A good solid win for our team on Saturday afternoon.  We did not shoot well, but we played a good game defensively, played with a lot of energy, and rebounded hard.  Just a good all around game.  It was nice to get into Dubuque the night before, sleep in, have a short meeting, and go to Mike Brannon’s house for our pregame meal.  The meal was awesome.  We made a couple of adjustments in the first half defensively, and after being down 11 early, we came back got it even at half, and it was a battle in the 2^nd half.  How good in Brian Centella?  He is real good player, and really played his heart out.  He should be a football  player. 

We were reminded how important a JV program is during this game.  Doug Bissen, a freshman, played early in the season, and did a nice job, but struggled at times.  The only reason for his struggles, is that he did not play enough minutes.  So we started to get him some minutes on the JV team for just a few games, and he got minutes, and went out and got better.  There is also something about sitting and watching the varsity play sometimes.  Just sitting back and evaluating what you can do to help.  With Brian Fogleman out, Doug played great.  He battled on the glass, and made a difference in the game.  If not for JV games, Doug would not have helped us.  All of the guys, except Andre and now Jeff Janssen have played a JV game, and it helped all of them.  It helps them evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. 

KJ Gray is my senior today.  KJ came to BV from Danville, Iowa.  KJ played his freshman and sophomore year here.  The last two years he attended Iowa Wesleyan, down by his home.  He played one year, and then did not play last year.  He came back, because this is where his true friends were.  He is a great teammate, and always is communicating on the bench.  I always here him behind me.  He has not played as much as he would like, but none the less, has been a welcomed addition to our team.  He is a good shooter, and has improved his defense.  He has helped us when we really needed him in a couple of games this year, and has done well.  He is a fine practice player, and is always leading the charge on the bus with the card games.  He has had an interview with Wells Fargo, and is getting a second interview, in a couple of weeks.  He will be successful because he knows what is important.  That is why he came back to be with us.  Teammates and friends are what life is all about, and he is a great teammate and friend.  Those traits lead to successful people in the future. 

We are glad to get an off date on Wednesday.  It will give us a chance to catch our breath as we get into the conference tournament next week.  I believe in giving extra rest to players.  Legs are important, and having a couple of off days this week will be good for the body, and hopefully give us an edge as we go to Luther on Saturday, then get ready for the conference tournament. 

For all of you wondering, we will have a Brian Fogleman sighting in the next game at Luther.  First sprained ankle of his life, and should be back for Saturday, and for sure by the conference tournament. 

Go Beavers!!

Coach VH