It’s been a tough state of affairs for Concord High boys’ basketball this season.
A year ago, there was much optimism about the moments the Crimson Tide could be having now. Key players returned, new up-and-comers showcased potential and the foundation was being laid.
That foundation is still under construction, but it’s going much slower than anyone affiliated with the program had hoped or expected. Those key players have provided admirable last-effort performances throughout the season, but the scoreboard remains a blemish. The Crimson Tide’s rising players continue to show flashes of basketball prowess, but the inexperience has been under the limelight.
In their most recent loss, a mostly forgettable 59-34 final to Dover on Thursday night, the Tide once again had those moments that have plagued them throughout the season.
The first quarter ended in a 7-7 tie as both teams struggled finishing scoring opportunities, unable to grab the rebounds on missed shots. Bodies made desperate heaves anytime a ball was loose, and the Tide found themselves in foul trouble early with eight against them.
While the opening quarter was competitive, Concord remained stationary as Dover began to separate itself. Outscored 25-11, the Tide managed to clean up the fouls but the offensive issues remained.
Coach Jim Thorpe has noticed an unfortunate trend as the weight of losses has piled up on the program.
“We’re getting away from our identity of doing really simple things,” he said. “We’re trying to do things that are uncharacteristic. We’re trying to do things individually, and that hurts the entire group.”
Thorpe mentioned that the foundation of the program is based on the fundamentals of the game: closing out on opposing shooters, boxing out underneath the rim no matter what end of the floor they’re on, sealing the defense to create opportunities offensively and wanting the ball when open.
Thursday against the Green Wave was no exception, and it wasn’t for a lack of trying to run the systems or find ways to win, according to Thorpe.
His challenge to his team in the remaining weeks is simple. Continue to show up. Get back to the fundamentals. Hold each other accountable – the coaching staff included.
“We have so many,” Thorpe said about the challenges that he and his staff have given themselves. “I’ve been reaching out to a lot of coaches I know, and mentors, asking what would they do, and I’m questioning myself a lot.
“When you’re losing a lot of games, you’re wondering what’s going on. I’m responsible for this whole thing.”
Aside for the return of fundamentals down the stretch, Thorpe also wants to see the team simply have fun. At the end of the day it’s a game, and despite the competitive nature that permeates high school sports, the players don’t get game checks or endorsements. They play for the love of the game, and that’s something the Tide coaching staff hopes to see with the season coming to an end.
“I love this game, and I know these guys do, too,” Thorpe said. “We’re playing a game that we love, and it should be fun. If you have regret when you walk away from the game, that’s one of the worst feelings, and leaving it all out there (is what we want).”