Smoyer says success of this year’s Napoleon girls rests on the defensive side By Mike Moore Staff Writer Napoleon – Sure, the old saying centers on defense winning championships. Steve Smoyer’s focus is more on the everyday. And that’s why the Napoleon High girls basketball coach said this week that for his squad to have success, in regular games or title games, the defense will be the key this winter. “With this year and with this group, if we can defend, we’re going to be good,” Smoyer said. “There are teams out there, teams we’re going to face, that can score. If we defend the goal, we’re going to be in good shape.” The Pirates went 16-7 last year, but have six seniors back on the roster, and, so far, have a group that seem to be taking things more serious, according to Smoyer. “I think we learned some lessons last year,” he said. Smoyer is in his second stint with Napoleon and his fifth year overall. “This seems like a smarter team.” But still one without a ton of speed or size. So, defense will be paramount. “Last year,…
