The start of the Saint John’s 2011-12 basketball season has featured ups and downs, but the Johnnies believe they are prepared for more consistent success.
After knocking off No. 24 Wisconsin-Stevens Point, St. John’s dropped its first two conference games against Augsburg and Carleton. The Johnnies bounced back Dec. 5 against Saint Mary’s in a 69-58 win in Collegeville. The Johnnies’ record now stands at 3-3 going into its next game against Martin Luther College on Dec. 12 in Collegeville at 7:30 p.m.
One of the struggles that the Johnnies have endured is slow starts. The only game SJU has led at halftime was its most recent game against St. Mary’s. Even in its win over Stevens-Point, the Johnnies had to overcome a 14-point deficit before pulling away.
“We’ve been coming out too flat,” said senior wing/post Aaron Barmore, who scored a career high 20 points against the Cardinals. “We’ve been waiting for the game to come to us. We need to take care of business right away.”
One of the ways Head Coach Jim Smith has tried to provide a high level of play is by using different lineup changes throughout the game. So far this season 14 players have made appearances in multiple games.
“We’re always looking for people to improve,” Smith said. “Some changes might come from energy, but we might go with bigger or smaller lineups due to an opponent’s size.”
Barmore stressed that playing strong defense and having great energy at every game will put the Johnnies in a position to win. Those elements factored into the team’s win over Stevens Point by holding the Pointers to just two field goals in the second half.
SJU will also look for role players to step up and contribute when it needs it most. Sophomore guard Jack Wittenborg proved this belief after making six out of six shots from the floor and tallying career high 13 points against Saint Mary’s.
“I got some easy looks and tried to be aggressive with the opportunity,” Wittenborg said.
Despite being 1-2 in the conference, the Johnnies are not too worried about their progress and goals for the remainder of the season. The Auggies and Knights were predicted to finish third and fourth respectively in the MIAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, so SJU understands that it lost games to two talented teams. SJU will also have to look out for St. Thomas and St. Olaf, who were picked to place first and second in the conference.
Despite difficulties with the team’s inability to effectively use the full court press, and its tendency to be impatient, Smith has liked what he has seen from his squad.
“I’ve been really impressed with their attitude and team chemistry,” Smith said. “They truly are a blue collar team. They hustle and work hard. I have seen no selfish play at all.”
Wittenborg credited the team’s character to its senior captains, Barmore and senior point guard Andy Burns.
“They have been great leaders,” Wittenborg said of the captains. “They have led by example and have helped direct traffic.”
With great discipline and leadership, the Johnnies will look to build off of their impressive wins and challenge the rest of the MIAC.