The Danville boys basketball team was selected the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.
Courtesy of Harvest Moon Photo
It's the most important time of the season, says
Danville (Ind.) boys basketball coach Brian Barber.
"The team that improves the most in February wins championships in March," he said.
Luke Callahan, Danville
Courtesy of Harvest Moon Photo
And Barber's team plans to win multiple titles.
"As many championships as possible," he said.
The Warriors appear well on their way, off to a 14-3 start, thanks to a well-balanced group that includes four seniors, six juniors, a sophomore and two freshmen.
For their balance, chemistry, depth and overall defense, Danville is the MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana National Guard.
Barber has been at the helm since 1999 and his teams have been a model of consistency. Since 2005, the Warriors have had just one losing seasons, having gone 17-9, 12-9, 18-6, 17-5, 25-2, 19-5, 11-12, 18-6 and 17-5 before this year.
The Warriors have won five of their last six with the help of top two scorers
Luke Callahan (14.6 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game) and
Ryan Cloncs (13.2, 5.7).
"Luke leads by example and his sheer presence," Barber said. "He's versatile in the he rebounds, defends, blocks shots, is a good passer and can shoot both inside and outside.
"Ryan is a very intelligent player who can see things happening ahead of most players. He rebounds, takes charges, is an excellent passer and can score both inside and outside."
Sounds like a familiar theme with the Warriors.
Other capable scorers are
Jake Elliott (8.6 ppg), freshman
Austin Cowart (5.3 ppg) and
Jayson Stone (5.2 ppg).
The Warriors average 18.3 assists per game and shoots 46 percent from the field. Elliott is one of the state leaders while averaging 6.2 assists per game.
Ryan Cloncs, Danville
Courtesy of Harvest Moon Photo
The team's ability to pass effectively and share the wealth is a big reason why the chemistry is so strong.
"I feel like our team has improved in all facets of the game," Barber said.
That has helped make 2014-15 so enjoyable so far. Barber said how the players mesh is a big reason why he enjoys coaching overall.
"The thing I enjoy the most about coaching is the relationships," he said. "From players to coaches to everyone involved."
The team has shown a strong bounce-back quality as well. After opening the year with an 81-29 win over visiting South Putnam and 33-point at Rockville, it lost at Mooresville.
The Warriors responded with a season-high seven-game win streak, before a loss to Brownsburg. They responded with four straight wins, before a decisive loss at home to the state's No. 23 team McCutcheon.
Once again, Danville bounced back with a 57-51 win at Frankfort. It hosts
Avon this week and has two more home games next week against
Fall Creek Academy (Indianapolis) and
Crawfordsville.
Balance, chemistry, depth and overall defense has led Danville to a 14-3 start.
Courtesy of Harvest Moon Photo
