North Putnam ready for county tournament

It has been said that a high school basketball season can be a "grind."

North Putnam boy's basketball coach Vincent Brooks would probably agree when looking at this season. 

After opening the season 2-0, the Cougars found themselves on a five game losing streak. North Putnam has since corrected that, riding a six game win streak and bringing an 11-8 mark into the Putnam County Boys' Basketball Tournament this week. 

"We feel like we are moving in the right direction and are looking forward to the county tournament this week. I believe all our guys are playing their best basketball right now, but especially senior Nolan Hackleman, who continues to lead our team offensively and defensively with great consistency," Brooks told The Putnam County Post. 

North Putnam opens the county tournament, which will be held at Greencastle, on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. against Cloverdale (1-16). The Cougars defeated the Clovers, 74-48, last month. 

Despite Cloverdale's record, Brooks said his team has to be ready to go when they tip off against the Clovers. 

"Cloverdale is always exceptionally prepared and has multiple guys that are a threat beyond the arc, so they have the ability to go on a run at any moment.

Our last game against each other was just three weeks ago, and was a one point game midway through the third quarter. I expect this Thursday night will also be a tight contest," Brooks said. 

What will it take for the Cougars to secure a win and have a chance to cut down the nets?

"We will have to defend the arc and shoot the ball well two nights in a row to have an opportunity to cut the nets down on Friday night," Brooks admitted.