We devised a set of dribbling and shooting drills that you can use no matter your coaching situation. These drills work well with highly skilled players as well as those who need a lot of work.

Every player benefits from enhancing their dribbling, sprinting into a shot, passing with both hands, catching the ball and shooting, which are the focal points of this drill series. Before you jump into these drills, however, there are 13 important concepts to preach, teach, demand and expect of your players during this workout.

1. Be open-minded and receptive to new concepts (be coachable).
2. Come out of your comfort zone (take risks).
3. Be an encourager of teammates.
4. Give maximum effort.
5. Do not display negative emotion toward yourself or your teammates.
6. Be a triple-threat student — visual (seeing), auditory (hearing) and kinetics (doing).
7. Be a leader with word and actions.
8. Be a follower (when you are not the leader).
9. Be a communicator both verbally and non-verbally.
10. Acknowledge the efforts of others.
11. Compete against yourself, the drill and your teammates.
12. Go at your pace.
13. Have fun without being silly.

   » ALSO SEE: ‘Offense Wins’ drill teaches movement without the ball

These 13 concepts become the standards upon which you measure your workout. Positively reinforce these concepts when they are being met during the drills and point out when they are not. Eventually, your players should start to teach, correct, encourage and hold each other accountable. When this occurs, you have the makings of a championship team.

These drills are divided into two sections. The first concentrates on two-ball-dribble-and-place half-court drills. The second section deals with two-player, full-court team dribbling and shooting drills.

Two-ball place drills

These drills consist of players working with two basketballs and placing them in certain areas of the court. They are further broken down into one-player drills, two-player drills, and two-player drills using a partner.

→ One-player drills

Place a chair at each elbow.

DIAGRAM 1: One-player drill (A). The player starts by dribbling two basketballs and races to the first chair. The player places the first ball in the chair while maintaining the dribble with the second ball. The player then dribbles to the second chair and places the ball in that chair.

DIAGRAM 2: One-player drill (B). With no basketballs in hand, the player sprints back to the first ball, grabs it out of the chair and takes a one-dribble jump shot.

DIAGRAM 3: One-player drill (C). After taking the shot, the player sprints to the second ball, grabs it out of the chair and takes a one-dribble jump shot.

DIAGRAM 4: One-player drill modification (A). Modify this drill by changing the location of the chairs to the same side of the floor but with the same actions.

DIAGRAM 5: One-player drill modification (B). This shows the player racing back to the first chair and taking a shot.

DIAGRAM 6: One-player drill modification (C). This shows the player racing to the second chair and taking a shot. Also, allow players to execute different moves instead of the one-dribble jumper, such as using a shot fake and crossover before shooting or taking a step-back jumper.

→ Two-player drills

Chairs now are placed on both the right and left side of the court at the elbows, and at the short corners just inside the 3-point line.

DIAGRAM 7: Two-player drill (A). Follow the same movements as the one-player drill only with a player on each side of the court. In this example, both players start by dribbling two basketballs. They dribble to the first chair, place a ball there, then dribble to the second chair and place a ball in that spot.

DIAGRAM 8: Two-player drill (B). Both players race back to their respective first chairs, pick up the ball, and execute a scoring move and shot.

DIAGRAM 9: Two-player drill (C). Both players finish the drill by completing the action by running to the second chair, grabbing the ball, making a scoring move and taking a shot.

→ Two-player drills using a partner 

In this part of the workout, the two players actually run off each other instead of being independent on opposite sides of the court.

DIAGRAM 10: Two-player drill using a partner (A). This time, your players start by going to opposite chairs to begin the progression. The player on the left places a ball in the chair on the baseline, then places a ball in the chair on the elbow. That player sprints back to the chair on the baseline, executes a move and takes a shot.

The player on the right starts by dribbling to the chair at the elbow, places a ball there and continues to dribble to the baseline chair to place a ball in that spot. That player then sprints back to the elbow chair, executes a move and takes a shot.

DIAGRAM 11: Two-player drill using a partner (B). Now, instead of the players just moving on to the next chair in their sequence, one player (typically the one who scores first) sets a screen for the other.

The player uses the screen and moves to the chair with a basketball on the opposite side of the floor. That player grabs the ball, makes a move and takes the shot. The screener does the same thing on the other side of the court.

Two-player, full-court drill

Add more conditioning into your dribbling and shooting drills by running them the full length of the court.

DIAGRAM 12: Two-player, full-court drill (A). Start with four lines. The lines at each elbow have two basketballs each. The two lines on the wings (outside the 3-point line) do not have a basketball. All four lines are facing in the same direction.

The players with the two basketballs speed-dribble down the court to the opposite 3-point line. The players on the wings turn and run toward the near baseline, touch it, then sprint to the other end of the court. The wing players must work hard to catch up to the dribbler.

The dribblers make a one-hand push pass to the players on the wings. The wing players take a shot, and the dribblers, who have one basketball left, must maintain their dribble and take a spot-up jump shot.

DIAGRAM 13: Two-player, full-court drill (B). The next phase of this drill is run the same way, only the wing players have two basketballs and the elbow players do not.

The wings dribble to the opposite 3-point line while the elbow players turn, retreat to the near baseline, touch it, and sprint to the other end of the court. The wing players make a one-hand push pass to the elbow player sprinting up the court. All four players take a shot after the pass is made.

DIAGRAM 14: Two-player, full-court drill (C). After working through the first two progressions, add a new wrinkle to the full-court drill. Start with the basketballs with the elbow players again. When the elbows make their one-hand push pass to the wings, this time, the wings do not shoot immediately (the elbow players do shoot as they did previously).

The wings dribble to the 3-point line on the original end of the court and take a shot from there. This adds another element of dribbling to the drill.

DIAGRAM 15: Two-player, full-court drill (D). The final stage of the progression is run just like the previous diagram but with the basketballs on the wings.

The wings dribble to the other end of the court and eventually make a one-hand push pass to the elbow players who are trailing. The wings take a shot, but the elbows dribble to the other end of the floor, pull up, and take a jumper around the 3-point line area.

Be sure communication is used in these full-court drills, because things can become a bit chaotic without constant chatter.

Kevin Sutton is an assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Rhode Island.

The post Dribbling, shooting drills for players of all skill sets appeared first on Coach and Athletic Director.

The problem is that many coaches don’t understand how to teach athletics effectively. Plus, some coaches don’t take the time to grasp how athletes learn. Follow these 10 points to become a better teacher and coach.

1. Understanding your passion for basketball first. Before jumping into coaching, coaches first must understand their passion for the game. Having a high level of passion for basketball tremendously influences your energy, creativity and ability to motivate players. Passion is contagious. If one player, one assistant coach, or you come to practice excited and fired up, that emotion and passion easily is passed onto every other member of the team.

2. Setting the stage for teaching. Prior to the first practice, meet with your athletes and explain your role as a coach and teacher of basketball. Let them know your purpose is to help improve their athletic skills. Impress upon them that you care about them as people and that you are concerned about their lives even beyond athletics. Feeling cared about makes a player more coachable — effort and concentration increases. If you care enough about them, they’ll walk through walls for you.

   » ALSO SEE: The 7 signs of a struggling coach

Part of you caring is to work through players’ mistakes. Tell them mistakes are part of the learning process and the only true mistakes are ones of lack of effort or concentration — both of which easily are corrected.

3. The importance of “why.” Don’t assume players know why you’re asking them to practice a certain technique or to perform a skill drill. Explain how everything has a positive effect on their ability to play. Be as detailed as possible.

4. Fundamentals first, then complex. Know the fundamentals of the sport you teach. This enables you to design practices for your players’ appropriate skill levels. It also becomes easier to assist an athlete who cannot perform a certain skill. After grasping the fundamentals, players move on to practice drills focusing on more than one skill at a time. Don’t expect to teach complex basketball skills to players who have not mastered the basics.

5. Use the whole-part method. Often it’s necessary to teach skills in parts or steps. Once again, in-depth knowledge of fundamentals gives you an advantage. Teaching a skill in part keeps the player motivated because he or she is forming a mental checklist for performing the skill correctly.

Moving from one step to the next puts the focus on progress, which allows you to praise the player for grasping a skill and working with the player in areas that need more practice. A good barometer to know if a player is mastering a certain skill is to see if that player is teaching the skill to another teammate.

6. Effective motivation. Find something positive to say to every athlete at every practice. This satisfies the athlete’s need for attention, recognition and appreciation. Be specific with your praise — specific praise is used to reinforce the “why” of practice. Always attempt to find more positives than negatives, while constantly praising effort.

7. The hoopla of success. When an athlete or team finally masters a skill or concept, don’t hesitate to stop practice momentarily to recognize the achievement. Praise their effort and remind your players why mastery of the skill is so critical.

8. Model what you preach. Most coaches talk to players about certain values and characteristics they hope to see in them. Coaches really are the best positive role models for these values. When stressing good sportsmanship, coach with honor, respect for the game, officials, etc. When stressing tenacity, never give up on yourself with your athletes. And, when stressing organization, conduct practices that are structured.

Players look to you for guidance, so don’t say one thing and do the opposite.

9. Encourage crossover athletes. Coaches who are overzealous sometimes encourage their athletes to play only basketball on a year-round basis. This can lead to overuse injuries and burnout. Participating in other sports improves the way your athletes play basketball. The movements and skills required for many sports are similar. Consider the footwork necessary for soccer and basketball are almost identical.

…

Productive coaching is highly dependent on the coach’s ability to teach basketball. Teaching isn’t just blowing a whistle, barking out orders and heading home after a couple of hours. Being a good teacher takes time, effort, practice, patience and a passion to make a difference in the lives of your players.

The post 9 effective teaching methods for coaches appeared first on Coach and Athletic Director.

Media outlets are notorious for sensationalizing game-winning shots, but I want to shed some light on subtle game-winning “plays” that are vital to achieving success on the basketball court. As a program, we do our best to preach the importance of these eight plays, practice them if possible and acknowledge them when they occur.

1. The “Hockey Assist”

Have you ever watched a team that moves the ball quickly and precisely? That team, because of its ball movement, is difficult to guard.

When a defensive player is forced to go from the strong side of the floor to the weak side and back again, they become vulnerable. He or she may close out poorly on their opponent and either give up an open jump shot or get beat off the dribble because they are off balance. Either way, when the ball moves quickly, the defense must constantly reposition itself. That’s easier said than done.

Additionally, the pass prior to the pass that leads to a basket — the “hockey assist”— is a basketball play that rarely gets the recognition it deserves. Imagine the ball is thrown into the post from the wing. The offensive post player is immediately double-teamed, forcing them to kick the ball out. They make a pass to an open teammate at the top of the key area. Once that outside player catches the ball, they quickly pass to the opposite wing. That wing player makes the extra pass to a teammate in the corner for an open 3-pointer.

The player at the top of the key who started the ball movement on the perimeter is not credited with an assist. However, their unselfish play was critical to the offense taking a high-percentage, uncontested shot. That player could have been a “ball stopper” — either holding the ball for too long or putting the ball on the floor. Encourage your team to move the ball unselfishly and your coaches to acknowledge the hockey assist.

2. Short memory

Too often, young players hang their heads after missing a shot. They clap their hands in disgust or mumble to themselves. Whether they believe it or not, this negativity affects their next field goal attempt.

The best shooters and players in the world miss nearly 50% of their attempts. Young players therefore must develop the concept of having a short memory. In other words, as soon as the ball leaves their fingertips and bounces off the rim, they must forget about it and continue to focus on the overall game.

Constantly reminding players of their failed field goal attempts only damages their confidence. Having confidence in their ability to shoot the ball is what separates great shooters from average shooters. Our coaching staff is often heard during games yelling “short memory!” to players who miss a shot. We are essentially saying to that player, “Forget about that miss; your next attempt is going in. We believe in you!”

The last thing we want is for our players to look over their shoulders at the scorer’s table to see if someone is checking in for them after they miss a shot. Instill confidence in your players and encourage them to develop a short memory.

3. Time and score

The amount of time remaining on the clock and the score of the game should always dictate your aggressiveness on offense. Nothing is more frustrating than when a team is in control of the game and it takes an ill-advised shot.

For example, the winning team gains possession of the ball with an eight-point lead and 1:45 left on the clock. The worst-case scenario is for that team to come down the floor and attempt a shot after one or two passes. At this juncture of the game, you do not need any more points to win; the clock becomes your opponent, not the other team.

The opposite situation is just as exasperating. The losing team secures the rebound and quickly moves the ball down the court. It’s down by eight points with 35 seconds left on the clock, and the players waste valuable time passing the ball around the perimeter, hunting for an open 3-point shot. This team needs points and would be better served by attacking the rim and looking for a quick 2-point basket and possibly drawing a foul. This provides the losing team the opportunity to score without the clock moving, and it allows the players to set up their full-court press.

Our coaches spend the last few minutes of each practice rehearsing time and score situations. This is definitely one of those “winning plays” that can and should be practiced so that when the opportunity presents itself, your players are in a position to respond because of their familiarity with the situation.

4. ‘KYP’

Former Chicago Bull Stacy King can often be heard saying “KYP” during a Bulls telecast. KYP stands for “Know Your Personnel.”

What King is saying is that a player needs to know the strengths and weaknesses of the player they are guarding. This concept sounds simple but is often difficult to implement. If you understand the strengths of the player you’re guarding and do your best to take away those strengths, you improve your team’s chances of winning the game.

   » ALSO SEE: Properly developing player leadership

For example, if you’re guarding a post player that loves to turn over their left shoulder when making a move, by forcing them to turn over their right shoulder and establishing proper defensive position, they may not be as effective. Another example is running a long-distance shooter off the 3-point line.

Making a catch-and-shoot player put the ball on the floor limits their effectiveness and takes away their strength. Lastly, shading a shooter and not providing help on the dribble drive is another illustration of KYP. Leaving your man and stopping the dribble drive is a fundamental defensive concept that all players are taught at an early age. It’s a habit that is difficult to break. However, the dribble drive and kick out is one of the best ways to get a great shooter a good look at the basket.

It takes great discipline to not help on the dribble drive and to stay in denial position —shading the shooter. All of these examples of KYP never show up in the box score, but they greatly increase your team’s chances of winning the game.

5. Mental turnovers

It takes all five players to execute a winning strategy. One player not on the same page as their four teammates can disrupt the entire flow.

Nothing is more frustrating for a coach then to draw up a play during a timeout and tell everyone exactly what their responsibilities are, only to have one player not execute their assignment. This is a mental turnover.

Mental turnovers are just as detrimental as physical turnovers. If you have four guys playing man-to-man defense and one guy playing zone, that is equivalent to throwing the ball out of bounds. I’m always amazed at how many different ways NBA teams defend ball screens. Not only are there principles that must be adhered to depending on where the ball screen is set, there also are rules to follow depending on who is setting the screen and who is coming off the screen. That’s a lot of information to digest, yet rarely are mistakes made.

The mental aspect of the professional game is often overlooked because of the amazing physical attributes of the players. I have personally witnessed NBA training camps where the team runs through all of its set plays. It’s mind boggling to watch these guys rehearse 30 to 40 plays and not make one mental mistake. Mental turnovers lead to easy opportunities for the other team. Successful teams limit both the number of physical and mental mistakes they make during games.

6. Pace and opponent assessment

There is a correlation between the opponent you’re facing and the pace in which you should play the game.

First and foremost, you must make an honest assessment of your team’s abilities. If you are facing a more talented team, then you should strongly consider playing the game at a slower pace, doing your best to limit the number of possessions during the game. Defensive basketball strategies that will slow down the pace of the game may include using a 3/4-court, 2-2-1 zone press or a half-court zone defense. Offensive strategies that slow down the pace of the game include walking the ball up the court after securing a rebound or increasing the number of passes before attempting to score.

If you feel that you have a more talented team, then you must play the game at a quicker pace in an attempt to increase the number of possessions in the game. If you truly are more talented, increasing the number of possessions in the game increases the number of opportunities for your more talented group to make plays.

University of North Carolina coach Roy Williams subscribes to this philosophy. His Tar Heels have always played at a breakneck pace because he feels that, more often than not, he has the more talented team. There are many ways you can increase the pace of the game. Pushing the ball down the floor on offense and full-court pressing on defense are just two options. Playing at a pace that best suits your talent level is one way to improve your chances of winning.

7. Communication

Communication on defense and calling out screens is another statistic that doesn’t exist. Nonetheless, rarely will you find a championship-caliber team that does not have several outstanding communicators.

I love the motto, “If you call out a screen that does not occur, that is merely a misdemeanor. However, if you fail to call out a screen that does occur, that is a felony offense.” It’s imperative for coaches to identify basketball concepts that require no talent and make sure their team members are aware of them. It takes no talent to yell out “screen!” Identifying what defense the other team is using so that you can properly attack it is another form of communication.

The simplest form of basketball communication occurs when substitutions are made. How many times does a player check into the game and the teammate he is replacing fails to tell him or her who they should be guarding? This often leads to a basket, and if this happens often enough it will decrease your chances of winning the game. Championship teams do not make these types of mistakes.

8. Play within yourself

The great Rick Majerus had a simple philosophy when it came to coaching offense: “Focus on what players can do, not what they can’t do, and put them in a position to be successful.” In other words, get shooters open looks, create space for players that can attack the basket, and get the ball to post players in the area of the floor where they can be most effective.

Former Charlotte Bobcats coach Mike Dunlap takes this concept one step further. throughout training camp, Dunlap worked to identify “kill spots” for his players. He defines a kill spot as an area of the floor where the player is almost certain to make the shot. Kill spots vary depending on the individual player’s offensive strengths. If you are a below average 3-point shooter, game time is not the opportunity to prove your critics wrong. If your strength is attacking the basket, play within yourself and stick to your strengths. Work on improving your range in the offseason and at practice, but not in the middle of a game.

   » ALSO SEE: 3 inbounds plays for any situation

Too often, players attempt to do too much on the offensive end of the floor. This leads to contested shots, missed shots and turnovers. Our program’s core offensive philosophy mirrors Majerus’ philosophy. We evaluate our players’ individual talents and put them in a position to be successful on the court. If that means we have a 6-foot-8 center that is better at shooting face-up jump shots than he is playing with his back to the basket, then we will do our best to use his talents and work on his strengths in the offseason and during practice.

Playing within yourself requires team members to check their egos at the locker room door. It also requires discipline and commitment to the team goals, which should always come before an individual player’s goals.

Throughout the course of your season, kill spots can evolve and weaknesses can become strengths, but work on evaluating your team members’ offensive strengths and clearly communicate your expectations to them.

…

Examining the box score is one way to determine how a team won the ball game. These analytical skills are valuable and important. However, there are many plays that occur during the game that never show up on the stat sheet that often determine the outcome.

To achieve success at the highest levels, teams must excel in all facets of the game. The very best teams and players understand the significance of these eight winning concepts.

The post 8 winning concepts programs must adopt appeared first on Coach and Athletic Director.

With over $100,000 in award money up for grabs, winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on May 9 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

“The 10,000 employees of Varsity Brands are privileged to witness the power of spirit in schools on a daily basis: in classrooms, in athletic and cheer competitions, and in celebrating student achievements,” said Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands. “The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards represent our opportunity to honor superlative demonstrations of this spirit across the country while recognizing the positive impact that it can have on school and student performance. We are honored to continue our proud stewardship of this event and look forward to celebrating the ‘best of’ what our schools can represent.”

“School spirit doesn’t happen without extraordinary commitment and energy from the students, teachers and administrators who show up and give just ‘a little more’ on a daily basis,” added Nicole Lauchaire, Executive Director of the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards. “These everyday heroes deserve our recognition and our praise, and we believe that this year’s event will benefit from an inspiring group of finalists and a growing recognition of the strong correlation between school spirit, involvement, achievement and self-confidence.”

The grand prize for America’s Most Spirited High School will be determined by online voting at varsitybrands.com through February 25.  The school with the most votes will receive $25,000 in awards from Varsity Brands.All other category winners will receive $3,000. All winners will be announced at the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards Show on May 9, 2020 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

2020 Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards Finalists:

America’s Most Spirited High School

• Clover Hill High School | Midlothian, VA
• Franklin Towne Charter High School | Philadelphia, PA
• Los Alamitos High School | Los Alamitos, CA
• Southeast Career Technical Academy | Las Vegas, NV
• Vestavia Hills High School | Vestavia Hills, AL
• Vista Murrieta High School | Vista Murrieta, CA

Athlete

• AJ Quinn – Davidson Academy | Nashville, TN
• Andrew Dyer – Jefferson City High School | Jefferson City, MO
• Ayzjah Mercer – North Stafford High School | Stafford, VA
• Courtney Cockrum – Franklin Central High School | Indianapolis, IN
• David Herfel – Highlands High School | Fort Thomas, KY
• Delaney Barghols – Crossings Christian School | Oklahoma City, OK
• Jacious Clark – Fayetteville High School | Fayetteville, TN
• Jacob Anderson – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
• Kevia Miles – Jim Hill High School | Jackson, MS
• Kiersten Jewell – Silver Creek High School | Sellersburg, IN
• Kyle Fitzgerald – Centennial High School | Gresham, OR
• Madison Grajzar – Western Alamance High School | Elon, NC
• Marcos Saldivar – John B. Alexander High School | Laredo, TX
• Monique Christian – Rutland High School | Macon, GA
• Raelee Scarbrough – Farragut High School | Knoxville, TN
• Tristan Wert – Wendell High School | Wendell, ID

Athletic Director

• Andrea Bouwhuis – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
• Chris Eaves – Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School | Fort Oglethorpe, GA
• Chris Passamano – Stamford High School | Stamford, CT
• Corry Black – St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School | Columbus, GA
• David Egan – Rock Bridge High School | Columbia, MO
• Frederick Corral – UIC College Prep | Chicago, IL
• Ira Childress – Gulliver Preparatory School | Pine Crest, FL
• Jake Griedl – Marshall High School | Marshall, TX
• Jason Levine – Notre Dame High School Belmont | Belmont, CA
• Jay Getty – Hagerty High School | Oviedo, FL
• Jeremy Leach – Calvary Christian School | Covington, KY
• Joe Kinney – Youngker High School | Buckeye, AZ
• John Sgromolo – Ridgeview High School | Orange Park, FL
• Michael Dowis – North Oconee High School | Watkinsville, GA
• Michael Streitz – Saint Agnes School | Saint Paul, MN
• Paul Loggan – North Central High School | Indianapolis, IN
• Russell Easom – Rutland High School | Macon, GA
• Scott Govern – Hershey High School | Mechanicsburg, PA
• Spencer Parcells – Franklin Towne Charter High School | Philadelphia, PA
• Tracy Leaman – Veritas Academy | Leola, PA

Athletic Trainer

• Alexis Martin – The Key School | Annapolis, MD
• Bryana Kudek – Hartford Union High School | Hartford, WI
• Dianne King – South Forsyth High School | Cumming, GA
• Kiyun Lynch – Atrisco Heritage Academy High School | Albuquerque, NM
• Phillip Shaw – Ouachita Parish High School | Monroe, LA
• Stephanie Clark – Herbert Hoover High School | Elkview, WV
• Stephen Moss – Bixby High School | Bixby, OK

Believe in You

• Columbia High School | East Greenbush, NY
• Haverford High School | Havertown, PA
• James Madison High School | San Diego, CA
• Lakeside High School | Nine Mile Falls, WA
• Perry High School | Chandler, AZ
• Rio Rancho High School | Rio Rancho, NM
• Rutland High School | Macon, GA
• South Johnston High School | Benson, NC
• Trabuco Hills High School | Mission Viejo, CA
• Vestavia Hills High School | Vestavia Hills, AL

Choir

• Arapahoe High School | Centennial, CO
• Carlsbad High School – Sound Express | Carlsbad, CA
• Colquitt County High School | Norman Park, GA
• Fairlawn High School | Sidney, OH
• Herbert Hoover High School | Elkview, WV
• Pebble Hills High School | El Paso, TX
• Trifterea Academy | Chula, GA

Coach

• Adam Wall – Buchanan High School | Clovis, CA
• Amanda Maddox – Rutland High School | Macon, GA
• Brad Warmath – Covington High School | Covington, TN
• Chad Murphy – Beech High School | Hendersonville, TN
• Dale Farr – Robbinsville High School | Robbinsville, NC
• Denise Sargent – L’Anse Creuse High School – North | Macomb, MI
• Don Stanhope – Bangor High School | Bangor, ME
• Dotteanna Garlington – Anacostia High School | Camp Springs, MD
• Hector Clavijo III – Champagnat Catholic School | Hialeah, FL
• Jamie Coggins – Sparkman High School | Harvest, AL
• Jesse Rumsey – Flathead High School | Kalispell, MT
• John Lambourne – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
• Jonathan Quinn – Davidson Academy | Nashville, TN
• Jonathan Zuchowski – The King’s Academy | West Palm Beach, FL
• Keith Chattin – John I Leonard High School | Lake Worth, FL
• Kenny Morson – Fayetteville High School | Fayetteville, TN
• Reylene Abbott – Kimberly High School | Twin Falls, ID
• Roger Holmes – Dublin High School | Dublin, GA
• Steve Yarnell – West Genesee High School | Camillus, NY
• Tlaloc Venancio – Crawford High School | San Diego, CA

Community Service Project

• Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
• Broome High School | Spartanburg, SC
• Costa Mesa High School | Costa Mesa, CA
• Episcopal High School | Houston, TX
• Hatton High School | Town Creek, AL
• Hartford Union High School | Hartford, WI
• Lee High School | Midland, TX
• Montwood High School | El Paso, TX
• Philo High School/Morgan High School | Duncan Falls, OH
• Putnam City High School | Oklahoma City, OK
• Vestavia Hills High School | Vestavia Hills, AL
• William Mason High School | Mason, OH

Game Day Experience

• Canby High School | Canby, OR
• Costa Mesa High School | Costa Mesa, CA
• Covington Catholic | Park Hills, KY
• Creekside High School | St. Johns, FL
• Grapevine High School | Grapevine, TX
• Los Alamitos High School | Los Alamitos, CA
• Saint Amant High School | Saint Amant, LA
• Saint Mary’s Catholic High School | Phoenix, AZ
• Templeton High School | Templeton, CA
• West Central Area High School | Barrett, MN

Graduation

• Carolina High School | Greenville, SC
• Davidson Academy | Nashville, TN
• Killeen Independent School District | Killeen, TX
• Panhandle High School | Panhandle, TX
• Rio Rancho High School | Rio Rancho, NM
• Rutland High School | Macon, GA
• The Salisbury School | Salisbury, MD

Mascot

• AJ Crowder – Greenbrier High School | Greenbrier, TN
• Chris Morano – Richland High School | Richland, WA
• Jayla Anderson – Ouachita Parish High School | Monroe, LA
• Lauryn McCormack – Lyons Township High School | La Grange, IL
• Logan Congrove – Stow-Munroe Falls High School | Stow, OH
• Mikayla Childers – Bandera High School | Bandera, TX
• Mike McKibben – Aquilla Independent School District | Aquilla, TX
• Seth Moyers – Fayetteville High School | Fayetteville, TN

Pep Band

• Northport High School | Northport, NY
• Northwest High School | Jackson, MI
• North Shore Senior High School | Houston, TX
• Ramona High School | Riverside, CA
• Tiftarea High School | Chula, GA
• Santa Margarita Catholic High School | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Principal

• Arlene Atencio-Lindsay – Hope Christian High School | Albuquerque, NM
• Dusty Johns – Boone High School | Orlando, FL
• Kathy Longenbaugh – East Noble High School | Kendallville, IN
• Keith Ball – Marietta High School | Marietta, GA
• Luke Clamp – River Bluff High School | Lexington, SC
• Scott Burre – Lancaster High School | Lancaster, OH

School Counselor

• April Rogers – Winchester Community High School | Winchester, IN
• Charles Jason McPeak – Logan Senior High School | Logan, WV
• Elizabeth Kaisinger – Franklin Towne Charter High School | Philadelphia, PA
• Helen Thrasher – West Limestone High School | Lester, AL
• Mark Levy – Cordova High School | Rancho Cordova, CA
• Martin Wyckoff – Union-Endicott High School | Endicott, NY

School Tradition

• Arapahoe High School | Centennial, CO
• Carlsbad High School | Carlsbad, CA
• Central Catholic High School | Modesto, CA
• Cleburne County High School | Heflin, AL
• Franklin Towne Charter High School | Philadelphia, PA
• Meridian High School | Meridian, ID
• Rutland High School | Macon, GA
• Saint Amant High School | Saint Amant, LA
• St Louis University High School | St. Louis, MO
• William R Boone High School | Orlando, FL

Spirit Leader

• Beech High School | Hendersonville, TN
• Bishop Gorman Catholic School | Tyler, TX
• Cardinal Spellman High School | Bronx, NY
• Dietrich High School Dietrich, IL
• Flushing High School | Flushing, MI
• John Jay High School | San Antonio, TX
• Marvin Ridge High School | Waxhaw, NC
• Matanzas High School | Palm Coast, FL
• Montgomery High School | Skillman, NJ
• Mount Juliet High School | Mount Juliet, TN
• Ridge High School | Basking Ridge, NJ
• Rio Rancho High School | Rio Rancho, NM
• Ronald Regan High School | San Antonio, TX
• Rutland High School | Macon, GA
• San Clemente High School | San Clemente, CA
• Woodside High School | Newport News, VA

Spirit of Sportsmanship

• Ardrey Kell High School | Charlotte, NC
• Bishop Gorman Catholic School | Tyler, TX
• Christian Academy School | Sidney, OH
• Costa Mesa High School | Costa Mesa, CA
• Countryside High School | Clearwater, FL
• East Noble High School | Kendallville, IN
• Eden Prairie High School | Eden Prairie, MN
• Fayetteville High School | Fayetteville, TN
• Glencoe High School | Glencoe, AL
• White Oak High School | Jacksonville, NC

Spirit of St. Jude

• Cherokee County | Canton, GA
• John Glenn High School | New Concord, OH
• Lawrence Free State High School | Lawrence, KS
• Lee Davis High School | Mechanicsville, VA
• Los Alamitos High School | Los Alamitos, CA
• Magnolia Heights | Senatobia, MS
• Mayfield High School | Mayfield Village, OH
• Oak Ridge High School | Conroe, TX
• Strongsville High School | Strongsville, OH
• Union High School | Union, NJ

Staff Member

• Dee Lewis – Winona Independent School District | Big Sandy, TX
• Dotteanna Garlington – Anacosta High School | Camp Springs, MD
• Doug Borden – East Providence High School | East Providence, RI
• Emily Stecher – Rutland High School | Macon, GA
• John Peter Byrne – Eagle Pass High School | Eagle Pass, TX
• Jolynne Ward – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
• Kathi Flynn – Ridgeview High School | Orange Park, FL
• Kevin Simonds – Carlsbad High School | Carlsbad, CA
• Mike Gowan – Palmetto High School | Williamston, SC
• Tammy Bice – Liberty High School | Liberty, SC

Student

• Andrea Sanchez – Beech High School | Hendersonville, TN
• Ava Andrews – Carlsbad High School | Carlsbad, CA
• Brandon Cominsky – Christopher Columbus High School | Miami, FL
• Bryan Walker – South Forsyth High School | Cumming, GA
• Camie Black – Klein High School | Tomball, TX
• Caroline Sims – Glencoe High School | Glencoe, AL
• Claire Meeks – Magnolia Heights School | Senatobia, MS
• Delaney Barghols – Crossings Christian Academy | Oklahoma City, OK
• Fallon Jones – Naples High School | Naples, FL
• Garrett Lynch – Lake Hamilton School | Hot Springs, AR
• Hannah Clemons – West Limestone High School | Lester, AL
• Isaac Ngatuvai – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
• Jaanai Scott – Atlantic Technical High School | Coconut Creek, FL
• Jadyn Doss – Tivy High School | Kerrville, TX
• Jake Zeyher – Wilton High School | Wilton, CT
• Joscelin Zapoli – Huntsville High School | Huntsville, TX
• Kennedy Strickler – Page County High School | Stanley, VA
• Melody Byron – Lake View High School | Chicago, IL
• Mikayla Mellis – Dulaney High School | Lutherville–Timonium, MD
• Natalie Roberts – Palm Harbor University High School | Palm Harbor, FL

Student Government

• Airport High School | West Columbia, SC
• Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
• Carlsbad High School | Carlsbad, CA
• Colquitt County High School | Moultrie, GA
• Holmes County High School | Bonifay, FL
• Kahuku High and Intermediate School | Kahuku, HI
• L’Anse Creuse High School – North | Macomb, MI
• Montwood High School | El Paso, TX

Superintendent

• Brian Hightower – Cherokee County School District | Canton, GA
• Frank Molinar – Brewer High School | Fort Worth, TX
• Jerry Gibson – Marshall Independent School District | Harrison, TX
• Joseph Venditti – Franklin Towne Charter High School | Philadelphia, PA
• Rick Foreman – Trenton High School | Trenton, TX
• Rolland Abraham – Winchester Community High School | Winchester, IN

Teacher

• Brad Frilot – South Forsyth High School | Peach Tree, GA
• Jeffrey Riccitelli – Carlsbad High School | Carlsbad, CA
• Jennifer Greer – Vestavia Hills High School | Vestavia Hills, AL
• Jonathan Doughtery – Franklin Towne Charter High School | Philadelphia, PA
• Julie Smiley – Winchester Community High School | Winchester, IN
• Kate Strickland – Lawton Chiles High School | Tallahassee, FL
• Lindsey Esposito – Woodmont High School | Piedmont, SC
• Logan Rebstock – Haywood High School | Brownsville, TN
• Matt Macfarlane – Templeton High School | Templeton, CA
• Matt Walker – Bingham High School | South Jordan, UT
• Rosa Hough – L’Anse Creuse High School – North | Macomb, MI
• Teresa Scribner – Cleveland STEM High School | Seattle, WA
• Tyler Kunick – Muskego High School | Muskego, WI
• Veronica Christian – Rutland High School | Macon, GA

Team Manager

• Ellie Quinn – Davidson Academy | Nashille, TN
• Josie Petree – Canton High School | Canton, TX
• Mikayla Mellis – Dulaney High School | Lutherville–Timonium, MD
• Nicholas Stahrr – Lancaster Central High School | Lancaster, NY
• Peyton Sheppherd – Westminster Christian Academy | Huntsville, AL
• William Johnson – Anderson County High School | Clinton, TN

Yearbook

• Academy of Sacred Heart | New Orleans, LA
• Danville Community High School | Danville, IN
• East Rowan High School | Salisbury, NC
• Lakeshore High School | Mandeville, LA
• Melbourne High School | West Melbourne, FL
• Robbinsville High School | Robbinsville, NC
• Sparkman High School | Harvest, AL
• Winchester Community High School | Winchester, IN

To learn more about Varsity Brands and its School Spirit Awards, please visit varsitybrands.com.

The post Varsity Brands names finalists in 2020 School Spirit Awards appeared first on Coach and Athletic Director.

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