2011-2012 Crusader Basketball

Thursday, January 12, vs. California (California Tourney)

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:48:25 GMT

Four in a row for Helias! The Crusaders used a dominating opening 12 minutes to capture a 59-47 victory over the host school Pintos in semi-final action of the traditional tournament. Senior Josh Smith, who is riding a hot streak, led the ‘Saders with 25 points. Deion Hughes chipped in with 14 points, 7 rebounds. Hale Hentges tied for rebounding honors with 7 of his own. Helias will play Southern Boone in the finals as they upset Class 4 State Ranked Mexico 54-50 in the other semi-final contest. The Crusaders are now 8-4.

Tuesday, January 10th, vs. Fulton (California Tourney)

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:47:15 GMT

Helias ripped Fulton 64-32 in the first round of the 75^th Annual California Tourney. All 10 Crusaders saw significant action in the victory. Deion Hughes had a huge 12 minute span to help lead the Crusaders. He ended the night with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Freshman Hale Hentges had a career night, totaling 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 blocks. The Crusaders are back in action Thursday night when they take on the host school in semi-final action. Game time is set for 7:30 pm. Helias, winners of 3 straight, are now 7-4 on the year.

Saturday, January 7th, vs. Chaminade (Cardinal Ritter Classic)

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:46:27 GMT

Helias took on the Perennial Class 5 Power Red Devils of Chaminade today in a great venue at Cardinal Ritter H.S. The Crusaders came away with a huge win in overtime by the score of 56-49. Leading all scorers again was Josh Smith with 23. Josh carried the Crusaders in overtime scoring 9 of the team’s 12 points in a 4 minutes span. “We stubbed our toe a bit in the 4^th quarter after controlling the game for the first 3 quarters. Thankfully, we found a way to get it in to overtime, and really dominated the extra period. Our guys were excited to get this one” said Coach Buff. Helias travels to California next week as a 2 seed in their tournament. The Crusaders are now 6-4 on the season.

Friday, January 6th, vs. St. Dominic (Away)

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:45:47 GMT

The ‘Saders traveled to O’Fallon, MO to take on the Crusaders of St. Dominic. It was a great night on the court as Helias handled St. Dom by the score of 54-26. Josh Smith sizzled the nets with 6 three point baskets. Smith totaled 18 points on the night. “Josh really set the tone for us. He has really gone through an uncharacteristic shooting slump as of late, but he has never quit working, or quit shooting” said Coach Buff. “He can really carry us when he is hot.” Helias had 21 assists on the night, with 9 players scoring. The Crusaders move to 5-4.

Wednesday – Friday, December 28-30th, Kehoe Great 8 Christmas Tourney (JCHS)

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:45:08 GMT

Helias vs. Blair Oaks - The Crusaders ended the 4^th Quarter on a 12-2 spurt to finish off the Undefeated Blair Oaks Falcons 46-36 in the 1^st Round of the Kehoe Classic. All 2500 plus in attendance would have to agree this was a great game to be a part of. “This was the most physical game we’ve played in to this point. Emotions were running high for 32 Minutes and I felt our guys did a great job at feeding off their emotions in a positive way. Our guys will remember this atmosphere for quite some time. It was a solid win for our program” stated Coach Buff. Deion Hughes led Helias Catholic with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Seniors Josh Smith and Aaron Vossen ended the night with 10 points respectively. Helias moves to 4-2 on the year.

Helias vs. Rockbridge – Helias falls to Columbia Rockbridge 74-38 in 2^nd Round Action at Flemming Fieldhouse. “Things just snowballed on us tonight. Our kids understand they just weren’t in the right mindset to compete with a high level team like Rockbridge tonight. We need to learn from it, move on, and respond tomorrow night against another very talented team” said Coach Buff. Senior Josh Smith and Freshman Hale Hentges tied for scoring honors on the evening with 8 points apiece. The Crusaders fall to 4-3 on the season.

Helias vs. Fayetteville, Arkansas – The Crusaders battled to the end but fell short to Fayetteville 44-38 in the 3^rd Place Game of the Kehoe Classic. “Our players showed a great amount of integrity tonight coming off what may have been one of the tougher losses of their career at Helias.” I’m very proud of the fight they showed, and although we came out on the losing end, we took a step forward tonight. This one could jumpstart us to putting together a nice run” stated Coach Buff. Deion Hughes led the Crusaders in scoring with 11. Tied for rebounding honors were Deion Hughes and Hale Hentges with 7 each. Helias falls to 4-4 on the season.

Friday, December 16th , vs. Branson (Home)

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:44:13 GMT

The Crusaders beat the Branson Pirates 50-29 in a tremendous defensive effort Friday night at Rackers Fieldhouse. “Our guys did a great job of responding to a tough loss in a game they wanted extremely bad. I was proud of our defensive intensity tonight as a team, both physically and mentally” said Coach Buff. Senior Deion Hughes led the way again with 16 points and 7 rebounds. The Crusaders are back in action for the Mike Kehoe Great 8 Classic held at Jefferson City High School December 28-30. Their first round match-up will be a treat for fans, as Helias takes on Blair Oaks at 7 pm. The ‘Saders jump to 3-2 on the season.

California Tourney

bbalk — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:26:07 GMT

Saders Fall Short in Defensive Battle

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:20:47 GMT

Thursday, December 8th vs. St. Francis Borgia

The Crusaders came up short in a Defensive Battle to the Knights of St. Francis Borgia, 32-25. Borgia is currently ranked 4^th in Missouri, Class 4. “We had our chances to extend the lead. Our guys really executed the gameplan perfectly on both ends. We just could not get that big shot to go down.” Stated Coach Buff. “We need to dig down and realize that our defense must stay consistent through scoring droughts. Shooting is a strength of this team and our guys will come out with confidence next Friday night.” Senior Deion Hughes led the Crusaders once again with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Hale Hentges tallied 7 rebounds on the night. Helias is back in action at Rackers Fieldhouse Friday, December 16^th. JV tipoff is at 6:00 pm.

Crusaders Fall Behind Early in Loss

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:47:03 GMT

Saturday, December 3^rd, vs. Marshfield (Buffalo Tourney)

Helias falls to Marsfield 53-45 in the Championship of the Buffalo Tournament. “We were playing ‘catch up’ the entire game.” Marshfield jumped out to an early 13-2 lead. Two timeouts later, the Crusaders showed up. “It would have been easy to tank it, but our guys showed a lot of fight, that is definitely a positive. We know what we need to fix and realize that we have some weaknesses that were exposed a bit tonight. I’m confident in our team and player leadership and know we will bounce back,” states Coach Buff. Deion Hughes had another big night in the losing effort with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Named to the All-Tournament Team for Helias were Seniors Deion Hughes and Josh Smith.

Crusaders Advance to Title Game

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:45:42 GMT

Friday, December 2^nd, vs. Warrensburg (Buffalo Tourney)

The Crusaders advance to the Title Game of the Buffalo Tourney with a 50-42 win over the Tigers of Warrensburg. “This was a hard fought battle and I am proud of the way our team battled through some early ‘on the court’ adversity. We were mentally tough tonight and beat a very solid team in Warrensburg,” stated Coach Buff. Once again, Helias was led by two seniors, Deion Hughes and Josh Smith. Deion ended the night with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Josh Smith compiled 14 points and 3 assists, along with a 10-10 performance at the charity stripe. Marshfield will be the Crusader’s opponent in the Championship Game Saturday night at 6 pm.

Crusaders Blister Buffalo

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:44:29 GMT

Tuesday, November 29^th, vs. Buffalo (Buffalo Tourney)

The Crusaders opened the season in fashion by blistering the Bisons of Buffalo, 69-28. Josh Smith led the scoring attack with 22 points, including knocking down 4 from long range. Josh also added 3 assists. Deion Hughes put together a monster game on the stat sheet as he finished the night with 19 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. Hale Hentges and Aaron Vossen also contributed with 9 and 8 points respectively. The Crusaders will take on Warrensburg in the semi-finals Friday night at 5:30 pm.

Archived: 2010-2011 Preaseason Outlook/Coaching Bios

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:51:59 GMT

Archived: 2010-2011 Post Game Articles

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:50:25 GMT

Crusader Basketball Handbook

brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:47:25 GMT

Off-Court

Grades - "Student" Athletes - Our goal for our Team G.P.A. this year is to be above 3.5.

Respect teachers
- Don't embarrass yourself, don't embarrass your school, don't embarrass the program

Drugs and alcohol - Our basketball team is a family... if out, use each other as support. If you see someone in a position they shouldn't be in, DO SOMETHING about it. Don't let a teammate hurt themselves or the team.

1^st Offense - 20% suspension (5 Games) + Extra Conditioning

2^nd Offense - 40% suspension (10 Games) or Dismissal from Team

Pre-Season

Cut Policy - We do have a cut policy here at Helias. It is impossible for us to field a basketball team of 35 kids. We will keep 16-18 this year (grades 10-12). My least favorite thing to do as a coach is cut a player but it has to be done because of 1. lack of uniforms, 2. lack of bench space, and 3. lack of skill

Grades, Citizenship, Work ethic, Dedication to team, Respect (Other than skill, these are a few credentials that go along with being a Helias Crusader).

Closed Practice Sessions

The gym doors will be closed during our practice sessions. Normal practice time will run from 3:15 until 5:30 pm. This rule is in place so we can simply cut down on distractions and get done what we need to get done.

Pre-Game

Be there - be at practice. If not, someone takes your spot. If hurt and can't practice, someone takes your spot. We are a team, and if one man is down, we have to keep moving forward. If hurt, be at practice, watching from the sidelines... picking up execution on defense and offense and supporting teammates.

Early is on time - if practice starts at 3:15 p.m. after school, you are expected to be in the gym, dressed and ready to go by 3:10. You don't show up for an interview on-time. You show up early. Practice is your interview for the team... every day.

We respect the basketball floor in everything we do. We don't spit on it, we don't hit it, WE DON"T CURSE ON IT. We respect it and the people on it... whether they are from Helias or not.

Are you hurt... or are you injured? - You WILL have nicks, scrapes, and pains during this basketball season. You are expected to play with such pains. If you are injured, let's take care of it. (Sprained Ankle rule/Ice bucket, tape it up tight)...Our trainer will be very aggressive, as will I, in getting our athletes back on the court as soon as possible. We will not do anything that will prolong the injury or make it worse.

Dress in full practice apparel. We don't bring attention to ourselves... we play as a team, we dress as a team...Team Shoes will all be the same... Haircuts - Off the ears, out of the eyes (Coach's Discretion).

Dress the way you play - we will demonstrate class and respect... and be all business off the floor and on the floor. We will prepare a game plan, and execute it. We will demonstrate class before we step on the floor in our appearance. (Ties, dress pants, button down shirts.) We will also leave the same way we came... with class.

During the game

Being on a high school basketball team is a privilege... not a right. I can play FIVE players at a time. It is not my job to please parents or players with playing time. This is not a sport or a team that is about equal playing time. As a coaching staff, we will put the best product at that time on the floor. A lot goes into "earning playing time" (talent, position, work ethic, practice, production, attitude, team unity, mental toughness, etc.).

We will demonstrate class on the floor. We will maintain composure (whether we're up 20 or down 20)... and maybe even get that pivotal call late in the game. Officials are human too.

Stand and support - EVERYTIME a player substitutes out of the game, the entire bench will stand and applaud that player. If you aren't standing and supporting, you are clearly not tuned in... or clearly not offering your support.

EVERY player has a role. To be on a varsity bench is a privilege... not a right. If you are one of those twelve players, you have a direct part in performance... whether it's on the court, or supporting and being a motivating force on the sidelines.

I do not substitute for mistakes. I do however substitute for lack of effort or focus. If you make the same mistake over and over again, you should probably improve your skills/focus in order to be on a varsity floor.

Recognize the pass - We ALWAYS point to the man that gives you the assist. If you score, chances are you received a pass to do it.

Recognize the charge - The best play in basketball... you create a turnover, the other team's best player is one foul closer to fouling out, and we create momentum. The entire bench will STAND and recognize the best play in basketball. Someone gives up his body for the team, we get out of our chairs and show respect.

Players, DO NOT dispute an official. If you do, whether by words OR body language, you are demonstrating that you have lost focus.

Players will not receive a TECHNICAL. If you do, you will be supporting your teammates from the sidelines. The coaching staff will make an executive decision on how long you sit. It could be 1, 2, 3, or 4 quarters depending on the severity of the technical. (There are a few exceptions to this rule - 1. Intentional foul 2. Hanging on the rim, etc.) In 10 years of coaching, I have had 2 players receive a "well deserving" technical foul for disputing an official in competition. They both sat the remainder of the game.

Huddle - we quickly huddle before every first free throw attempt. Here, you will be instructed by the point guard on what defensive or offensive set to execute the next possession. In order to do this, all five players must sprint to the foul line or paint to receive the set.

Timeouts - Timeouts provide a coach time to instruct the team. Everyone is huddled around the coach and the five people in the game. ALL EYES are on the coach giving instructions. If eyes wander to mom and dad, girlfriend, (etc.) this shows a lack of focus.

Parents during the game

Encourage your team! ("Be a good teammate")
- Let officials officiate
- Let players play
- Let coaches coach
- Show Class in the Stands

Be there! - It means the world to your son and our staff. We appreciate your support and will not have a successful season without it.

Post-Game

We arrive as a team... we will leave as a team. It's important to travel as a team to and from games... after wins AND losses, after playing 32 minutes or none.

If there is an emergency and your son needs to ride home directly with you, the parent, alert me in person. An emergency is certainly an extenuating circumstance in which your son may ride home from a game with you.

Leave the way you came - Just because the game is over doesn't mean we stop practicing our philosophy of class and respect. We will leave the same way we came... in a tie, dress pants, and a button-down shirt or travel gear.

Straight to the locker room - At halftime, we SPRINT to the locker room. It's awful to watch a team leave the floor dejected at the half, and "lumber" into the locker room. We do not lose motivation, we do not lose intensity, we do not give up. We simply get better. Immediately after the game, we do not stop and talk to the papers, to parents, or friends. We address "family' business in the locker room first.

Parents Post-Game

Please do not approach me with a concern after a game (win or loss). Please use the proper chain of command (Player, A.D., Coach). Our administration can then set up a meeting with all involved (Coach, Player, Parent) at the appropriate time, and I will be in a much better position to field your concern.

Contact Information

Josh Buffington (Head Coach) 573-635-6139 - jbuffington@heliashighschool.com

Joe Rothweiler (Head Varsity Assistant) - jrothweiler@stpeterjc.org

Brad Dempsey (Head JV) - brad.dempsey@cathedralschooljc.com

Antonio Sykes (Head Freshman) - asykes@mail.crmc.org

Doug Light (Athletic Director) 573-635-6139 - dlight@heliascatholic.com

Practice Schedule and Bus Schedule are posted on Helias Basketball Website.

Thanks for your support. We are looking forward to a great season!

Coach Buffington and Staff