Basketball

by David Mitchell, staff writer Above the Rim

On Dec. 16, the Rustler basketball team practices for their upcoming home game against Sentinel High School. Photos by David Mitchell.

Cislo’s team seeks return to dominance

After losing a large number of players to graduation in 2019, the CMR Rustlers basketball team will lean on a small group of experienced seniors to try to lead their team to a second state championship in three years. Despite finishing the 2018-2019 season with a winning 13-8 record, head coach John Cislo was left feeling disappointed.

“It’s never a good season when you don’t qualify for the tournament,” he said.

Coach Cislo pointed to one area that the Rustlers must improve on in order to make the tournament this year: 3-point shooting. During their 2018 state championship run, the Rustlers shot in the high 30s from beyond the arc. Last season, that number dropped into the mid 20s.

“We need to be somewhere in the mid 30s to be an effective team,” Cislo said.

Not everything about the 2018 season was negative, however. Throughout the years, solid defense has been a staple of the CMR basketball team. Keeping opponents’ points per game in the 40s will be the key to winning big games. With a large group of relatively inexperienced seniors, it’s important to Cislo that they quickly grasp the importance of this season.

“We need to pick up our pace and understand what it means to play varsity basketball,” he said. Fortunately for the Rustlers, the return of seasoned starter Keegan Barnes and basketball letterman Harrison Goss will set a precedent and provide a strong level of leadership for the rest of the team.

When it comes to overall mentality, Cislo believes the team has the ability to count on each other and play as a team to win games.

“The big thing we’re focused on right now is playing together,” Cislo said. “Once we do that, I think we can be a pretty good offensive team.”

The Rustlers host their first home game against Sentinel High School on Dec. 19.

Starting Lineup

PG: Tucker Harrison, 10 SF: Bryce Nelson, 12 C: Harrison Goss, 12

SG: Keegan Barnes, 12 PF: Rogan Barnwell, 10

BASKETBALL GAME THEMES Boys 12/19 vs Missoula Sentinel: Christmas Sweaters 1/3 vs Missoula Hellgate: Fraternity 1/14 at Great Falls High: Hunting the Bison 1/24 vs Billings Skyview: Señor Night 1/25 vs Billings Senior: Skiing 2/1 vs Belgrade: Workout 2/13 vs Great Falls High: We Love David Delcomte 2/28 vs Billings West: Construction 2/29 vs Bozeman: Green and Gold 1/4 vs Helena Capital: Jersey Jam 1/11 vs Belgrade: Space 1/16 vs Great Falls High: Wild Wild West 1/30 vs Havre: USA 2/7 vs Bozeman: Toga/Greek Life 2/8 vs Billings West: Neon 2/11 at Great Falls High: Hawaiin Luau 2/21 vs Billings Senior: Cooking/Chef 2/22 vs Billings Skyview: Super Hero Girls

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