Mohonasen boys basketball coach Ken Dagostino knows his players have the potential to be great.
It’s just getting them to play up to their potential that’s been the challenge.
I think this is my most talented team since I’ve been here, said Dagostino. `But they really have to make their minds up that they have to compete. I think it’s really completely on them, and it’s a great question for them to ask themselves and answer of themselves.`
While Mohonasen has talent, it doesn’t have varsity experience. Dagostino is starting three juniors and two sophomores, none of whom were key starters last year.
`We’re new, we’re young and we’re inexperienced, but we’re coming along,` said Dagostino.
The lack of experience has haunted Mohonasen (2-4 league, 3-5 overall) at times. The Mighty Warriors had a 21-17 halftime lead on Lansingburgh in last Wednes-day’s Kirvin Cup championship game, but they couldn’t maintain their level of play in the second half and lost 39-33.
`We played a good defensive game,` said Dagostino. `We came out at halftime with a nice lead, but we had a bunch of turnovers in the second half, and that’s what hurt us.`
Mohonasen has been sound defensively for most of the season, Tuesday’s 64-39 Suburban Council loss to Saratoga Springs notwithstanding. The Mighty Warriors had allowed opponents to reach the 50-point plateau twice in the seven games leading up to Tuesday’s road game.
A solid offensive performance has been harder to come by for Mohonasen. The Mighty Warriors are averaging less than 46 points per game, and none of their players are averaging 10 points per game. Take away Mohonasen’s 70-54 victory over crosstown rival Schalmont in last Tuesday’s Kirvin Cup opening round and the Mighty Warriors are averaging 42 points per game.
`We’re in every game,` said Dagostino. `It’s just a matter of being more comfortable within the [offensive] system.`
Mohonasen’s upcoming schedule isn’t forgiving for a young team trying to make the adjustment to varsity-level basketball. The Mighty Warriors host Niskayuna (2-4, 4-4) Friday and Colonie (4-2, 4-4) next Tuesday before traveling to Columbia (5-2, 5-3) next Friday.
Still, Dagostino said he is remaining positive with his players.
`The thing is, will they persevere through all of this?` said Dagostino.
Tartans roll along
While Mohonasen continues to search for its offense, Scotia-Glenville (6-2) is in a good groove.
The Tartans raced out to a 34-2 lead in the first quarter before putting themselves on cruise control in a 67-25 non-league victory over Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Monday.
Terrell Winney and Brad Callahan each scored 11 points to lead a balanced attack for Scotia-Glenville. Five more players scored seven or more points.
The Tartans return to Foothills Council action Thursday when they host Glens Falls.
Some of Scotia-Glenville’s offensive success rubbed off on Schalmont (1-8), as the Sabres defeated Hudson Falls 60-46 Monday at Scotia-Glenville. It was the first time this season that Schalmont had reached the 60-point plateau.
Anthony Metzold netted 16 points, and Aaron Pommer added 13 points for the Sabres.
Schalmont’s hopes of a winning streak ended Tuesday with a 70-55 Colonial Council loss to Lansingburgh.“
