Art glorifies cliche'. Slogans don't win games, although 'clear-eyed' analysis helps coaches and teams revise their play.
1) Talent wins. North has numerous attackers in the "SMASH" tradition. Years ago we hosted former North coach Richard Barton on our defunct cable show, "Let's Talk Sports." Barton preached intentional attack, as Newton players learn hard hitting first, then direction.
Dr. Fergus Connolly, human performance expert, preached "never bring a gun to a gunfight." Bring more. North does.
2) Pitching and catching. Scores arise from serves, attacks, and blocks. North won the serve-receive battle. That's part of how they're the top team in Massachusetts.
3) Depth charge. "Every day is player development day." As coach Gregg Popovich says, "technique beats tactics." Skill building never ends. As MVB approaches the playoffs, it's "next girl up."
4) "Moving the Jello around the plate." Realigning the rotation was a good gamble, working to bolster the offense, realizing impacts on the defense and blocking pairs. Moving the 'sides' doesn't change the dinner but produces unpredictable effects on play with limited practice.
The effort was there versus the Tigers and they won the execution battle. The next four or five practices will focus on figuring it out.
What matters most is walking your path, running your race.
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