Michigan State University coach Tom Izzo is a master of his craft, and one of the finest ever to work the sidelines in US college basketball.

His Spartans teams are renowned for their pursuit of excellence on the glass, and Izzo’s passion for dominating the boards is the stuff of legend.

As evidence, we present this great quote from the Hall of Fame coach – one of many he’s offered up over the years: “Wimps go up to rebound with one hand, not two.”

(Ed note: for those who share the coach’s sentiment, have a look at some of his drills on YouTube. You’re going to love them!).

All that said, we reckon Izzo would love our Youth League One Women’s team.

The Dragons are unbeaten through the first seven rounds of the Big V season, and much of that success has to do with their work on the boards.

Entering this week’s road date with Craigieburn, Camberwell has reeled in a whopping 455 rebounds (that’s 65 a game for the stats buffs out there), including 185 at the offensive end (just over 26 a game).

Over the same period, the Dragons’ rivals have pulled down a total of 298 boards, giving coach Danii Fidge’s team a significant advantage on the glass.

They were at it again in last week’s win against Coburg, out-rebounding the Giants 65-44, with Rachael Smith pulling down 21 of her own, including 10 on the offensive boards.

Rachael leads the team in rebounding with 12.5 a game, and is second in the league in that category – trailing only Wyndham’s Grace Spehar (13.2rpg).

Somewhere in Michigan, Tom Izzo is smiling.

The second-placed Dragons (7-0) will shoot for their eighth straight win at Craigieburn (3-5) tomorrow (6pm).

WORKING-CLASS DRAGONS: Catherine Seletto (pictured) and our unbeaten Youth League Women are being rewarded for effort. Pic: Craig Dingle, Melbourne Sports Photography.