Tiger Cubs looking for best game of year against Indian Creek

Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Senior Holden King and the Greencastle Tiger Cubs take on Indian Creek at 6 p.m. Friday in the first semifinal of the Beech Grove Sectional. (Banner Graphic/TRENT SCOTT)

Greencastle's regular season didn't end on the highest of notes this season.

A 3-5 record since the start of February, including losses in the last two games, has left the Tiger Cubs (8-10) entering the sectionals seemingly at the wrong time.

Head coach Troy Greenlee, though, said the squad was upbeat as it prepared for their IHSAA Sectional No. 27 opener against 10-10 Indian Creek.

"We have the mentality right now that on offense, we have to be confident," Greenlee said. "I know we haven't shown that much lately but we have the mentality that we're going to push the ball and take good shots but also take the open shot. Everybody has to be ready to shoot and to pound the boards. That's our approach going into the sectional.

"We're waiting for that opportunity to see our offense flourish and I still think it will," Greenlee added. "We've got guys that can put the ball in the basket and the way they have been practicing, I think that's going to happen."

While the offense has sputtered at points, Greenlee pointed out the defense has done its job of late.

"Our defense has kept us in ballgames," Greenlee said. "That's given us a chance to win but the offense hasn't been able to get over the hump. Defensively, we've been solid all year.

"Against North Montgomery, we picked them up and got some easy baskets off of steals. We're going to try to pressure a little bit like we did at the beginning of the season and create situations for easier baskets."

The coach added that defense has been the key for the Tiger Cubs throughout the season.

"Defense is what we've hung our hat on all year," Greenlee said. "Hopefully against Indiana Creek, the defense can help create some offense for us."

When asked about Indian Creek, Greenlee said the Braves were not all that different from the Tiger Cubs.

"They're very similar to us as far as size," Greenlee said. "They're athletic, like to press and get the ball up the court. They want to push the issue and take the first shot on offense they get.

"We match up pretty well with them. It will be a matter of how we defend them and how we attack their defense. We're looking for a very competitive game Friday night."

Greenlee said the approach heading into the game needs to be similar to many other opponents this season.

"We need to look at all parts of the game," Greenlee noted. "We need to get offensive rebounds and limit theirs. Shot selection needs to be good to make shots. Turnovers will be a big key.

"There are lots of things that could tip the game one way or the other and we're hoping to play a solid enough game on both ends of the floor to give ourselves a chance."

"They average around 58 points per game, so they can score the ball," Greenlee added. "We're going to have to be able to handle their pressure, defend them in the full court and have our defense provide for some of our offense."

With the sectional only containing five teams, the draw put Greencastle in a favorable spot and gave the team a boost according to Greenlee.

"When we saw the draw, our guys were excited with that situation," Greenlee said. "It gives us a couple of more days to prepare for one team rather than spending a few days on one team then having two days to prepare for another team.

"We've had a chance to work on some things that we need to get better at and went over Indian Creek a little bit more. We need to carry those things over to have a chance to make it to the sectional final."

The chance to play in the final with just one win should provide some extra motivation for the Tiger Cubs.

"I expect the guys to come out ready to play," Greenlee said. "They've practiced extremely hard the last couple of days and with the attitude of, 'We have nothing to lose.'

"They want to play their game, have confidence in their shots going in and let the chips fall where they may."

That positive vibe has carried over into the practices and Greenlee things the squad is up for the challenge.

"This team has been extremely upbeat and our seniors have done a great job of being leaders out on the floor," Greenlee said. "They've made sure guys are working hard and doing the things they need to do.

"I expect we'll go over to Beech Grove and play the best game we've played all year."

Greencastle plays Indian Creek at 6 p.m. at Beech Grove High School.

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