Image Source: Chris Dabe
Key Takeaways
- Brother Martin basketball team secures a 64-61 victory over Rummel, with junior Noah McDaniel scoring a game-high 26 points
- Coach Wesley Laurendine’s "TNT" concept, which stands for "Takes No Talent," emphasizes the importance of hard work, execution, and teamwork
- The win brings Brother Martin’s record to 13-5, one win away from matching last season’s total
- The team’s positive energy and newfound focus on the "TNT" concept are credited for their success
Introduction to the Game
Brother Martin basketball coach Wesley Laurendine had plenty to feel good about on Tuesday night, as his team secured a 64-61 victory over Rummel. The Rummel graduate returned to his alma mater as the visiting coach, and his team’s junior Noah McDaniel scored a game-high 26 points, including three 3-pointers and two key free throws in the second overtime. As McDaniel noted after the game, "Since we’re a little small, we need TNTs — (it stands for) Takes No Talent — to thrive in these types of games." This concept, emphasized by Coach Laurendine, has been a key factor in the team’s success.
The "TNT" Concept
The "TNT" concept, which stands for "Takes No Talent," is a philosophy that Coach Laurendine introduced to his team when he first met with them in March. As he explained, "We’re doing everything that takes no talent. Playing hard, sprinting back, being in the right spots, executing, rebounding, boxing out. All the little things. Taking charges. All that stuff. Diving on the floor for the ball. Whatever it takes. That’s TNT." This approach emphasizes the importance of hard work, execution, and teamwork, rather than relying solely on individual talent. As Coach Laurendine noted, "it was something that, as you get older, you learn what’s important." The "TNT" concept was not something that Laurendine used at his previous coaching position at Shaw, but it has become a central part of his approach at Brother Martin.
Team Dynamics and Energy
The "TNT" concept has clearly resonated with the team, as evidenced by McDaniel’s comments and the team’s overall performance. As McDaniel noted, "He just brings a different type of energy. A positive energy that we need, pushing us at practice, stuff like that." This positive energy was evident during summer league games, where McDaniel observed that Coach Laurendine was "just everywhere, yelling, screaming, and that’s what we need to succeed." The team’s newfound focus on the "TNT" concept has brought a sense of unity and purpose, and has clearly contributed to their success on the court.
The Game Against Rummel
The game against Rummel was a closely contested matchup, with Brother Martin ultimately emerging victorious in double overtime. The team trailed only briefly at the start and led by 11 points in the second quarter, but Rummel cut the lead after halftime and drew even for the first time with just minutes remaining. The first overtime had three lead changes, and the second overtime saw McDaniel score off a ball screen and make two key free throws to secure the win. As Coach Laurendine noted, "I love that" when he heard that McDaniel had used the "TNT" phrase in a postgame interview, adding that "I wouldn’t have guessed that he would have said that to be honest with you."
Looking Ahead
The win brings Brother Martin’s record to 13-5, one win away from matching last season’s total. The team’s next matchup against Rummel on January 23 will be the one that counts in the league standings, as the two teams will play only one round of district games for the second year in a row. With their newfound focus on the "TNT" concept and their positive energy, Brother Martin is poised for a strong finish to the season. As Coach Laurendine and his team continue to emphasize the importance of hard work and teamwork, they are likely to see continued success on the court.
https://www.nola.com/sports/high_schools/brother-martin-rummel-basketball-two-overtimes-2026/article_f052709f-47c0-4565-9252-7783de4c17b3.html
