Not even the flu bug has been able to get in the way of the success of the Cascade Christian Cougars boys basketball team as of late.
The Cougars, who went through a mini slump halfway through the year, have rattled off three consecutive victories to improve to 10-6 overall.
Head coach Jerry Williams gave his team a rare day off last week to let them recuperate.
“Of our 13 guys who play varsity, six of them came down with the flu,” Williams said last week. “We’re trying to get our guys healthy right now.”
Williams said his team has played its best in its last three victories against Life Christian, Vashon Island and Chimacum.
“Our backs were up against the wall, and we came up with a really good effort,” Williams said of the win against Vashon Island. “Some of our younger guys who weren’t playing much early on are starting to pay dividends now. They are getting more experience and are gaining confidence.”
While the Cougars are making strides, Williams said his team can’t get overconfident.
“We are getting better, but we still have plenty of work to do,” he said. “I’m happy with the progress.
“We have reserved confidence about us right now and are starting to play good basketball,” he added. “We have to play better to get to where we want to be. If we keep progressing like we have been, I think this team has a chance to accomplish some nice things.”
The Cougars hope to play at the Yakima SunDome this March for the fourth consecutive year at the Class 1A state tournament. Williams said getting there will be a formidable task.
“Our tri-district is one of the toughest districts in the state,” he said. “There are only two teams that will come out of our district out of eight or nine really good teams. There is going to be five or six teams going home that are really good.”
Williams hopes his team can continue on its upward trajectory.
“We are definitely beginning to peak at the right time,” he said. “We are climbing that hill and are heading in the right direction.”
Jerry Williams
Cascade Christian head coach
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