LEOPOLD TRIES TO LOCATE WIN COLUMN IN TOURNAMENT

Leopold coach Carlton Thoma, who has had some very good basketball teams during his tenure with the Wildcats, knows all too well that the success of most small schools generally runs in cycles.

And this year just happens to be something of a down cycle for the Wildcats, who were 0-5 prior to last Friday's game against St. Vincent and drew the 16th and last seed for the tournament.

The Wildcats have the unenviable task of facing top-seeded and heavy tourney favorite Charleston at 9 a.m. Friday in the opening round.

"We're struggling," admitted Thomas. "You never like to label it as a rebuilding season, but that's obviously what it is. We only one returning player from last year's varsity.

"I've heard coaches complain they only have one starter back. I only had one player back. It's really like the JV moving up and we're playing like a JV team right now."

But the good-natured Thoma, despite his team's struggles, said the Wildcats are still working hard and some good things could come to them before the season is over. He's also high on the future.

"I sure can't complain about the way the guys are working. This is a good group and they're working very hard," Thoma said. "They're young and there are just a lot of things we have to go over that you wouldn't have to with a more mature and experienced team. But I think if we can get on track, we can be competitive before the season is over.

"And I'm convinced it's going to pay off in the long run. Eight, 10 years ago we went through the same thing, where we started three sophomores and eventually we had a really good team. Most small schools go through this. Even some of the ones now that are doing well, were struggling a few years ago."

According to Thoma, his team's biggest problems have been "turnovers and poor shooting. That's a bad combination. We know what we have to get fixed, but sometimes it takes some time."

Leopold's only player who saw much varsity action last year is 5-10 senior John Vandeven

Others who have started for the Wildcats have been 6-0 sophomore Jason Vandeven, 6-2 sophomore Adam Horrell, 6-4 junior Donnie Landewee, 6-2 junior Brian Holzum and 6-0 sophomore Lee Vandermierden.

Jason Vandeven and Holzum are both averaging about 10 points per game.

Also seeing playing time for the Wildcats have been 6-0 sophomore Garen Engelen and 5-9 junior Matt Nanney.

Regarding Friday's matchup against powerful Charleston, Thoma said with a laugh, "I told the kids after the seeding meeting that Charleston is going to play four teams and we ought to feel fortunate we're one of those four. That's the way I look at it.

"But they're good, awfully good. They don't really need to show us how good they are, maybe just show us a little bit."