Red devils like what they've seen so far

They've played just three games so far, but spirits are high among the Chaffee Red Devils this season.

With nearly three weeks between its opener Dec. 3 and a date with Woodland on Dec. 19, the Red Devils had plenty of time to work out the kinks.

Chaffee's defensive effort in their opener -- a 44-36 loss at East Prairie -- was a bright spot for coach David Mirly.

"Our defense really played an outstanding game," Mirly said. "Our defense is right where I think it needs to be."

Mirly said his team's opening performance showed areas the Red Devils will have to work on this season. While the Red Devils were able to get plenty of open shots, their touch was not there.

First-game jitters

Mirly said he thinks first-game jitters likely played a role in their poor shooting performance.

"It will come," he said of his team's shooting touch. "As long as we get open shots, our offense is working."

Chaffee also should benefit from a full and healthy squad. Several key components of the Red Devils lineup started the season nursing football injuries. Point guard James Reischman and forward Sam Burnett played well in the opener but should benefit from the long rests between games.

"We have a full squad," Mirly said. "Everyone's as healthy as they're going to be."

Won't back down

Although Chaffee's starters' average height is slightly under 5-foot-10, the Red Devils have shown they won't back down from any team. Mirly said his players just believe in themselves and have been positive all season.

"The overall team attitude has been the big surprise," he said. "It has been a real strong point."

Going into the seMissourian Christmas Tournament, the Red Devils have the unenviable task of taking on top-seeded Charleston.

"If we can compete with Charleston for a half or a quarter, we can compete with anyone," Mirly said.

While the Red Devils lost to Charleston last year in the opening round of the Christmas tournament, they were able to pull off an upset in the second round. Mirly said his team is primed to pull off another upset this year.

"Our goal is to sneak up and win that second-round game," he said. "We're going to go to each game believing we have a shot."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171