By Quint Turner

We had a chance to interview Chad McGuire, head coach of the Meadowdale Maverick boys basketball varsity team, about saying goodbye to his senior players and his thoughts on the upcoming playoffs.

Q: It’s senior night and since half your team is made of seniors, how will you replace them? How do you feel about not being able to see them again?

A: It’s always sad to see the seniors go. However, it’s like this every year. But we hopefully have prepared the kids to be able and take their spots on the roster next year.

Q: Do you have anyone in JV or C team to help with that?

A: Ideally, everyone on JV would be able to replace them, but there aren’t enough roster spots to get that to happen. There’s definitely some competition next year for spots since there will only be six, but I can’t name any names on who would be the most likely from JV or C team to come up.

Q: How do you react to a player who makes a mistake on the court?

A: Ideally, I’d like to allow them to play through the mistake and not take them out. I’m more concerned on how they react. If they get frustrated, or get mad at themselves, I’ll typically take them out of the game.

Q: How do you psyche the team up?

A: I think they should do that for themselves. If I create that false energy, it might work for a few minutes but it would eventually just not help. The motivation should come from within to play the best. I don’t pep talk.

Q: In the district tournament, do you have any opponents you’re looking out for?

A: The next team we play. No, really. If you don’t take the tournament one game at a time, you’re not going to be able to focus. The team we play is our rival that day.

Q: How about statewide teams, or is that just the same philosophy you have for the districts?

A: Same philosophy. One opponent at a time.

Q: What are you looking forward to in the tournament?

A: Well, the goal is just to make the state tournament, so I’m mainly looking forward to that but like I said, you have to take it one game at a time.

Q: Is there anything you want the readers to know?

A: Come out to the games! We seem to always play better anywhere with the more fans we have.