Rhea County girls’ basketball coach Darvin Gill’s game plan was no secret to anyone inside East Hamilton’s gym Tuesday night.
While his Lady Eagles unselfishly passed the ball around during the opening minutes of the game, Gill’s voice filled the air imploring them to not be afraid to take the open shot.
“If the defender’s hands are down, you have to shoot the ball!” Gill begged from the sideline.
The Lady Eagles responded, shooting 11-of-28 from behind the arc in a 61-53 win over the Lady Hurricanes. They were 5-of-9 in the third quarter, when they outscored East Hamilton 22-11.
“I admonished a few of my good shooters that they were going to have to shoot the ball,” Gill said later. “If you’re not open when you catch it, then you have to get open with your feet before you catch it. The kids really responded to that.”