~by Dustin Teays for the Scranton Journal
The Greene County Rams boys’ basketball team battled their way to their third win of the season.
Last week was short for the Rams boys in terms of games, as they only had two on the schedule. The week started with a 54-21 loss to the West Marshall Trojans in a Heart of Iowa Conference matchup Jan. 7.
Against the Trojans, eight different Rams scored points, including Camden Jacobs, Nick Madsen, Broc Stream, Caden McCollom, Lincoln Schwander, Adam Bills, Isaac Carman, and Rafe Michaelsen. The Rams struggled to shoot the ball as they shot 21.1 percent from the field, 16.7 percent from behind the arc, and 50 percent from the charity stripe.
The Rams didn’t let the loss to the Trojans ruin their week as they bounced back with a tough win Jam. 10 over the South Hamilton Hawks, 65-55, marking their third win of the year and their first win of the season against a Heart of Iowa Conference opponent.
Scoring was no issue for the Rams against the Hawks as five players scored double-digit points: Camden Jacobs had 12, Broc Stream and Isaac Carman had 11, and Adam Bills and Rafe Michaelsen had ten points and also had a double-double as he grabbed ten boards as well. Overall, the game was a positive for the Rams as they are focusing on getting better as the season rolls along.
“I thought we played well as a team on both ends for the majority of the game. We had some good learning moments in the fourth quarter but were pleased with our response and finish to the game. Balanced scoring also was key,” head coach Chris Nelson said.
Through their first 10 games, the Rams have a record of 3-7 overall with a 1-6 conference record. Their three wins already surpassed their win total from a season ago, showcasing a team headed in the right direction.
“I feel like our defense has been pretty good so far to this point, and that needs to continue. We knew offensively we would have some struggles, and we have to continue to build positives on that end. I feel we are going in the right direction and seeing more positives,” Nelson added.
As the Rams continue on throughout the rest of the season, they will take the victories they have and continue building the team in the right direction. The mindset of the team remains the same to reach the goals they have set for themselves.
“This group has done a good job of staying positive and the continuity is a strength for this team. They know there are many opportunities left, and they have their goals to try and reach,” Nelson concluded. “We have to keep things simple and be consistent in the small things and our focuses.”
The Rams were expected to face Manson-NW Webster on Monday, Jan. 13; Perry on Tuesday, PCM on Thursday and then Grand View Christian on Friday in an extremely busy week of basketball.
The extended calendar has the Rams facing Woodward Academy on Jan. 23, PCM on Jan. 24 and Nevada on Jan. 28.
