By Jeff Odom
Wesley Chapel boys basketball coach Doug Greseth admits he was “pleasantly surprised” at his team’s performance last season.
The Wildcats (10-2) enjoyed their best year since 2003, a state final four season, winning 24 games and compiling an undefeated record on their home court. However, one thing eluded the team — a district championship.
Despite a Class 5A-District 8 best 13-1 record against league teams, Wesley Chapel couldn’t win the biggest game, losing in the finals to Hudson for the team’s only district loss. The season was abruptly ended one week later, falling at Nature Coast Tech in the regional quarterfinals.
“I did not really think we would win 24 games being as successful as we were,” said Greseth, who is entering his 10th season at the helm. “We really had good chemistry last year, had kids who worked hard, and I thought we improved a lot. … We had a real good bunch.”
This year’s group of players is making sure the program’s first district title since 2006 is No. 1 on the list of goals, but the Wildcats know it will take a lot more than talk to get them there.
Led by 1,500-point scorer Erik Thomas (32.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, 3.9 steals, 2.8 steals), guard Brian Rodriguez (9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.8 steals) and guard Carson Emery (8.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 2.3 steals), Wesley Chapel has carried over last season’s dominance of the regular season district standings with the hopes of pushing that success into the postseason.
“We’re looking forward to better things,” said Rodriguez, a junior. “We can’t end it where we did last year; we want more. You don’t want to settle. So, we always work hard and expect the team to work hard.”
Along with a fast-paced style of offense, Greseth has been focused on making sure his team plays tight defense. In practice, he challenges his players to scrimmages and takes a hands-on approach to guide them in the right direction, if they’re out of line.
“One of my philosophies is that I want guys to play hard, want to play good, solid defense and be unselfish and play together,” Greseth said. He added, “We’re getting a little bit better at it every day, and it’s kind of mindset and an unselfish thing to do for your team and that’s defense.”
Emery, a junior, said Greseth’s demeanor and play calling reminds him of NCAA Hall of Fame coach Bobby Knight, who was well known for his fiery style on and off the court.
“Coach likes to preach a lot of pressure and ball pressure like Bobby Knight,” Emery said. “(Greseth) makes us more energized, and it helps our guys run our offense off our defense and go.”
Greseth said the energy that he provides for the team can be turned into a district title and maybe more, but for now he would like to see it stay focused on each game and not look ahead.
“We’ve got to bring it every day,” Greseth said. “We’ve got to work hard every day to get better every day. We can’t take days off, we can’t take plays off. … I’m not so worried about where we’re going or anything. Right now we need to improve, not take any steps backward.”
Wesley Chapel hosts the Class 5A-District 8 tournament, with the final Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
The Wildcats play three district games the week they get back from the Winter Break. They travel to Hudson Jan. 8, before hosting Gulf Jan. 10 and Pasco Jan. 11. All games start at 7:30 p.m.
