Junior forwards Ellis Ulery and Trevor Gebby are two-year starters. Junior center Cole Brewer hasn’t played since the eighth grade. Sophomore guards Ryan Cleland and Liam Randall are getting accustomed to the varsity level.
“Right now I have some kids who are trying to grow into their roles,” said Embry, now in his third season. “I’m trying to move Elliott around a lot so people can’t sit on him with him being just a post player. He’s able to step to the perimeter and play.”
The Warriors average 41.8 points. Elliott has nearly half of them, hitting 35 of his 66 shots (53 percent). No other player has more than seven baskets this season.
“(Elliott is) keeping it positive and he’s being a leader on the floor,” Embry said. “He’s not just scoring, he’s doing other things.
“If they can get it going a little bit we’ve got a chance to turn this season around. The kids aren’t giving up. They’re still working hard every night in practice. It’s a work in progress.”
Help could also be on the way from the lower levels. Embry said last season 60-plus kids tried out for the teams in fourth, fifth and sixth grades. About 55 came out again this year.
“The past three years we’ve really got our youth program going,” Embry said. “We’re getting there. It’s going to take time. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon.”
Cincinnati challenge: Springfield's next two opponents — Oak Hills and Moeller — are a combined 8-2. Oak Hills' lone loss was a 58-52 overtime defeat to Middletown. Moeller fell 61-46 at Wilmington.
It doesn’t get easier after that. Springfield’s next two Greater Western Ohio Conference opponents are Xenia (5-2) and Wayne (4-1).
Mechanicsburg in win column: The Indians (1-5) earned their first win in dramatic fashion, knocking off Northeastern 64-62 in overtime Tuesday.
Junior post Colton McMannis had 20 points and 13 rebounds, both career highs, and grabbed four steals.
Junior guard Mack Cushman hit a three-pointer from the top of the key — his only field goal — for a 63-62 lead in OT. After junior post David Harvey’s field goal with 2.1 seconds left, the Indians forced a turnover to seal the win. Harvey also hit a three-pointer with 40 seconds left in regulation to tie the game.
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