Wildcats off to slow start against big schedule

Leopold hoped for better momentum than a 1-6 record going into the seMissourian Christmas Tournament, but coach Carlton Thoma says he's optimistic about what the future holds for his team.

The Class 1 Wildcats have played a big schedule against mostly larger schools, along with a defending state champion in Bell City. Against the only other Class 1 team on its schedule so far, Leopold beat Zalma by 17 points.

"I expected a little better record," Thoma said. "But we have played some big schools."

Leopold is led by senior post player Kevin Holzum's 15 points per game. Six-foot senior guard Josh Vandeven averages 10 points per game.

The Wildcats -- whose school enrollment of 73 students makes it the smallest school in the 16-team field -- are excited about the opportunity to play in the Show Me Center.

"This is great," Thoma said. "We feel like it is an excellent opportunity."

Not only that, but Thoma said his team's excited about competing the rest of this year, especially against schools closer to Leopold's size. That includes a full schedule of Mississippi Valley Conference games against Zalma, Marquand, Oak Ridge and several Class 1 teams.

Game-to-game improvement

"I can see improvement from game to game," he said. "We have a mature bunch, but we just can't seem to put four good quarters together. When we do that, then we will start winning."

The Wildcats have experience playing in the Show Me Center already this year. They participated in Southeast Missouri State University's team camp over the summer and -- including last year's tournament -- almost all of the Wildcats' starters have played on the floor at one time or another.

"We have experience playing there," Thoma said, "so hopefully it won't be too intimidating."

Thoma said his Leopold team hopes to play more games than last year, when the Wildcats were eliminated after back-to-back losses. As the No. 13 seed, the Wildcats drew an athletic Central squad -- another larger school -- in the first round.

"We obviously would like to play on the final night," Thoma said, " in whatever game that may be."