Boca Ciega's New Girls Basketball Coach Brings Team Mentality to Pirates

When Boca Ciega High School decided to hire a replacement for girls basketball coach Will White after he resigned this spring, the school's administration didn't hire someone within the program or in the area. 

The school went all the way across the state to fill the opening.

Michael Hall, from Satellite High School by way of his native Wisconsin, replaces White.

Hall will have some big shoes to fill as White's teams won 20 games in seven straight years and had three trips to the state tournament in the past four seasons.

It won't be like Hall has an empty cupboard. The Pirates return four starters from last year's squad which was eliminated in the region semifinals by Clearwater.

The one starter Hall lost to graduation was all state player Tamara Taylor. Hall believes the team shouldn't miss a step however.

"Yes, we lost a good player but I think we will actually be better," Hall said. "I think last year from watching film at times, players stood and watched [Taylor]. I think everyone now understands they all have to step up and they cannot count on one person and I think they understand that."

"You cannot count on one person. I learned that you have to have equal opportunity offenses. I brought that philosophy with me so we don't revolve around one person. We will be a good team offensively and play good man-to-man defense."

Hall also spent time at Cocoa Beach High School where he was an assistant under legendary coach Mike Gaudy who, between coaching the girls and the boys programs at the school, racked up over 800 wins.

It was from Gaudy, Hall learned, there cannot be stars on a basketball team, that it must be five equal cogs in order to achieve success.

That's the philosophy Hall brings with him. So far so good. Through 17 summer league games, the Pirates have lost just one game.