Patrick, thats a good approach as well. You still might get beat by a quick small pass to a center when the big comes out.
Each game presents different things. Help defense is still necessary, but first you have to identify who shooters are.Over protect them. Don't give as much help defense when you know you have a shooter in front of you who will do what we've seen what/.7-8 teams did tot us this year? Also, when you don't give as much help you create accountability. If you mess up, team has a problem. Kids might buy in better than that. I just saw a lot of poor help defense this year.
Strong driving, crafty team around the hoop(layups) help defense would be..helpful. Strong shooting from perimeter, over protect shooters and create a sense of accountability. Closing out isn't as effective.
Also, with kids having a lot on their plates- this becomes a little bit more simple of a defensive game plan against a good shooting team- Don't lose your man because there won't always be help. Stay in front of your man.
Guard defense is so important. I really hope Sanders digs in and Daniels keeps giving decent effort. Williams i know will give effort a good amount of the time. If you get broke down in the back court though and you have some shooters, watch out!
I am hoping for more than ten wins next year. I thought this year was a disappointment. Win, compete and don't get blown out. We got blown out way too many times. Teams were more talented, but not 25 points more talented.