NORMAL — In the last two weeks, the Danville boys basketball team have been taking advantage of the opportunities they have been afforded.
After an 0-6 start, the Vikings have won their last three games and went to 2-0 in the Big 12 Conference on Thursday with a 62-30 win over Normal West.
“We took advantage of what was on our schedule and we got the job done in both games,” Gouard said. “You can’t let these games slip by you.”
The defense has been a big part of the rise and Gouard was able to give the team a challenge for Thursday’s game.
“I told the guys that we have to get out early and not let them stick around,” Gouard said. “We held them to 11 points at the half and I gave them a goal defensively to not let them get 30 points and they were able to match it, so the guys took the challenge and stepped up.”
On offense, the team’s distribution to different players have been the key.
“We get contributions from everyone and if we have good effort, we are a tough team to guard,” Gouard said. “It doesn’t show up in the scorebook, but it shows when we win that if we share the ball we can win.”
The results are shown on the scorebook with CL Dye leading the way with 16 points, while JaVaughn Robinson had 11 points and Jerry Reed added 10 points.
“They have been around the block with Diddy being around four years in varsity and Diddy and CL and Jerry around for two,” Gouard said. “They are learning how to close out games but also leading the team and giving advice to those who have never played in a varsity conference game. I am happy with that.
“Every day we go in, we focus on getting better that day. We get better that day and stack up days, it will show. We focus on effort, not winning because with effort comes winning. We are getting some great results because of it.”
The Vikings will stay on the road today to take part at the Sullivan Shootout against Alton, who are 8-1.
“We have watched film on them to get ready,” Gouard said. “As a coach, I don’t worry about what they do. I worry about what we do well: The drive to to compete, play defense and share the ball.”