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02/19/2014 08:00 AMFormer NBA star Robert Horry garnered the nickname “Big Shot Bob” for his clutch shots with the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs. Guilford’s version of Horry may very well be Will Cofrances.
After being put into the town’s travel basketball squad in 5th grade, the senior guard admits the game came easy to him, which is quite evident in his third varsity season. While averaging a strong 11 points per game, Will has hit many big buckets both from the field and at the line to help Guilford to its 14-4 start.
“I think the big key for the clutch for me has been being confident, especially at the free throw line,” says Will. “I’m just taking my time and hitting the shots. I also think my confidence in being a senior and varsity player helps, too; I want to go out strong as a senior. Yet the team also runs a lot of plays for me to get open with many screens to leave me open for three-pointers.”
Will scored heavily from the line in two big spots, first in an overtime victory versus North Haven that gave Guilford a postseason berth before a 21-point performance versus Hand where he went 8-of-8 at the charity stripe in the fourth for a club and personal triumph.
“The Hand game was a really memorable night. It was my last game versus Hand and I had never been on a team that had beaten them, even going back to travel basketball,” says Will, who tallied 23 against North Haven. “I also hit many free throws versus North Haven at the end of overtime to seal the game.”
Head Coach Jeff DeMaio adds that the sharp shooter scores high in both respect and diligence whether he is in practice or on the floor.
“Will is one of the hardest working kids that I have coached,” says DeMaio. “He is well-respected by his peers on the team and by the coaching staff. He has made some huge shots for us all season long.”
Working toward improvements on his stroke, Will says he had to raise his game in more ways than one as his style of play also complements his hustle.
“I think my work ethic comes from me being quick and scrappy and one thing for me offensively has been my jump shot, which I’ve worked on,” Will says. “I worked on it with AAU ball in the offseason and it’s helped me big. I can’t go inside as much and, not being the tallest guy, I had to get more elevation on the shot.”
Off the court, Will sets a strong blueprint for those around him on how to conduct themselves during matchups as he keeps his cool during SCC battles.
“I try to earn respect from the rest of my team by the way I play,” says Will. “I try to set a good example by never talking back, plus keeping calm and cool. My work ethic also comes from wanting to be a role model for the younger kids on our team. I push myself more so they will push themselves further.”
Back in both the SCC and state tournaments this postseason, Will and Guilford eye a memorable March run. Buying into their coach’s message, the Indians know they frustrate any given squad.
“We just have to keep playing and grinding the same way we have been all year,” says Will, who thanks DeMaio, Indians’ assistant coach Jim Lamb, along with parents, Bill and Maria. “Coach DeMaio says that we can play with anyone and we believe that ourselves.”