The 1999 Red Sarachek High School Basketball Tournament was a success for all those who attended as well as those who spent hundreds of hours putting together the annual tourney. Despite a couple of holes in the tournament plans, (in the roof to be exact - much gratitude to facilities management for their ability to swiftly improvise), the program went from beginning to end without flaw.

While basketball was being played and a well executed plan was being carried out to practical perfection, there was one aspect of the tournament that was indeed terribly flawed: The state of Yeshiva high school basketball at the turn of the 20^th century.

Players in the tournament ranged from last-round picks in recess ball to overrated potential superstars. This playing field was anything but level. Teams spanned from the talented and skill-driven Yeshiva league powerhouses to the inept and uncoordinated collections struggling merely to get the ball across the mid court line.

High school coaches in the tournament ranged from mild-mannered gentlemen dressed in business attire, to recent college grads dressed like they had just rolled out of bed, to raving lunatics annoying the officials and everyone else in attendance, to those incompetent and unable to coach their son's recreation league team. Some coaches instructed players, some coaches constructively criticized their players, some guided their inexperienced students of the sport through the game step by step, and one even screamed at players for taking wide open lay-ups when better players farther from the basket were triple teamed - claiming that this was not Christmas, and certain better players should not be playing Santa Claus.

The Red Sarachek Tournament placed each of these teams and each these coaches on the same court for five consecutive days, leading many to question the state of high school basketball today. Why the disparity of quality play on and off the court between the teams? Why the disparity between coaching philosophies? Why did some players seem to work hard in the spirit of the game, while others appeared to be working harder than they ever have in any aspect of life, as if this really is more than just a game? And why did one player get press conferences in his honor, while some players never had their names called on the public address system even once?

The disparity of the teams involved speaks for the sad state of physical education in Yeshiva schools. While throughout high school some have to suffer through Phys Ed five times a week, it would be surprising if many of the players showcased this past weekend hit the gym floor five times a month.

Differences in coaching philosophies are a direct result of the individual coach's qualifications. Some coaches truly understand the game, and some do not. Furthermore, some know how to make the most out of their players, and some do not. Some even know how to induce maximum success from their teams while getting players to take the most enjoyment from the game. It is unfortunate that certain people are permitted to coach high school basketball, and it is even more unfortunate in those scenarios where these coaches are by far the most qualified for their positions.

Players' derived enjoyment as a direct result of skill level, understanding of the game, and coaching. When one or more of these three factors are missing, it is difficult for anyone to truly enjoy what is normally thought to be a great game.

As for the press conferences and media attention surrounding only one of hundreds of players, it is simply sad that certain kids' (and that's what they still are) teenage years are being ruined by the unnecessary pressure from adults. I only hope that down the road, we will all be able to forgive those adults that have put so much stress on these impressionable ball players who are merely trying to get the most out their high school experience.

Has it ever occurred to anyone that all the attention may not be important, or even healthy, for those not ready to enter the adult world? Has it ever occurred to anyone that the media attention and resulting pressures may be unhealthy to those peers playing on the same court those attending press conferences? High school coaches are supposed to be not only coaches, but mentors, father figures, and friends. Coaches are NOT supposed to be hateful, tyrannical fools, acting as agents for those completely unprepared for the attention and pressures unfairly being placed on their shoulders.

The Red Sarachek Tournament brought many loyal fans enjoyment this past weekend. Many booed, many cheered, many shouted at officials, many were shouted at by officials. This is all well and good, and fun for all involved, as long as we realize what the Red Sarachek Tournament stands for: A game - high school basketball.