The Burrall Blog – Five Games Down, Many To Go

5:41 PM MST

OK, I know I should be paying all my attention to “Newcastle Afternoon,” but I have some thoughts about Dogie and Lady Dogie Basketball after each has played five games of their regular seasons.

Lady Dogies Head Coach Sonja Karp sees her team with a 1-4 start, but she is still upbeat about how they are playing and the potential they have, especially when Taylor Farrella returns from her torn ACL. Clara Minder’s play is worth noting, especially defensively. She plays like a couple of young ladies named Clarke used to play. Katie James can hit from anywhere, and Jessie McKenzie is another solid shooter. But Coach Karp is pleased with how everyone on her young team is progressing.

Some may be surprised at the Dogie boys’ 3-2 start, given the high expectations many have for them. Any team, though, that starts as slowly as the Dogies have in both of their Friday games so far gives itself less of a chance to win. Still, the Dogies nearly came back in the opener against Powell and did rally from a 23-point deficit to tie the conference opener in Torrington before Jason McManamen hit the winning shot at the buzzer. Against Wright, the Dogies played at their best. When they do that, very few can stay with them. When they don’t, very many can stay with them. That’s not a knock or an indictment; Allen Von Eye and his players know that very well. As even as most of 3A East likely will be, the Dogies can’t afford poor starts. Oh, and have you noticed that Mick Cochran’s Wheatland team is unbeaten and very solid? This is after some wondered what they would have after losing several accomplished seniors last season.

This season should be interesting and entertaining. Here’s hoping you can be with us for it all, on the air or online.