Quite frankly I was shocked when the fax came in with the results of the Dowagiac girls basketball game at Michigan Lutheran.

To see that the Chieftains had been shut out in the first half and scored just four points in the entire contest made me say “wow” out loud.

It is hard for me to believe that what I saw in the opening game of the season was as good as it has gotten for the Chieftains.

I said in my original column about Floyd Foston taking over the team that it would improve steadily as the season went along. I didn’t know how many wins that would translate into, but I saw potential there.

Now, I am wondering if it was all a mirage?

I have spoken to Floyd several times this season and he keeps telling me the same thing — they seem to get it in practice, but when it is time to get out on the court…

There is obviously still a lot of work to do with this basketball team. Foston has had to break it down and start from scratch. He may have to do that again before the season ends.

I told people as the team struggled to find its identity, especially on offense, that things would be better after the break.

After all, Foston would have some extra time to get the team prepared for the second half of the season.

It looks like I might be wrong again.

I have not given up on this team or Foston. I still believe there is potential there. I know they work hard, but the results just aren’t there yet.

Dowagiac hosts Edwardsburg Friday night in the second game of a doubleheader with the Eddies, who are also struggling this season.

Perhaps, with our support, the team can get over the hump. Come out Friday night and cheer on the Chieftains as they go after that elusive first win.

 

Scott Novak is sports editor for Leader Publications.