Few coaches truly know what they have going into a season, but
Jeremy Dirks is willing to make one guarantee in regards to this
year’s Gilroy High boys basketball team.
”
I’ve got one thing, it’s my motto this year: ‘Work hard, play
hard,’
”
Dirks said before a recent practice.
”
I don’t know if it’s going to translate into wins, but we’re
going to be a program people can be proud of.
”
GILROY – Few coaches truly know what they have going into a season, but Jeremy Dirks is willing to make one guarantee in regards to this year’s Gilroy High boys basketball team.
“I’ve got one thing, it’s my motto this year: ‘Work hard, play hard,’ ” Dirks said before a recent practice. “I don’t know if it’s going to translate into wins, but we’re going to be a program people can be proud of.”
Promoted to head coach in the spring after serving as an assistant in recent years to Bud Ogden, who retired from coaching following last season, Dirks is trying to change the culture of a program that has been viewed as underachieving.
Despite showcasing a frontline the size of some local college teams, the Mustangs went 8-19 last season and finished last in the Tri-County Athletic League at 2-10. Injuries certainly took their toll on Gilroy, as center Jason Conrad played just seven games and point guard Kevin Siha took part in only four. Effort was also questioned, though, as the Mustangs sputtered to a 3-16 finish.
The 2006-07 season was also viewed by many as a disappointment despite going 20-8 and ending the year with a second-round playoff loss to Carlmont. The Mustangs had far more talent that season than last, but an infusion of transfers didn’t mesh well on the court.
Senior point guard Elijah Harrell, the one returning starter from last season’s squad and a third-year varsity player, believes this season will be different.
“I think the last two years I’ve been on varsity we had more talent, but this year we have more discipline,” Harrell said. “I think it will compensate.”
Harrell, along with 6-foot-6 senior forward Tyler Hartman, will certainly have to pick up for the loss in points from a season ago. Gilroy lost its top-five scorers to graduation.
Working on his shot and dribble-drive penetration over the summer, Harrell understands his new role.
“Coach has made it very clear to me I have the green light,” he said.
Hartman, filling the small forward slot, will also have plenty of opportunities. Dirks thinks he will present enough mismatches that he could end up being the TCAL Most Valuable Player by the end of the season.
“If I get a smaller guard I can post him up,” Hartman said. “If I have a slower guy I can get by and take it to the rack or dish off to my teammates.”
More so than in recent seasons, though, Gilroy will not be about one, two or three players. Dirks is expecting contributions from every player on the roster.
Using an athletic training course over the last year, Gilroy’s coaching staff – Dirks and assistants Justin Ponzio and Kaden Bahner – has emphasized being in better shape and committing to the team concept 100 percent.
“I’m really happy with the way things are going,” Bahner said. “I’m happy with the way Jeremy is establishing his program and everyone is buying-in.”
Hartman agreed that the extra time together over the offseason has paid off to this point.
“So far we’re in much better shape,” he said.
Getting the team’s seven seniors and five juniors to jell quickly will be crucial. Key additions from the junior varsity squad include shooting guard Greg Hamik (6-foot-1), power forward Max Fishler (6-2) and center Michael Hartman (6-4). Fresh off of football season, seniors Jamie Jensen (6-3) and Tony Travis (6-0) are also expected to contribute.
Using a combination of motion and flex offenses, Gilroy will look to drive and kick to open shooters. Defensively, the Mustangs will apply pressure in the full court but more often will rely on a zone defense due to a lack of height on the inside.
While coaches and players wouldn’t predict what will happen in league play this season, no one is putting any limitations on how far this team can go.
“I think first place is a realistic goal, but we have to work hard every day,” Harrell said. “It’s not going to be easy, but I think every (team) has a chance.
“I’ve been through the thick of the transfers and upset in the playoffs. This is our redemption year.”
The Mustangs begin their journey tonight at 5:30 p.m. against North Monterey County in Gilroy.
