I asked Paul Baranowski about leaving guard Reed Farley in the game with four fouls for the entire second half against Mission Bay Tues., Feb. 17.
Normally, a coach would remove a player in foul trouble and save him for later in the game to avoid having him foul out prematurely. (A player is allowed four fouls in high school, removed on the fifth.)
"He doesn't do me any good on the bench," was Baranowski's succinct explanation.
The gamble worked out. Farley didn't commit another foul the rest of the game. He was in the lineup to make the shot that won the game with three seconds left, a little dump in the air in the lane. Mission Bay had imposing 6'9" shot blocker Armstrong Ojunkwu lurking nearby. But Reed successfully made his way from the left top of the key into the lane and let fly the teardrop. At which time any tears by La Jolla fans were avoided with the joy of the upset win.
This conversation took place before the Cathedral Catholic game Fri., Feb. 20.
Copyright 2015 Ed Piper
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