ghart

The game hasn't passed him by and he is not running the same offense he did last year. This year he seems to be running the purest form of "flex". The previous years, he ran a variation of it in order to maximize Torstrick. If Ripley plays man to man, you'll see a lot of flex cuts and high screens, mixed with down screens. They are at a disadvantage because of a lack of a true post player. I'm not quite sure what other offense should be run without a true post.

USJ will NOT be a "force to be reckoned" with this year...at least in district competition. Outside of their district they should do very well, just as they have done in the past. Coach Russell will keep them competitive from game to game, but I would be surprised if they won a district game this year. There is only so much you can do when you are out-sized and out-manned at every position on the floor. By all accounts, they are a single A school playing up in a sport where one on one, athletic ability is paramount. If USJ was in single A last year, I believe they would've made a strong run towards the state tournament. Not having Torstrick will hurt, especially since there will be no physical presence in the middle when the opposition's guards undoubtedly beat their man off the dribble. This year could be tough once again in district play. The good news is that the future looks bright for USJ for two reasons: First of all, their move to division II next year will benefit them greatly and, two, their freshman and sophomore classes will have a lot to do with bringing the basketball program back to what it once was. They still need to develop a post player, I think, but with the style of offense they run, it's not a necessity, especially going division II. I think Mayhall and Winslow are two players that should develop nicely over the next two years and Vargason also understands the game. If Butler can get physically stronger, that core should be very productive in the next few years. I think USJ's track record has proven that they will give their best effort mentally and physically in any game they play. Good luck on the upcoming season!