Coaches Corner: Girls Basketball Mary Beth Gallagher
The Hilltop ReSporter was able to get some words of Wisdom from Canyon Lake’s Girls Head Basketball Coach, Mary Beth Gallagher.
The Hawks have had a surprisingly good season and will now be venturing into their last go round in District 26-3A play.
The ReSporter: Close losses the last two games, what avenue do you take with the team during the off week?
Coach Gallagher: “I think we work on mental toughness and focus drills. We put situations on the clock and run through them, giving then situations like, 30 seconds left on the clock and we are up by one… We are working on focusing more towards the end of practice in hope that we will be sharper next time we are in that situation.”
The ReSporter: What part of the game do you feel needs that extra push to get a better result in close games?
Coach Gallagher: “I feel that we have to improve our ability to make key shots when the momentum is shifting. There are far too many times we don’t score for several possessions and have to find a way to keep up with the other teams scoring. And as always we have to control the defensive boards and not allow the team second and third shots.”
The ReSporter: “The season is certainly not over with how the team is playing, what are you doing to keep them right going into the final stretch run?”
Coach Gallagher: “Each girl is aware of what we have to do to get back in this race and now it is up to them to find the motivation within to go out and get the wins. We are continuing to have fun and enjoy the game and that will help us stay loose and enjoying the game.”
The ReSporter: “What has been the biggest surprise you have seen from your first year being the Head Coach for Canyon Lake?”
Coach Gallagher: “I have been very please with the change in intensity from the returning girls and how the new girls have come ready to challenge for playing time. I have been proud of how we have grown at the post position and our ability to dominate that part of the game at times. We hope to be able to get to a point where we are dominating post play all the time. We are young at the post position and I like the kids we have for the future.”
