Young Cardinals work through seesaw season

With any sport, underclassmen have to work extra hard to prove they belong.

     Not only do these players have pressure to make the team and earn their spot, they also have to realize that they are the future for the team.

     Since the majority of the men’s basketball players are underclassmen, they need to step up their game and come together as a team. Head coach Dick Reynolds said, “We do have several young people who have to develop more and contribute more on a consistent basis.”

     Being an underclassman doesn’t stop these guys from making a difference on the team. Sophomore center Steve Isaac said, “You’re the future of the program, and you want to build momentum for the future.”

     However, being an underclassman can be difficult. “You want to prove you can play and lead, but first reach a maturity level that allows you to do so,” said sophomore Chris Davis.

     “My role is to be a rebounder, and it works because I’m a post and rebounding is important to limit the other team to one shot and to get putbacks,” Davis said.

     “Everyone has a role. The key is to do your role and not do what you’re unable to do,” Davis said. Being tall centers, both players are responsible for rebounding the ball, limiting the other team to one shot.

     Despite playing respectably in the paint while on the court, both Davis and Issac admit it has been tough lately.

     The Cardinals have lost five of their last eight games.

     “Our team has not been playing up to our potential, and we had much higher expectations coming into the season. We make mistakes because we don’t think fast enough,” Davis said.

     Reynolds recognizes the benefits of having players who are capable of playing center consistently. “Playing with consistency has been a concern this year with our team. Our post position has been stable with their offense and defensive efforts,” Reynolds said.

     Nevertheless, the players said that the team has many strengths. Isaac said, “Our biggest strength is our ability to rebound the basketball.”

     “We are looking forward to hopefully have one or two of these young people...emerge as leaders,” Reynolds said. t&c