Wood Memorial basketball not using snow days as an excuse
Kyle SokelandOAKLAND CITY, Ind. – Like every other coach in the area, Kevin Menke wishes he was back in the gym.
After a pair of winter storms marched their way through Southern Indiana this past week, school has been cancelled since last Thursday. And with it means no practice time for the Wood Memorial basketball team and Menke, its second-year coach.
But missing that time together as a team won’t be used an excuse with the Trojans. Not this season.
“Our motto is no excuses, just results,” said Menke. “That is something that I must remind the guys. I've been corresponding (with the team) and watching film. No excuses for us.”
Coming off its third straight sectional title, Wood Memorial has wanted more. The Trojans stand with a 7-3 record and are ranked No. 10 in the latest Class 1A poll by the Associated Press. But that mark could be better. The Trojans’ only losses have come to 3A No. 9 Princeton (twice) and Castle.
The last two defeats stung the most. Wood Memorial led by double digits at halftime against both Princeton and Castle in the Toyota Classic.
“We lost some games that we shouldn't have, I feel like,” said senior Lathan Falls. “We need to work on closing the game. Most of the time we come out with a good start.”
But those losses have become a good teaching point for Wood Memorial. Each and every single possession needs to be valued. That becomes amplified once the postseason arrives and the schedule toughens.
"I am really excited about this group," said Menke. “We have gotten better and put together some really nice halves. But we got through that (stretch against Princeton and Castle) and it was really good for us in preparing for our sectional and conference.”
For Wood Memorial, its success is usually built on a dangerous offense. In particular, junior forward Paxon Bartley (19 points per game), Falls (18 ppg) and senior Walker Nurrenbern (14 ppg) form the backbone of that attack.
All three and others have been in the gym on their own this week getting shots up. A little snow won’t stop them.
“I feel like I am a playmaker,” said Falls. “I like to pass and I like to shoot. Paxon gives us defense for sure. He blocks everything and jumps out of the gym. I wish I had that athleticism. Walker is a rebounder and a strong boy who can also shoot it.”
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But Menke also points to the unselfishness of that trio. They don’t care who the guy is on any even night. Bartley, Falls and Nurrenbern all average at least five rebounds and three assists.
“All three of them could be 20-25 points scorers on other teams in the area,” said Menke. “But they all sacrifice and bring something unique to help us be the best that we can be.”
The road ahead doesn’t get easier for the Trojans. The schedule includes four Blue Chip Conference games in the next two weeks, plus tough outings on the horizon next month.
A trip up north to face Class 1A No. 3 Barr-Reeve – which was originally scheduled for Friday but postponed because of the weather – will have to wait until Feb. 20. But no matter the opponent, don't expect anything different from Wood Memorial.
The Trojans just want to play their game and reach their highest potential.
“I want to go in thinking about how great Wood Memorial is," said Falls. "I want to go in with the most confidence that I can have and play basketball. Every single game."