Just two weeks ago, the JV basketball team stood with a 5-4 record and momentum on its side. Now, the boys are 6-8 and have serious holes in their roster.

After losing their three leading scorers, Joe Cleary, 11, Michael Knodle, 11, and Patrick Stucker, 10, to the varsity squad, the team finds itself struggling to score. JV has lost four of its last five games.

“It is unfortunate that JV had to lose their leaders because they had been playing so well, but players change teams often in high school sports,” said AJ Goldhoff, 11.

The burden of leadership now falls on the shoulders of juniors Jason Robke, Ryan Johnson, Desmond Hodge, Thomas Meier, and Lee Chacksfield.

“It is never easy to step up and take the reins but some players have to if JV wants to finish what they started,” said Rohan Dalal, 11.

Earlier in the season, the team was reeling. Through the first half of the schedule, JV achieved a record over .500, a feat which had not been accomplished in years.

However, the boys received a striking blow with the departure of their premier players.

“I really hope they can turn it around,” said Goldhoff.

With only six games remaining on the schedule, the team still has time to gain momentum and finish off the promising season they started. Eclipsing the .500 mark would be a fine achievement.

Matchups against rivals Mason, Lakota East, Lakota West, and Loveland still remain. If players step up and lead the team, it is quite possible for JV to end on a high note. – Posted: Thu, Feb 04 2010 8:18:03 AM EST by Chad Chessin