Crete boys basketball coach Brent Cole thought his team had a chance to improve on last year’s 16-8 record in 2015-16. But, the Cards unbeaten start after four games has exceeded even his expectations.
“We had a real positive feeling coming into the season,” Cole said yesterday reflecting on the 4-0 start. “But, when your top-8 players have four sophomore’s you never know what to expect.”
But, after an overtime win over Northwest last Tuesday – where Crete escaped a last second miss from Brook Brown for a 46-45 win – the Cardinals followed that up with a 64-63 three overtime win over preseason No. 2 Beatrice on Thursday night.
Against the Orangemen, who beat Crete twice last year, four starters scored in double figures with junior Rhett Harms leading the way with 16 points. He scored 11 of those in the extra sessions as Crete battled back from down 41-35 in the fourth quarter.
What a game tonight on the Crete Striv Network! Awesome win Cardinals! pic.twitter.com/YTuvvAc1wz
— Crete Cardinals (@CreteCards) December 11, 2015
Early in the season Crete has leaned on Harms and sophomore Carter Kent in scoring. Kent has averaged 15 points per game and Harms 12.2 to go with 5.7 rebounds.
But, Cole said it’s taken the whole team.
“I hate to use the old coaches cliche on you,” he joked, “but it truly has taken our whole team to get this done. Carter and Rhett have scored, but Hunter Bradley really leads us on floor. Against Beatrice, Wyatt Bodfield probably played the best game of his career.
“And, our sophomore’s have really stepped up physically.”
Bodfield and Bradley both had 12 points against Beatrice. Bradley leads the team in assists and steals, while Bodfield has averages of 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds.
The games get more difficult for the Cards who also anticipate the excitement of opening their new gym and high school after the new year. But first, games on Friday with Fairbury and then a trip to Columbus to face Class C-1, No. 2 Scotus.
“Fairbury will play a 1-3-1 (zone defense) like we do, but they do some different things that we will need to be ready for,” Cole said. “And, Scotus is the real deal. That will be a great test on the road.”
Cole said his family may be most looking forward to the new (second) gym for the Cards that he says is a great tribute to the Crete community.
“My wife and daughter are pretty happy that we won’t have practice from 6:00-9:00 in the evening anymore,” he joked. “But the new gym will just be a great facility. Hopefully we can keep putting out a great product and the community will keep coming out to watch.”
Let’s Rewind
Aurora girls unbeaten with upset of Minden
Top-ranked York girls hold off Waverly
