fingham boys' basketball team is still in search of its first win of the season. Adversity in the form a injuries and a rugged schedule plagued the squad in its first four games.

"Playing in the Holiday Classic over Thanksgiving break really helped shed some light on who our starters are going to be," Mustangs head coach Jesse Osborne said. "We had some injuries to some key players in the first game against Groves so those guys were not available during the tournament. That allowed some other guys a chance to step up and show what they can do to help the team win."

With 10 days off to regroup and refocus, Osbourne is hopeful the break will provide a much-needed spark of energy as the Mustangs try to break their skid at Bluffton on Friday night. Plus, the energy from a home crowd Saturday night might help the Mustangs start their home slate with a win against Hilton Head Island.

"Playing at home in front of your peers and family members always makes it a little bit easier but we still have to come out to play hard for four quarters and protect the basketball," Osborne said.

Underclassmen Malcolm Brown, Robert Smoak, Larry Scott and Jimmie Myears have contributed quite a bit thus far and Osborne is comfortable giving the youngsters more minutes.

"I have several sophomores that have had significant playing time through the first four games," he said. "I expect their playing time will continue to increase as they grow and continue to get better throughout the season."

The Mustangs are averaging just 34 points per game. In each of their first four contests, their opponent scored 72 points or more. 

"With this time off, we have really tried to stay focused," Osborne said. "I think the boys realize that becoming a winning program doesn't happen overnight and they must put a lot of work in to make that happen. So with these last 10 days away from actual game time, we are just trying to get better in every facet of the game."