Growing confidence strengthens team’s play, coach says
By Jennifer Cesarz
Correspondent
With their confidence growing according to their coach, the Delavan-Darien High School boys’ basketball team had a good week of basketball last week.
The Comets knocked off Jefferson 63-60 in a non-conference game, and had the reigning Southern Lakes Conference champion, Burlington, scrambling to come from behind and get the 57-42 win over the Comets.
Jan. 7 the Comets hosted Jefferson and won 63-60.
“I think confidence is the key for this group, and it has grown this week,” head coach Bob Beighton said. “The Jefferson game was a great example. Down nine points in the third quarter, we continued to execute and made plays under pressure.”
The Comets had the 38-36 halftime lead but let the Eagles pull ahead in the third quarter before catching back up, making it a 51-50 in favor of the Eagles to start the final quarter of play.
The Comets outscored the Eagles 13-9 in the final quarter to go on for the 63-60 win.
“I think our ability to convert at the line shows a team starting to get to the hoop, go strong, and know they can finish,” Beighton said.
The Comets were 19-of-22 from the free throw line in the win.
Nolan Dodge led the Comets with 12 points, and Jesse Collins and Stephen Rodriguez each had 11 points.
Collins added five steals, while Rodriguez added five steals, three rebounds and two assists.
Danny Supernaw was also in double figures with 10 points and John Damrow and Isiah Ramos added seven points each.
Thursday night the Comets had the Demons playing from behind after taking a 13-8 first quarter lead and 26-24 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, the Comet offense was nearly shut-out, only putting three points on the board and the Demons went up, 35-29 and then went on for the 57-42 win.
“Burlington was a solid learning experience for the team,” Beighton said. “We know now we can play with anyone.”
“We are now starting to believe in our team and our talent,” he said.
