I could tell it was a topic neither Northside head basketball coach Tony Marshburn nor rising senior Joe Womack really wanted to go into detail about.
Regardless, the situation of senior star Tyler McDaniels’ absence in the local East Coast Invitational team basketball camp was something we at The Daily News had to persue for a story.
One thing we try not to do is bring any negative attention to any one of our area teams. However, McDaniels being the reigning All-Area Player of the Year and heavy recruit among many Division I schools and the fact he is not with his team now — and possibly for the season — is something folks have talked about this week during the East Coast.
McDaniels, a great kid if I may add, has spent the summer out of town due to what I referred to in my story as ‘personal reasons.’
But the story wasn’t just about him. I go on talking about how the Monarchs have adjusted without him this summer while playing in various camps and summer leagues and what the club needs to do if, in fact, he does not return home.
I appreciate Marshburn, Womack and senior Vincent Sanders for understanding our situation and agreeing to talk to me.
The focus of all three was that this summer Northside has learned that each player needs to elevate their game if the Monarchs are to once again stand tall in the East Central 2-A Conference.
“The kids have worked hard, they just want to play and compete,” said Marshburn.
Womack said the fact people have talked poorly about Northside’s chances gives the squad plenty of motivation.
“We took that as an insult,” he said.
And Northside has definitely played like it has something to prove.
Though the Monarchs won just three games in pool play, Northside has hit the court with aggressive play and the look that its players will not back down.
Perhaps then people will realize that Northside will again be a force to be dealt with come the regular season.
Now back to the action.