Expectations Growing

It was very interesting to listen to Coach K  pretty much say that Saturdays  Duke win was unacceptable.  He expected more from his players each time they step on the court than just winning.  They needed to give it their all.  When you have won the big prize four times  as he has then he knows what it takes to achieve it.

You know I think he is right that those of us who just live life are missing out on a lot of life by not doing it to the best of our ability.  Many fans chuckled Friday night when one of the Rocky Mount Gryphon subs had just gotten in the game and Mike Gainey shouted  "If you are not going to do it right you going to come back and sit beside me".   Even those at the end of the bench are expected to  play the right way.  Mike Gainey has also seen what it takes one time to achieve the prize.

I think it is because some from the Gryphon bench players are playing the right way Rocky Mount's expectation level is growing at how far this team can go.  Levon Brutus and Tobias Hilliard are the starting guards.  Brutus scored 31 Tuesday but had only four Friday night.  Rocky Mount never missed a beat because those others coming from the bench not only are scoring but there is no drop off in the defensive pressure  that Rocky Mount can apply.

Between Brutus and Hilliard they scored six points Friday night but the backups Tevin Taylor 11, Mason Hines 8, Michael Hines 3 continued the defensive pressure when the starters are on the bench.
 There is also a common thread for this team to the  2010 State Champions.  Donte Battle's injury has allowed back up interior players to grab hold of some momentum.  JaQuell Bryant has given steady defense  and starter K J Peoples has been more assertive on offense with scoring but his rebounding is improved.

Tuesday night at home the Gryphons can seal the deal in the Big East should they take down Hunt.  Home field advantage for a couple of Sectional games for sure.  If they do clinch Tuesday then they must stay focused and stay healthy for the rest of the regular season.  If they lose their focus before the sectionals they will also lose their momentum and  you are never guaranteed to get it back.