Cougar boys have lofty playoff goal

DIXFIELD -- The Dirigo boys' basketball team had an interesting regular season. However, that’s history as they enter the second season with a goal of defending its regional championship.

“From the start, the expectation was for us to come together as a group, and we have,” said coach Rebecca Fletcher. “We knew there would be an adjustment phase, but that happened pretty quickly and smoothly. We also knew there would be some ups and downs, having a very young, inexperienced team.”

At this point in the season though, Fletcher believes they are all veterans and the expectations remain high for the team, always wanting a solid effort in both practices and games.

The defensive end of the floor has certainly been a focus from the start. The team has allowed 33.5 points against, with 16.4 steals a game. The objective is to continue to improve on the defensive end of the floor. “We often talk about how a struggle on the offensive end of the floor can be overcome with an outstanding defensive effort, and that often times defense can lead to easy offensive opportunities.”

The offense has been solid, averaging 59.5 ppg and 16.4 assists, entering last week. The three guards include Spencer Ross (4.3 ppg, 2 apg, 2:1 assist/turnover ratio); Caleb Turner (10.7 ppg, 55.1 percent 2pt FG, 41.4 3pt FG, 3.7 steals and 4.1 assists); Josh Turbide (11.7 ppg, 43.3 3ptFG, 3.1 spg, 3.2 apg, 3:1 assist/TO ratio).

All three perimeter players are capable of hitting treys. Sophomores TJ Frost and Hunter Ross have each added depth.

A few teams have collapsed against Cody St. Germain; however, Ben Holmes' development has helped to discourage a team to focus just on Cody where Ben can hurt them just as badly. St. Germain (14.1 ppg, 28 blocked shots, 7 rebounds, 60.1 2-pt. FG) and Holmes (8.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.1 spg). Holmes really made his presence known; strong inside, is willing to finish with his left hand, and constantly fights for offensive rebounds. Mitch Stanley, Jake Dowland and Arik Fenstermacher have also filled in.