Tigers looking forward to 2008-09

The Morris Area varsity boys' basketball team finished the 2007-08 season at .500 in the West Central Conference South and were 10-14 overall.

"Our 10-14 record could have easily been reversed," said coach Mark Torgerson.

The Tigers had some close losses, falling to Minnewaska and Melrose by only one point. The second time Morris Area played Minnewaska the Lakers came out on top by two points.

"It's frustrating to lose those one-point games," said Torgerson. "We had an opportunity to win."

In fact, only 20 points separated the Tigers' total points from their opponents. The Tigers scored 1,483 points, while giving up 1503. Per game that's only a difference of .8 points with the Tigers scoring an average of 61.8, while allowing 62.6 points per game.

Torgerson said being a young team was a disadvantage, but he witnessed a lot of growth throughout the season.

"The consistency wasn't there," he said. "We'll be better at that next year."

The Tigers will only lose two players to graduation. The team will miss the leadership of captains Ben Ehlers and Kirby Sayles.

Torgerson has high hopes for next season with the majority of his team returning.

"Many of the kids got a lot of playing time this season," he said.

Torgerson is proud of how his team competed.

"They showed the kind of ball these players are capable of," he said.

Torgerson said the goals for 2008-09 will be better rebounding and playing stronger defense.