is edited out. And why not? It makes no sense to put in mistakes when other people are putting in their greatest hits. The problem is though, that in a sea of highlight films, being perfect doesn't stand out. Plus, everyone watching those films if often bored, knowing they're not seeing true player. To me, its a waste of time, and I'm usually left bored with your taste of music.

Solution: For me, the best I can receive is full game film. Let coaches know what number you are and if you are home or away, and they can see for themselves if you fit their system and what they are looking for. If you do, great. If you don't neither your or the coach's time is being wasted. That's a good thing. I always say, the best school out there is the one that wants YOU. A full game film is the best way for a coach to determine whether or not they want you in their program. It cuts out all the extra unneeded steps that only waste time. Plus, if you really want to impress people, then give a film where you stand out. Trust me, your highlight film song choice, or slow motion features will not help you stand out. Dominate for a full game against decent competition, now that will impress people.

One of the benefits of highlight film is that it is easy to get online. True, however full games can go online too. Sometimes you have to cut them up in 10-15 minute clips, but it still saves time in editing and if you send out a series of links to college coaches, they are more likely to sit down and watch the full game to make an honest evaluation of your skills. Again, if they like what they see and think you are a fit, they will come see you (or bring you to see them) if their budget allows for it. Nobody is going to offer you a scholarship based on highlight film. That's a sure way to get fired. Full game film offers are also rare, however coaches are more likely to come see you play based off of full game film as opposed to highlight film.

Quick recap: When it comes to promoting yourself and your skills, remember that coaches are looking for complete basketball players. Highlight films do not show that. Full games do. Remember, you cannot fool your way into success. Find the right level where you can play and contribute positively. Full game film, more so than highlight film can help you do that.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

The Spring Signing Period

If you're a High School Senior, hopefully you're committed or signed by now. If not, its time to look honestly at the options you have in front of you. Here are the different levels, and how to approach them.

D1: If you have a D1 offer, then great! Seriously consider it, take that visit. If it looks good, take the offer. If you can't see yourself playing there, be realistic and go to a lower level. However, if you have no D1 offers, read on: The biggest mistake most High School Seniors make in their recruitment process is uttering the following sentence: "I'm completely committed to going D1." My immediate response to hearing this (besides vomiting in my mouth) is: Why would you shoot yourself in the foot like that? If people hear you say that sentence, and they're considering you at a D2 or NAIA, they'll back off. Why? Nobody wants a player that is not going to want to be there. Honestly, if you're a senior, have no offers or D1 coaches calling you or coming to see you by this point, and are looking 'only D1' still, you don't live in reality. Most likely, that offer is not coming. Listen, your AAU or HS coach may think you are a D1 player. That doesn't matter. The D1 coach has to think you're a D1 player. If they're not talking to you as often as they can, then they don't think you can help them. If you have some D2 offers, but D1's are calling... fine, entertain them, but remember, those offers won't be around forever. Chances are the school has offered you and a couple of other guys, whoever takes the offer first gets it. Don't get left out.

D2: Depending on the level of D2, you have some time to pick up an offer. I've placed players at Division 2 schools as late as July. However, this is the exception, not the rule. As stated earlier, most D2s offer a few guys at the same position for one scholarship. When someone accepts, the offer for the rest comes off the table. If you have an offer, I'd seriously consider visiting. It shows your interest, and if you feel comfortable with the University and the coaching staff, commit. A free education goes a long way.

NAIA: Some NAIA's aren't done recruiting until August. If you're looking for an NAIA scholarship or aid, its best to be proactive, contact the coaching staff, and guage interest and need. If you feel like you'd like to go there, take a visit (usually on your dime). If you feel comfortable there, commit.

D3: D3's don't offer athletic scholarships. Financial Aid can go a long ways. Contact coaches and find a spot that it financially reasonable for you.

JUCO: Many JUCO's aren't done until school starts. If you've dropped the ball and missed out on 4 year offers, feel like you need another year, didn't qualify academically, or are still D1 "focused," then Juco is for you.

Prep School: Prep is much like Juco without using a year of eligibility. If you feel like you need an extra year or an extra class to qualify, then contact some prep schools about enrolling for the next year. Be careful, Prep Schools are expensive, and everyone who goes has the same goal. You will have to be competetive but relatively unselfish. Be realistic, If you're lacking in skill, or aren't at least the best player on your high school team, Prep School may not be the best choice. Even the best teams have a last guy on the bench, and if you don't want to pay to sit, maybe think about a Junior College. If you contact a prep school looking for a scholarship, don't expect to get it. Like colleges, if they give scholarships, they already have a list of who they are after as well. I hate to be blunt, but if you're contacting them... you're not on that list.

The most important thing about figuring out what to do with your future when its late and you are starting to scramble is to BE REALISTIC. Look at who is actively recruiting you, and what your options are. Keep outside influences away, and make this a family decision. If you feel you need an extra year to 'develop' think about who told you that. If it was a club coach, often he will want you to play on the AAU circuit for another summer, especially if you're paying for it.

Again, BE REALISTIC. Ask yourself this question: Who is recruiting me now? If the answer is nobody, then contact Jucos, preps (but be willing to pay), and NAIAs/D3s. If the answer is D1 or D2, then that is the spot you should seriously look at. Strongly consider all offers. If you blow them off, you'll be the one left with nothing.

Hopefully this help with your decision about your future. Keep the big picture in perspective, be patient, and most importantly be realistic about yourself and your skill level. If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me at adamdesautels@gmail.com.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

A Year at the Summit

My first season as a Varsity Head Basketball Coach begins with tryouts in exactly one week. With a new season on the horizon, I always like to look back at why I do what I do and to answer the following questions. What is the point in becoming a High School Basketball Coach? What can I possibly accomplish in a few short months? I am here to make a difference in the lives of kids. I am here to teach them through a sport how to work with others, how to sacrifice yourself for the betterment of the group, and how to grow and mature through a common goal. Teaching Basketball is teaching life. It is my job to help my players become overachievers, while doing my part to guide them down a path towards a successful future. High School Basketball is not about me. It is never about the coach. It is about the lives of the 12 kids on my roster. This brings me to remember my favorite season as a coach. Keep reading, this story is worth the time.

I eagerly anticipated my second season in Seattle with the Summit Invaders. I was fortunate to return as the assistant varsity coach and head JV coach at the Seattle alternative school. This was a school for students who did not succeed at other schools for one reason or another, and we had a variety of players on our roster from many different, and equally difficult backgrounds. The Summit basketball players had not been known for being the most successful students after they left school, this group proved them wrong. I also was back working for our head coach, Jay Gahan. Jay is the epitome of a coach. He cared more about the kids than about himself, and would do anything to help them grow into responsible, contributing citizens. In a game littered with parasites, people who use kids to make themselves look good, there are not enough Jay Gahan's. Every day on the court, I try to emulate the great character of this man. If I even get halfway there, I will have had a rewarding career. People like Jay are found the most at the high school level. They don't see youth basketball as a 'business', they see it as a way to teach life lessons. This is where basketball is at its best, and where I am going to stay. I have no desire to be a college coach. I only desire to make a difference, like Jay did.

The 2008-09 season at Summit did not start well. By the beginning of the school year, rumors were buzzing that our school was on the district's list to be shut down due to money concerns. Most of our players were underclassmen, and their futures were up in the air and they had no control over it. To say our group was distracted was an understatement. We lost often and badly. Our season had spiraled out of control as we left for a winter tournament without our starting point guard who slept through our departure time (he had insomnia and hadn't slept regularly for weeks). We lost both tournament games, and as a result were sitting at 1-7 at the beginning of January. After a Saturday practice in which 6 varsity players skipped, we pulled the group together for another team meeting. We met, argued, left the team for a players-only meeting, returned to lead an uninspired practice. Our players had lost heart. They were losing their school, they were losing their season, and they were losing each other. There was no motivation. So, we made a switch. We put a sophomore point guard (who began the year as a swing player with the JV) into the starting lineup and moved our PG to the off guard position. They shared pg duties. We also abandoned the full court man-to-man and began playing a halfcourt man. More importantly, we tried to convince them that their season was the way to have Summit remembered. If they finish successfully, their school will not be forgotten. As the season wore on, we began to play much better. We were in close contests, and 1-7 turned to 7-12. The improvement, however was noticeable. To make the district playoffs, we would have to beat a team we lost to by 25, and the team that knocked us out of the playoffs the year before by 21 pts. We would also need Rainier Christian (who had beaten us twice) to lose to Kings West (who had 1 league win on the season). We were prepared for senior night to be the final game in Summit history. Our kids were not. I cannot begin to describe to you the size of the hearts on our team as we began to play on senior night. The night before our 'final game', Rainier Christian lost to Kings West. There was hope, then something clicked, and we beat Seattle Lutheran by 18. Our players played with the passion of that senior night the rest of the way. Our players took out Life Christian by 16 to make the district tournament. I spent most of my time calling coaches of common opponents, writing scouting reports and teaching our opponents offenses to our JV team. They picked the sets up immediately. Every player in our program was committed, confident, and energized. they had become the team we dreamed they'd develop into.

We then beat Quilcene (again, revenge from the previous year) as our senior guard, Kesean Prince, who sacrificed his role as our pg (and finally began sleeping) exploded for 21 in a 20 point win. We lost to Seattle Lutheran, but had made the bi-district tournament as the lowest seed. Our record was now 10-13.

Our first bi-district tournament game was at Darrington. Darrington hadn't lost a game at home all season and won their conference. Our kids executed the game plan perfectly, and we won by 4. Our Sophomore PG Ray Alvarez hit 2 FTs to ice the win. Then, we rode the lockdown defense of Robert Saunders to beat Mt. Vernon Christian by 12, earning Summit's first State Tournament birth since 1996. Summit had never won the bi-district tournament. The championship game would be played in two days. Our record was 12-13.

After two days of prepping for La Conner's low post motion offense, we took the court ready to play. We didn't have a player over 6'1 and they had a good balance of shooters and bigs. We fell behind by 12 points in the second half, but another JV swing player, Jason Castoriano shut down their post, and we began to crawl back into the game. La Conner missed some free throws, and Kesean Prince threw a bullet pass to Jake Roos who layed it in as time expired to send the game to overtime. Jake hit the biggest shot of his life (so far) on his 18th birthday. In overtime, we fell behind by 5 and again crawled back. With 4 seconds remaining, and down by one, Ray Alvarez took a transition jump shot to try to win the game. The shot was blocked and bounced out of bounds. Senior Captain (and 5'10 post) Terrell Shegog sacrificed his body diving out of bounds to save the ball under our basket. He scooped it in mid air and fired it to Jake Roos, who scored with 1.7 seconds remaining. La Conner threw their inbounds pass out of bounds and Summit had won our school's first district championship. They had done it while going for more than 10 assists and less than 10 turnovers for the game. That meant Coach Gahan and I had to coach the first state tournament game barefoot with all of our nails painted pink. Being men of our words, we did. Our record was 13-13.

The Summit Invaders had easily the worst record of all the teams in the state tournament. Our kids fought, but eventually lost in the first round of the State Tournament by 3 to the champion of the SW Washington league. Even though we didn't win the entire tournament, these kids showed heart, determination, resilience, and a willingness to sacrifice for their teammates that I've yet to see since. I thought I knew why I wanted to coach when I began. This team cemented it for me. The school did close, and we lost our jobs, which is why I ended up coming down to Westwind Prep. While I've learned a lot down here, I don't think I will ever learn the valuable lessons that I did that year at Summit. My only regret about that season is that I did not yet have the knowledge or contacts to help place these students into college. That Summit team only had two players who played basketball the next season. They were not overly talented, but no one could match their heart. They are the epitome of a team and a family. This is a group of kids that had been tossed aside, neglected, and thrown away, and they came together and achieved a common goal. Many of those who remember Summit, will do so because of these kids.I am thankful to each player and to Coach Gahan for allowing me to be a part of such a special season.

This team is why I coach basketball. I'm not down here (at Westwind Prep) to become a college coach or a prep school head coach. I'm here because of the kids at Summit. I am in my third year in the youth basketball 'business.' To be honest, I don't like it. There are too many bad people infesting youth basketball. This is why I am a high school coach. At the high school level, you find basketball at its purest form. It is reletively untainted by those looking to profit off of kids. The coaches are relatively genuine, and the spirit of competition is alive and well. The kids are playing for the love of the game, and the coaches are teachers of the essential skills of life.

For more information, follow me on twitter @coachdesautels

What To Look For In A Prep School

Prep Schools come in all sorts of shapes and forms. When choosing the correct prep school for you, please consider all options, then narrow down your list. This is an important decision, because you are looking for the school that will give you the best opportunity to 1. Qualify, 2. Improve, and 3. Get Recruited. The goal for those that go to a prep schools is to recieve a full scholarship to a 4 year college. Do your homework and ask around. Is it possible at this school?

1. When it comes to qualifying, get in contact with the school's principal, coaches, and counselor. Find out if they know NCAA rules and regulations regarding qualification. See if they can put together a tentative schedule that will give you the classes you need to qualify as soon as possible. If they can't, cross the school off your list. Prep schools should have employees at multiple positions that understand NCAA guidelines. If the key people don't know the rules, how can you trust them to help you out? There also needs to be a connection between the school and the basketball program. You need to be at a place where everyone including teachers and coaches are all on the same page. If your 'prep school' contracts you out to other schools, run for the hills, because your best interest is not at the heart of that program.

2. Look at the track record of the coach(es) you will be playing for. How many players have they developed? Call a couple of players who ended up at multiple levels of college athletics, and see if they believe the coaches helped them get better. Don't only call the major successes, call the last couple of players on the bench as well to get a more well rounded idea of what it is like at that school. Have your parents call a couple of parents as well about the school to see if they were satisfied with what went on. If all checks  out, keep that school on your list.

3. Finally, you should check to see if you will have opportunities to be recruited by coaches all over the country. How well do the school's coaches promote their players? What is the school's placement rate for student-athletes moving on to 4 year schools? It should be around 90% or higher, or that school should drop off your list as well. Find out how many players went to a JUCO after their prep year. If there are many, then there is a chance you will waste your time at that prep as well. Finally, call some people who have been around basketball for a while, and ask about the reputation of the school and the coach. If a coach at the school you are considering playing at has a very negative reputation, remember that there is usually a reason for all reputations. People get reputations for a reason. They usually earn them. If the coach or school has a overwhelmingly negative reputation, cross that school off of your list as well. You need to be around people who care about you and your future first and foremost. Make sure your school of choice is surrounded with those types of people. Stay away from the users who only use you to promote their program or school. Those people don't care about you at all. They only care about the image you bring to them and their program.

My best suggestion is to consider multiple schools, and make a ranking grid with your parents. Rate each school based on the three above categories. Go with the one that grades out the highest. Good luck with your search!

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