The men's basketball team sits in third in OCAA East with six wins and four losses. Despite their recent loss to Fleming College 72-61, the men are looking forward to their next opportunity on the court during the second annual Husky Holiday Tournament on January 2-3.

With four returning players this season, it has been a learning experience for the team. No matter what the situation head coach Jonathan Smith believes his team has what it takes to succeed. "Every day there is something new and exciting with the young men bringing enthusiasm, joy and laughter," said Smith. "There has been a really great mesh between old guys and new guys."

Smith continues to work on better communication both on and off the court. He feels this will translate into life after college. "We are trying to take the teaching situations not just about basketball but also life lessons so when they do graduate that they're ready to step into the work force, be a solid citizen and be able to make proper choices," said Smith. "It's a great experience and life lesson for our young guys to learn how vital it is to communicate."

For Ted Johnson, a fourth year guard, working together as a team and family plays one of the most important roles for the Huskies. "I am doing what I can to help the team win. We all help out; we're a big family and nobody is left out. We spend a lot of time off the court together watching movies, getting dinner or commuting home together," said Johnson. "There has been a big improvement from the start of the season until now. People are clicking and everyone is playing a lot better.

The Huskies takes pride in the fact that they are a family. With a support system from their peers, the Huskies show positive team values even when times get tough. "If you're a family and things go bad, you don't walk away from each other," Coach Smith believes, "If we are going to talk family and preach family, we have to realize what it means in our context. It means in the good or bad times, you're there no matter what."

Having a strong core within the team has proven successful for the Huskies this season. And knowing that the newer players are planning on being part of the team for years to come, Smith is taking any opportunity he can to help shape the rookies for the future.

With ten games left in the regular season, the men still have the same goals, earn a bye in the playoff in March. Looking back at the first half of the season, the Huskies are right where they need to be and feel they have learned from their past.