Despite a 70-58 loss to Lapeer West Friday, Wildcat Boys Basketball Coach Steve Laidlaw is pleased with how the young team opened the game.
‘They were very aggressive,? said Laidlaw, adding the team played the best quarter of their season, but just can’t close the game.
Up by six points at the end of the first quarter, Laidlaw said junior Tim Shafto did an outstanding job leading the offense, adding a total of 12 points to the Wildcat’s score.
By half time however, the team trailed by six points and never had lead again.
‘We have good stretches, but the bad ones outweigh the good ones right now,? Laidlaw said. ‘We’re just not closing every game.?
The team record is 0-1 in league play and 0-4 overall.
Laidlaw was pleased however to see the team start out so well against Lapeer, but the key for the Cats is closing, which Laidlaw said will be gained through aggression and better ball-handling.
Once the team learns to be more aggressive throughout the entire game, Laidlaw has no doubt the Cats will keep up with tough competition like Lapeer West, the Goodrich Martians, and Lake Orion, all of which the Wildcats suffered losses to this season.
‘We need to get tougher, that’s all,? Laidlaw said.
Laidlaw said junior Tim Shafto exhibited excellent leadership skills against Lapeer West, sinking 12 points, followed closely by junior Brad Dugan who added his own 11 points to the game. William Keenist sank nine points followed by senior Dave Wendt and junior Mark Willar who each scored eight points.
‘I am pleased with how we’ve been competitive in every game and we’re drawing positives from that,? Laidlaw said with optimism.
Laidlaw said team captain Marty Ball is benched due to a knee injury which has left a hole on the court, but he is hopeful to see the senior return when they face Fenton High School at home 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7.