Brian Roper Quotations

We were too rushed in the first half and in the third we calmed down. We executed better.

None of these guys have played at the state tournament before, but almost all of them have played in big football playoff games.

I thought we played unselfishly and shared the ball. Defensively, we did a nice job of contesting shots.

I respect coaches who use a different strategy. Scott thought that was the best way to beat us and they stuck with it.

Our goal was to play four days at the state, and we accomplished that.

State has been our main goal all year, but every time you achieve a goal you have to readjust for a new one. Right now we've got to focus on this next game.

This was a close the whole game. The Blaine kids really scrapped and hustled.

We got a little perimeter-oriented, which allowed them to become more and more aggressive.

We expected Ferndale to play tough and they did. We're glad to have escaped with a win.

I wanted the ball to be in Brady's hands; he's our best playmaker.

Sometimes you've just got to find ways to win.

Defensively, we were as solid as we've been all year.

That's why they call it a draw. It's somewhat random. There are some things you can't control, and like we're always telling the kids, you have focus on what you can control ... There are 16 quality teams down there, and we're one of them.

A lot of people say their resigning for family reasons when that might not be the case, but this is definitely the truth. Mike really loves coaching.

They are a very disciplined team, and you can see why they are two-time state champions.

They are a tough team with the lead because they grind it out and wear you down on defense.

Dan took the second-most shots on the team last year and I asked him to change his role. He has rode his acceptance to success.

Dan's a very caring kid. He leads vocally and also by example. He is our anchor.

It was a good team win. We had good balance which has been one of our strengths all year.

I'm more proud of our effort than our win. That was an unbelievable effort for the fourth day of the state tournament after a disappointing loss.

The effort (Dallas) puts out there is the best I've ever seen. He's gritty and the kind of player that has an edge.