Matt Busch wasn’t hesitant to make some waves upon his appointment as the new head coach for Watson Chapel (1-0), and he’s encouraged by improvement he feels is already evident.
“It’s been good,” said Busch of the transition. “We’ve come in and changed some things up; kind of a new defensive and offensive philosophy but it’s went pretty smoothly. We’ve got a lot of kids out this year, looking forward to getting started.”
The Wildcats have one returning starter from last season, junior JoviOne Bailey, but Busch assured that no one player will bear the burden of carrying the team. Team speed is the name of the game now, and aggressiveness is Watson Chapel’s new focus.
“We’re gonna just try to be up-tempo,” Busch said. “Defend the basketball full-court, just try to turn other people over, and play as fast as possible.”
Busch is aware of the level of hype surrounding Watson Chapel’s rivalry games, and says he and the Wildcats anticipate the challenge and the opportunity to be in the spotlight.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“We’re always looking forward to playing the Pine Bluff game,” Busch said. “White Hall’s a big game for Watson Chapel in our conference. … Sylvan Hills and (senior shooting guard and Kentucky commit) Archie Goodwin; it’s always fun for the kids to play an athlete of that caliber. I don’t remember the last time 5A had an athlete that strong, if ever. We’re looking forward to getting our crack at him.”
As far as 5A-Southeast Conference play is concerned, Busch believes the champion paves its way to larger successes on the state level.
“Our team goal is to make the state tournament; that’s the single goal we have right now,” Busch said. “We know if we can get there, anything can happen.
“Our conference is always prepared and well-coached. If you can get into the state tournament
out of our conference, you got a chance to proceed a long way.”