New coach, new beginning for Langley boys’ basketball team

Terrance Grate wasn’t at Langley in the past. The Mustangs endured a difficult 1-21-0 season in 2010-11, but this is Grate’s first year as coach. So, he’s looking forward.

“Because they only won one game, my emphasis is on their discipline and technique of basketball in order to attain the next level,” Grate says. “We’re going to win more than one game,” he adds. Grate has a simple analogy for a basketball team to help the boys increase self-discipline and come together as a team: a basketball team is like a working body. The coach acts as the brain and each player must act as one of the body’s parts. Perhaps with time, each part of Langley’s basketball body can develop the muscle memory needed to act independently (but consistently) with the brain.

Although Grate notes many positive qualities about his players, he is too new to name names. “I look at all players the same way,” Grate says. After all, no brain is more aware of one body part than another. The Mustangs began their season with a scrimmage against Carlynton, and it was the first time Grate had ever seen them play. Nonetheless, the Langley team is at a good starting point.

“We have lots of speed this year,” Grate says. “I believe four juniors played last year. Once they come together and involve their teammates, that involvement will be a strong point for the team. When they talk to each other, that is; communication on the court is very key. But, I have lots of speed and athleticism.”

The Langley Mustangs open their regular season at Perry at 4pm on December 16th.