Team,

Team,

Team,

Team,

Team,

Team,

Below, please see important Seaforth men’s basketball weekly update (Sun, 1/25).

Below, please see important Seaforth men’s basketball weekly update (Sun, 1/25).

Cheers,
Coach Berry

Quote: “We’re ready — no matter the situation.”

—

Varsity Practice/Game Schedule:

• Mon, Jan 26: NO PRACTICE DUE TO WEATHER
• Tue, Jan 27: NO PRACTICE OR GAME DUE TO WEATHER - Game versus Cedar Ridge rescheduled (Mon, 2/2)
• Tue, Jan 27: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Zoom Call)
• Wed, Jan 28: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM (Practice)
• Thu, Jan 29: 6:15 PM – 8:15 PM (Practice)
• Fri, Jan 30: Home game versus Durham School of the Arts @ 8:00 PM
• Sat, Jan 31: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM (Practice)

Let’s stay locked in!

Unsung Heroes:

Not every player gets minutes in every game.

That reality is hard — but it doesn’t change the truth: we don’t get better without you. The success we’re experiencing as a team doesn’t happen without the players who show up every day, compete in practice, and push their teammates to improve.

It hurts not being able to play everyone. But understand this — not playing does not mean you are not valued. In many ways, the opposite is true. I have tremendous respect for players who stay committed, stay prepared, and put the team first when their role requires patience.

That kind of mindset is rare. And it says a lot about your character.

You’re learning the culture. You’re mastering the plays. You’re understanding what’s expected. And when your opportunity comes — and it will — you’ll be ready. Nothing will be given to you. You’ll have earned it.

And when that moment arrives, the feeling will be even sweeter.

Stay dedicated. Keep working. Keep believing.
One day, you’ll be the example others look to.

You are the unsung heroes of this team.

Winning the Week & Raising Our Standard:

This past week we earned two wins — a road victory at Orange High School and a home win against Carrboro High School.

Orange was a hard-fought game that tested our composure late. Carrboro presented a different challenge, scoring 41 points in the first half. At halftime, we emphasized urgency and team defense. The response was strong — Carrboro was held to 23 points in the second half, with the final six coming in garbage time, as we pulled away for a decisive win.

Both games reinforced an important lesson: defensive urgency matters.

When teams score freely, it significantly increases their chances of beating us — regardless of talent. Defense is something we can control every game, which is why it will be heavily emphasized in practice moving forward.

Our defensive standard is clear:

• 11 points or fewer per quarter
• 44 points or less per game
• Score 45 or more, and we put ourselves in position to win

We’re currently 6–1 in conference, and with that comes attention. Every opponent will bring their best effort.

With five of our final six games at home, staying locked in at practice and committed to our defensive standard will be critical as we push toward a conference championship.

Defense Is Our Foundation:

If we want to consistently succeed as a program, defense must be non-negotiable.

I’ll be honest with you: giving up 41 points in the first half to Carrboro was disappointing. Not because of pride or ego — but because it revealed a gap between who we say we are and what we showed on the floor. That is something we must do everything in our power to make sure never happens again, especially against a less talented opponent.

Here’s the reality:
We are a strong offensive team. We’ve scored 55+ points in 12 of our 16 games, and when we’re clicking offensively, we’re tough to guard

But offense is unpredictable.

Shots come and go. Matchups matter. Rhythm changes. There are nights when the ball doesn’t fall, when timing is off, or when the opponent disrupts our flow. Offensive success depends on many variables that we don’t always control.

Defense is different.

Great defense is built on things we can control every single night:

• Physicality
• Intensity
• Communication
• Heart
• Urgency

Defense is a mindset before it’s a scheme. It’s a choice to compete, to sit down, to help a teammate, to finish possessions with rebounds. It’s mental toughness. And unlike offense, it travels and it shows up every game if we demand it.

That’s why you’ll see a renewed emphasis on defense in practice moving forward.

This isn’t punishment. This is investment.

We will defend with purpose.
We will practice defense at game speed.
We will hold ourselves to a higher standard on the defensive end.

Because when our defense is connected and committed, everything else gets easier — our transition offense improves, our confidence grows, and we control the game instead of reacting to it.

This is who we must become if we want to take the next step.

Defense isn’t optional. It’s our identity.

Let’s embrace it.

Concessions Help Needed:

With five remaining home basketball games, we’re asking for support from men’s basketball families with concessions. Every shift helps keep game nights running smoothly.

 Sign up here:
https://www.seaforthbasketball.com/concessions

Thank you for supporting our program.