Proof positive: Bulldogs reap rewards from tough non-district slate

Some teams will fatten up their win column with an easy early schedule, while others sprinkle in occasional tough opponents.

McKinney North boys soccer head coach Tommy Sills takes a different approach.

"We played such a tough pre-district that I knew the kids would come around, and it just took some time," he said. "Playing the really good teams made us a lot better and they started seeing that and got some confidence and that's why we're playing real well right now."

Sills loaded up the Bulldogs' non-district slate with stiff competition, including traditional powerhouses such as Wichita Falls Rider. The strategy has worked.

"I've had a lot of experience with that," Sills said. "I came from Coppell and we always did that and that's just been my philosophy. What it's done is it's also trickled down to my JV teams who played hard pre-district teams, but are now winning a lot of their district matchups, which will only help our varsity program in the future."

Although North posted a dismal 3-7 mark in its first 10 games, it was par for the course given Sill's strategy. It wasn't empty early wins Sills wanted, it was improvement.

The Bulldogs got just that as they are 4-1 in District 17-4A.

"It's just patience," Sills said. "Our players knew they had to look at it constructively rather than in a negative manner. We hung with some of the best teams in the state and the kids saw their potential in those games. We have really been meshing well."

North's only district loss is to Prosper, the 17-4A leader with a 5-0 mark.

"Our goal is to finish no worse than second place, but we know our main goal to win district can still happen," Sills said. "We have to beat Prosper by three goals to win district."

North travels to Prosper on March 19. The Bulldogs next face Sherman, hosting the Bearcats at 7:15 p.m. Friday.

Leading to North's resurgence in district is a wealth of talent in various positions.

"We've performed well in several areas," Sills said. "Our midfield and the defense have really learned how to push up and create counterattacks to the other team."

Among the key players is senior defender Johnson Jones.

"Our stronghold is Johnson," Sills said. "He runs about a 4.3 40. Any time they get a counterattack against us, he just comes out of nowhere and takes the ball from them. He's done a great job defensively."

Junior defender Sean Martineau's versatility has also given North a lot to work with at various points in a game.

"Sean is basically the dealer from the defensive end," Sills said. "He plays outside back for us and he has midfield skills. He's created a lot of attacks for us."

One of the Bulldogs' top scorers this season has been senior forward Morgan Dizney.

"Morgan is up to 20 assists this season," Sills said. "And he has about 10 goals to go with that. He's a key contributor for us."

North has also received crucial play from senior midfielder Justin Adler.

"Justin is our strength in the middle," Sills said. "He's a very smart player. He brings a lot to his position."

As the Bulldogs prepare for the final three games of the regular season, Sills said he's most thankful for how coachable his team has been.

"The most important part is these kids are so much fun to be around, it makes it easy for me as a coach," he said. "They're a great group of kids who are so receptive to what I ask them to do. They're a joy to coach."

Current Rating: 0 of 0 votes!

Rate File: Select Rating: * ** *** ****

 Plano Apartments
 Plano Attorneys
 Plano Auto Dealers
 Plano Auto Parts
 Plano Auto Repair
 Plano Beauty Salons
 Plano Car Rental
 Plano Dentists
 Plano Doctors
 Plano Flowers
 Plano Hotels
 Plano Insurance
 Plano Loans
 Plano Mortgages
 Plano Movers
 Plano Pizza
 Plano Realtors
 Plano Restaurants
 Plano Storage
 Plano Tax Preparation
 Plano Travel
 Featured
 More...