Coach Speak Podcast

Our guest is Jason Gray, the highly successful girls’ basketball coach at Goodrich High School in Michigan. Coach Gray has a career record of 434-84 in 22 seasons at Goodrich, where he won back-to-back Class B state championships in 2012 and 2013. In this episode, Coach Gray talks about the intricacies of the Dribble Drive Motion offense and his Lock Left Man-to-Man defense, which have been staples for the Lady Martians in recent years. Also, during our Shot Clock Segment, he touches on team mottos and a couple of traits that his players tend to imitate.

Our guest is Josh Baker, the new head boys’ basketball coach at River Rouge High School. Coach Baker is best known for his time at Southfield Christian High School, where he won five state championships between 2012 and 2019, and his connection to University of Alabama head coach Nate Oats, whom he assisted both at Romulus High School and Alabama. Coach Baker covers the dynamics of his offensive philosophy and the importance of developing highly skilled players. Also, during our Shot Clock Segment, he discusses the benefits of playing football in the fall and identifies a high school basketball coach in Michigan who doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

Our guest is Heather Oesterle, the head women’s basketball coach at Central Michigan University. Coach Oesterle is 41-16 in her two seasons at the helm, winning a MAC regular-season title in 2020 and a MAC Tournament championship this past season. Previously, she served as a CMU assistant for 9 years under Sue Guevara, the same coach she played for at the University of Michigan from 1998-2002. Coach Oesterle talks about player development, the “early offense” concepts that have helped the Chippewas become one of the highest scoring programs in the country, and everything that goes into creating a scouting report. Also, in our Shot Clock Segment, she recalls her playing days at Mason High School and some television shows worthy of binge watching.

Our guest is Brian Morehouse, the head women’s basketball coach at Hope College. Coach Morehouse has a career record of 627-90, which includes 45 consecutive victories, and his teams have won 16 MIAA championships and qualified for the NCAA Division 3 national tournament 19 times – including the 2005-2006 season when the Flying Dutch captured a national title. Coach Morehouse explains how instilling a “win everything” mindset provides his players with a foundation for success. He also breaks down his program’s man-to-man defensive system that is recognized as one of the best in the country. Finally, in our Shot Clock Segment, he talks about a healthy debate with his father and the Hope-Calvin rivalry.

The hosts sit down with Leigh Ann Roehm, the head girls’ basketball coach at Saline High School. Roehm is entering her fifth season as the Hornets’ head coach after 14 years at the sub-varsity level. Since taking over, she has posted a 66-22 record to go along with two district titles and one SEC Red Division championship. Roehm lays out the core principles and culture that drive Saline’s program, along with detailing the training and actions that allow Hornet shooters to be so successful from behind the 3-point arc. Also, during our Shot Clock Segment, she addresses the shortage of female coaches at the high school level.

Our guest is Josh Pickens, the head men’s basketball coach at Lawrence Tech University. Pickens is entering his fifth season with the NAIA Blue Devils. Prior to that, he spent five years as an assistant at Ashford University (Iowa) and two more as an assistant at Midland University (Nebraska), reaching the NAIA Division 2 national tournament four times. Pickens breaks down some of the options in his Princeton-like offense and covers the principles of his program’s man-to-man defense. Also, during our Shot Clock Segment, he identifies his favorite small-college venue and his “go-to” restaurants in the Southfield area.

The hosts gain a player's perspective from Danielle Rauch, a recently-named co-captain for the University of Michigan women's basketball team. Rauch talks about all that went into her success during Michigan’s “Sweet 16” run last spring, what her keys are in various basketball situations, and her eventual pursuit of a college coaching career. Also, during our Shot Clock Segment, she explains how Coach Kim Barnes Arico has impacted her and what she admires most about her Wolverine teammates.

The hosts break it down with University of Findlay men's basketball coach Charlie Ernst, who has led one of the nation's most successful Division 2 programs for the past 10 years. He also was an assistant during the Oilers' national championship season in 2009. Ernst talks about sharing the ball on offense and using multiple defenses to avoid being predictable, including a unique baseline out-of-bounds defensive approach. Also, in our Shot Clock Segment, he shares some advice he might offer to his younger self.

The hosts converse with Lansing Catholic High School boys' coach Brian Dartt, who is recognized as one of the top basketball minds in mid-Michigan. Coach Dartt earned elite status in 2005 when he won a state championship while coaching at Olivet High School. In this episode, he talks about transition offense and the intricacies of his 3-2 half-court trapping defense. Also, during the Shot Clock Segment, he explains why seeding the regional should be at the top of the MHSAA's priority list.

The hosts sit down with Ferris State University men’s basketball coach Andy Bronkema, who just three seasons ago led the Bulldogs to a 38-1 record and an NCAA Division 2 national championship.  Bronkema explains his full-court pressure defense, what he looks for when recruiting, and how he attacks switching defenses and the icing of ball screens. He also talks about his favorite part of being a "girl dad" in our new Shot Clock Segment.