Boys basketball team suffers from inexperience

Owen KneelandStaff WriterAfter their most recent loss to Beverly Hills on Wednesday (62-65), the Vikings have lost six straight games. Halfway through the season, the Vikings inexperience is shining through.Following the success of last year's team, the Vikings start — at 6-12 and 0-3 in league play — is disappointing. This year's team is composed of a group of young players who lack varsity level experience. In comparison, last year's varsity team had 11 seniors, each with two to three years of varsity experience.Senior Robert Brown, one of the few returning members of last year's triumphant team, has assumed the important role of leader and mentor.“Since our league season started, we’ve been in panic mode,” Brown said. “I believe that, in order for us to save our season, we have to calm down and attack our opponents the whole game. My job as a leader is to encourage the younger guys and push them to become better than they already are. They are the future of this program so I want to prepare them for next season and the season after that.”Even with ten games still remaining on their schedule, the Vikings understand that they have a very slim chance of moving forward.“We need more leadership from our upperclassmen,” senior Jerry Shevlin said. “In order for us to all play together, our younger guys need guidance from the seniors. Right now we’re not where we need to be.”With such an inexperienced team, the Vikings' coaches conclude that numerous improvements must be made during practices.“All of our improvement must come during practice,” assistant coach Shaun Higgins said. “We understand that we’re young and inexperienced, but that shouldn’t matter. Our practice has to reflect our play; if we practice hard, then we will play well.”okneeland@thesamohi.com