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	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Dutchmen fall twice around holiday break

Despite record, coach happy with effort and development of team

By Ed Patino, Staff Writer

PUBLISHED: January 10, 2008

Throughout the season, Manchester freshmen boys' basketball coach Brad Gerbe has stressed the development of his players more than wins and losses.

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And despite his team's current record and a 57-14 loss to the Vandercook Lake Jayhawks in their first game back from the holiday break Jan. 3, Gerbe has been pleased with the effort of the Flying Dutchmen so far.

"I'm proud of my boys because they're willing to work and do what they can to get better," Gerbe said. "They're trying to improve and to me that's the most important thing."

Manchester (0-4) was hurt by turnovers throughout the game, finishing with 32 on the night. Vandercook Lake turned many of those mistakes into points and raced to a big lead in the first half. The Jayhawks continued to shut down the Dutchmen in the second half and coasted to the win.

"They were quicker than us, and we were not in shape after the holiday break," Gerbe said. "We met up with the bully on the wrong night."

Scott Wharam, Alex Mutchler and Ryan Fookes each scored four points to lead the Dutchmen. Jack Begley added two points, while Mutchler grabbed five rebounds. Fookes had four rebounds for Manchester.

The Dutchmen return to action Friday when they travel to Hanover-Horton.

"We're still working on our defense," Gerbe said. "The kids are working to get better, and they will."

Dutchmen at Napoleon

Turnovers and a slow start prevented the Manchester freshmen boys' basketball team from entering the holiday break on a winning note.

Despite the hot shooting of Scott Wharam and the play on the board of Alex Mutchler, the Flying Dutchmen were dealt a 48-32 loss to the Napoleon Pirates in a Cascades Conference game Dec. 20.

Napoleon took control of the game early with a 15-3 run in the first quarter. The teams played an even second quarter, but the Pirates carried a 23-10 lead into halftime.

The Dutchmen cut into Napoleon's lead in the third quarter, eventually pulling to within 11 by the end of the third quarter, but the Pirates matched baskets with Manchester in the fourth to seal the win.

Wharam led the Dutchmen's offense with 19 points. Mutchler was a force on the boards for Manchester, finishing with 14 rebounds.

"We had some solid play and this was our best game of the season," Gerbe said. "We're preaching to get good at the basics of basketball and focusing our concentration on getting better."

Scott Coval added five points for the Dutchmen, while Ryan Fookes had four points. Alex Wallace scored two points on the night.

For the game, Napoleon held a 42-27 advantage in rebounding and forced the Dutchmen into 27 turnovers.

Staff Writer Ed Patino can be reached at 428-8173 or epatino@heritage.com.