The St. Joseph Middle School eighth-grade boys’ basketball team changed one important component of its regimen this year: the practice routines.
The change is something that led to a 21-2 record and a berth in the IESA Elite Eight.
After defeating Oakwood 42-41 for the IESA Regional Championship and Monticello 35-31 for the Sectional Championship, the Panthers will travel to Unity for Saturday’s 2:30 game against Dunlap Valley.
Head Coach Blake Weaver told his team during the summer months that he believed this group could make it to State.
“The biggest way they were able to accomplish these goals was by improving their practice habits, which allowed them to develop both as a team and individually,” Weaver said.
The Panthers gained momentum at the beginning of the season by winning the Monticello Tournament.
“We were able to win some games versus teams we lost to as seventh-graders, which shows improvement over the last year,” he continued.
The team hit a slump around winter break, losing two games.
Weaver said the team refocused during its practice sessions in January, which served as a catalyst for the winning streak it took into the postseason.
With a quick turnaround from Thursday’s Sectional Championship win, Weaver said the team would just keep its routine as it prepares for Saturday.
“When you get to a State Tournament at this level, coaches know little about their opponents in most cases, so we’ll continue to work on the things that got us here,” Weaver said. “I told our players after the Sectional win that the goal is to continue to compete and do everything we can to advance, which we understand is a big challenge.”
Weaver believes that his team’s consistency is what gives them a spark heading into State play.
“What I like most about this team is how they compete each night. They may not be the most talented team, but they are a tough group that finds ways to win games.”
And with a community that is behind the team, Weaver sees bright things in St. Joseph’s future.
“St. Joseph has become a big basketball town over the last few years,” he said. “With what Coach (Brian) Brooks was able to accomplish at the high school level and continuing with Coach (Kiel) Duval, who is doing a great job in his first year, the community has really fed off that success, even at the younger levels. Our parents have been great in the years I’ve been coaching, which creates a more positive atmosphere for our team.”
