July can be leisure time for high school basketball players between summer ball in June and the start of school in August.
“In July, we just have open gym,” said Winona boys coach Presley Coleman. “It’s kind of our down time. It gives the players a chance to rest and be ready for workouts in August once we get back in school.”
The school gym is available for players who want to practice and play pickup games.
“I tell them that all through July except for the Dead Week, I’m available if they want to get in the gym,” Coleman said. “Nothing is mandatory.”
During MHSAA mandated Dead Week (July 16-20), players are not allowed to participate in any activities involving a coach. That’s the week of the coaches’ clinic in Jackson
“My philosophy on July is I want them to be kids,” Coleman said. “Let them enjoy the summer vacation. Spend time with family and friends.”
After school practices may not start until October, but the players will be able to begin weight work when classes start August 13.
Coleman was pleased with the team’s play during summer league.
“We had a good summer. From a competitive standpoint, we were a lot more competitive this summer. I saw a lot of things we improved on. Our half-court defense was a lot better than it was during the season.”
With the consolidation of Winona and Montgomery County high schools, Winona will move up to 3A, and the team will be bolstered by veterans from Montgomery County, including Deaterrious Williams, who averaged 12.1 points as a junior this year in helping Montgomery County reach the quarterfinals of the 1A state tournament.
