By DAN BARILE
Eagle Times Correspondent
SUNAPEE, NH — The youth movement is in full effect in Sunapee as eight of the 11 boys in the basketball program are members of the freshmen and sophomore classes.
“We have a young team as a result of less kids coming into the program recently. My goal is to build back the program so we can start to be competitive like we used to be in the past,” said seventh-year Head Coach Tim Puchtler.
While Puchtler expects his young squad will face some growing pains along the way, he knows it is all part of the process.
“Nobody gets better by not making mistakes. We have a group of boys who seem willing to learn,” Puchtler said.
A couple of big matchups for the Lakers this season are against local rivals Mount Royal and Newport. Sunapee swept the season series against Mount Royal last year, but with both games being decided by single digits, you can expect a couple of close battles again this year. Sunapee is scheduled to host Mount Royal on Tuesday Dec. 12, before making the short trip across town to face the Knights on Wednesday, Jan. 31. Newport swept the season series against the Lakers in convincing fashion last year, but the games will still be memorable regardless of the outcome.
“We look forward to the familiar faces in the crowd and the excitement that it brings,” Puchtler said. Sunapee is scheduled to travel west along the Sugar River to face Newport on Monday, Jan. 8, and they will host the Tigers at Sherburne Gymnasium on Monday, Jan. 29.
Sunapee opened its season with a 71-42 loss on its home court against Hinsdale. The Lakers were able to string together an 11-point run in the fourth quarter when Hinsdale had some of its younger players on the floor, but it was too little, too late. The pressure of the Hinsdale defense forced many turnovers, which was one of the primary differences in the game.
Despite the tough loss in their season opener, you can expect Sunapee will work hard to improve.
“I have the expectation that they will come in and work hard. If it’s something you want to do, it’s important to give your best effort,” Puchtler said.
The Lakers are scheduled to play five of their six games in December at home before embarking upon a five-game road trip to start the new year.
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