Christmas Blues

Vs. LAMAR CC 1/7/2011

McCook Community College came back from Christmas Break, ready to work but seemed to be a step slow at the North Platte Classic. Our first contest vs Lamar Community College was a battle. Eventhough the score was close most of the game, McCook CC couldn't quite get in rythym on either end of the floor.
"The first games after Christmas Break are always a struggle, having 18 days off without doing a college level workout, can really set you back, and it did vs Lamar tonight", said head coach Brandon Lenhart.
One of McCook Community College's staples is their rebounding. MCC was out rebounded 34 to 41. McCook has a plus five rebounding advantage over its opponents this year, but they didn't show up to rebound vs Lamar! Another category MCC struggled in was defensive field goal percentage, allowing Lamar CC to make 52% of their shots, while Lamar held MCC to 36% from the field.
"To allow a team to score 87 points, and for them to shoot at a 52% clip from the field is something we can't allow, especially since we shot the ball so poor. These are statistics/categories we have to improve on in a hurry if we want to compete at the highest level," stated Lenhart.
Darius Robinson (So. Jacksonville, FL), Antonio Dye (So. Mishawaka, IN), and Michael Cutright Jr (Fr. Las Vegas, NV) led MCC in scoring, the only three players to reach double figures. Darius led MCC with 28 points, Antonio with 18, and Michael with 16 points. Antonio Dye, Michael Cutright, and Shawn Tarver (So. Gary, IN) all led in rebounding with 6 rebounds per player.

Vs. OTERO JC 1/8/2011

McCook Community College, must have had a little bit of rest, as they came out and played much better vs. Otero Junior College on Saturday. Several lead changes took place throughout the entire first half of the contest, with Otero JC leading MCC at the break 39-35. McCook Community College struggled the entire contest with transition defense, especially leaving Dylan Fritsch, a freshmen guard from Otero Junior College open as he drilled several three pointers in transition. Fritsch ended up the second leading scorer of the game behind MCC's Michael Cutright Jr (Fr. Las Vegas, NV) who led all scorers with 27 points and a team high 8 rebounds as well.
McCook Community College battled the entire 2nd half to gain the lead with 2 minutes left in the contest. MCC had two chances to push the lead to 3 points or more, but failed to do so. Otero JC gained a 1 point advantage with a little over 45 seconds to play. MCC had the ball and a chance to take the lead what seemed to be their last possession of the game on offense. A turnover by George pollard with 4.8 seconds left, gave Otero the ball and a one point advantage. A quick fould and 3.8 seconds left, Otero had 2 shots to put them up 3. Otero missed both free throws, Antonio Dye rebounded the Otero's missed opportunity and dribbled to half court and heaved up a shot that banged off the back of the rim. Otero JC 77- McCook CC 76.
"We played much better today than we did last night vs Lamar. We have a lot of improvements to make before conference play next Saturday at Southeast Community College. Luckily we have a few practices and another game vs Hastings College this next Tuesday. We will learn from this entire situation this weekend, and move forward," said Lenhart.