MONONA - Pat Murphy and the Monroe boys basketball team made the trip Friday night to take on Monona Grove, who held a share of last year's title as conference champions. Unfortunately for Murphy and the Cheesemakers, they were unable to claim the victory, losing 60-46.
"I thought we were a step slow out of the gate" he said. "They (Monona Grove) have some athletes that will make you pay if you make any mistakes."
Monroe (1-4, 1-2 Badger South) entered halftime trailing by 13 points, but second-chance points by the Silver Eagles doomed the Cheesemakers throughout the entire game.
"They were connecting on a lot of shots and when you give up second-chance opportunities like that will put you in a hole" Murphy said.
Senior Charlie Kind and junior Kevin Noriega each scored nine points for the Cheesemakers.
For now, Murphy will have his team focus on areas of improvement as they prepare for their upcoming game against Janesville Parker next Tuesday, Dec. 17 and will look to get back on track in the conference when they host Milton Friday, Dec. 20.
"We need to address some areas" he said. "Namely our on-the-ball defense and rebounding."
"I thought we were a step slow out of the gate" he said. "They (Monona Grove) have some athletes that will make you pay if you make any mistakes."
Monroe (1-4, 1-2 Badger South) entered halftime trailing by 13 points, but second-chance points by the Silver Eagles doomed the Cheesemakers throughout the entire game.
"They were connecting on a lot of shots and when you give up second-chance opportunities like that will put you in a hole" Murphy said.
Senior Charlie Kind and junior Kevin Noriega each scored nine points for the Cheesemakers.
For now, Murphy will have his team focus on areas of improvement as they prepare for their upcoming game against Janesville Parker next Tuesday, Dec. 17 and will look to get back on track in the conference when they host Milton Friday, Dec. 20.
"We need to address some areas" he said. "Namely our on-the-ball defense and rebounding."
