Coach Nick Irvin Emphasizes Energy in Win
Winning a state semi-final without @PrepHoopsIL #1 Ayo Dosunmu sounds like an insurmountable task. But Friday Morgan Park eliminated a senior-laden Springfield Lanphier squad, 60-53.
The story of the game was Ayo’s absence. Dosunmu played just the first four minutes before sustaining a left ankle injury.
“I just want to say, when Ayo went down these guys could have quit,” said Morgan Park Head Coach Nick Irvin. “These guys could have surrendered.”
The defense and rebounding was consistent throughout. The Mustangs did need Lenell Henry’s scoring early to defray Dosunmu’s absence, but the team performed in his absence.
“I have said it all year…we are more than one player,” said Coach Irvin. “We are a team. And we showed that today. We battled for him.”
Ayo Dosunmu’s status was not made clear in the postgame interview.
“If I had to pick he will suit up,” said Head Coach Irvin.
Asked if he will undergo x-rays, Coach Irvin responded, “Yes there will be x-rays. He hurt.”
“I don’t know if Ayo can play, but if Ayo can play for two minutes Ayo will play.”
Coach Irvin suggested there may be a broken bone in Ayo’s heel. He is having x-rays Friday evening.
Once Ayo’s return became doubtful, freshman Marcus Watson found his role enlarged. In just his fourth career high school game, Watson provided nine points, six assists, four steals, and six turnovers.
“He can takes his bumps and bruises in this game, but in the next game he will be fine,” said Coach Irvin. “I knew he would make a few mistakes. I throw him up against anybody any time, any place.”
Watson struggled with full-court pressure early, but actually flipped to a threat in the final half. He has a deft left-hand passing arm. He made 5-8 free throws and collected an important offensive rebound in the fourth quarter.
The outside shooting was solid for Morgan Park. They cautiously attempted just 11 three-pointers, but made their few offerings count.
“I have two good shooters,” said Coach Irvin. “They both like to take the big shot. If (Cam Irvin, Nimari Burnett) are both on I don’t think anybody can beat us.”
What kind of motivation does Coach Irvin intend to utilize for the Saturday final?
“I ain’t gotta talk to them,” said Coach Irvin. “I ain’t gotta say nothing. I just Once the ball goes up tomorrow I just gotta run up and down the sidelines.”
Towards the end of the press-conference Coach Irvin addressed his style of coaching.
“I am the most energetic coach in the world,” said Coach Irvin. “If I sit down, people would say, ‘Are you ok?'”