Coach's Corner: Q&A with Eastside's Tom Chamness

Eastside High, boasting a 14-1 record (1-0 in the region), faces the No. 2 team in the state tonight. 

Q:What problems do Southside's quickness create when you're crafting a game plan them? 

A: "Southside is a very athletic team that uses speed and quickness to their advantage. They use several different pressure defenses to try and create turnovers. Defensively, I've seen them use a 2-2-1 full court and half court, man-to-man full court press and a run and jump option off of their half court man-to-man. They will push the ball down the floor and make you get back on defense or they will score layups. We have studied some tape on them, and we will make sure our kids are aware of the different looks they will see.  We will work this week in practice against the 2-2-1 and emphasize the importance of getting back on defense."

Q:What advantages might your squad have over Southside's? 

A: "I think our advantages would be size and depth. I don't think they have anyone over 6 foot 3, and we have three guys over 6 foot 5. We have been playing eight to nine guys every game, and from a conditioning standpoint, that gives us an advantage. We are pretty even everywhere else."

Q: Tell us about the maturation of sophomore Keil Sherman?

A: "Keil has played very well. He is second on the team as far as points are concerned, and he also brings vocal leadership. That is huge, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Most people think of Davaris (Mcgowens) as a scorer, and he leads us in points. Keil is not that far behind, but he also leads us in rebounds and assists. In those two categories, it's not even close. I think the biggest surprize might be the play of the other two sophmores though. Nigel Owens and Wesley Johnson have both provided solid minutes, and have been big time contributors up to this point. They have both come off of the bench and provided quality depth for our team.  Wesley has had to step up and start the last few games and you can just see him getting more confident everyday. Nigel is just so fast and he really understands the tempo we are trying to play and he does a good job of attacking defenses. Our three sophmores Keil, Nigel, and Wesley have had a very positive effect on our team this year."