MEN’S BASKETBALL READY FOR NEW YEAR

The Mt. Hood men’s basketball team is looking to bounce back from a lackluster 2017-18 season.

The Saints finished last year at 10-17 overall, 6-10 in conference – obviously not how they planned the season to go. Though the season was a bit rough on the team, they are optimistic about the upcoming 2018-19 season, coming together as a team and focusing on the goals set ahead.

Looking back at the Saints last season, the common theme of faults seemed to revolve around defense and turnovers. In ranking 32nd in points allowed per game (in the 34-team NWAC); 29th in steals; 23rd in blocks; 28th in fouls; and 33rd in turnovers – game in and game out the flaws were consistent, making these easy to pinpoint as targets for improvement in the upcoming season.

Not all was lost, though. On the offensive end, the Saints thrived last winter, finishing 11th in points, first in rebounds per game, and third in three-point shooting percentage. In sum, the Saints’ offense got the job done.

Along with targeting defense, solid team chemistry is always an important factor in how a team plays. Being comfortable and trusting teammates is a necessity if teams want to succeed; with this Saints team, there is no exception. The team has come together well this fall, and has welcomed everyone the same, players say.

“We have great team chemistry,” said sophomore wing Leonard Dixon. “We get along really well and treat each other with respect on and off the court. We treat each other like brothers.”

Players new to Mt. Hood say much the same.

“As a transfer player, I fit in well with the team,” said Kahlon Whitley, a sophomore guard. “I was brought into the program with open arms.” Sometimes a transfer player has trouble fitting in, but Mt. Hood’s returning players appear open to everyone and want to make the program feel like a family.

Newcomers or freshman may feel isolated if returning sophomores stay within themselves rather than taking the younger guys under their wings, but that’s not the case with these Saints. “I fit in well with the team,” said freshman guard Marcus Greer. “I mesh and get along with all the returners well.”

With this chemistry, the Saints hope to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Setting goals for the season, they plan on working hard all season to reach them.

“The main goal we set out is to finish top-four in the (South) Conference and make a run” in the NWAC  championship tournament, said Dixon.

If the Saints can clean up their turnovers on offense, and revamp their defense, they’ll be able to reach their goals and have a great season.