Anyone even partially paying attention to the local sports scene knows that there were some … oh, how do I say this nicely? … chemistry issues between affable new Appoquinimink High boys basketball coach Spencer Dunkley and soaring, high-scoring, never boring college prospects A.J. III and A’Jen English this winter. We all know that.
I assumed all this had been worked out long ago, and entered Saturday afternoon’s regular season home finale with Pencader Charter looking forward to one final Jaguars highlight show. Everyone at the game likely expected the same thing, since Appo ballers often finish fastbreaks with a flourish.
It wasn’t going to be that simple. Upon arrival, we learned sophomore A’Jen had been suspended one game for picking up too many technical fouls (three) this season for coach Dunkley’s taste. A’Jen went through warmups with some impressive above-the-rim layins after tosses to himself, sat on the bench as the starters were announced, quickly got up after a few baskets, changed out of his uniform, put on a backpack and moved into the stands to sit with friends and family.
Suddenly, it felt like early December all over again when nationally-rated junior A.J. III was benched in the closing seconds when one point was needed to tie, two to win against Middletown. He was suspended for several games, returned, and hasn’t been stopped since during a flurry of huge scoring, rebounding assisting outbursts. Coach Dunkley lauded A.J. for his hard work and dedication to leading the team, which made me think everything was as it should be.
For what it’s worth, a Pencader player stalked out of the gymnasium during Saturday’s game after a heated discussion with his coach. Slightly stunned, I thought to myself “I can’t believe that just happened” as the departing guest disappeared through the double doors. Maybe the months of lousy weather has some people a bit cranky, I don’t know.
The English brothers aren’t bad kids, and I like them. They’ll eventually play in college, attend classes and do quite well, and we should all feel happy about that. But something just isn’t being communicated and understood between player and coach right now and it’s affecting everyone involved in the program. Maybe A.J. is now cool with everything, and A’Jen needs to work it out, but I just don’t know anymore. I’m so confused.
Does anyone want to see another winter of similar ups and downs, ins and outs? What must the other Appo players and their parents be thinking every time something else flares up? It’s their team, too, and they must deal with the drama in a second-hand sort of way.
Come on guys, let’s get with the program or choose another one. Personally, I hope you stay right here in town and spark a dramatic, fun, exciting, impressive run through next season’s March Madness fray. I really do want you to stay, but …
The Jags missed the tournament by the narrowest of margins for the second straight season, and there’s no way that would have happened if the layup line had all its available talent each time out. If suspensions/benchings again drag out from the first home game to the last one next season, then Appo will again be done earlier than it should be.
Also, varsity rookie head coach Dunkley has surely learned what does and doesn’t work so well when being the guy with the final decision to make on and off the court. He’ll be a better leader and tactician next year just through added experience. His discipline polices will remain firm, too. They are the standards learned from his coach Steve Steinwedel at the University of Delaware, and they’re here to stay.
I mean all that sincerely, and nothing is meant to take a shot at anyone or assign blame. I hope it all works out, but sometimes separation is the best thing when a relationship isn’t working. All sides (which sounds wrong since they’re officially on the same team) should meet and decide which way to go.
Ironically, coach Dunkley and the English’s father A.J. II (who plays a big part in his sons career development) are two of the best interviews I’ve ever come across in nearly 25 years of the business. The answer questions with depth and exactly what’s in their heart, and don’t sugarcoat a single sentence. They both played professionally (Dunkley overseas, English NBA) and tell it like they think it is. They both believe in what they’re doing basketball-wise, since they’ve succeeded at levels most only dream of.
Why then, can’t this get settled?
Hopefully Dunkley, a native Englishman, and the English brothers will be speaking the same language come next season. It’s just not good for anyone to go through another winter like the one that just concluded. That’s all I’m saying.
What do you think about all this?
Craig Anderson is the Transcript sports editor. To reach him, call 378-9531, ext. 15 or email craig@middletowntranscript.com
