The men’s basketball team will look to rebound with better defense after a lackluster 2012 season that saw its record tumble to 8-18.
Mens basketball practice on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
“I think this season’s team will be a lot better on defense,” said head coach Michael Swanegan, who is in his 7th season as head coach. “If we execute our game plans, we will have a much better season… We are looking to compete for the title this year.”
This season, the Lancers will be missing the size and the experience (with only two sophomores returning) they had on the court last year, but sophomore guard Jeffrey Dockett doesn’t think that will be a big deal.
“We are stronger on defense than last season,” Dockett said. “Our fast-break points will probably go up due to the quickness on this team. We will pressure teams into making mistakes and turning the ball over.”
As one of the only two sophomores on the team, forward Bryce Clifton said that he and Dockett would have to lead the team on and off the court. It’s a challenge they are more than ready to step up to.
“I learned a lot last season,” Clifton said. “I think [Dockett] and I will be able to do a good job on the court with this team. First thing we are going to have to do is back up each other on and off the court.”
Dockett said that there were going to be a lot of shooters on the team this year.
“Our defense along with the shooters we have on this team are going to keep us close in games,” Dockett said. “[Freshmen guard] Jonathan Henderson is one of those lights-out shooters we have. He hits a lot from the outside, and I hope to dish out some assists his way.”
After months of conditioning and practicing, Swanegan is confident that his team will come out in the first few games with some fire.
“The guys are tired of beating up on each other,” Swanegan said. “They are ready to beat up on other teams.”
The Lancers will be playing in Ventura College’s “We Play Hard” Tournament on Nov. 7-9.
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