Photo Credit: @cavemensports on twitter
Tonight, Mishawaka takes on Penn in boys basketball. Penn is riding a five game winning streak against the Cavemen. However, the Cavemen are under new head coach Ron Hecklinski, who is bringing a new culture to Mishawaka.
The Cavemen are senior driven (eight seniors) and are hungry to get a win over Penn, and start the culture change at Mishawaka.
Mishawaka is 8-5 overall on the season, and look to keep improving. Seniors TreSean Jefferies and John Binion, are two important pieces to the Cavemen puzzle.
“Overall, the season has been okay,” said Jefferies, “we should have a better record than we do right now, but we lost two games we should’ve pulled out.”
Binion, expanded on those thoughts, “The season has been going well, we are becoming better and better, every game.”
“One positive this year, is how well we work together, and how we transfer our hard work in practices to the games,” said Jefferies on the positives, “some things we need to work on are tightening up some things on offense and defense, and also work on our communication.”
Binion, agreed with what they have to work on,“We need to execute better, and be more vocal, but I think our defense is starting to become better.”
Mishawaka hasn’t beaten Penn in a varsity sport in the past four years, and that sticks with this years seniors.
“This game means a lot to the seniors and we are definitely looking to change that drought,” said Jefferies, “I think because everyone is saying Penn is better than us at everything, that makes us want it more.”
Binion, a transfer from Riley hasn’t had the full rivalry experience but he still knows it’s a big deal. “I have only been here for two years, but I know how big of a rivalry it is, we were close last year, but we are looking to get it done this year.”
The team has additional goals for the rest of the year.
“Some of our other goals are to compete and be in contention and win the NIC North title,” said Binion, “we also want to win sectionals.”
Jefferies had a lot of the same thoughts, “we want to make each other better everyday, and be ready for what really matters which is sectionals.”
Jefferies and Binion both appreciate the fans and community, “thank you for coming out and supporting at every game, and Go Cavemen.”