Carroll Hoops Bolstered by Defense of Record Proportions
By Zach Warner
The Southlake Journal
When a team's playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, sometimes it's hard to see the progress that's been made or the bright spots that can be built upon.
Those positives haven't been lost on Carroll coach Jon Youngblood, despite the disappointment he and his team feels knowing that their playoff chances are nearly non-existent.
However, the real test is whether or not his team will perform with the same intensity that brought about the success they enjoyed this season over the final games of the regular season. He expects his players to show up and continue to battle for a playoff spot while the possibility still exists.
Finishing strong means continuing to play with the kind of defense that gave them a chance to succeed - and helped build an 18-4 record - heading into another challenging 6-5A schedule.
"Defensively, we've been pretty consistent all year," said Youngblood, whose Dragons (19-10 overall, 1-6 in district before Tuesday's game with Flower Mound) travel to face last-place Hebron at 7:30 p.m. Friday. "I think we've only given up an average of 44.9 points or so this season.
"If that stands over the next three games, I think we'll set a new record and break [a team record] that's stood for 30-some years or so," he said. "I think the guys are wanting to prove something not only to themselves but to whoever they face, that they are a team you have to work hard to beat."
Carroll's best defensive showing, holding teams to an average of 47.5 points per game, was set in 1978. Youngblood's Dragons tied that mark last year, but have a good chance to own the record with a strong defensive performance down the stretch.
Strong defense has been Carroll's calling card this season. Although the Dragons have benefited from some great individual offensive performances throughout the year, defense is what's given Youngblood's team the best chance to win.
"Our inconsistency has been on the offensive end," the coach said. "We've had quarters in games and nights where shots weren't falling and things weren't clicking offensively, but defensively, we've always been consistent.
"I think you should be consistent all year on the defensive side. When you play defense, it's not about a special skill, but it's more about playing with heart and effort."
Having a little extra height on the roster this season hasn't hurt, either. But with a relatively young group, it's about making sure the players buy into the system. That hasn't been a problem, as Carroll has delivered defensively.
"We mix it up defensively quite a bit and I think that helps us," Youngblood said. "As a staff, it's something that we take pride in. You get what you expect, and that's something that we expect as a team, to be strong defensively. The guys have worked hard at it and I think it shows."
Whether or not Carroll makes the playoffs is yet to be seen. After a 48-47 loss to Coppell on Feb. 2 and a 56-44 loss to Marcus on Feb. 5, the odds are admittedly against the team. One loss by the Dragons or one win by Lewisville and Coppell is all that's needed to keep Carroll from the postseason.
However, with plenty of young talent returning next year, Youngblood doesn't want his players to lose sight of how much they can build off of this year's accomplishments and finish strong. The Dragons are one game away from a 20-win season, and have talent on both sides of the floor.
"I think we've improved, but sometimes it's hard to see that for a 15 or 16-year-old," Youngblood said. "I feel we made strides ... I think they'll see that in the future."
Get the full version of this article at The Southlake Journal and full Southlake news at www.southlakejournal.com.
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