Survive and Advance

This week, my basketball team, like many in Iowa, received our post season tournament draw, which means high school tournament play is officially here. It’s definitely the most exciting time of year-especially for teams that have had successful seasons like we have. The gyms are a little more filled, excitement is higher, and every practice feels a little more meaningful. It also brings a unique kind of pressure, because it matters so much to everyone and now everyone knows what’s at stake: one loss, and the season ends.

That reality can be a real challenge at times as players, coaches, and families feel that pressure. There’s an understanding that time together could be limited, and that every game matters a little more. The desire to keep practicing, keep competing, and keep being part of the team (even as a fan of the team) is real—because teams become families, and no one wants that chapter to close. We’ve always tried to emphasize that it is an opportunity that all teams are given, and you have to earn

What’s worth remembering, though, is that this ending is universal to almost all teams in the state. Every team except the eventual state champion finishes the season with a loss. I have been a head coach for 28 previous seasons: 27 of 28 ended with a loss! In no way does that diminish the season, the work, or the growth that a team has who loses their last game. It simply means that success can’t be measured by the final score alone. Tournament time isn’t just about survival—it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself when it matters most and playing to win.

This is where preparation and mindset come in. You can’t control the bracket, the officials’ whistle, or the opponent. You can control how you prepare, how you respond, and how you move to the next play. The teams that handle tournament pressure best aren’t perfect—they’re poised, and they focus on what’s right in front of them-one possession, one decision, one play at a time.

Tournament games always magnify everything. Mistakes feel bigger-momentum swings faster, and emotions run higher. That’s why “Next Play” matters more now than ever. Whether it’s a missed shot, a turnover, or a tough call, the ability to reset and refocus is what keeps teams moving forward. My teams that have been successful in tournaments have done this well-those that haven’t-not so much! Dwelling on the last play only takes energy away from the one that actually matters—the next one.

This part of the season is also a reminder to appreciate the moment. Be it the singing on bus rides, the memorable practices, the shared laughs, or the times waiting for the game ahead of us to get done-are things players and families often miss most once the season is over. So these are meaningful days, regardless of how the bracket unfolds and why you don’t want to have any regrets

Tournament time is a test, but it’s also an opportunity—to compete, to grow, and to lean into the preparation that brought the team to this point. It’s a great reminder for players, coaches, and even families: stay in the present-trust the work that has been put in-and focus on the next play.

However long the journey lasts for your team, make sure it reflects who you are as a person and how you want it to be remembered—by how you and your team prepared, how everyone responded, and how everyone stayed together when the pressure was at its highest. Best of luck to everyone as your teams begin tournament play and have a great week!

Coach K