The Sinclair Community College men’s basketball team is improving and overcoming challenges, according to coach Jeff Price.
As of Monday, Jan. 3, the Tartan Pride are 11-3, and have pulled out close victories over the University of Pennsylvania’s Junior Varsity and most recently over Ohio University at Chillicothe. The Pride hit 22-of-26 free throws in a close 82-78 victory.
“We had to fight for some wins,” Price said.
Price said that in the days preceding the Chillicothe game, the team was hitting free throws in practice so well that “they could’ve hit them in the dark or while blind-folded.” The Tartan Pride were playing with only nine of their usual 12-man rotation, which amounted to losing “25 percent of our scoring and 19 percent of our rebounding,” according to Price.
Price also cited the Penn game as a major victory for the team, because it was their first time making a long road trip and playing in a big arena.
“The Penn game bonded us,” Price said. “Plus we have a hard-working team. That’s what is getting through these games. Every night we play hard.”
The Tartan Pride are starting to develop the potential that Price said he saw back in October.
“We have guys figuring our their roles,” Price said. “We’re working hard in practice and I think we’re getting faster.”
The defense the team has been playing is key to their success, according to Price. He said his offense depends on the defense making plays.
“We’re sitting down and playing good defense,” Price said. “Then, on the other end, we are attacking the basket and shooting free throws. It’s been working for us, getting to the rim.”
The depth of the team is something Price is enjoying. He can sub in five new players at any point and “we don’t lose anything,” according to Price.
“Opposing teams call time outs just to let their teams catch their breath against us,” Price said. “We might not be the strongest or the fastest team, but no one is going to out-work us. Our guys like playing with each other and they enjoy being in the gym.”