Heather A. Terry

Coached a lot of youth girls hoops this month. Really watching the concerning trends of participation in our state. Have a lot of thoughts on “the model” and why girls are quitting. - No need for second or third grade basketball GAMES. Skill development? Yes. 3-on-3 leagues? Awesome. - In youth volleyball, guess who refs the games? The other players and coaches. Police themselves. In basketball, girls get knocked over for 5-6 years and decide it’s not worth it in high school. I get it. - More players would play if we played FEWER GAMES that were better officiated. Just a hunch. “Hey mom, that was fun, I didn’t spend the whole game on the ground.” - I KNOW we have an officials shortage. But we have to SHUT UP at games at the JV and high school varsity level. Only makes it worse. On the other side…. - JV officials if you are getting paid, call the first HAND CHECK. Just don’t allow it. Then girls won’t get knocked over for 32 minutes and you’ll get a breather while they shoot free throws. I have seen way too many gruesome injures at the JV level the last few years. - Coaches!! I get the game has turned physical because of the whistle. But we can teach our kids to play without fouling!! I watched Bennington and Norris (on my TV, sadly) on Friday. Same for Elkhorn Valley and Central City. You can play GREAT defense without fouling. Promise. Ok. That’s enough. If you are playing in a conference tournament this week go have fun. Cut a dang net down. I hope I can watch your team soon. @PGHNebraska // #nebpreps