With the high school basketball season just around the corner, Head Coach Zack Ward and Assistant Coach Alex Golonka sat down to discuss their goals, strategies, and challenges. From team culture to balancing academics, the coaches offered valuable insights into the qualities they want to instill in their players. Here’s a look at their vision for the season.
Q: What are your main goals for the team this season, both on and off the court?
“On the court, I hope that we continue to build upon the success we had last year, be competitive for a district title, and make it to the state playoffs.”
“For off the court, I hope we continue to improve our team culture that we’ve been building since I started here. I want to help the guys become better people, not just better basketball players.”
Coach Ward is setting a high standard for the team’s on-court performance, motivated by last season’s achievements. He wants the team to keep pushing for a district title and a spot in the state playoffs, showing his commitment to keeping a competitive program. He is focused on more than just winning games, he wants a positive, supportive team environment that goes beyond basketball. He aims to instill values that will shape his team to become responsible people, not just as athletes.
Q: How do you plan to build team chemistry, especially with new players or key players who graduated?
“Since I’m new, I’m learning the program’s traditions and making sure I support the team culture established by previous coaches. …Consistency is key, showing up every day and building relationships.”
“We spend time together in various settings, like the locker room, on the practice court, and in the classroom. That’s where a lot of the camaraderie comes from.”
New to the program, Golonka aims to honor the team’s established culture by being a consistent and reliable presence. He believes that by committing to daily engagement with the players, he can contribute to a sense of unity and trust, which are essential for team chemistry. Golonka recognizes that strong bonds form naturally when players and coaches spend time together beyond the typical practice structure. By nurturing a team environment, he believes that a natural camaraderie will form.
Q: What strengths do you see in this year’s team, and how will you use them?
“We have a lot of depth at guard this year, and we shoot well from three. …We’re excited to bring back a run-and-gun style of play with a focus on three-pointers and keeping the pace up.”
Ward is particularly excited about the depth and talent in this year’s guard lineup, which allows for a fast-paced style. His strategy aims to push the tempo and keep opponents on their toes with a high-energy offense.
“This is an experienced Varsity group, with seven seniors who have been through high-stakes games together. …Their experience helps them handle pressure, which many teams don’t have.”
Golonka mentions the advantage of having a team with seven seniors who have competed in high-pressure games. He believes that the team’s experience will help them stay calm under this type of pressure. This allows the team to make smart decisions in important moments, setting them apart from less experienced opponents.
Q: Are there particular areas of improvement you’re working on in practice?
“Rebounding as a team is one of our big focus areas. …even though we have tall players like Issa and Kris, everyone needs to contribute to the boards.”
Ward sees rebounding as a key area to improve. Although he has strong individual players in this area, he wants to make sure the entire team contributes. This helps create a more well-rounded defense and prevents opponents from gaining second-chance points.
Q: Who are some players to watch this season, and what roles do you expect them to play?
“We have seven seniors, led by Michael Nevil, Issa, and Sydler. We also have new additions, including Daniel and Durant, who we expect to be key contributors. …also Kris, with his varsity experience.”
Golonka and Ward are both excited about the existing players, naming a core group of seniors who will lead by example. He also points to new players who bring talent, particularly juniors and seniors who have varsity experience.
Q: How do you balance academics and athletics during the season?
“I trust our players to be responsible with their schoolwork …we have consistently ranked in the top five for team GPAs in the state for our classification.”
Ward takes pride in the academic achievements of his team, trusting that players can handle their schoolwork as well as their athletic commitments. His approach allows them to develop personal responsibility, knowing they have a history of academic success.
“Our players are committed to academics. …We monitor their grades, and if anyone struggles, we connect them with teachers to keep them on track.”
Golonka, on the other hand, actively monitors academic progress, reinforcing a supportive environment. He sees their school performance, as student-athletes, and makes sure to help any player facing challenges in the classroom.
Q: What challenges do you anticipate this season, and how are you preparing the team?
“We have a mix of new and returning players, so building cohesion is important. …Some players have transferred, while others are new to varsity. …We’re focused on creating a strong team bond and adapting together.”
Golonka recognizes the team’s new dynamic, with new and returning players learning to work together. He’s focused on fostering cohesion to help the group develop that team chemistry as they go through the upcoming season.
Q: What values do you hope to instill in your players that go beyond basketball?
“Mental toughness, teamwork, and work ethic. These are values that they can carry beyond high school. …There’s no substitute for hard work…it’s something I hope they’ll remember.”
Ward wants his players to develop resilience through hard work. He views hard work and mental toughness as life skills that will serve them long after they graduate high school.
“Being a good teammate, respecting others, and carrying themselves with respect both on and off the court are qualities we emphasize.”
Golonka focuses on respect and self-representation, highlighting the fact that how players carry themselves is a reflection of the team and their character. He sees these qualities to be extremely important to becoming responsible adults.
The coaches’ insights reveal a thoughtful approach to team-building, academic balance, and athletic progress. Both Ward and Golonka are committed to fostering a competitive and supportive environment. Their strategies and values promise an exciting season with lessons that will last forever.
