WS Chronicle

Coming down the final stretch of the junior varsity basketball season, Glenn is looking to finish on the plus side of .500.

Up to now, the season has produced a mixed bag of results. At the start of this week, the Bobcats’ record was 9-9 overall and 4-4 in the Piedmont Triad 4-A Conference. Coach Chris Geter is confident that his team can win at least three of its final four games against (Southwest Guilford, High Point Central, East Forsyth and Ragsdale).

“We have what it takes to come out on top in these final games,” said Geter. “Our guys play together and they play for each other. Their best is still yet to come.”

Glenn has gone through some changes since the Lash-Chronicle Classic in December. The Bobcats were forced to make an adjustment when their top two players – Marley Pittman and Aaron Adair – were moved up to the varsity. Pittman delivered as a polished point guard and savvy floor leader. Adair, a 6-feet-3 combo guard, caused match-up headaches with his size and shooting touch.

With Pittman and Adair gone, Glenn struggled. Inspite of sporadic play, however, there are some bright spots. Shooting guard Brice Marshall has taken his game to a higher level. Prior to the holiday break, Marshall averaged 5.5 points a game. Since the departure of Pittman and Adair, he’s emerged as a prime scorer at 17.5 points a game.

Dalton Culler, the Bobcats’ best perimeter shooter, has had to become more versatile as a scoring factor at both forward positions. Culler has evolved as a post player who routinely drains shots from 3-point distance.

“Not having Marley and Aaron forced everybody else to step up and develop a better work ethic,” Geter said. “Those two were so good, that at times, other players would stand around and watch them. Now, it’s different. They’ve learned that they must take a more active role in order for us to win games. What has hurt us more than anything is a lack of consistency.”

When Glenn is at the top of its game, pressure defense sets the tone. Dedrick Casey leads the way as a scrappy ball hawk who makes life tough for the top scoring backcourt players that he defends. On the front line, Dedrick Hawkins is a steadfast presence in the paint. The 6-feet-4 Hawkins doesn’t look to score, but he compensates as an intimidating shot blocker and workhorse on the boards.

“We’ve had some ups and downs, but our guys have continued to challenge themselves,” said Geter. “And we still have a chance to finish up with a winning record. Things could’ve gone better, but we’re still improving. This season is not a wash.”