JACKSON INDIAN BASKETBALL TEAM LOOKING FOR CONSISTENCY

Mike Gross works against the Charleston Press. Larico Coleman applies the pressure.

It's been a roller coaster ride for the Jackson Indians basketball team so far this season.

The team started off slow with a 3-3 record. Then the team went through a period of the season where they won nine and lost two, but this week's loss to Charleston and win over Farmington, Jackson stands at 13-8 on the year.

Jackson Coach Steve Burke's goal every year is to get his team playing to the best of its ability so that the team can compete for a district championship.

Last year's team finished just below .500, but coaches Burke, Eric Venable, Dave Riney and Tom Sprandel are building the foundation for a solid program for years to come.

Jackson which lost tough games to Sikeston and Charleston recently are looking forward to a rematch with arch rival Cape Central on Tuesday night.

Cape Central defeated Jackson by four points in the University High Christmas Tournament earlier in the season.

"We've had some tough losses," Burke said.

"We are still making progress. I was pleased with our intensity and effort against Charleston, we just needed better execution," he added.

Jackson led the number one ranked Bluejays 39-35 late in the third quarter, but then Charleston went on a 29-1 run to close out the game to win 64-40.

Jackson used a strong third quarter performance to pull away from Farmington Thursday night, 59-45.

Jackson is preparing for the District tournament that will be played later in the month.

Jackson gets its scoring from 6'5 junior shooting guard Justin Keen (15 ppg) and 6'5 junior center Jeff Walter (14 ppg/7 rpg).

"Justin is a solid outside shooter and can take the ball to the basket. He's probably our most consistent scorer this season," Burke said.

"Walter is scoring the most for us from the inside."

Senior point guard Mike Gross (6.5 ppg/4 apg) is the team leader.

"He's a very good defensive player, a good ball handler and he shows a lot of toughness."

"He is without question one of our hardest workers."

Travis Wilson (6'0 junior forward) plays solid for Jackson. And along with Gross, Wilson (5.5 ppg/4 rpg/4 apg) is one of Jackson's best passers.

Senior forward John Schlick (4.5 ppg) is a good rebounder for Jackson and the 6'5 forward can score inside.

Jackson gets good complimentary play from juniors Brandon Blattel (5'11 junior guard) and Justin Suedmeyer (6' sophomore guard).

Blattel (4 ppg) is a strong defensive player and ball handler that can shoot from the outside.

Suedmeyer (5 ppg) is a very good passer and can get himself open to score.

"He's very creative on offense."

Junior Pat Rafferty is a good shooter and passer for the Indians.

"He's helped us win some games."

Junior guard Chris Schuette is real quick. His strength is defense, but can really push the ball on offense.

Schuette can come into a game and really help out with the pressing defenses.

Another quick junior guard for the Indians is Kyle Thompson.

"He's a hard worker in practice and can run the offense."

Junior swing man Ryan Walther is a strong offensive player for the Indians.

Junior Josh Crane (6'6) is a post player. He's only been playing for a couple of years, but has made a lot of progress, according to Burke.

"He's a good offensive rebounder."

Brandon Streiler (6'2 junior) has been hampered by an injury to his knee he suffered playing football.

He started for the Indians last year.

"He's a tough aggressive kid that can score inside and bang on the boards for us."

"He's improved significantly these past few weeks."

New arrival junior Tom Van Matre is a very fundamental player.

"He's a hard worker. Once he knows our system he will help us. He has a good attitude."

"I really am pleased with the fact that our players have played well together as a team and have been unselfish."

"We have pretty good work habits. I feel we've made progress and that we've laid the foundation for the future," Burke said.