Blue Jays try to build off strong finish

Oak Ridge won just two games in the 2002-03 season. It looked for a long time that the Blue Jays may not even equal that mark last year, as they lost their first 17 games.

But it looked like an entirely different team after the Blue Jays finally won their first one and finished on a very strong note.

"We won five of our last nine and were in position to win seven of the last nine," coach Robert Stein said. "We played better as a team later in the season, and we were better defensively, and we cut down on our turnovers."

Stein hopes the Blue Jays can carry over the momentum from the end of last season. He has reason for optimism: Oak Ridge returns three starters, including its two leading scorers.

Junior Austin Hahs and senior Austin Morrison were the only consistent scorers on the team last year. Hahs, a junior forward, averaged 22 points a game, while Morrison, a senior guard, scored about 17 per game.

"Austin Hahs is extremely quick and strong," Stein said. "He scored well for us and also did a great job on the boards. He had one game last year in which he had 25 rebounds. Austin Morrison is a great slasher and good shooter."

Senior point guard Brian Ruesler is the other returning starter for the Blue Jays.

"Brian did a tremendous job of running the floor as he became more familiar with the offense last year," Stein said. "He should do well this season."

The other starting spots are open, but Stein is confident the team will be better balanced in its scoring this season.

"Last year, we relied heavily on the two players to score," Stein said. "This year, I am confident that I can put five kids on the floor at all times who are scoring threats."

One of the keys to the late-season success for Oak Ridge was added scoring from the role players.

"I believe that we can surprise some people this year if we play together and play smart," Stein said. "We made tremendous improvements last season, and I can see this team turning the corner and maybe finishing with at least a .500 record this season."

The Blue Jays open tonight against Saxony Lutheran.