Stone Memorial Lady Panthers Basketball Head Coach Mike Buck has started implementing defensive changes this summer.
Buck said defense is the name of the game for Stone Memorial this season. Buck said he hopes to turn that defense into offense. Buck said the defensive philosophy will be a new one for the Lady Panthers.
“The kids are really picking up on it and doing a solid job with it,” Buck said. “It’s all brand new for them too, but the biggest thing is terminology. We’re trying to get to where they don’t think, they just react out there.”
Stone Memorial enters next season with one senior on the team. Buck said the team is excited to get back out on the court.
“This team has got a lot of energy, a lot of kids who can compete and play fast,” Buck said. “As a high school coach, you’re dealt the hand that you’re dealt year in and year out and the fact all these kids can really fly around out there and have pretty good instincts with their rotation and what happens next. We’re really playing to their strengths.”
Buck said his job requires figuring out the next steps for the team.
“As a high school coach, you got to figure out who you’ve got year in and year out and try to put those kids in a situation where they can be the most successful in,” Buck said.
Buck said he has sat down with his assistant coaches on who works best for the team. Stone Memorial ranked among the top teams in their district last season in turnovers forced per game.