Anoka-Ramsey Practice 10-14-13

The first practice of the week found me over at Anoka-Ramsey Community College up in Coon Rapids where they've actually been going at it for a while now. After catching up with Assistant Coach James Fassett; back in his old position at Anoka-Ramsey as the players warmed up, Fassett started things off on this day with a three-player shooting drill from the perimeter which is later modified a bit that incorporates a dribble before shooting. Next, Fassett has the players pair up for a 3-point shooting drill whereby each player has to shoot "3's" from different areas of the perimeter. Then the players run to the other end of the floor and do the same there. Fifteen minutes into practice, Head Coach David DeWitt shows up and one of the first drills he has the team do is a three-man weave which is followed by a passing drill by the baseline. Another interesting drill that DeWitt has the players do is rebounding the ball off of a high bounce by another player; presumably to simulate a long rebound. But those drills are just appetizers before the main course on this day. DeWitt then organizes a posting-up drill whereby Fassett is using one of the big hand-held pads to simulate a defensive player guarding the post with the ball down low. DeWitt is not happy with the lack of communication between his players as he yells, "Talk! Talk! Talk!!" After about 10-15 minutes, DeWitt then has the team do a 3-0 full-court drill where the emphasis appears to be simulating setting a screen and, again, DeWitt is not pleased with the communication (or lack thereof) between his players. "Talk! Communicate! Get on the same page!!!". Then a 3-on-2 full-court drill is done to simulate fast break opportunities and proper ball movement. Next, DeWitt has four players under the basket along with four players out on the perimeter; each with a ball. The defensive players under the basket have to sprint out to guard their assigned player as DeWitt wants precise defensive positioning. After a well-deserved break for water, they players get to work on their perimeter shooting a bit more and then DeWitt breaks the team into two separate groups to do 3-on-3 work (wing, wing and a post). The emphasis: making sure the post player rotates correctly in defense in correlation to ball movement by the opposing team. DeWitt has to do his share of admonishing and yelling on this drill as well. "NO ONE gets inside us!" At the end of the drill DeWitt scowls, " You've GOT to develop an attitude defensively!" A 5-0 "shell" drill is done next to simulate motion offense that utilizes the full court and, it's not as easy as it initially looks, either. Next is a 5-on-5 half-court drill to emphasize defensive positioning. DeWitt: "Attack the ball!!" "I do not want their life to be easy!" Lastly, DeWitt has the team to 5-on-5 full-court work but the emphasis again (not surprisingly) is on defense. As DeWitt and Fassett close this day down with the team huddled up, DeWitt emphasizes to them how important it is to be great on defense. I doubt that this is the last this team hears of it, either. Outtakes: You can't help but like what DeWitt has assembled for this squad this year although I personally do worry about the seeming lack of depth; particularly if the injury bugaboo should strike again. One big positive is having Maria Loughlin out of Rogers back on the squad for her sophomore season after having to sit out last season recovering from an ACL injury she did on the very first day of practice last fall. Also back is smooth willowy Nicole Schaub out of Park Center who can terrorize opponents from behind the three-point line. This isn't what I would call a team with a lot of size but they won't shy away from the paint either. Players such as Nicole Howard, Erica Parker, Paris Finklea, and newcomer Olivia Antilla out of Osseo are all solid enough to be tough rebounders. The big question I have is who is going to be that floor general; the leader out their on the floor from both a playing and emotional standpoint? Presumably that task would fall on Loughlin. There's no reason why Anoka-Ramsey can't be right back in the national title mix and you know DeWitt & Co. is hungry.