The last words before Rob Von Achen sent his Waterford Lancer team out on the court to play Darien in the Class L girls basketball state semifinals Wednesday night- "Have fun"
"Sometimes 16-year-old kids get caught up in the moment and they forget that this is a special time," Von Achen said.
"I want them to have fun, they have to fun or else it's no good- they have to have to fun," he added.
Von Achen had a little himself Wednesday night, a comfortable 19-7 first quarter lead can do that for a coach.
During a few of his time outs, he told them that this was a "rest break", complimented them on their play and voiced an instruction or two.
Late in the game, he strolled down the bench, looked up to Athletic Director Dave Sousa and asked him to fast forward the clock.
Von Achen also complimented Darien coach LeVonte Palmer for his praise of Waterford player Karli Spera when she fouled out. Von Achen returned the favor by walking over and praising a Darien player for her work on the court when she got her fifth foul.
Now comes the fun part for the Lancers, a date with Joel Barlow in the Class L State Championship game on Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
Talking with the players, you get the idea that they're ready especially after losing to Hillhouse in the championship tilt in 2005.