It has been tough sledding for Holt Boys Basketball. The Indians’ record fell to 4-11 after a tough loss to Warrenton, 49-47, in the third place game of the Warrenton Tournament on Saturday.

The Warriors jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first two minutes before the Indians narrowed the gap to 14-10 by the end of the first quarter and eventually took a 30-27 lead heading into halftime. The Indians maintained a 41-39 lead after three, building their lead to eight at one point in the third quarter.

Then disaster struck…

Both teams struggled to put up points in the fourth quarter, and thus the score remained tied throughout much of the period. Then, with 0.5 seconds left, Warrenton junior guard Randy McRoberts banked in a floater to give Warrenton a hard-fought win and move its overall record to 9-2, two of those coming against the Indians.

Holt starting forward and senior captain Lake Feldmann (’17) notes that they have played very well in the early portions of most games this year, particularly in the Warrenton Tournament. “For the first three-and-a-half quarters of every game [in the tournament], we played arguably the best basketball we’ve played all season. We just have to learn to finish games and not only start well, but also end well.”

Head Coach Chuck Arnold points to experience as the primary reason for the team’s struggles in the final minutes. “Experience always helps turn those games the other way,” he said. “We’re still a relatively young team, starting three juniors. I believe you have to fail before you can learn to succeed. We’re getting ourselves in the right position: a bounce here, a roll there, and we win half of those games.”

Despite the team’s struggles to close out games, Arnold notes that they have played well together and developed a camaraderie amongst themselves. “The kids have bought into each other. They’re not selfish. They’re always pulling for each other, which is tough to do at times.”

Feldmann emphasizes the need for mental toughness in late-game situations. “We just need to maintain our composure and not get flustered when something doesn’t go our way,” he said. “We have to have a short memory, and if we make a mistake, we have to move on to the next play because we end up compounding our mistakes, which then costs us the game.”

Fellow captain and starting junior point guard Anthony Jones (’18) emphasizes his role as point guard in those clutch situations. “I’m the point guard so it all starts with me,” he said. “I’m the one who directs everything, so if I’m engaged and know what to do, then everyone else is engaged.”

Arnold, Feldmann, Jones, and the rest of the team encourage their fellow Indians to come out and support their team as they look to rebound after a rough start.

“Come out and support your school,” Arnold said. “They represent you. They’re doing a great job representing the school district, as well, by competing hard, playing together, and putting a product out there that the school can be proud of.”

“Our record may not look as good as it could be,” Feldmann said, “but we always give 100% and it’s a good product to watch. All of the games are close, and they’re always fun to watch.”

“We’re fun to watch,” Jones said, “and, I mean, who doesn’t like basketball?” Well said, Anthony, well said.

The Indians go on the road to face the Fort Zumwalt South Bulldogs this Friday at 7:00.