CAPE ELIZABETH — The Cape Elizabeth boys basketball team’s daunting schedule has led to an up and down season.
The Capers started their season going 2-5 in their first seven games. A few games later, Cape Elizabeth went on a four-game winning streak until Greely ultimately snapped it on Tuesday.
“There’s definitely been a lot of ups and downs. We started off the season pretty rough. We went on a couple game win streak and we’re going off a tough loss tonight. We’re trying to move forward,” said Nathan Mullen.
Cape Elizabeth head coach Jim Ray agreed with Mullen.
“If you look from where we started to where we are now, I’m pleased. I think we’re heading in the right direction but I hope that we figure out the simple things,” Ray said.
Even with a tumultuous season, Cape Elizabeth has secured a spot in the Class B South playoffs.
“We’ve reached goal number one and that’s always to make the tournament. We’re going to make it and now we want to see if we can play our best basketball once we’re there,” Ray said. “If we can correct some of our deficiencies and play our best basketball when we get there, anything is possible.”
Sophomore Quinn Morse has his sights set a little bit higher.
“We want a state championship,” Morse said.
Ray will rely heavily on his whole team to put together another winning streak.
“You should watch everyone on Cape. Our philosophy is it’s the strength of the team and our ability to trust each other,” Ray said.
Ray means what he says. Cape Elizabeth is stacked with weapons including 6-foot-9 center Andrew Hartel, 6-foot-4 forward Tanner Carpenter and point guard Mullen.
“Tanner Carpenter, he’s a good perimeter shooter when he can catch the ball in space,” Ray said. “Andrew Hartel, he’s 6-9, big, strong. One-on-one coverage he does a great job around the basket.”
Before Cape Elizabeth heads to the tournament they will look to improve.
“We still have a lot to learn. We’re still working through some struggles but I think we’re heading in the right direction. We just lost by 7 points to (Greely) one of the best teams in the state. I’m pretty upset with some of the things that we did. We shot ourselves in the foot (on Tuesday),” Ray said.
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