By DAVID WOOD, for The Democrat
At 0-7, it’s been a slow start to the Eagles’ boys varsity basketball season.
However, despite falling 31-45 in Friday night’s game against Cloverdale, glimmers of hope are stating to shine through.
“It was a tough one to take, because I was pretty happy with how we played. I’m seeing strides,” Head Coach John Berning said.
With a rotating lineup of only six players, the varsity squad kept Cloverdale to within one by the start of the fourth period.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]“Progress is being made, and I thought for three quarters, we really battled and we were tough as heck. But, the fourth quarter got brutal,” Berning said.
“Sometimes in the fourth quarter, when you’re gassed and you have two freshmen and sophomores on the floor who’ve never played varsity ball until a month ago, the team with more experience is going to end up winning.”
Cloverdale sported a senior-heavy squad, with three of five starting members graduating in 2019.
With multiple schools in similar situations, Berning believes the Eagles have room to grow amid the shuffle.
“In the short term, with a young team that has a lot to learn and a bright future, we’re just trying to create that culture of toughness. There were moments tonight where I was pretty happy with that type of stuff,” he said.
“Whether it happens this year or not, 12 months from now, three of Cloverdale’s top players graduate, and all six guys that played tonight are back for me.”
Heading into Christmas break, the Eagles are planning on resting up and healing their aches, but also continuing to strive for excellence.
“We don’t play again for two weeks. We had two guys home sick and several banged up, so starting tomorrow morning and counting into next week, we’re going to have a lot of skill work. … We just have to shoot,” Berning said.
“What I keep pushing to these guys is we just have to come in tomorrow and get a little bit better and keep fighting. I don’t want to coddle them. … We’re trying to change the perception of Brown County basketball.”
