Turnovers an issue for JV

Last week, the Thermopolis boys JV basketball team had a rough time with a 58-40 loss to Worland and a 54-29 lost to Buffalo.

Coach Ryan Shaffer noted the boys again “gave up a quarter” in the second, as Worland outscored us 21-10. “When you lose by 18,” he said, giving up 11 in one quarter is pretty tough.” Other factors include missed free throws to keep a win within reach.

Down by 15 at the half, Shaffer said the team couldn’t really recover. The boys played much better in the second half, he said, causing 17 of the Worland’s total 25 turnovers.

“I like this team because they play until the end,” Shaffer said. “They don’t slow up. They’ll keep trying even though it’s a tough game.”

Thermopolis had 24 turnovers during the game, and Shaffer said they’re trying to fix that. Additionally, they’re also working to get more shots, at least 50 per game where they’re currently averaging 40.

Logan Shumway had a good game against Worland, with points in every quarter and 15 total. Kolby George had picked things up on the defensive end, Shaffer said, and got to the line six times.

The Bobcats got out-rebounded as well, which was frustrating for Shaffer. The Warriors were able to 14 offensive rebounds to our five, and 20 defensive rebounds to our 15. The Cats made six of 15 free throws, and the Warriors made seven of 13. Worland also got more shots in, with 55 compared to 42.

Shaffer said they continue to push consistency and accuracy when it comes to free throws, and also with lowering their number of turnovers.

Scoring against Worland were Shumway —15, George — 9, Dustin Harvey — 5, Sean Miller — 4, Oran Coyne — 4 and Cade McLean — 3

As for the match against Buffalo, Shaffer said they had trouble scoring and shooting, getting 41 shots compared to Buffalo’s 71. Turnovers continued to be an issue as well, with 34 against the Bobcats.

Shaffer said Buffalo put on a press, and the Bobcats have prepared for presses, but they turned the ball over way too much. “It’s tough to win a game when you’re in the 30s with turnovers,” the coach said, “and obviously it shows, because they got 30 more shots than we did.”

The boys did better with offensive rebounds, taking seven this game as well as 21 defensive rebounds.

Shumway had another good scoring game with nine, Shaffer said, but they were all in the fourth quarter. He added that type of scoring needs to happen every quarter, especially with the limited amount of playing time many of the players have. At least three of the boys have limited quarters, so it’s important for the other players to step up and show what they’ve got.

As for defense, George and McLean came away with three steals each, which was nice to see, Shaffer said, but it doesn’t mean a whole lot with so many turnovers.

Whether it’s the press that got to the Bobcats or their lack of confidence in throwing the ball, he said limiting themselves on turnovers and making good passes are focus points this week at practice. While everyone wants to make the great passes that look good, Shaffer said they also have to pass to open players.

Looking ahead to the game at home against Rawlins on Friday, Shaffer noted last year it was a win for the freshmen so they’re definitely looking to compete with them. It’s also nice, he said, to have only one game on which to focus. “We’ll watch all the film we can and try to get these guys ready, have them watch film and evaluate themselves and the team, and move forward with where we’re at.”

The JV games are important, Shaffer said, as many of the boys need gameplay before they get on the varsity court. For those who only play two or three quarters, it’s like a warm up to “get the bugs out and get into game mode.”

Scoring against Buffalo were McLean — 10, Shumway — 9, George — 4, Harvey — 4 and Coyne — 2.

Tipoff for the Rawlins game is 4 p.m. at the high school.