page 8 THE LION'S EYE APRIL, 1989 | Sports A Winning Attitude for Delco Basketball by Gary Jones Editor-in-Chief The men’s basketball team failed to capitalize on their record- breaking season by losing in the first round in the CCAC play-offs to Mount Alto. “We were simply out-played,” stated head coach Bill Wiley of the team’s 84-83 loss. “It was not the fact that we lost because of the lack of play-off experience, because the other team did not have a lot of play-off experience either.” One, however, cannot overlook the team’s season. After upsetting the defending CCAC champion, Ogontz (81-69), and slipping away from Delaware County Community College (80-78), coach Wiley finally had the chance to sit back and enjoy the 1989 season. In only his third year as head coach he had managed to clinch a play-off spot, and after convincingly beating the only team that defeated Delco in the conference, PSU York, Delaware County was destined to win its first conference championship. “I expected the team to go into the play-offs pumped up,” said Wiley. However, Wiley was in no way too disappointed about his team’s play this year. They have broken at least two records this season: the longest winning streak at home and more wins than any team in the history of Penn State Delco basketball. “We set four goals this year.” exclaimed Wiley “[We wanted] to win our own tournament, have fun, clinch the play- offs... and win the conference.” They accomplished all, but failed to win the conference championship. With a record of 8-1 in the conference, Wiley’s team has played almost to perfection. Assistant coach, Lou Tosti feels that their success this season has been in the maturing of recent players. “We have a lot of depth. In fact, it’s probably our strongest point,” stated Wiley in the Delaware County Times. It is no surprise that sophomore guard, Mike Oerther, has been a huge factor in the Lions’ success. Since joining the team mid-way through the season, he has averaged 23 points a game. With the return of veterans Joe DeMaio (5- 11, St. James), 6-2 swingman Matt Vandervere (Haverford), and Brian Phillips (6-4, Penncrest), the Lions’ success was imminent this season. However, one question continues to plague both coaches. What will become of the winning season, broken records and won tournaments next season when the team loses at least seven players due to transfer? “We must do some heavy recruiting next year and hope that some of the good basketball players around campus will try out,” stated Tosti. : - But all is not lost. The team does have some promising freshmen in Andy Kirkpatrick (6-3, Springfield), Dan Kazinika (5-8, Carroll), Matt Mullen (6-3, O’Hara) and John Spych (6-2, Harriton). Performing in the play-offs has been a great experience for the returning team members. “They know what it takes to win, and also to lose,” concurred Wiley. So UMW Shotter "DRINKING AND DRIVING DO ofld
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers