New players key to Apaches’ improvement
By Tony Nelson
The Apache men have made positive strides this semester by picking up key transfers and playing competitive. They now have a 4 – 15 record, 2 – 3 in the N4C.
At the start of this semester, the Apaches added 6’7" Jon Worgess and 6’5" Butch Carretto to give them more strength inside.
Apache head coach Mike Riley said, "Worgess and Carrretto give us added depth inside to go along with Brian Stamberger and Dave Munson.
"The kids have really picked up the intensity, and have become more competitive during the second semester," said Riley. "Our guys are working hard and trying to improve."
In the most recent game, Jan. 23 at Triton, the Apache won a wild one 144 – 142 in a shootout that finally ended after five overtimes.
"I had never experienced a game like this," said Coach Riley. "The kids gave terrific effort. They would not quit and they refused to lose."
Part of the Apache’s huge scoring attack was from the 11 three’s they made in the first half.
"Our strength is our shooting, but we are getting better inside," Riley said. "Worgess is very active, and he had the winning tip-in against Triton."
On Jan. 19, the Apache lost a heart breaker to DuPage 80 – 79.
"We lost on a controversial call," Riley said. "One of our players was fouled on a three at the buzzer, but the referees didn’t make the call. The kid that made the foul even said ‘I mugged him.’"
Upcoming games to watch: the Apaches face DuPage again on Feb. 9 and Triton on Feb. 11, both at home.
Where have the Apaches had the most trouble up to now? According to Riley, "Our weaknesses are the lack of experience at the guard position and our lack of rebounding that gives the opponents second shot opportunities."
He added: "For the rest of the season we need more leadership in being aware and taking good shots. We want to continue to shoot well and balance our scoring with the big men inside."
Lacey Tyler and Derek Baird have been leading the Apaches in scoring with each averaging around 15 a game. Craig Olson and Carretto have also been averaging double figures.
The Apaches will be joining the Arrowhead Conference next year where they will be playing Division I and II schools.
"We need to raise our level of play for next season," said Riley. "I also think we will gain more of an identity in this conference (Arrowhead), and that more rivalries will start."
1/28/99 the Apache