Published: January 15, 2009 11:45 pm      

HOOPS: Wildkats still searching for consistency

Kokomo visits New Castle and Carmel this weekend

Kokomo boys basketball coach Brian McCauley would like nothing better than to see his up-and-down squad settle into a mature, consistent squad that becomes difficult to beat.

Two weeks ago, the Kats looked to have turned the corner, winning back-to-back tight games against Frankfort and Noblesville. But the smiles and enthusiasm faded quickly at Peru last Friday night when the Bengal Tigers roared out to a 27-8 second quarter lead en route to a 58-37 shellacking.

The yo-yo effect continued a night later at Memorial Gymnasium when the Kats put together their best four quarters of the season in rolling over McCutcheon 55-24.

Now the question — what happens this weekend?

Tonight the Kats travel to North Central Conference foe New Castle (6-4 overall, 0-1 in the NCC) and Saturday, it’s a jaunt to Hamilton County where Carmel (6-2) awaits.

“We are definitely working on consistency,” McCauley said. “Beating McCutcheon was definitely an improvement from [the Peru game], but we have to play that way every night out.

“In the Peru game, our first four offensive possessions were three turnovers and a missed layup, while [Peru’s were] two layups and two offensive rebounds. Peru was more aggressive and quicker to the ball.”

Kokomo has lost its last three road games and facing two bus trips this weekend, McCauley knows the attitude at tip-off must change.

“We have to toughen up. Good teams find a way to win on the road,” he said. “We have to play with more energy every game — like we did against McCutcheon. We have to play more aggressively and with a sense of urgency.”

McCauley described New Castle as a typical Trojan team.

“They play very good team basketball,” McCauley said. “They are one of the best screening teams we’ll play. They lead the NCC in defense [44 points a game] and hold opponents to 38 percent shooting.”

Cory Clemons, who has signed with Morehead State, directs the New Castle attack. He averages 19 points a game with solid shooting from 3-point and mid-range territories. He gets to the free throw line often as well.

Carmel, which has beaten Kokomo six straight years, owns a four-game winning streak with losses only to Noblesville (42-40) and to Class 4A No. 2 North Central (75-67). Among the Greyhounds’ top athletes is Mr. Football Morgan Newton.

Senior guard Alan Arnett continues to lead the Wildkats in scoring (12.8), assists (3.5) and blocked shots (1.6). Patrick Hopkins is tops on the boards at 7.8.