• Coach Billy Offill
    Mar 13 2025

    In this episode, I talk with the Mendocino College Head Coach, Billy Offill.

    First, we learn about growing up in West County, Monte Rio Elementary open gyms, and his father and older brother's influence, on the game.

    Then, Offill talks about summers at the Lavin Basketball Camps, battles in the Sonoma County League, El Molino High School coaches, and his senior year North Coast Section run.

    Finally, Offill discusses his college playing experience, becoming a college head coach at 25 years old, surprise guests at Mendocino College gym, and advice for young athletes, parents, and new coaches.

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • John Florence and Sonoma Valley Dragons 1993-94 NCS Champs
    Mar 6 2025

    In this episode, I talk with Coach John Florence who played on the 1993-94 Sonoma Valley high school North Coast Section championship basketball team.

    First, Florence tells me about how he switched from soccer to basketball at a young age, being a basketball player is Southern California, and his older brother's infludence on his toughness.

    Then, we hear how his family relocated to Sonoma after his junior year, playing basketball for Sonoma Valley high school coach, Phil Rosemurgy, and the culture of the championship team.

    Finally, Florence discusses his senior year basketball experience, Sonoma County League battles between Healdsburg high school, and the Sonoma Valley Dragons' post season run to win the North Coast Section championship.

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    41 mins
  • Coach Tom Mitchell
    Feb 28 2025

    In this episode, I talk with author, business coach, and former Golden State Warriors' sports psychologist, Tom Mitchell.

    First, we discuss his older brothers' influence with his obsession for the game of basketball- at a young age, playing high school and college basketball on the East Coast, and how he moved to Sonoma County.

    Then, Mitchell and I chat about how he became the head coach at Santa Rosa Junior College, we review some of his former student-athletes, and how he became buddies with Chris Mullen.

    Finally, Mitchell tells us how he got into sports psychology, an event he hosted with Phil Jackson, and advice for young athletes, parents, and coaches.

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Coach Mark Giorgi
    Feb 25 2025

    In this episode, I talk with Healdsurg High School basketball legend and current American River College Head Coach, Mark Giorgi.

    First, we talk about his parent's influence on his competitive toughness, the keys to being a good scorer, and how to impact the game when shots are not going in.

    Then, Giorgi and I discuss some of the local guys he looked up to, competeted against, and playing in the Redwood Empire Basketball Invitational Tournament as well as the Sonoma County Classic.

    Finally, Coach Giorgi talks about the business of Division 1 basketball, gives advice to young athletes, parents, and coaches.

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    26 mins
  • Dave Cox
    Feb 17 2025

    In this episode, I talk with YSN 365- Youth Sports Network founder and boadcaster, Dave Cox.

    First, we talk about his Rincon Valley Junior High hoops memories, playing sports at Cardinal Newman High School, and playing baseball for Coach Pat LaFortune.

    Then, Cox and I discuss how he became involved in high school sports broadcasting, the first Sonoma County games he covered, and the unique challeges to live television production.

    Finally, we review some of his color commentators- over the years, the Get Up Club, and he shares advice after 2,000 games.

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    33 mins
  • Coach Brandon Hyde
    Feb 7 2025

    In this episode, I talk with Baltimore Orioles Manager, Brandon Hyde, who was on a great 1991 Montgomery High School basketball team.

    First, we talk about his father's basketball influence, his CYO squad, playing for Coach Tiedeman, and pick up games at Brook Hill Elementary.

    Then, Hyde and I discuss playing basketball at Montgomery including a JV pick up game that led to a coach's challenge, a dominant junior year team, thoughts on Coach Fitchie, and a big game- in the Oakland Coliseum.

    Finally, Coach Hyde gives advice to young athletes, new coaches, and shares a camp story.

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    48 mins
  • Coach Tom Bonfigli
    Jan 28 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with iconic Sonoma County coach, Tom Bonfigli, who is the #6 California winningest high school men's basketball coach with 869 wins.

    First, we talk about his time playing quarterback and point guard at Cardinal Newman High School for legendary coaches Ed Lloyd and John Fitzgerald.

    Then, Bonfigli analyses his approach to coaching, his longtime assistant coach-his brother Jerry, and the Top of the Bay Classic Basketball Tournament.

    Finally, Coach Bonfigli gives insights to his scouting, Rose City Tournament history, thoughts on former players, and the great 1989 Cardinal Newman squad.

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Coach Mike Erickson
    Jan 23 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with legendary Sonoma County coach, Mike Erickson, who led the Piner High School men's basketball program for over three decades.

    First, we talk about growing up in Humboldt County and being the son of a high school coach who also was the assistant at Humboldt State University.

    Then, Erickson tells the story of how he landed the men's varisty coaching position at Piner High School.

    Finally, we talk about a team practice drill, his approach to coaching, his first North Bay League championship, and advice for young coaches.

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    27 mins