Saints basketball teams prepare for season

Men’s

The Saints men’s basketball team played four scrimmage games Nov. 5 in Oregon City. The Saints, who welcome back third-year head coach Geoff Gibor, are off to a strong start in the pre-season going 3-1 against tough region competition. The Saints who were victorious against Big Bend Community College 28-27, Clark College 32-23 and Lane Community College 33-19, fell short to Blue Mountain Community College 16-35. Coach Gibor, who is pushing an up-tempo offensive game, says despite tough competition, his team is capable of doing well this season. “They are progressing pretty well, they are adjusting and buying into our program,” said Gibor “We have a lot of talent and experience on the floor,” Gibor added. The Saints will compete in the Red Devil Classic Tournament Nov. 25-27 in Longview, Wash.

Women’s

In their first scrimmage on the season, the Saints women’s basketball team played Willamette University Nov. 4. The scrimmage, which served as more of a practice game for Hood, was a chance to test on court chemistry and communication. “They did pretty well for their first time out,” said first-year head coach Jocelyn McIntire. “Battling against a four-year school is tough, but they handled themselves well,” said McIntire. With another scrimmage against Portland Energy, Nov. 10 scheduled, the team will have an opportunity to work out any kinks necessary before they face Lower Columbia Nov. 12. “Our emphasis is definitely rebounding, we are a small team, so we’ve got to be able to block out,” said McIntire.