By TYLER DRUMMOND
of The Gazette
Ask most high school students and they'll tell you that they look forward to Christmas break as a chance to get away from school. The only people who might tell you otherwise are the Rosholt boys basketball team.
The Hornets are off to a scorching 8-0 start this season, including 5-0 in the Central Wisconsin Conference Large Schools.
Christmas break might have come at a bad time this year though, as Rosholt beat Marion 57-39, on Dec. 23, but won't see their next action until Jan. 9, a 17-day layoff. Even though the team is off to a perfect start, head coach Steve Schoofs considers it anything but perfect.
"We're not hitting our potential yet," said Schoofs. "Four of our eight games this season have been wins by four or less points."
Though this team may not be hitting its peak just yet, the athletes seem to be doing a lot of things right early in the season.
"We do some things really well, especially with our decision making at the end of games," said Schoofs. "We also shoot free throws well."
Schoofs credits the early success to the experience of the Hornets, and knowing when to keep cool heads and not panic and worry.
"We have a lot of leadership on this team and it shows in the games," said Schoofs.
The Hornets return nine letter winners from last year's squad, including four starters.
Among those expected to play key roles for the Hornets this year are Matt Zdroik, Adam Macht, Travis Richter, Gavin LaFave and Chris Domask.
"Our seniors and juniors really need to step it up this year if we want to be successful," said Schoofs.
In addition to the seniors and juniors, the Hornets do have one more weapon in sophomore Ryan Richter.
"He's fitting into his role nicely and he'll be a big part of our team the next couple years," said Schoofs.
However, everything could go for naught if the Hornets can't learn to jell together as a team. "I think we're a really good team, but I don't think we're playing at our potential. We just aren't scaring any teams," said Schoofs. "If we jell and play at our full potential, we'll scare some teams, but we're just not doing that now."
As for Schoofs, he comes back for his 15th year as the head man at Rosholt. "I love basketball and I love working with these kids. That's why I come back every year," he said. "It's basically an honors class for me. As a gym teacher it's nice to coach basketball because you get to work with a group of kids who want to participate and who want to excel."
For fans that are coming out to the games this year, Schoofs says they won't be disappointed. "We're a fast-paced, well-disciplined team. We play good basketball in a tough conference. They'll definitely get their two dollars worth."