Basketball Team Peaks at the Right Time; Lady Cougars Look to Regroup

Girls Basketball

The road was a little bumpy for the Lady Cougars. After finishing as one of the best teams in the Central League last season, Springfield witnessed a four-game losing streak just a few games into the season.

Now, with a huge win against Strath Haven to build on, the Lady Cougars are looking to get back on track.

“Getting win at any point as really important to us,” said head coach Kim Smith. “We were so lose on Tuesday nigh against ‘Stoga and had so many opportunities to win and we couldn’t get the job done. It was important to do what we did Thursday night and try to get a win. If you do the right things, you can play well and win the game.”

When play resumes in less than a week, Springfield will play three of its next four home games on the road. 

“You want to try to change things up and stay out of a rut,” said Smith. “It is nice we are going away right now. We get to have some team bonding time and get out of the gym and play somewhere else for a change.” 

Senior Tori Grossi exploded for 15 points against Strath Haven. Senior guard Megan Dickinson held her own during tough defensive assignments. Junior Poplawski finished with a solid week as well.

“What I been trying to tell them is that you have to define yourself as a team every season,” said Smith.  “Every team is different. Every team loses players. Every team gains players. We are just trying to find our way. I think the talent and ability is there”

With a 2-4 overall record, Smith won’t push the panic button yet.

“I’ve been doing this long enough to no there is no panic at this point,” said Smith.  “You have to just keep working the fundamentals. Every year my expectations are very high. I can only coach them and at some point they will take some responsibility and make things happen on the court.”

Boys Basketball

The Cougars are sitting as one of the top teams in the Central League and now with their top facilitator on the floor back from injury, Springfield can only get better.

“Getting Chris [Devinney] back gives us back our regular rotation where Zac [Furia] comes off the bench to spell Chris Devinney at point or Mike McKale at two guard,” said head coach Kevin McCormick. “It has also made us a tougher team. Chris has a court toughness that you can’t replicate. He is just very aggressive.”

Last week, Springfield defeated Central League foe Conestoga, 53-48. Senior Matt Fox finished with a game-high 29 points.

A few days later, Junior Dan Rutecki joined the scoring frenzy and finished with a game-high in a 57-42 victory over Strath Haven.

They were both close games, but the Cougars are learning to play under pressure.

“I am used to it,” said McCormick. “They are used to it. We get their blood pressure going at practice. That is my job. Our practices are harder than games. When we get in the games, they know what to do.”

Next week, Springfield has a few tough games against Central League opponents. Even with a winning record, McCormick notes there is still room for improvement. 

“I like what we've done so far, but I also like the fact there is still room for improvement,,” said McCormick. “We are not peaking too early in the season. We are where we need to be. The next couple practices will be important for us.”