From 14-0 to 0-19. The difference between being undefeated and being winless is like standing on a mountaintop versus being caught in a canyon. The confidence of walking onto the field as the prohibitive favorite gives way to the uncertainty of being the underdog.
Adding to the challenge of losing is the relentless pressure of expectations resulting from the recent accomplishments of two other Middletown High School sports teams, the girls varsity soccer team and the varsity football team, both of whom have won multiple state titles in recent seasons, including both this past fall.
Ian Grife, MHS senior forward, can relate to this struggle. As a member of the MHS varsity football team that won its second straight state championship this fall, it has been an interesting transition between seasons.
“It’s definitely different,” said Grife, “It took a little while to adjust (to the changes).”
The ironic connection between the MHS football team and the basketball team extends beyond their records.
Ten out of 13 players on the basketball team, like Grife, also played for MHS football team. This led to tryouts taking place later than usual, and, “we had to fight from behind at the beginning of the year, building confidence and things like that,” said MHS boys varsity basketball coach Aaron White.
To the casual fan, a 0-18 record gives the impression that there are major issues within the team, but a deeper examination of the teams’ schedule prompts reconsideration.
“There are no nights off. The league we play in is made up of 2A and 3A schools. The number one seed in the 2A region is in our league, the number one seed in the 3A region is in our league, and the quality of basketball we play is very tough,” said White.
“There are a lot of good players in the league, there are a lot of (college-bound) players, and a lot of teams where basketball is the primary sport their guys play year-round.”
“(We are) playing teams that are quicker than us and more athletic than us,” said Grife.
During play, one of the main issues that the Knights have faced is scoring. This had been compounded for many reasons, namely because of difficulties handling and passing the ball.
“This is a very skill oriented sport. The time off really shows and makes a big difference,” said White.
Rather than focus on the issues during the game, MHS physical education teacher and team assistant Tim Leber has a different take on the team.
“When I watch them play, I really admire the heart they’re playing with, the togetherness they’re playing with. So when I watch them, I don’t care what their record is; I’m proud of the way they are representing our school.”
Involved with MHS basketball since arriving at the school in 1994, Leber has had a variety of positions on the team. Though currently he is serving as a team assistant during games, he previously had been head coach for 6 years, and served as an assistant coach for the 2 years prior to this school year.
He can recall a season similar to this one that occurred four years ago. That year, the team lost its first 12 games and then came back to win 5 of the remaining twelve games.
The aspect of this years’ team that remains most impressive to Leber, however, is how hard they play, regardless of the score.
“We were playing at Tuscarora, and at halftime we were down by 20 points. There were two minutes left in the third quarter, and a player on the team went hard to the basket, made a really strong move, and got fouled,” said Leber.
“The bench exploded with excitement. I looked up, and everyone was off the bench, screaming and going crazy, excited for their teammate. The score was 53 to 27.”
This intensity may very well be something that will become an asset to the Knights as they approach what White calls the “second season”.
In the Monocacy Valley Athletic League, all teams are entered into the playoffs. From the beginning, it has been a goal for the MHS boys varsity basketball team to keep improving in order to have the best chance at hitting a hot streak going into the playoffs.
“(We want) to make a run in the playoffs. We still have a chance,” said Grife.
At this point in the season, the Knights have no idea who they will be facing, as the blind draw that determines the match-ups will take place on Feb. 17.
But come Feb. 26, the opening day of the playoffs, the team is sure to be ready.
“There are only two options in my book: keep fighting or give up. (The boys) have kept fighting and I really admire them for that,” said Leber.
