Macke looks for stronger finish in his second season at AG
Rob Burchianti | 蘑菇视频
Albert Gallatin won six out of its first eight games last season, including a 2-1 start in section play, but Colonials head coach Spencer Macke is looking for a stronger finish this year in his second season at the helm.
Albert Gallatin defeated Penn-Trafford, who qualified for the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, in its first meeting, but couldn’t duplicate that success in the second game.
Macke put the Colonials’ struggles in the second half of the season on himself.
“I point the finger back at myself,” Macke said. “We were in a good place over the Christmas break, and I might have given them too much of a break. I depended on them to push themselves on their own, but it is hard to find a team that can do that in high school. We weren’t in shape or as connected when we got back from break.”
Macke is eager to see how his team progresses from Year 1 to Year 2 after having a full offseason to work with his players.
“After dealing with everything from last year, I understand a little bit better of what I need to be doing for these guys,” Macke said. “Getting in the gym five days a week was my priority, and I believe I went about it a much-better way this year.
“I also wanted them to get in the weight room four days a week. We worked on their game as individuals and are running it like a high-level program.”
Albert Gallatin will compete in Section 1-5A with Franklin Regional, Gateway, Laurel Highlands, Latrobe, McKeesport, Penn-Trafford and Uniontown.
The Red Raiders are the defending section champions, but have four new starters this season, although Macke doesn’t want the Colonials to take anything for granted.
“It will be a good section this year,” Macke said. “It will be more competitive than last year in terms of one team taking control and cruising to the title. There are solid players with real good programs and coaches. Gateway and McKeesport have new coaches, and Latrobe and Penn-Trafford have solid players coming back.
“However, you can’t sleep on Uniontown. They may have lost some of their big guns from last season, but I know Coach (Rob) Kezmarsky will have his guys ready to go.”
Albert Gallatin lost three seniors to graduation in Zavier Rice, JJ Rice and Shymere Wilson.
The Colonials have four seniors this year in Talysian Guesman, Ethan Kennedy, Adam Pegg and Jason Perrine.
Mekhi Belt, Darrin Ford, Chase Goletz and Elliot Sines should also be contributors on offense and defense.
Macke has been working with his team to improve their basketball IQ and strength through weight training. He is pleased with the progress his team has shown on defense. Macke believes there is potential for multiple players to be able to score 20 to 25 points on any given night.
“We have talked a lot about putting egos aside and being unselfish,” Macke said. “I believe we have three, maybe four guys who can lead us in scoring on any night, but the No. 1 priority is winning.”
Macke wants his team to run an uptempo offense, but also be able to slow the pace depending on how each game unfolds.