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On the Championship-Defining Moment

When asked if there was a single moment during the tournament run where he knew his team had what it took to win it all, Coach Ryan Bleiker points to a specific timeout late in the state championship game. "We were in a dogfight, and the other team had just hit a big three to cut our lead. The atmosphere in the Kohl Center was electric. I called a timeout, and as I walked over to the huddle, I was ready to deliver a fiery speech. But before I could say a word, I saw our senior point guard already talking to the other four guys, completely calm, telling them exactly what needed to be done on the next defensive possession. There was no panic, no fear—just pure focus and trust. In that instant, I knew. They didn't need me; they had each other. That's when you know your team is truly special." 🏆

Building a championship roster involves more than just the starting five. Coach Bleiker explains his philosophy on keeping every player invested. "We work hard to redefine what a 'valuable contribution' is. We celebrate the 'energy guy' on the bench who brings life to every practice. We praise the scout team player who masters the other team's offense and gives our starters a tough look all week. We have stats for taking charges and getting deflections, and we celebrate those hustle plays just as much as a 20-point performance. When every player on the roster understands that their specific role, no matter how small it seems to outsiders, is critical to our success, you create a powerful, selfless culture. The championship trophy belongs to all fifteen of them equally because we wouldn't have it without any one of them."

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On Keeping the Entire Roster EngagedSEO Keywords

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