In a neck and neck battle with the Douglas County Huskies, the Coronado men’s basketball team narrowly lost their first game of the 2016-2017 season, defeated by eight points, 54-62. Though the night ended with a loss, the team, and second-year head coach Mr. Thomas were proud of the Cougars’ efforts and are hopeful for the team’s coming games, as well as for the rest of the season.

“I feel like we were fairly focused, and for the most part did what we needed to do. I think we still need to work on our intensity, and we need to work on knowing what our roles are. Over all though, my expectation is that we improve game by game. I expect that some team members step up, and that everyone takes care of their job and not someone else’s. And with all those things taken into account, I’m hopeful to see the team get better,” said Coach Thomas.

In the 12/3 game against Douglas County, multi-sport upperclassmen Ashton Rogers, 11, Joey Callan, 12, and Jaydon Lewis, 12, came to play. Rogers, also a Coronado varsity tennis player, scored 9 points (including a 3 pointer), with 9 rebounds and one block, Callan, a member of the Coronado men’s basketball, soccer, baseball, and track teams, scored 8 points, and Jaydon Lewis, a state-qualifying high-jumper, scored 16 points with 10 rebounds.

“The game went pretty well, there were some things we need to improve on, and there were some things that we did good on. The team overall performed well. I think even though we didn’t win this game, we are going to have a great season,” said Jaydon Lewis, 12.

The Varsity team now has nine upperclassmen, and only two lower classmen, meaning the team boasts more experienced players than in previous years. The team’s increased experience, as well continuing mentorship of Coach Thomas are anticipated to culminate in a winning record this season.

The next boys’ varsity home game is scheduled for !2/13 at 6:30 P.M. against Bear Creek.