Mount Pleasant Magazine Jan/Feb 2018

71 www.MPtownCouncil.com | www.MPMcalendar.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com feature With a population exceeding 85,000 and only one public high school, Mount Pleasant should be graced with a bevy of basketball talent, but many of the best players are leaving the Warriors to play basketball at SCISA (South Carolina Independent School Association) schools. SCISA basketball does have its perks. There is essentially no off-season, allowing players to get in the high school gyms all year long. Coaches are able to actively recruit players, and, in some cases, they can offer financial assistance. Unlike in public schools, coaches do not have to teach academics, enabling them to focus on their sport and their team. Warzynski, who teaches government classes at Wando, recognizes that these rules give SCISA schools an advantage in coercing players to attend their schools. His solution is to work hand-in-hand with the program- feeding middle schools, the Mount Pleasant community and local businesses to build the Wando Warrior brand. “Listen, we love our fans, but when we have a gym that sits 2,600 people and only 300 people show up, it’s hard,” said Warzynski.“We are ready to do whatever we need to do to get the community more involved. I will hug every single person who comes through that door on game night if I need to.” Warzynski acknowledged that in sports, winning usually solves everything. After the past three less-than- perfect seasons, and with a roster full of seniors, the Warriors feel that their time is now. Their ultimate goal is to finish in the top three in the region, which would allow them to host the first round of the playoffs – a feat not achieved since Eaton left for Georgia. “Our goal is to continuously get better this season. We want these seniors to lead us. They understand that they have one year of basketball left,” he commented. Win or lose, this year’s Warriors will do it together in what they are calling their “high-five season” – meaning they will always be picking each other up and giving out high fives, regardless of what it says on the scoreboard. Although their jerseys will read Wando Warriors, it’s not just about the basketball team, and it’s not just about Wando. It’s about Mount Pleasant as a whole. If you’d like to share thoughts or ask a question, Coach Chris Warzynski can be reached by email at chris_warzynski@charleston.k12.sc.us . EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE SINCE 1963 Voted Best Body Shop Four Years In A Row! Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm 843.884.2155 Honored to be Voted Best in Mount Pleasant year after year... 429 Broadway Street | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 ecpb@bellsouth.net www.EastCooperBodyshop.com w w w . B e s t O f M o u n t P l e a s a n t . c o m