The Houghton College Women’s Basketball did not have a strong start to the 2017-18 season. After dropping their first three games out of conference, however, the team was able to shake off the rust and win their next four straight. By averaging about 60 points per game, and holding teams to about 57, the Highlanders have been able to keep pace with the rest of the conference and continually put themselves in a position to win late in games.
The team may have stumbled a bit out of the gate, but they have not been dissuaded. “Our season has gone really well. We played some tough competition in our non-conference schedule, which helped prepare us for conference play. We lost a tough game to Stevens last week but came back with two great wins against Hartwick, Elmira, and Fisher…I’m really proud of how we bounced back. Starting the season 0-3 didn’t faze us. In order for us to finish the season as one of the top teams in our conference, we just need to keep playing our game. Our strength is playing team basketball. We’re really learning how to play with each other and it’s hard to stop chemistry.” said senior guard, Laurie Call ‘18.
It is a realistic expectation to see this team towards the top of the Empire 8 standings when the the season begins to wind down. The team already owns a (4-2) record in conference and has plenty of opportunities to improve on that down the stretch.
Houghton Men’s basketball started hot this year, earning back to back victories in their first two games and making their way to a (3-1) start. Since then however, the Highlanders have struggled to find their stride, losing in each of the following eleven games. “So far this year has tested the resiliency of our team. Early on we learned how to win some tough games and as of late we’ve been on the other side of some very competitive, close games. Both Coach McMullen and Coach Zurich are doing a great job preparing us to bring our best every night. Our attitude and effort in both practice and games may not reflect our record, but our team continues to give it their all. The culture we are building is based on hard work and staying connected” Said junior guard Dylan Lambert ‘19, who surpassed 1,000 career points in their loss to St. John Fisher. “Scoring 1000 points in my junior year is a great honor and something I’ve worked very hard for, but I know I couldn’t have done it without the guys around me… Although I have many personal goals I have yet to achieve…my number one goal is to do my part in getting Houghton Basketball in the Empire 8 conversation,” said Lambert on his accomplishment.
On the offensive side of the floor, the team has been mostly efficient. The team averages about 67 points per game and only turns the ball over about 17 times per game. It is on the defensive end of the floor that the majority of the team’s struggles come from. The Highlanders have given up an average of 79 points per game and have only been able to force opposing teams into 10 turnovers per game. Despite the efficiency the team displays on offense, scoring 80 points a night is not easy. The team will be given many chances to get back on track as they square off with teams exclusively from the Empire 8 for the rest of the season.