By John Durga
Staff Writer
Alma College basketball players are off to a 6-12 start, but a lot of thought centers around close losses that easily could have been turned into victories.
Three of the setbacks were lost by less than five points. That, along with injuries, have plagued the Scots, who only have five seniors on the roster. Those seniors have offered leadership early in the season.
In their last game, Rob Holmes (’19) ended with a career high 26 points as well as a personal best five three pointers. Kevin Scheibert (’19) also had a good outing posting 16 points and seven rebounds.
These seniors have been performing at a high level this entire season.
“Scheibert and Holmes have really stepped up their play the last five games,” said Head Basketball Coach Sam Hargraves. “They’re playing with the urgency and toughness you love and expect from seniors whose careers are nearing the end.”
Scheibert has been averaging 14 points and 8.3 rebounds through conference play, as well as contributing on defense –almost a steal per game.
Hargraves notes Scheibert as a leader and the team’s own personal hype man going by the nickname “K-Fly.” Scheibert also led his team to a win against conference Adrian College with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
“Senior year makes every game mean a little bit more to me,” said Scheibert. “A lot of times on the road I have to remind myself that this is probably the last time I’ll be playing in this gym. Home games are definitely ones that I try to soak in as much as possible. There’s nothing like playing in Art Smith with a rowdy student section.”
Holmes has also been good for the Scots in his senior season. He is averaging almost four rebounds and 12 points. He has been an on and off starter for the Scots’ this season and is out performing his previous contributions significantly.
The seniors aren’t the only ones contributing to the Scots success.
Ryan Stevens (’21) dished out his 100th assist on the season against Adrian College. Kevin Gamble (’20) has also performed well averaging 9.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
The Scots next home game falls on Feb. 3, where they will take on the fifth ranked Albion College in a conference match up.
