Danville junior Jordan Hinkle drives for a basket in a game vs. Holly Pond earlier this year. | Caleb Suggs

Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

Fast and Furious. To some that is just the name of a popular movie franchise. However, to the Danville Lady Hawks basketball team, it’s a style of play. “We want to control the tempo.” Danville head coach Paul Wilson said. “Whoever controls the pace controls the game, and whoever controls the game wins.” The Lady Hawks have become known for their fast style of play, a style of play that utilizes a variation of presses and one that causes complete frustration for opposing teams.

Danville’s Wilson implemented the system as a way to get all his players involved. “If we have twelve kids and only play seven, the five that don’t play are going to get discouraged, they won’t want to practice and they’ll quit.” Wilson said. “I wanted to avoid the ‘hey coach can we talk’ talk.” So to ensure that his players would get playing time in a game, Wilson developed a substitution pattern to use. “I knew that the NBA used substitution patterns, so I googled and found an article from a coach at Villanova about how to get the most players in a game.” Wilson said. “I’m a math guy and I liked figuring up how many minutes each player would get. So I decided that each player had to have at least two minutes a half.”

Wilson made his substitution pattern while he was coaching B team basketball but it was when he switched to being the head coach of a girl’s team that he developed his fast paced style of play. “One night I sat down and began researching the Grinell system (a system of basketball that relies on three point shooting, constant full-court pressure and constant subbing) and I discovered there was one for girls.” Wilson said. “So I sent off for his book and video and then I adapted what he did to fit our team.” Wilson developed a substitution pattern that put the players in groups of colors. Each player would be assigned a color and when Wilson called the color that group would sub in the game. Wilson also decided to install heavy presses. The Hawks started using what they call a 124 press in which they would imply constant double teams and pressure in an effort to force the other team to play fast and force mistakes. “We wanted to apply constant pressure. Even if they got by us and made a layup, at least they were playing fast and playing your pace.”

Installing his system didn’t come without any growing pains. In a game against county rival Priceville, Wilson saw the problems that his system could have. “We were playing Priceville and we led 42-38 at halftime but only had one defensive rebound.” Wilson said. “We ended up getting beat and I told my assistant afterwards that I still want to run the court but we can’t keep doubling the whole time.” Therefore, they made adjustments and the results have worked very well for the Lady Hawks. Wilson ditched his color format in favor of a more hands on method in which he controls the groups with a sub sheet. He also adjusted the presses they use. Normally you will find the Hawks in a diamond press because it allows them to play the fastest. Danville will also uses various traps. This system was crucial in the Lady Hawks reaching the state finals in 2011.

While the system does plenty of good, it can have drawbacks. Playing as fast as the Hawks do sometimes forces them into crucial errors, and playing as physical as they do can force them into foul trouble. Current Lady Hawk Jordan Hinkle knows that all too well. During the semi finals of the most recent county tournament, Hinkle fouled out at a crucial moment in the game when the Hawks were trying to beat the defending champions. However, the players say the pros definitely outweigh cost. “It is a lot of fun to play.” Senior guard Tara Tuck said. “We move so fast and we can score in a matter of seconds. It’s a lot better than setting up offense.”

Danville’s style of play has certainly caught the eye of many people over the years. Spectators enjoy watching it and opponents hate playing against it. “I was at a coaching clinic one time listening to a coach talk about this system and someone asked him what happens if they force you to play half court.” Wilson said. “The coach looked at him and said you’ll lose. You have force them to play your game and that’s what we try to do.” Danville will continue to play this style, while continuing to use three principles. “We want to get up and down the court fast on offense, apply constant pressure on defense and play as many players as we can.” Wilson said. “If we can do that then we’re in good shape.”