HP Basketball February Newsletter
February 2021
2021 Giants
The Giants’ season is well underway, currently holding an overall record of 3-4 and a conference record of 3-2. We have faced strong competition from both the North and South sides of the Central Suburban League, showing improvement every step of the way. Our guys continue to battle each day, striving for growth as we try to maximize each opportunity we have together. The Giants have 2 wins against Vernon Hills and losses to Niles North, Glenbrook South, and New Trier. This past weekend, the varsity split against Maine West, while the JV team earned a victory in their first game of the season. In this abbreviated season, we only have 2 weeks left. We have crossovers with Maine South and Evanston coming up, along with doubleheaders against Deerfield and Maine East. We are hoping to reschedule another game with Niles North that was postponed from earlier this season. Our current roster, coaching staff, and remaining schedule can be found below.
This season, we have started a new tradition, The HP Chain Gang. The HP “Chain” is awarded after a game to a player that exhibits energy, effort, hustle, enthusiasm, and passion. Once awarded, the player gets to keep the chain until the next game, while signing their name to the chain to keep a running list of all members who have earned it from the season.
Alumni Highlights
The January Newsletter provided a GIANT reminder of how strong our alumni support continues to be. Our alumni connection is what makes our program so special and unique, and to have it be illustrated in such a widespread way is truly extraordinary. In the last newsletter, we had 178 alumni views from 56 different locations across the country (picture included below). HP Basketball spreads far and wide, coast to coast!
Our other Alumni spotlight this month is Coach Josh Olian. Josh is part of the HP Basketball Class of 2010, and is now in his 3rd season as a volunteer coach. Josh is the epitome of a giver, always looking to help the program in any way possible. Whether it’s keeping practice on schedule or doing the scorebook at games, there is no task Coach Olian isn’t willing to take on. We are thankful for Coach Olian’s unselfishness and his loyalty to support the program!
Basketball Thoughts
Standard of Performance
Exhibit a ferocious and intelligently applied work ethic.
Demonstrate respect and loyalty toward each person in the organization.
Be deeply committed to learning and teaching.
Be fair.
Demonstrate character (especially under stress).
Honor the direct connection between details and improvement.
Show self-control (especially under pressure).
Use positive language and have a positive attitude.
Take pride in our daily effort and separate process from results.
Be willing to go the extra distance for the program.
Deal appropriately with victory and defeat because neither defines us.
Promote internal communication that is open, honest and direct.
Seek poise in myself and those I lead (especially under stress).
Do what is best for the team on the court and what is best for the individual off the court.
Maintain an abnormally high level of concentration and focus.
Make a commitment to the organization’s trademark → Sacrifice for the unknown.
HP History: Buzzer Beaters!
Highland Park Basketball
Email: rdeutsch@dist113.org
Website: https://www.dist113.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1260
Twitter: @coachharris70