Coach Greg Youncofski, Jr.

The Game 7 Sharks program has grown much quicker than a lot of people ever expected it to. The rapid growth has even surprised many people in the program; myself not being one of the surprised. There are many reasons for the success of this program: dedicated players, a never outworked front office, and unconditional support from the families involved. Those three factors are the most important in the success of any basketball program.

With all that being said, I would like to breakdown some other key factors that have helped us strengthen our brand name:

Perseverance

Like any successful business, we have had our fair share of rough times; and will encounter some more down the road. It was a tough road in the beginning--the wins were few and far between. However, a credit to the players and coaches, we never shut it down. NEVER GAVE IN. We knew of the potential of the program, and the benefits of "sticking to the plan."

Our coaches, from the original team, could have and probably should have recruited outside the area to make the team more competitive. But they didn't want to walk away from the long term goal just for a few quick wins. The idea was short and to the point: we want to get the kids in the area better.

And it worked. Took some time to get our legs under us, but within the next two years we were arguably one of the top teams in the area. We had more success and won more championships than many of the high school teams around us.

The current players in the program may be more talented than the Class of 2009 and Class of 2010. But if it wasn't for our never say die attitude, they wouldn't be here today.

Branching Out

To become a serious factor in any competitive field you can't have just one model. You have your primary brand name, but you got to have more than one avenue to drive through. For example, Bentley Motors. One of the most prominent names in the motor-vehicle business, do you think they can stay successful putting out the same product every year? Of course not! They have their base model, and several different options with it. We're in the same boat. Our original team was the base model, and we have since expanded to several teams in various age groups. And each one is taught differently and marketed differently.

The Bentley Mulsanne is the flagship vehicle for Bentley Motors. Same thing with us and our ELITE team. That is the standard. Our younger teams obviously can not match that quality--yet--but are being groomed to one day reach that level.

Thinking Outside The Box

This concept has very similar principals to the one above. If you want to become more appealing and bring more attention to your brand, you have to keep an open mind. You have to be open to new ideas. And, most importantly, you can't be scared to fail. I always tell my guys that's its not how far you fall down, it's how high you bounce back. A prime example of this is the Game 7 Training aspect of the program. It's fresh, it's different. It gives the program an edge it never had before. A serious name like that attracts people from all around. It really helped spark statewide interest of the program.

Game 7 Training is different than any other basketball training in New Jersey. I will put our method's and success record up against any high profile trainer in the state. Now, because it is so different, there was a great chance for it to flop. It is a very rough and demanding program both physically and mentally. It has actually caused several former players to drop off because they could not handle the level of dedication and focus we were demanding. But, to our benefit, it's high level intensity brought us more serious players. And made the guys who have stuck with it reach new heights that they never imagined. It has helped our program become the place for serious players only.

Everyday the coaching staff is bouncing new ideas off of each other. You have to mix things up, and bring some new life to the program when necessary or you see fit.

Flexibility and Sticking to Your Principles

Things will never go through exactly liked you planned. If you plan to lead a program sometime in the near future, accept this fact. For instance, you may have a player who has not fulfilled the expectations that you have for him. This happens to everyone. A few of my former players had more potential than 90% of my current roster, but they didn't want to put the work in. And that is something you have to accept. You got to move on.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. In other words, don't put one guy above the rest. Not only will it show your lack of faith in other's around you, but it will completely turn your program against you. You, the LEADER, have to establish that everyone is equal. New York Times best seller, Harvey Mackay, sums it up very well: "If it's your company, then it's your problem."

Another example, if my "playmaker" has been struggling all year initiating team enthusiasm and has not been creating for others, it's time I find a new point guard. And I'm not saying give up on your current lead guard, it is your job as a coach to put him in a better position (different position, off the bench, etc.) where he can succeed. You have to keep everyone around you happy. It's a very tough task, but you can't sacrifice one guy's happiness over team morale.

That is what sticking to your principles is all about; doing things the right away. And, to keep everyone happy, you have to be able to make adjustments on the fly. Everyone looks at how the leader handles a situation. That is what makes the engine go.

In closing, thank you for taking the time to read this entry. I'm really enjoying the blogging availability; gives me a great place to discuss new ideas. Feedback is encouraged at Game7Sharks@aol.com. Feedback may also be posted.

Greg Youncofski, Jr.

Game 7 Sharks

17U Head Coach/Director of Basketball Operations

www.shoresharks.com

www.twitter.com/game7sharks

*Originally posted on www.shoresharks.com; March 23, 2010*

The Game 7 Sharks program has came out of the gate strong early in the AAU/USBA season. March 13-14 was the official start of the season, in the USBA March Madness. The first game Saturday was against a tough Lloyd Daniels Mid-Jersey Heat team. Down five at halftime, John Martens (6'4'', G/F, 2011, Middletown North) powered the way for the second half comeback. Martens matched the franchise record for points in a single game with 36 markers on an array of drives to the basket, long range three's, and back to the basket moves. The Sharks came around to win the game by 8. The second game Saturday was against a scrappy Jersey Shore squad. The Sharks started off rather slow, but were able to pull away and win the contest by 15.

With going 2-0 the first day of action, the Sharks were the #1 seed for the playoff round. In a rematch against the #4 seed, Jersey Shore, the Sharks went to work right from the start to put the game out of reach. The highlight of the morning was a vicious and-one jam by Jason Huelbig (6'3'', G, 2012, Middletown North). Huelbig, who nearly posterized a player the day before, had a solid all around game. Ryan Yetman (6'0'', G, 2012, Mater Dei) showed off his offensive game hitting a few long range bombs and finishing some tough drives to the hoop to propel the Sharks to a 45 point victory. In another rematch, this time against the #2 seed Lloyd Daniels Mid-Jersey Heat, the Sharks squared off for the championship of the tournament. Down one at halftime, the Sharks took a five point lead with 8 minutes left in the game behind the defensive pressure and offensive creativity of guards Eric Youncofski (5'9'', G, 2012, Middletown North) and Jack Donnelly (6'0'', G, 2012, Rumson-Fair Haven). Unfortunately, the Sharks were not able to hold on to the lead for much longer. Down three with 30 seconds left, Huelbig hit a three pointer from the corner to tie the game and force the Heat to call their final timeout. After the Heat converted on one of two free throws with 12 seconds left, the Sharks took control to try and win the game. However, on a very questionable out of bounds call by the referees, the chance to win was taken away. The Sharks lost a tough one, 51-54.

The following weekend, March 20-21, the Sharks took the court in the Tip Off Classic. On Saturday afternoon, the Sharks played a highly respected New York City program in the New York Pride. Head Coach Greg Youncofski, Jr., in his only meeting as a player against the Pride, was blown out. His team got him some revenge with a 65-25 win. Jim Dzugan (6'4'', F, 2012, Middletown South) and Jack Keating (6'6'', F, 2011, Rumson-Fair Haven) helped lead the Sharks to the victory with several early offensive boards and finishes around the basket. Everyone got in on the action. The second game on Saturday afternoon was against a very tall and athletic Elizabeth Giants team. A sloppy second half brought the Sharks a 39-40 loss. Tim Frawley (6'2'', G/F, 2012, CBA) and Donnelly kept the Sharks in the game with some key buckets down the stretch. Frawley was all over the action, scoring inside and hitting a big three. Frawley also helped on the boards and his high basketball IQ is why some consider him the most versatile player in program history.

Sunday morning, the Sharks closed out a successful first two weekends with a 10 point victory over a tough New Jersey Gladiators team. The Sharks started off a little slow, and the Gladiators went up 10-2. Youncofski stopped the bleeding with a few quick baskets and the Sharks cut the deficit to 5 at the half. Martens stepped up and hit a pair of three's early in the second half and Mike Aaman (6'8'', F, 2012, Raritan) dominated the second half inside. Aaman had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, including two big and-ones.

Although the ELITE team has started off rather strong, the coaching staff and players are still not satisfied and expect much more the next few weekends. If there wasn't enough pressure on already, there is now with Game 7 Sharks President Brian Murray's quote in his Monday morning press conference: "I fully expect this team to win several championships by the end of the year."

*Originally posted on www.shoresharks.com; March 3, 2010*

The high school season is just about done wrapping up. This brings us to the spring and summer AAU/USBA seasons, where players get the best opportunity to develop their individual game and test themselves against the best competition out there. It is a great time for players to get out of their comfort zones. Our teams will be playing in many top notch tournaments, but more importantly we will strive to continue to have our practices tougher than the games.

Our ELITE team is returning the majority of our core from last year, and we also have several new quality additions. Here is a synopsis on the talent we have this year:

Very pleased to say that this is the third year together for the majority of our group. In an era where players change teams almost every weekend, this is a testament to the closeness of this group. Eric Youncofski (5'9'', PG, 2012, Middletown North) will be the primary ball handler once again this year and will be the engine that gets this team going. Eric's ability to create will get everyone involved right away and establish the flow of the game. Eric will also be responsible for establishing the intensity on defense. He will be getting to the basket continuously to create and/or finish. Our most underrated scorer, I will be calling on Eric to create for himself more than he has in previous years. Great vocal leader; great teammate. His work ethic is matched by very few.

Jason Huelbig (6'3'', Wing, 2012, Middletown North) will be our primary perimeter threat from the get go. Jason's hard work the past year has helped him elevate his game tremendously. The scary thing about Jason is, because of his great work ethic, I do not believe he has scratched the surface of his potential yet. Continued development of his off the dribble game is making him one of the top scorers in the area. Jason has great length, which we will look to capitalize on defensively. Our most athletic player, Jason is, in my opinion, one of the best transition defense players in the country.

Tim Frawley (6'2'', G/F, 2012, CBA) is our Mr. Everything. "Candy Man" fills up every category on the stat sheet. The backbone of this team, Timmy is a great example of lhaving actions speak louder than words. Never one to complain, Tim will do what is needed to win. Whether it is a basket or encouraging his teammates, he will get it done. Tim has a great touch around the basket and an improving outside game. His great awareness on defense is a huge plus for us, and it seems like he always gets his hands on the ball. Tim will be expected to continue to crash the boards hard and insert himself as a major threat on offense.

One of the programs more vocal leaders, John Martens (6'4'', G/F, 2011, Middletown North), is one of the better inside/outside players in the area. John's presence on defense is a great asset to the program. John is expected to be our best help defender and top rebounder. A mismatch for opposing teams, we will look to create a lot of opportunities for John. Inside we will capitalize on his exceptional footwork and we will use his improving off the dribble game against bigger opponents on the perimeter. John has high expectations going into this year. His desire to get better rubs off on the whole team.

Jim Dzugan (6'4'', F, 2012, Middletown South) is going to benefit us inside. Dzugan continues to improve each year. Jim's rebounding and shot blocking will give us a boost. Look to see Jim expand his involvement on both sides of the floor. Very active, we are expecting Jim to be able to catch inside and make a quick move, and also finish a lot of offensive rebounds.

Ryan Yetman (6'0'', G, 2012, Mater Dei) brings a variety of skills to the program. A player I have watched and coached for a long time, Ryan continues to improve each year. His court vision and offensive awareness put his teammates in great positions to succeed. Very crafty with the ball, Ryan's ability to insert himself of offense will open things up for everyone. He has also stepped up with his on the ball defense.

Rounding out the returning group is Will Boman (5'9'', G, 2013, Middletown North). Will brings a great set of skills to the program. Will is one of our better defensive players and has great footwork. He will be expected to set a spark for us when he is in with his defensive pressure. Also look for us to call upon Will to be aggressive offensively from the wing.

We have several quality new additions to the program this season. Each player brings something different, and all of them will be major factors this season. Jack Donnelly (6'0'', G, 2012, Rumson-Fair Haven) is another player that I have been watching for a long time. This will be the first season for Jack under my guidance, and I am looking forward to it. One of the better pure shooters around, we are expecting to see Jack be a major factor in our offense right away. His long range accuracy will keep defenses honest and open things up for our interior players. A capable ball handler, we expect him to help us against defensive pressure. He also improves our perimeter defense with his on the ball skills.

Mike Aaman (6'8'', F, 2012, Raritan) is another player that I am excited to work with. A legitimate Division I prospect, Aaman is a front runner for Player of the Year the next two seasons in the Shore Conference. Mike's tremendous work ethic and dedication to the game will help him continue to develop. Very active on defense and a scoring machine inside.

Jack Keating (6'6'', F, 2011, Rumson-Fair Haven) will also help us out big time. Jack keeps getting better and better everyday and his size is a great advantage to the program. He has a nice touch around the basket and is a good interior defender. We are excited about his presence in the program.

That does it for the pre-season player preview. Our first tournament is March 12-14 at Lakewood HS. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. I will also post another entry later in the week. Continue to check the website and my twitter page for updates.

Greg Youncofski, Jr.

Game 7 Sharks

17U Head Coach/Director of Basketball Operations

www.twitter.com/game7sharks