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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (5/6/24)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

The Indiana Pacers won their first round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks last week.  All six games were physical and there were plenty of emotions flowing on the court.

In one scuffle, a Pacers player and a Bucks player squared off and the Bucks player swung and hit his opponent in the face.  Both players received a technical foul but the Bucks player was ejected after the teams had to be separated.  

What I focused on during this scuffle was the face of the Pacers all-star Tyrese Haliburton, as he showed his value as a leader on this team.  Immediately after, he gathered his teammates and spoke directly and emphatically to them.  He wanted to make sure that nothing was going to derail the momentum of the game or allow anyone to lose focus on winning the game.

Oftentimes, it is the coach who pulls the team together in an emotional or physical moment.  But sometimes it is a player who can have an even more important impact.  Haliburton showed that he was leader on this team.  

Do you consider yourself a leader on your team?  When the going gets tough, are you in the middle of the trouble or are you bringing your teammates together to refocus and prevent further emotional or physical outbursts?  Be prepared to take on the leadership role next time a similar situation arises.  Your value on the sideline in a moment like this can be as valuable as it is on the court or field!

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