KAC Thunder: What time is it?

This time, gentlemen, clock management was Priority #1 in the final minutes. Much as I like to see you guys run the floor and shoot — as opposed to walking the ball upcourt and passing up open shots like most teams do — it was of utmost importance that we slow the tempo in those last 4 minutes yesterday.

It was similar to last week to that point. We had a 31-22 lead in the third quarter yesterday against the Bulls before they began to chip away. Our lack of depth (eight players) got more serious when Shawn suffered a back injury in the fourth quarter.

That's why I issued the "Only Layups" decree. That's why I asked you to let the defense chase you as if you were playing keep-away with five angry Kyles. Did we succeed? Well, we got a win for the first time in three weeks. But did we take care of the ball and manage the clock properly?

That's a debatable question. It's something that will be a focal point this week at practice, not because I always expect a really close finish, but because you will need to be outstanding in this area of the game as you progress as players. Every coach needs closers, players who understand how to finish a game. How to win under duress. How to withstand frenetic defensive pressure and respond with proper ballhandling, wise decisions (no bad passes) and, most importantly, how to make free throws.

We hit enough foul shots down the stretch thanks to Colby and Karl to overcome our own inefficiencies — dangerous lob passes across the court, picking up dribbles in traffic, dribbling away from open space and into traps, taking outside shots after I said "only open layups", etc. You guys are young and learning, so this is just part of the process. In time, you'll know how to milk time off the clock and protect a lead without so many bumps on the road.

Enjoy the win, Thunder. You earned it and your coach managed to not lose the game this time.

One week left. One game left. League title is there for the taking. Enjoy the ride, guys.

Schedule
Monday, practice 4:30 p.m., Kahala Park
Tuesday, practice 4:30 p.m., Kahala Park
Wednesday, pickup games 5 p.m. signup, Boys & Girls Club
Thursday, practice 4:30 p.m., Kahala Park
Friday, practice 4:30 p.m., Kapaolono Park
Saturday, practice, 4:30 p.m., Kapaolono Park (note: I have a football photo shoot at Waipahu and won't be at practice until 5 p.m.)
Sunday, pre-game 3 p.m., game 4 p.m., Kalani High School gym