I would agree with the second part of your sentence here, but not the first. What I have observed of Coach Harper is that she is thoughtful, articulate and direct in her responses during press conferences. She is not, however, given to public, forceful remonstration of the team members. I do not believe that this indicates a lack of concern for any problem area. Rather, she has indicated, and did in this instance, her recognition of the problem and the staff's intention to address the issue. In her post game show, in the arena, she specifically acknowledged the 3d quarter let-down and indicated they would address same. In my opinion, recognition of a problem is half the battle and a half that the previous staff often failed to understand, so I am still happier with the way this team is progressing at this point in the season than I have been in the last four years. Just my opinion.
Jim
This!
To add: My very close friend coaches a little Single-A team (Unaka). Two seasons back, we reached the State Semi-Finals, losing to the team that Greenfield beat for the title. Our post player from that, and last season's team is at Bryan College, where she made the varsity. And, there were other fine players on that little team.
But, that was then.
Last night we played Sullivan Central; they beat us 70-something to forty-something. But don't let that lop-sided score fool you: it could have been much, MUCH worse. Central is talented and experienced, with a great post player, who was actually mentioned on this particular forum as a potential Lady Vol. I believe she's committed/signed with Wofford.
Central is good. Us? Not so much. They played a lot of players, mixing starters with rookies. They continued to play hard, they trapped, pressed a little, but it was obvious they had taken their collective foot off the gas.
Because Central has a classy coach.
The Lady Vols ...We ...have a classy coach!
In the grand scheme, the third quarter, against an outmatched and emotionally overwhelmed opponent, will do little to detract from a somewhat promising season. I doubt that our incredible coaching staff will have to push the reset button to correct all that's wrong with our team.
I never played for a coach who would run the score up on an opponent. But, I've played, and coached a little, and against teams/coaches who actually enjoy beating opponents as badly as possible. I've never seen a team "improve" from running up the score.
We're at that time in the football season where the seemingly biggest concern is ...how bad team A beats team B. If you don't beat the living hell out of 'em, well, you get penalized. I understand that ...to a point (no pun intended).
Over the years/decades, I've been beat up and down by friends, family members, certain teachers and coaches, the neighborhood bully, you name it; and I played in some games that I thought might never end. And, it always seemed to rain on those nights; nothing like mud in the eyes to make the point.
Last night, we played a delicate team during the most unimaginable of circumstances.
For my part, I'd have preferred a one-point win - - - or loss.
In overtime.
Cheers.