Intensity increases in preparation for sections
Continuous wins show optimism for team’s future
Ray Whitlock blocks opponent during Jefferson game, February sixth.
February 19, 2015
Despite last season’s difficulties, the boys’ basketball team continues to work for a winning record and potentially a higher section placement than last year.
The team is currently in seventh place in the conference, with a 9-14 record, according to Minnesota Basketball Hub.
After leading the team to eight more wins than last year, the boys captains, seniors Wes Johnson, Nick Kjos and junior Ray Whitlock helped the team pick up another win after beating Richfield, 68-61 Jan. 30.
“As a team we didn’t play too well, but we ended up holding them off and getting the win,” Johnson said.
Mykal Howard was the leading scorer for the Richfield game.
The boys also beat South Saint Paul by 11 points Jan. 28. Junior captain Ray Whitlock was the top scorer for this game.
“Mykal and I both played about the same. We hit one three-point shot, had a couple jump shots and had free throws. We mostly scored from layups or jump shots,” Whitlock said.
Despite sealing a couple wins at home, the team lost Feb. 10 to Benilde- St. Margaret’s 76-64.
Although the last regular season game is not until Feb. 20, preparation for the end of conference play and section competition is in full swing, according to Johnson.
“Our coaches go out and scout the other teams before we play them so they can come to us with a game plan,” Johnson said. “We get together as a team before our games so they can go through plays with us to prepare.”
Head coach Dave Breitenbucher believes the end of the season will be challenging but, he remains optimistic.
“We are in the toughest section in the state. At this point in the season, it’s all about us getting better and sticking together as a team,” Breitenbucher said.
With three games left in the season, the captains plan to keep the rest of the team fully focused until the end.
“We need all the wins we can get, because we were predicted to be second to last in our conference and we want to prove everybody wrong,” Whitlock said.
The next game is 7 p.m. Feb. 13, at home against Robbinsdale Cooper.
