Perry boys basketball settling in with new coach, breaking down bad habits

It’s been about six weeks since Jason Stephens was introduced to the community as Perry High School’s new boys basketball coach.

Since that meet and greet he’s slowly gotten acquainted with the team and seen some positive response, but also plenty that needs to improve.

“I’ve had a good amount of guys showing up every day, I would definitely say that that’s a positive,” Stephens said. “But trying to break through certain barriers in terms of certain things that were established in the program before I got here is probably the hardest challenge.”

Bad on-court habits was one issue he mentioned. Whether it be over-dribbling or settling for three-pointers, some tendencies are harder to break than others.

“I understand how when it comes to teenage boys, certain things just has to be reiterated every single day,” Stephens said. “I have guys that may come in one day, do it great, do it right, and then go back to bad habits the next day.”

One of the most difficult things for players at the moment, Stephens said, was playing up to the level of defensive intensity he requires for his teams.

“To me it’s the level of energy on defense that I’m looking for, Stephens said. “Perry has been known to be a basketball school in the past…We have some talent, but not as much talent, so [they have to understand] that games are gonna be won on the defensive side.”

Some teams are able to rely on one or two players to carry most of the burden. Last year’s Southwest-Macon team with Chase Dupree and CJ Howard or Cam Perkins and Jay Johnson for Warner Robins’ 2023-24 boys team come to mind.

Stephens doesn’t see Perry as one of those teams at this point in time.

“Not having guys that can consistently knock down the three, and not having guys that can necessarily play continuously above the rim, but understanding that our points are gonna come from being able to make teams turn the ball over, playing defense,” Stephens said.

Right now Stephens is still feeling out the roster, the strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, who he can trust going into the season in November.

“The number one thing is being coachable,” Stephens said on how players can earn his trust. “[We’re] looking for somebody to step up and be a leader. There can be some times, it can be on the vocal side, it can also just be done in the play. Being that guy that’s aggressive, getting on the floor for loose balls, talking on defense…I need that burst of energy. That’s what I’m looking for.”